Leading Edge Aviation Services Inc., of Costa Mesa, Calif., announced this morning it has acquired Spokane-based aircraft painter Associated Painters Inc.
Kathryn Brewer, Leading Edge's chief operating officer, says Associated Painters will remain in Spokane and continue to operate under its current name and leadership. Associated Painters' satellite locations-located in Everett, Wash.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Goodyear, Ariz.; and Oklahoma City-will continue to operate as well.
Brewer declines to comment on whether a proposed hangar expansion at the Associated Painters' Spokane International Airport facility will occur as planned.
In a press release, Leading Edge founder and CEO Mike Manclark said both companies are Boeing Co.-approved paint companies that serve as the primary provider for "virtually every major airline," painting everything from 737s to 787s.
He said, "The merged company provides us with enhanced hangar capacity, an excellent expanded workforce, and resources to meet and exceed all of the needs of our very specialized industry."
Associated Painters, which moved its headquarters to Spokane from Everett, Wash., in 2011, employed 52 people as of last October. Company CEO Rod Friese couldn't be reached for comment, but said last fall that the company expected to add 40 to 60 employees within a year.