When PBS Aerospace, a Czech company with more than two centuries of engineering experience, sought to expand into the U.S. market, it considered cities across the country before selecting Roswell in metro Atlanta as its American base.
Katrina Singletary, who led international relations and recruitment for Roswell’s Mayor’s Office, described the process: “Focusing on relationship building, we were invited on a trade mission trip to the Czech Republic, where we interacted locally with a Czech company that was going to be expanding into the U.S. market.” This visit resulted in a four-hour pitch session in Prague where the Roswell team highlighted Atlanta’s skilled workforce, quality of life, and Georgia’s established aerospace sector.
The company specializes in small turbojet engines for military and aerospace use. The demand for these products is growing, prompting PBS Aerospace to look for a U.S. location that could support rapid delivery and future growth.
Mayor Kurt Wilson supported an unconventional approach to attracting PBS Aerospace. He encouraged his team by saying, “Failure is okay, but the key is to try.” He added later: “I see this economic development strategy as transformational and intentional. Our job is to install trust in our people, in our businesses, and show that government at the local level can work at the speed of business. Let’s be entrepreneurial, let’s be innovative, let’s be adaptive, and let’s be responsive.”
To further entice PBS Aerospace, Roswell offered what it called a “White Glove Program,” providing permitting turnaround within three days—sometimes as quickly as 24 hours—which helped reduce costs for the company. “That cut their costs down significantly,” Singletary said. “And we made it happen. That personal, authentic approach made all the difference.”
This strategy proved successful when PBS Aerospace officially chose Roswell on February 4. The company moved into its facility by April and tested its first engine at Georgia Tech by May.
PBS CEO Erin Durham explained why they selected Roswell: “Roswell was chosen because of the community, the schools, and the world-class talent pipeline. Georgia Tech and other institutions provide highly talented engineers who help us grow and continue to produce jet engines.”
Another factor was access to veterans; Durham noted that 71% of PBS technicians are veterans: “We’re very proud that 71% of our technicians are veterans. They bring safety, discipline, and deep knowledge to our company.” Kenneth Mahone, a Navy veteran working at PBS’ Roswell facility said: “Working at PBS feels like family. A lot of guys here are veterans, so it gives us camaraderie… Everybody’s mission-driven.”
Chris Beebe—a Georgia Tech graduate now serving as engineering manager—highlighted opportunities for young engineers: “At a big aerospace company you might design a single bolt. Here engineers get to take on large design scopes and get exposure to all facets of the business.”
Mayor Wilson summed up Roswell’s appeal: “PBS Aerospace was being recruited all over the United States. But once they got to Roswell they knew this was the right place to plant their roots… We have the charm of a small town and the amenities of a city.”
Six months after moving in, PBS Aerospace announced plans for further expansion—a 10,000-square-foot addition underway with plans for an eventual 100,000-square-foot build-to-suit facility expected to bring 200 jobs with median salaries around $150,000 each along with $20 million in investment.
Durham said about their progress: “Our leadership team in Prague is thrilled with the city of Roswell and statewide support we’ve seen… I came here to build something with real impact… We’re not just operational—we’re positioned for long-term success.”
Mayor Wilson emphasized that their approach aims for long-term relationships: “We didn’t just want PBS today. We wanted them to know they’d be valued here 10 or 20 years down the line. And we’re going to keep showing them that.”
