Wheel and brake specialist Aircraft Specialties (ASI) has relocated to a larger, newly constructed building that will provide energy savings, greater efficiency, and new equipment. The 42,000-sq-ft facility replaces the Omaha, Nebraska-based company’s previous home for the past 34 years, which is located 15 minutes south of its new building.

“ASI is positioned to continue its growth plans while simultaneously increasing our levels of customer service,” said ASI sales director Gene Portela. “More shop space gives us more opportunities to provide additional support to our clients.”

ASI noted the timing for building a new, larger facility might not have been optimal because of the Covid-19 pandemic. In fact, said president Dave Fochler, the pandemic nearly caused ASI to hit the pause button on the project. But, he added, “Nobody ever accomplishes anything great without having the courage to take risks." Further, the reduced workload caused by the pandemic enabled ASI to take a more strategic view of its operations and incorporate small changes into the new facility.

An FAA Part 145 repair station established in 1985, ASI has expanded its business beyond wheels and brakes to include products and services from aircraft nose to tail.