Aleut Real Estate and Strata-G Solutions Break Ground on $32.7M Aviation Facility at Pryor Field
(News Release) Aleut Real Estate, LLC (ARE) celebrated the official groundbreaking of a new state-of-the-art hangar facility at Pryor Field Regional Airport in Limestone County, Alabama. The event marked the beginning of a $32.7 million economic impact in aviation infrastructure and the first Alabama-based development by ARE, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Aleut Corporation (Aleut).
The groundbreaking ceremony, held earlier this month, welcomed a diverse group of stakeholders, including state and local officials, representatives from the Limestone County Commission, leadership from the Alabama Department of Commerce, the Pryor Field Airport Authority, and executives from Aleut, ARE, and Strata-G Solutions. Their presence underscored the significance of the project in both regional economic development and national defense support.
The hangar will be jointly developed with Strata-G Solutions—an Aleut-owned, Huntsville-based defense engineering and manufacturing firm—which will play a leading role in shaping the facility to meet critical mission requirements.
“This groundbreaking reflects Aleut’s focus on intentional growth built on strong partnerships,” said Skoey Vergen, President & CEO of Aleut. “As demand for aviation and defense infrastructure grows across Alabama, Aleut Real Estate and Strata-G Solutions are delivering capabilities that support regional economic progress and national defense readiness. This project is made possible through close collaboration with Limestone County and the State of Alabama.”
Key Project Facts:
• $32.7 million capital project
• Location: Pryor Field Regional Airport, Limestone County, AL
• Partnership: Aleut Real Estate and Strata-G Solutions
• Contractor: Fite Building Company (design-build)
• Completion: Early 2027
• Jobs Created: 50 aviation-related positions anticipated within three years
• Primary Functions: Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility for commercial aircraft
The facility will serve Department of Defense programs and commercial aviation clients, expanding regional capacity for mission-critical aircraft maintenance. It also supports the Pryor Field Airport Authority’s southwest expansion plan and benefits from regional economic incentives.
“This investment reflects continued confidence in Limestone County’s ability to attract and support world-class industrial operations,” said Collin Daly, Chairman of the Limestone County Commission. “We’re excited to partner with Strata-G Solutions and Aleut Real Estate as they grow their footprint here and create new, high-quality jobs for our residents.”
Tax incentives approved by Limestone County include over $1.04 million in abatements to assist with startup costs over the next 10 years. At the same time, the project is expected to contribute more than $1.1 million to local schools during that period.
“This project highlights exactly the kind of forward-looking, high-impact development we work to attract to Alabama,” said Ellen McNair, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. "Aleut Real Estate and Strata-G Solutions are delivering a facility that will enhance our aviation infrastructure, support defense priorities and create meaningful opportunities for our skilled workforce. We’re proud to support this investment and the strong partnerships that made it possible.”
“This project is a win on every level,” said Bethany Shockney, President & CEO of the Limestone County Economic Development Association. “Strata-G Solutions and Aleut Real Estate bring tremendous value to our local economy and workforce. Their investment underscores Limestone County’s continued emergence as a hub for high-tech and advanced manufacturing operations. We look forward to supporting their success in the years ahead.”
With sitework beginning immediately, the next 18 months will see major construction milestones. As part of regional infrastructure improvements, a new roadway and upgrades to Airport Road are being supported through $776,400 in state funding. Once operational, the hangar will include highly specialized infrastructure capable of supporting aircraft with wingspans exceeding 130 feet, enhancing logistical support for clients like Boeing and military branches, including the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, Coast Guard, and Customs and Border Protection.
“Today’s groundbreaking is yet another sign that Alabama is charting a strong course in aviation and defense,” Governor Kay Ivey shared ahead of the June 12 ceremony. "Aleut Real Estate’s investment at Pryor Field not only brings high-quality jobs to Limestone County, but it also strengthens our state’s role in national security and aircraft readiness. We are proud to welcome Aleut as partners in Alabama’s continued growth and leadership in these critical sectors.”
Pryor Field Regional Airport Director Adam Fox also noted the impact on the region’s aerospace footprint: “Pryor Field is proud to support investments like this that align with the airport’s mission to grow aviation-related industry and create opportunity throughout our region.”
ARE is working with Fite Building Company to lead the development through both pre-construction and construction phases. Hangar completion is targeted for early 2027.