Tinker employees fill former GM plant

Their former location — a glass-paneled building dating to World War II — lacked air conditioning and became unbearable in high temperatures. Mechanics would take breaks every 15 minutes to cool off.

Now the civilian crew works in the cool, brightly-lit former automotive plant.

The Air Force has spent $80 million over the past two years to renovate and equip the 3.8 million-square-foot structure that was adjacent to base, but now is within the secured perimeter. Workers started moving in about a year ago.

"It's a lot cleaner facility," said Garrison, a first line supervisor for the 551st Commodities Maintenance Squadron. "We've got a bigger work area."

His crew overhauls side cowls on the E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System. Because of the efficiency of their new space, orders now take less than half the time to process.

About 30 percent of the former plant, now called Building 9001, is occupied — with plans to fill it to about 80 percent and lease the rest. Employees with 20 or more years of experience are asked to help design the work spaces.

About 700 people work there now, but more work is being transitioned to the site. The new space will allow the Air Force to demolish 23 outdated buildings and free up space in the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center's headquarters building, a huge former Douglas airplane plant being redesigned to maximize work flow.