Aviation company at Forbes Field is expanding, creating new jobs
TOPEKA (KSNT) - A Topeka-based aviation company housed at Forbes Field is expanding, with the help of the Topeka and Shawnee County's Economic Development Organization (JEDO).
At Wednesday's JEDO meeting, the board voted to "invest in the growth" of Vaerus Aviation with a total incentive of $112,000. The company specializes in aircraft acquisition and flight and aircraft management, according to a news release from GO Topeka.
The project was brought before JEDO in September as "Project Brick". This company's expansion is expected to bring "13 new, well-paying jobs" over the next five years. JEDO is planning to invest in the creation of those new jobs, with salaries ranging from $60,000 to $110,000.
The company's expansion project is expected to generate an economic impact of almost $18.9 million over 10 years, which represents a 301% return on investment for the community, according to the news release.
"The greater Topeka community has been an excellent launchpad for us, and we look forward to many more years of growth and opportunities for reinvestment in our community," Patrick Traul, vice president and director of operations with Vaerus said. "We are proud to be building the foundation of our business here in Topeka."
In January 2024, the Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority (MTAA) approved Vaerus Aviation to expand at Forbes Field.
"With this expansion being an addition to growth they announced earlier this year, Vaerus is helping transform the aviation landscape in our community," said Molly Howey, president of GO Topeka. "We're excited to see a local employer like Vaerus continue to invest in and see the value of doing business here. I'm confident the jobs they're creating will have a positive impact on Topeka's economic prosperity and enhance the company's presence in their industry."
For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.