Tulsa business decides to expand and set up shop in Bristow

The Creek County town of Bristow got hammered by the loss of the Black and Decker Kwikset plant last winter. But they could be getting a lift from an aerospace company. <br/><br/>News on 6 business reporter

Tuesday, September 28th 2004, 3:29 pm

By: News On 6

The Creek County town of Bristow got hammered by the loss of the Black and Decker Kwikset plant last winter. But they could be getting a lift from an aerospace company.

News on 6 business reporter Steve Berg says when Kwikset announced they were shutting down, it was devastating. Basically one-quarter of the town was out of a job.

For the past few months though, town officials have been looking for replacement companies.

Tuesday, they gathered at the Chamber of Commerce in the old Train Depot and announced they've found one. First Wave is a Tulsa-based company that sells and repair aircraft parts. It's similar to a Nordam, but smaller. When the decided it was time to expand, a variety of economic incentives drew them to Bristow.

The town wants to diversify so they're not as dependent on one company as they have been. Derald Glover with the Bristow Chamber of Commerce: "Our goal was to bring in, instead of just one large company, hopefully to bring in several smaller companies, and this is actually a good-sized company to come in. We're excited about it."

First Wave will build a new 200,000 square foot building. Initially, they'll hire about 100 people. Their long-term goal is 500 people.