Depot workers to strike out on their own

Money News Journal

Pensacola, Florida

By Charlotte Crane

Eight Naval Aviation Depot employees, faced with loss of their jobs when the depot closes next year, are taking their skills private.

Piloting the formation of a new company are Gary Boutwell, a 28-year NADEP veteran, and his wife Glen, a banker and president of the Gulf Breeze Area Chamber of Commerce.

Aviation Systems of Northwest Florida Inc. will begin looking for customers today at the World Trade Council Expo at New World Landing. The company will service, modify and manufacture equipment used to train aviation maintenance personnel.

"We're going after the international market as well as looking for customers among private training facilities," said Gary Boutwell, who will be general manager. He plans to retire as the assistant manager of the Transition Assistance Center for NADEP at the end of this month.

The Company is looking at sites in three area industrial parks, preparing for a July launch. President will be Glen Boutwell, who's used 24 years of banking experience to help with financial and management planning. She won't be active in day-to-day operation, but will continue as quality service manager for two Compass Bank branches.

Owners are the Boutwells, the seven other NADEP workers, and the Boutwells' son, Earl, who will be an engineering technician and technical writer.

The workers' experience in aviation equipment repair has given them a good idea of the market, Gary Boutwell said.

Gary Boutwell said there's little competition in what they are offering: a scheduled maintenance program, plus needed repair. "Now, when companies have a problem they go out and find someone to fix it, if they can - some of their equipment is not even functioning. We're going to make it convenient for them."