With a backdrop of sunshine, classical music and scrumptious food, Special Aerospace Services (SAS) broke ground on their new 55,000 square-foot facility they call “The Campus” at 1101 Explorer Boulevard in Cummings Research Park. The new facility consists of two buildings, and they expect to add up to 50 high technology jobs when they open next year.

SAS President and CEO, Heather Bulk and her husband Tim, started the Colorado-based company in their basement in 2007. Since then, SAS has become partners with NASA, the Department of the Defense, the Missile Defense Agency, and other commercial space providers.

The company has expertise in strategic and tactical services, engineering, propulsion, software, avionics systems, and safety; as well as design, manufacturing, assembly, and testing of both aviation and space projects.

“We are intentionally merging engineering and hardware on the manufacturing side of things, which have traditionally been separated,” said Bulk. “Within the walls of the building we will optimize the engineering, have training space, several high bays, and assembly areas for advanced manufacturing and research.”

Titled, “Breaking Ground, Breaking Barriers”, Bulk said the groundbreaking ceremony is monumental on many fronts, one being that she is the first woman-owned company to put down roots in Cummings Research Park, leveraging Governor Kay Ivey’s new business incentive law HB 192.

“I’m proud to stand here and share this groundbreaking with the people who enacted the policies and created the business culture that made this moment possible,” said Bulk. “When SAS was evaluating across the country, where we wanted to go with this expansion, I have to admit we were drawn to Huntsville over and over.”

Giving a shout out to Gov. Ivey who was in special attendance, “Those state and local incentives really drive it home, especially for small businesses,” Bulk said about the governor’s new law, which acted as a major incentive in their final decision to build their campus in Huntsville. “It made tremendous inroads that have allowed us to be the first woman-owned business to stand here today and have this conversation. HB 192 moves the mark for women in business.

“The culture of innovation … the people who truly care to follow through and make it happen, and the business-focused environment are the factors that led us here, and that will keep us here.”

Gov. Ivey talked about her motivation in signing HB 192 into law this past February.

“It’s good to be back up here in the Rocket City where things are always happening,” said Gov. Ivey to proud laughter. “Today we are here to celebrate a great new Alabama company doing remarkable things for our state.

“At the beginning of the last legislative session, I was presented with a piece of legislation I think is going to produce incredible outcomes for our state’s economy.

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey welcoming SAS to the Rocket City

“HB 192 creates new job credits for underrepresented businesses and provides incentives for new and existing businesses looking to expand in rural areas.

“I knew after everything our businesses have endured, we had to do everything we could to get back on track and get our state back to work, which is why I was thrilled to sign this bill into law back in February.”

She said projects like SAS are driving Alabama as a business-friendly state.

“HB 192 is yet another means in which Alabama is demonstrating we are a pro-business state,” said Ivey. “Today is special because SAS is the very first company to utilize this terrific economic development tool and I can assure you they will be the first of many.”

Bulk explained that during their nationwide search for their new campus, she discovered there are a lot of organizations, states, and municipalities that are trying to do what is happening right here in Alabama and in Huntsville.

“This is a powerful commitment on behalf of Alabama, and it has ensured that we are leading a mission for opportunity and true advancement.”

Although SAS has only been around for about a decade, Gov. Ivey pointed out that they have quickly made their presence known in the industry.

“SAS plays a vital role in supporting our aerospace industry and I am so proud you have chosen to expand here in ‘Sweet Home Alabama’.”

Alabama Secretary of Commerce, Greg Canfield was also in attendance, joining Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, Madison Mayor Paul Finley, the Huntsville-Madison Chamber of Commerce executive staff, and several congressional representatives.

From left to right: Tim and Heather Bulk, founders of Special Aerospace Services; Alabama Governor Kay Ivey; Alabama Secretary of Commerce, Greg Canfield; Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle; Jeff Gronberg, Huntsville-Madison County Chamber Chair

“Alabama is committed to having a business climate that affords underrepresented businesses a reason to locate here and thrive here,” said Secretary Canfield. “An innovative small business-like SAS will not only bring vitality to our business community but also provide a boost for our efforts to elevate STEM education and careers.”

The ceremony kicked off with Chris Maynard, talent acquisition manager at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center singing a moving a cappella rendition of the National Anthem, followed by the Presentation of Colors by the all-female Columbia High School Honor Guard led by U.S. Army LTC Eugene Thurman, Commander of the Jr. ROTC program at Columbia High School.

Located just down the road from the new SAS location, Bulk said it was another major marker for her company to have the ability to partner with a nearby school where their engineers and manufacturers can mentor students.

“A STEM education is something I care intensely about,” she said. “Governor Ivey’s Alabama STEM Council and her Advisory Council for Excellence in STEM are doing incredible things to promote a science, technology, engineering, and math education. This commitment is simply imperative to our industry, our communities, and the next generation.”

“We are very excited to have SAS as the newest tenant in Cummings Research Park as they build The Campus,” said Erin Koshut, executive director of CRP for the Chamber. “This company brings exceptional expertise and aerospace leadership to our community.

“We are also thrilled that they see the importance of inspiring and supporting our future STEM workforce, especially in their close neighbors at Columbia High School, located just down the road from their site. We look forward to seeing this development take shape in the coming weeks and months ahead.”

Bulk then surprised the audience by announcing a SAS commissioned STEM Boot Camp beginning in 2022. She said it is a brainchild of her husband Tim and is an internship program for students to work on innovative technologies.

“This real-world experience fosters STEM for our next generations of talent, so we are making a $2,000 donation to Columbia High School as a sign of our commitment to that mission,” she said to uproarious applause.

“This expansion to Huntsville demonstrates the confidence and appreciation for the workforce talent that is here, the diversity of Cummings Research Park, and our continued mission to support our nation in all things space and defense,” said Mayor Battle. “We welcome SAS to the Rocket City!”

Photo Credits: Steve Babin