Photo By Ponderosa Metal Works/Courtesy Meta: Ponderosa Metal Works will lease a new 12,000-square-foot facility at the Safford Airport Business Park and looks to build a second as well.
By Jon Johnson
SAFFORD – The Safford Regional Airport (SAD) has announced its initial tenant for its Airport Business Park.
Ponderosa Metal Works will locate its new 12,000-square-foot facility in the Airport Business Park, according to a release from the city of Safford. But that’s just a start.
“This new facility represents a significant investment in the airport and the community and will result in at least 15 new jobs,” the release stated.
The building is already under construction and Ponderosa hopes to be in it by November, according to Rick Merrill, one of three managers for the business.
Ponderosa Metal Works LLC initially registered with the Arizona Corporation Commission on Feb. 3. It previously was born out of Ponderosa Aviation, which is the FBO for the airport. Both businesses are owned in part by Dr. Rex Bryce.
According to Merrill, the metal business isn’t going to stop with just one building and will construct a second 12,000-square-foot building after the first one is finished for a total of 24,000 square feet of space for the business to operate. He said the Ponderosa Metal Works’ leadership has more than 100 years of metalworking experience and specializes in agricultural and industrial projects, as well as large art sculptures for the public and businesses.
“We do everything and we do it the best,” Merrill said.
A ground-breaking for the new facility is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 12, at noon. The ceremony will break ground where the building is currently being constructed across from the airport terminal at 4570 E. Aviation Way.
Ponderosa Metal Works is a metal fabricator for commercial and industrial purposes based in Safford and is a fence and gate contractor. It is not affiliated with Ponderosa Metalworks and Awnings out of Payson.
