Broetje Automation-USA — based in Williamsville, New York, near Buffalo — announced plans to expand locally with the opening of a new office at the Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley.
The company intends to provide equipment design and final assembly technologies in support of the Airbus U.S. manufacturing facility.
“We are excited that our early commitment to an aerospace incubator at our campus once again proved to be of value to Airbus’ evolving supply chain. Our solution is low cost and flexible and we are prepared to support their growth,” Roger Wehner, executive director of the Mobile Airport Authority, said.
Broetje’s M-Technologie division setting up at Brookley specializes in “small tool,” line-side equipment and processes required for the final assembly of aircraft. Roman Causse, project manager, will manage Broetje’s Mobile location and its support team of technicians and engineers.
“Broetje Automation is a wonderful addition to our Airbus Alabama A320 final assembly line project. This shows that our ongoing efforts are finally paying off,” Mobile County Commission president Jerry Carl said.
Headquartered in Germany, Broetje Automation is a global expert in aircraft manufacturing, assembly automation and robotics. Other services include assembly planning and layout, manufacturing process and efficiency analysis, computerized process simulation, operator and maintenance training, and on-location manufacturing support.
Established in 1980, the Mobile Airport Authority operates the Mobile Regional Airport, a 3,000-acre commercial airport and industrial complex, the Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley and the adjacent Mobile Downtown Airport, a combined 1,700-acre complex.
Continental Motors, VT MAE, Star Aviation and their partner company Aerostar all call the Aeroplex home and in aggregate employ approximately 2,000 people. The authority offers a broad spectrum of turnkey solutions, from single-office, common-use services to build-to-suit, lease-back programs.
Commercial real estate moves
Stirling Properties’ local commercial real estate office recently announced two new tenants and one renewal occupant within the Bel Air Office Tower, located at 851 I-65 Service Road and adjacent to The Shoppes at Bel Air.
The Alabama Department of Revenue will occupy a 26,030-square-foot office space for a 15-year term lease with an anticipated opening date sometime this summer.
Chicago, Illinois-based Bankers Life and Casualty Company, which offers life insurance and retirement planning services, is moving into a 4,399-square-foot location within the tower, opting for a five-year lease and anticipated to open sometime in March.
Walker Jewelers will continue to occupy a 1,722-square-foot retail space at the property, renewing its lease for a three-year term.
Jason Scott, senior sales and leasing executive with Stirling Properties in Mobile, worked on behalf of the owner in cooperation with Cushman & Wakefield/EGS Commercial Real Estate on all of the aforementioned transactions.
Platinum Cleaning leased a 600-square-foot office/warehouse space and new Orange Beach apartment community Sandy Shores Village leased a 1,200-square-foot office space inside Wolf Bay Plaza on Canal Road in Orange Beach. The 27,000-square-foot shopping center only has one 900-square-foot office/warehouse spot remaining, according to Michael Wilson with White-Spunner Realty, who handled both transactions.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana-based Wink Engineering recently leased an 8,700-square-foot floor plan inside the newly renovated Buick Building located at 455 St. Louis St. in downtown Mobile. The firm is adding 25 to 30 high paying jobs to the area and joining the downtown “tech corridor” on St. Louis Street.
Above and Beyond Hot Yoga recently opened a new studio at 878 Hillcrest Road, Suite C, in West Mobile.
Orange Theory Fitness recently leased a 600-square-foot space located at 3664-B Airport Blvd. in Yester Oaks Shopping Center.
Island club listed on National Register of Historic Places
The Isle Dauphine Club at 100 Orleans Drive, Dauphin Island, was recently placed on the National Register of Historic Places, potentially making it eligible for historic rehabilitation tax credits, should a substantial restoration take place, and other national grants intended to preserve historic structures.
It is hoped the Dauphin Island landmark will receive national attention that would increase visitation and facilitate an increase in local and national awareness of the property’s historical significance.
“The 1957 clubhouse, pool and golf course are largely intact and the property is still a functioning part of Dauphin Island recreation and culture,” according to Stephen McNair, owner of McNair Historic Preservation Inc.
“Designed by T. Howard Ellis and Arch Winter with assistance from Carl Burmeister, the classic mid-century design is a rare example in Alabama of a unique marriage of form, function and setting,” McNair said. “The defining circular characteristics and floor-to-ceiling windows provide for a seamless experience, allowing for a view of the surrounding dunes and water within the confines of a modernist design steeped in comfort.”
In 1957 T. Howard Ellis and Arch Winter received an award for their design by the Gulf States Region chapter of the American Institute of Architects.
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