SANDPOINT — A bit of economic gardening is set to bloom by the Sandpoint Airport as Timberline Helicopters Inc. kicked off a major expansion project with a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday.

A $13 million investment, the facility will be located on about 10 acres near the Sandpoint Airport.

"We'll be able to do multiple levels of business inside the facility, and then ultimately, at the end of the day, we have four different business units, and all of those units will be able to work underneath one roof, side by side, without the division of walls or streets," said Tyson Davis, the company's president and accountable executive.

The groundbreaking represents more than a brand new facility; it is a celebration of the vision and dedication behind Timberline Helicopters, Davis told those gathered.

Davis said THI has been working toward the new building for about 10 years, with initial plans being drawn up in 2015, but nothing came to fruition. However, with the company's growth over the past few years, the need to expand became readily apparent.

Construction on the 50,000-square-foot building will kick off next week and is expected to take about a year to complete. The 200-plus-foot-by-150-foot hangar will be large enough to house five Black Hawk helicopters at the same time with the blades on, giving the crew ample room to work. Construction on the project is being done by Idagon Construction.

The company offers a range of services, from helicopter logging, lifting and transport services to emergency support for firefighting and construction. The expansion will allow for an expanded repair station, helping it better serve customers and expand its clientele.

Two years ago, the company didn't serve outside clients. They now serve more than 16 companies, a number that's growing daily.

"I think the long-term aspect of this is that we are known and recognized across the globe as the premier UH-60 helicopter operator and maintenance provider," Davis said of the company's expertise in the upgraded Black Hawk helicopters.

Founded by Amy and Brian Jorgensen, the company got its start as a single aircraft operation. It has since expanded into Australia and South America as well as north into Canada. By fall, Davis said the company will add Europe to its list of locations.

It has grown from a single helicopter to a diverse fleet and a company that offers a wide range of services from wildfire suppression and ski lift construction to utility work and helicopter logging.

Sandpoint Mayor Jeremy Grimm told those gathered he was excited to witness the groundbreaking and see the company's hard work pay off.

"This concept of economic gardening is what Timberline is all about," Grimm said. "It's about growing these home-based businesses, giving them what they need and unleashing the regulatory framework that constrains them and making sure they have the tools to succeed and supporting them along the way."

Grimm said the positions created by the firm's expansion will not only offer competitive wages but also stimulate additional employment opportunities in the community. The project was made possible in part through the Idaho Department of Commerce via the Tax Reimbursement Incentive program, which provides performance-based tax credits to qualifying businesses.

Timberline Helicopters secured a nine-year TRI award, reflecting the state's commitment to supporting economic growth in Sandpoint, Grimm said.

As part of the program, Timberline committed to hiring 24 new employees, including around 20 airframe and powerplant mechanic positions. Of those, Davis said the company has already hired seven and plans to have half of the 24 positions — adding to the more than 100 people it already employs — filled by the end of the year.

Since being appointed as THI's president, Davis told the 50 or so employees, city officials and others that his top priority was to get the facility built. With employees scattered at eight different sites in the community, Davis said the consolidation was crucial.

Idaho's tax reimbursement program encourages business expansion by offering eligible businesses a tax reimbursement of up to 30% of employee withholding, sales and income taxes for up to 15 years. In THI's case, the period is set at nine years.

"The reality is that with the Idaho TRI program and the support from the local leaders in the community, we're really getting an opportunity to do this," Davis said. "This has been a long time coming."

Grimm said Timberline's investment is part of a broader aerospace renaissance taking place in Sandpoint, with the city now home to several aerospace companies, including Timberline, Daher Kodiak and Tamarack Aerospace Group.

Since acquiring Quest Aircraft in 2019, Daher has expanded production of the Kodiak 100 and 900 aircraft at its Sandpoint facility. In 2024, the company increased its production capacity to meet growing demand for these versatile aircraft.

Headquartered near the Sandpoint Airport, Tamarack specializes in active winglet technology that enhances aircraft performance and fuel efficiency. The company recently celebrated its 200th winglet installation, marking a significant milestone in its growth.

"These companies, along with Timberline Helicopters, are fostering a robust aerospace cluster in Sandpoint, creating high-quality jobs and contributing to the city's economic resilience," Grimm said. "The growth of industrial and commercial projects like these not only diversifies our economic base but also increases the city's tax revenue."

The result is an expanded tax base that helps alleviate the financial burden on residential property owners.

"As we witness the continued ascent of Sandpoint's aerospace industry, the city remains committed to supporting initiatives that drive innovation, create employment opportunities, and enhance the quality of life for all residents," Grimm said.

    Timberline Helicopter employees, city officials and others gather for a groundbreaking celebration of the company's new 50,000-square-foot facility near the Sandpoint Airport. Pictured are Tyson Davis, Timberline Helicopters, Inc.; Kolby Frazier, THI; Rich Farley, THI; Tanya Marsh, THI; Royce McElroy, THI; Sandpoint Mayor Jeremy Grimm; Caleb Davis Marc Kilmer; Eric Paull, Washington Trust; Colin Burnett, Idagon; Shawnda Burnett, Idagon; Jason Cates, Idagon.
  

    Tyson Davis, president of Timberline Helicopters, Inc., is pictured at Wednesday's groundbreaking ceremony for the company's new $13 million, 50,000-square-foot building.