SCHWEIZER AIRCRAFT is selling its successful Ag-Cat agricultural-aircraft programme after concluding that its changing product line had left it unable to produce the type economically.
The new owner is Ag-Cat overhaul and modification specialist Jim Krepps of Malden, Missouri, owner of Malden Ag-Craft. The manufacturing company will be called Ag-Cat Corporation.
Schweizer president Les Schweizer says: "After 37 years with the Ag-Cat programme, the decision to sell this product line was very difficult...our products and capabilities have changed significantly during the past 11 years and we are no longer able to produce the Ag-Cat at a competitive price."
Schweizer will give Ag-Cat "a broad range of support" through the transition and will continue to provide spares.
Krepps says: "I've built and re-built many Ag-Cats over the years, so I know this aircraft - every nut and bolt. I am confident in this company's ability to produce the high-quality that Ag-Cat customers have come to expect."
Krepps' vice-president of sales and marketing will be former Gulfstream and Schweizer sales manager Joe Kosier.
Schweizer manufactured more than 2,600 Ag-Cats between 1958 and 1981 under licence to Grumman, and latterly as a proprietary product. The type is now powered by Pratt & Whitney radial engines or Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6 variants.
Source: Flight International
