Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. has officially opened its $130-million Mesa Service Center at Mesa Gateway Airport, bringing about 250 jobs with more expected.

A ceremonial ribbon cutting took place on Thursday and included various state and local leaders.

The 225,000-square-foot maintenance, repair and overhaul facility was originally announced in 2021. To meet customer demand ahead of the center’s completion, Gulfstream opened a facility and began offering service in 2022, adding more hangar space in the fall of 2023.

Gulfstream’s Mesa operations have already brought more than 250 new jobs to the region, with an additional 100 more expected this year, a press release stated.

To help develop the workforce, Gulfstream is partnering with Arizona State University and Chandler-Gilbert Community College to offer training including apprenticeship and internship programs. 

The Mesa Service Center can accommodate up to 13 large-cabin Gulfstream aircraft simultaneously with the capability to support maintenance and avionics services, inspections and drop-in support for all Gulfstream models.  

This is in addition to Gulfstream’s existing Mesa west campus, which can hold up to 10 large- and mid-cabin aircraft. 

“The opening of Gulfstream’s new Mesa Service Center aligns with our strategic vision to provide the industry’s most modern service network, sustainably designed to serve our customers where and when they need us,” stated Gulfstream President Mark Burns in a company press release. 

The new service center is expected to receive U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Silver certification later this year. The facility was built to operate with environmental efficiency through recycled, regional and lower emissions materials.

Additionally, Gulfstream’s Mesa campus features an on-site fuel farm that includes a 30,000-gallon tank dedicated to storing sustainable aviation fuel blends.

Mesa Gateway Airport is operated by the Mesa Gateway Airport Authority, which consists of representation from Apache Junction, Mesa, Queen Creek, Gilbert and Gila River Indian Community. Queen Creek Mayor Julia Wheatley is chairman of the airport’s board.

In December, the airport’s board voted to change the facility’s name from Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport to Mesa Gateway Airport following Phoenix’s withdrawal from the board.