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Fargo, N.D. (July 14, 2008) – Spectrum Aeromed, a leading designer and manufacturer of air medical equipment, is relocating its air medical and air ambulance equipment services to Fargo, N.D., this month. Any aircraft that can fly into Hector International Airport now has access to a unique set of capabilities and expertise thanks to this new neighbor on the block. The company has negotiated a five-year lease for approximately 14,500 square feet of office and hangar space at Hector airport. It will be home to a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility as well as strong research and development and innovation efforts. Spectrum was founded in Fargo in 1991 but moved to Wheaton, Minn. in 1993 by former owners. The new office will be 500 feet from where Spectrum Aeromed prototyped its first system.

Following Dean Atchison’s acquisition of Spectrum Aeromed in June 2007, the company experienced nearly 190 percent growth over nine months. “The move was a great opportunity to bring Spectrum’s high-performance, highly customized air medical solutions to the next level during a critical growth period,” said Dean Atchison, president and CEO of Spectrum Aeromed. “We’re reaching a broader aviation audience and better serving our global customers.”

The relocation to Hector airport is a key piece of the company’s overall growth strategy and provides numerous options and opportunities for both the company and customer. Current and prospective customers from around the world, including large aircraft, have better availability and access to Spectrum Aeromed. Fixed or rotor wing aircraft owners can fly directly into the airport and receive onsite consultations and hands-on customer service.

Additionally, given the increasing foreign demand for air medical equipment, international customers of Spectrum Aeromed can benefit from the easy access to a streamlined, well-documented U.S. customs office in the Fargo Jet Center – a full service fixed based operator (FBO) also located at Hector International Airport. The Fargo Jet Center is a frequent stopping point for flights originating outside of the United States.

“Spectrum brings a unique service to Hector International,” said Shawn Dobberstein, executive director at Hector International Airport. “They’ll be a wonderful addition to the airport’s aviation-related offerings. We’re glad to see them here.”

The business is built around meeting the niche medical needs of the aviation and health care industries, as well as those aircraft owners and operators wanting to increase the productivity and resale value of their aircraft. Up to 75 percent of customer orders include some type of customization.

Dean has been a long-time business leader and volunteer in the Fargo Moorhead community,” said Brian Walters, President, Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation. “The Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation is excited to have Spectrum Aeromed join our aviation and business community, and we look forward to a long and prosperous partnership.

“We’re excited to be back in the Fargo community with its strong aviation sector and legacy,” said Atchison. “The city, economic development and Hector airport leadership all helped make this a smooth transition. As Spectrum Aeromed grows, we also look forward to adding additional highly-skilled employees from the area’s exceptional talent pool.”

For additional information or images, contact Katharine Mudra at kmudra@beehivepr.biz or 651.789.2244.

ABOUT SPECTRUM AEROMED

Founded in 1991 and acquired by Dean Atchison in 2007, Spectrum Aeromed is a leading global designer and manufacturer of customized air medical and air ambulance equipment for fixed and rotor wing aircraft. Its modular, dependable and custom-built air medical equipment is used by all segments of the aviation industry including: charter services, private/VIP operators and royal families, emergency medical services (EMS) and search and rescue (SAR) operations, large and small hospitals, corporations and global military and government entities. The company is uniquely qualified for specialized life support solutions, including air, ground or marine support applications. Spectrum Aeromed holds more than 50 Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) covering 260-plus models of aircraft. Headquartered in Fargo, N.D., Spectrum Aeromed has a staff of 16 and a 14,500 square foot state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. For more information, visit www.spectrum-aeromed.com.