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Governor Lee, Commissioner Rolfe Announce Safari Enterprises, LLC to Relocate Headquarters, Manufacturing Operations to Macon County

• Project represents $7.5 million investment in Macon County
• Company is leading manufacturer of helicopter kits

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe and Safari Enterprises, LLC officials announced today that the helicopter manufacturer will relocate its headquarters and manufacturing operations from Marianna, Fla. to Lafayette, Tenn.

Safari Enterprises, LLC, known as Safari Helicopter, is a leading manufacturer of two-seater helicopter kits. Over the next five years, Safari Helicopter will invest $7.5 million and create 85 jobs in Macon County.

As phase one of the relocation, the company will build a 16,000-square-foot facility at the Lafayette Municipal Airport. Phase two will include construction of additional buildings to accommodate for future growth. The company manufactures and sells “home build” helicopter manufacturing kits for aviation enthusiasts with an in-house build option for those uncomfortable with the building process.

Over the last five years, TNECD has supported nearly 40 economic development projects in the Upper Cumberland region, resulting in 3,700 job commitments and nearly $450 million in capital investment.

“Thank you to Safari Helicopter for creating 85 new jobs in Macon County. We are committed to driving high-quality investments in our rural communities, and this project will encourage additional growth in the Upper Cumberland region.” – Gov. Bill Lee

“Safari Helicopter’s decision to relocate its headquarters from Florida to Tennessee and create new family-wage jobs in Lafayette is a huge win for Macon County and the entire Upper Cumberland region. We welcome Safari Helicopter and thank the company for investing in Tennessee.” – TNECD Commissioner Bob Rolfe

“There were multiple factors in our decision to move to Lafayette. I have to say, it was the incredible assistance from TNECD and the genuine welcome we received from the mayor and city council in Lafayette that clinched the deal. We can’t wait to open the hangar doors this summer.” – Abe Gaskins, co-owner, Safari Enterprises  

“TVA and Tri-County Electric Membership Corporation congratulate Safari Helicopter on its decision to locate operations in Macon County. Helping to support job creation and investment in our region is at the core of TVA’s mission of service. We are proud to partner with Tennessee Central Economic Authority, Macon County and Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development to further that mission and support companies, like Safari Helicopter’s business success in the Valley.” – John Bradley, TVA senior vice president of Economic Development

“We could not be more excited for Safari Helicopter and Macon County. These jobs will provide a significant boost to our local economy. I congratulate them and all our state and local officials who helped secure these jobs. Macon County offers a multitude of benefits for businesses looking to locate or expand operations, including our skilled workforce and a wonderful quality of life. We will continue to make job creation our top priority.” – Sen. Mark Pody (R-Lebanon)

“I’m very proud to welcome our newest employer to Macon County. Tennessee continues to be a top choice for companies looking to establish advanced manufacturing facilities and our talented workforce makes Lafayette an exceptional choice. We thank Safari Helicopter for their investment and wish them success for many years to come.” – Rep. Kelly Keisling (R-Byrdstown)

About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies that help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. To grow and strengthen Tennessee, the department seeks to attract new corporate investment to the state and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Find us on the web: tnecd.com . Follow us on Twitter and Instagram : @tnecd. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/tnecd .

TNECD Media Contact Molly Hair, Public Information Officer (615) 878-0063 [email protected]

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Safari Enterprises, LLC to relocate headquarters, manufacturing to Macon County

• Project represents $7.5 million investment in Macon County
• Company is leading manufacturer of helicopter kits 

NASHVILLE  – Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe and Safari Enterprises, LLC officials announced today that the helicopter manufacturer will relocate its headquarters and manufacturing operations from Marianna, Fla. to Lafayette. 

Safari Enterprises, LLC, known as Safari Helicopter, is a leading manufacturer of two-seater helicopter kits. Over the next five years, Safari Helicopter will invest $7.5 million and create 85 jobs in Macon County.  

As phase one of the relocation, the company will build a 16,000-square-foot facility at the Lafayette Municipal Airport. Phase two will include construction of additional buildings to accommodate for future growth. The company manufactures and sells “home build” helicopter 

manufacturing kits for aviation enthusiasts with an in-house build option for those uncomfortable with the building process. 

“There were multiple factors in our decision to move to Lafayette,” Abe Gaskins, co-owner, Safari Enterprises. “I have to say, it was the incredible assistance from TNECD and the genuine welcome we received from the mayor and city council in Lafayette that clinched the deal. We can’t wait to open the hangar doors this summer.”  

“Safari Helicopter’s decision to relocate its headquarters from Florida to Tennessee and create new family-wage jobs in Lafayette is a huge win for Macon County and the entire Upper Cumberland region. We welcome Safari Helicopter and thank the company for investing in Tennessee,” added TNECD Commissioner Bob Rolfe.

“I’m very proud to welcome our newest employer to Macon County,” said Rep. Kelly Keisling (R-Byrdstown). “Tennessee continues to be a top choice for companies looking to establish advanced manufacturing facilities and our talented workforce makes Lafayette an exceptional choice. We thank Safari Helicopter for their investment and wish them success for many years to come.” 

Over the last five years, TNECD has supported nearly 40 economic development projects in the Upper Cumberland region, resulting in 3,700 job commitments and nearly $450 million in capital investment.  

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WKRN News 2

Helicopter manufacturing company to bring 85 jobs to Macon County

by: Brittney Baird

Posted: May 24, 2021 / 10:37 AM CDT

Updated: May 24, 2021 / 11:15 AM CDT

MACON COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — Gov. Bill Lee announced Monday a helicopter manufacturing company will relocate its headquarters and manufacturing operations from Florida to Lafayette.

Safari Enterprises, LLC, known as Safari Helicopter , manufactures two-seater helicopter kits. Over the next five years, Safari Helicopter will invest $7.5 million and create 85 jobs in Macon County, according to a release.

“Thank you to Safari Helicopter for creating 85 new jobs in Macon County. We are committed to driving high-quality investments in our rural communities, and this project will encourage additional growth in the Upper Cumberland region,” said Gov. Bill Lee

The company will build a 16,000-square-foot facility at the Lafayette Municipal Airport as part of phase one of the project. Phase two will include construction of additional buildings to accommodate for future growth.

Safari manufactures and sells “home build” helicopter manufacturing kits for aviation enthusiasts with an in-house build option for those uncomfortable with the building process, according to release.

“There were multiple factors in our decision to move to Lafayette. I have to say, it was the incredible assistance from TNECD and the genuine welcome we received from the mayor and city council in Lafayette that clinched the deal. We can’t wait to open the hangar doors this summer,” said Abe Gaskins, co-owner, Safari Enterprises

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Governor Lee Announces Safari Enterprises, LLC to Relocate Headquarters, Manufacturing Operations to Macon County

NASHVILLE, Tenn.  –   Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe and Safari Enterprises, LLC officials announced today that the helicopter manufacturer will relocate its headquarters and manufacturing operations from Marianna, Fla. to Lafayette, Tenn.

Safari Enterprises, LLC, known as Safari Helicopter, is a leading manufacturer of two-seater helicopter kits. Over the next five years, Safari Helicopter will invest $7.5 million and create 85 jobs in Macon County.

As phase one of the relocation, the company will build a 16,000-square-foot facility at the Lafayette Municipal Airport. Phase two will include construction of additional buildings to accommodate for future growth. The company manufactures and sells “home build” helicopter manufacturing kits for aviation enthusiasts with an in-house build option for those uncomfortable with the building process.

Over the last five years, TNECD has supported nearly 40 economic development projects in the Upper Cumberland region, resulting in 3,700 job commitments and nearly $450 million in capital investment.

“Thank you to Safari Helicopter for creating 85 new jobs in Macon County. We are committed to driving high-quality investments in our rural communities, and this project will encourage additional growth in the Upper Cumberland region.” said Governor Lee. 

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Helicopter manufacturer to move HQ, operations to Macon County TN May 24 2021

LAFAYETTE, TN (WSMV) - Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and state economic officials announce Safari Enterprises, LLC will relocate its headquarters and manufacturing operations from Florida to Lafayette, TN.

Safari Enterprises, LLC, known as Safari Helicopter, is a leading manufacturer of two-seater helicopter kits.

Over the next five years, Safari Helicopter will invest $7.5 million and create 85 jobs in Macon County.

“We are committed to driving high-quality investments in our rural communities, and this project will encourage additional growth in the Upper Cumberland region,” Lee said in a news release.

“Safari Helicopter’s decision to relocate its headquarters from Florida to Tennessee and create new family-wage jobs is a huge win for Macon County and the entire Upper Cumberland region,” Tennessee Economic and Commerce Department Commissioner Bob Rolfe said in news release.

As phase one of the relocation, the company will build a 16,000-square-foot facility at the Lafayette Municipal Airport. Phase two will include construction of additional buildings to accommodate for future growth. The company manufactures and sells “home build” helicopter manufacturing kits for aviation enthusiasts with an in-house build option for those uncomfortable with the building process.

“There were multiple factors in our decision to move to Lafayette,” Abe Gaskins, co-owner, Safari Enterprises, said in a news release. “I have to say, it was the incredible assistance from TNECD and the genuine welcome we received from the mayor and city council in Lafayette that clinched the deal. We can’t wait to open the hangar doors this summer.”

https://www.wsmv.com/news/macon_county/helicopter-manufacturer-to-move-hq-operations-to-macon-county/article_c07f8334-bcae-11eb-923e-0bef6c7a600f.html

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Portland, TN (37148)

Overcast with rain showers at times. Thunder possible. High 53F. Winds W at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Considerable cloudiness with occasional rain showers. Low 38F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 40%.

Updated: April 3, 2024 @ 3:19 am

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The Lafayette Municipal Airport recently received upgrades to its hangar.

• Craig Harris/Macon County Times
• Copy article link

Above: Much of the funding from a

$4.5 million grant will be used for runway

improvements at Lafayette Municipal Airport. Right: Safari Helicopter is currently building a 12,000-square-foot hanger at Lafayette Municipal Airport.

Craig Harris

Safari Helicopter is currently building a 12,000-square-foot hanger at Lafayette Municipal Airport.

Upgrades coming to airport

• Author email
• Sep 9, 2021

Thanks to a grant from the Tennessee Department of Transportation, the Lafayette Municipal Airport will be receiving $4.5 million from the state for needed upgrades to the facility.

State Senator Mark Pody (R-Lebanon) and State Representative Kelly Keisling (R-Byrdstown) made the announcement regarding the grant.

The money, according to Lafayette Mayor Jerry Wilmore, will be used primarily to refurbish the runway at the airport.

“The airport is 5,200 feet, and 1,200 feet was added to it about two years ago,” Wilmore said. “So what they’re going to do is grind up the old part — the 4,000 feet — and resurface it. They’re installing all new LED runway lights, and they’re going to rebuild the road into the airport.”

The $4.5-million grant is just the latest step in a number of changes and improvements that are being made at the airport facility. A grant last year helped the city redo the hangar and make needed upgrades there.

“We got a grant last year to rehab the hangar,” Wilmore said. “A new skin and everything has been put on it, all but the roof. It had new store-front windows put in it, and we’re getting two motorized wheels to open the doors and close them. And they are seal-coating the whole runway.”

Pody, who is a pilot himself, said that the Lafayette area is fortunate to have received the grant money for the facilities, because the funds doled out are limited.

“I’m also a pilot, so I’ve actually landed at that airport numerous times,” Pody said. “It could definitely use the upgrades, as a lot of our airports across the state can, but there’s just not enough money at this point to keep everything funded and all the upgrades that need to be done across the state on these airports. However, what we’re trying to is make sure that these airports like this in some of these rural communities stay active, open and functional and get updated, so that people that do need them, they can be an economic engine for that local community and that we keep them in the best possible shape that we can.”

Pody went on to say that with funding limited and no new airport construction on the horizon, that it is important to ensure that existing facilities — such as the airport in Lafayette — stay as up-to-date and safe as possible.

“You don’t get new airports in Tennessee at all anymore,” Pody said. “There’s only been like one in the last 10 years, so keeping the ones we have going is extremely important. We want to make sure that they are safe and updated. That’s why it was important to get this money to Macon County.”

There is additional good news for the city in that the grant is a zero-% match, meaning that the city of Lafayette will not be on the hook to kick in any additional funding to the project.

“The grants we get for the airport are funded through fuel sales throughout the United States ... our airline fuel sales,” Wilmore said. “It’s a zero percent match. Usually, the city has to match a certain%, but this is a zero-% match.”

Another factor that might have played into Lafayette getting the airport improvement money is that the incoming Safari Helicopter plant that is being built on the airport site should soon be operational and hiring. Safari is relocating from Florida and eventually hopes to hire approximately 80 employees at the plant that will be onsite at the airport facility.

According to Wilmore, Richard Thomas of Skychaser Aviation, which is the fixed base operator at the airport, had a key role in helping Safari relocate into Macon County.

“Safari is building a helicopter plant out there at the airport,” Wilmore said. “Right now, they’re building a 12,000-square-foot hanger for the helicopter. They’re relocated out of Florida. He hopes to eventually employ 80 to 85 people.

“Richard Thomas played the biggest part of getting Safari Helicopters in here. He was hoping to this year, but it’s just like everything else. He’s got his building erected and most all the skin on it. It’s almost completely boxed in, but he is waiting on some steel studs on it on the inside, and they are eight weeks out.”

Pody said that the impending arrival of Safari probably helped in some way when it was decided by the Tennessee Department of Transportation which airports received the grant money.

“I don’t think it was just coincidental,” Pody said. “I think that all the factors are taken in, and ECD (Economice and Community Development) does have input on some of these things as well, when we’re talking what will be coming and and what money will be spent if it helps a community on other levels. This company coming in will help us with employment and so forth. So, not only just the airport, but those other things are taken into consideration.”

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Safari also provides charter work, aerial photography and external load operations.

Safari flew their $3 million, 9 passenger Bell 412SP twin engine helicopter in support assignments for the Department of Defense’s AEGIS ship-based anti-ballistic missile system. (It didn’t have banana leaves painted on the side, but still a pretty cool helicopter).

Inter-Agency qualified to fly US Government personnel with several years experience firefighting on the Mainland. Safari also flies fire control missions in Hawaii protecting stands of native plants from the encroachment of new lava flows.

Safari also does utility work. Safari established its Utility Division and started working on its Part 133 External Load Certification and its OAS inspection. After many months of reorganization, Safari was certified under Part 133 in August 1999 and OAS inspected in October 1999.

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All Safari Helicopters are FAA Certified, and all pilots all have instrument ratings and extensive experience in all forms of flights throughout the world. We require that all pilots adhere to the highest standards of professionalism. We believe that the best way to safely navigate the skies of Kauai is to have top-of-the-line helicopters, experienced pilots, and a rigorous maintenance schedule with attention to every detail on every flight.

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Safari Helicopter Tours is a Certified Part 135 Air Carrier and Part 133 External-Load Operator. Safari Helicopters is authorized under Part 136. Safari Helicopters is a Certified Part 135 Air Carrier. Its helicopters are FAA certified, as are all of its highly qualified pilots.

Safari Helicopters has also conducted contracts with the US Navy and has been DOD AMC inspected and authorized.

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