Local manufacturer looking to make 40 new hires

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – A local manufacturer is looking to hire dozens of new workers in a short amount of time.

Airbus Helicopters in Lowndes County said they need extra help in several areas.

On Tuesday the company hosted a job fair where several dozen people from the Golden Triangle area came out to apply.

“Aircraft technicians, aircraft quality inspectors as well as engineers. We need skilled employees because we have the work now. We really need employees who can come on board with minimum training,” said Vice President of Industry Mike Spears.

Spears said the new hires need to meet certain criteria.

“We’re looking for someone obviously skilled in the aviation field. With also a good work ethic, a good moral background, integrity. We want someone who’s ready to come to work and produce a product,” said Spears.

Gregory Engelmann worked for Airbus a few years ago. He says the company’s positive management and great location have him taking a second look.

“When I worked mechanical, on the floor out here, everything is nice and laid out for you. Everything’s clean, very clean. You have blueprints you look at. It’s not as hard to read as some people think it is… Right now I do work out of town, so if I get the job, I will be local once again. So, that’s pretty exciting,” said Engelmann.

Airbus said the Golden Triangle is the perfect applicant pool.

“People are retiring or getting out of the military over at Columbus Air Force Base. We also have the junior college– it’s just a pretty good area to get employees,” said Spears.

“They have picked some people from EMCC. I don’t know if it’s a program or not, but I know I’ve seen a lot of them personally start out in the back shop. That’s a really good program locally. Me personally I came from the Marine Corps. That’s my background. So it definitely helps out with it being military friendly as well,” said Engelmann.

Airbus representatives said they are hoping to make the new hires within the next 90 days.

“If you’re out there and you do have aviation experience and you don’t know about this place, it’s a good spot to look into and get in touch with somebody in HR and possibly have a career change,” said Engelmann.

Anyone interested can send in applications at Airbus.com