Bonham -- The activities at Jones Field on Tuesday, June 17 symbolize a gradual transformation taking place in Bonham; on the east side of the airport, hay was being baled while community leaders gathered on the west side of the airport to break ground for Dalnor Systems' manufacturing plant that will produce high-end aircraft engine test stands.
Agriculture remains the number one industry in Fannin County, however, one by one, companies seem to be discovering the intangibles of relocating to a quiet, business-friendly community an hour's drive from the metromess.
The latest company to decide to call Bonham home is Dalnor Systems, LLC and city leaders gathered with members of the Fangio family Tuesday morning for a ceremonial groundbreaking of Dalnor's 12,000 square foot production facility located on the west side of Jones Field.
"We've worked a long time for this day," remarked Bonham Mayor Roy Floyd. "We want to thank the Fangio family. Mark [Fangio, President of Dalnor Systems] has been great to work with."
Bonham Industrial Foundation (BIF) played a key role by paying for environmental studies at the site and Carl McEachern, President of BIF, welcomed members of the Fangio family to Bonham.
"If you need anything, just let any of us know," said Bonham Chamber of Commerce President Stephen Murden. "We're here to help."
"We are very excited for Bonham, Dalnor and the Fangio family," stated Bonham City Manager Bill Shipp. "We appreciate this company's vision and concept and Dalnor can be the catalyst to take this airport to the next level."
"What a great day for Bonham and North Texas," remarked State Representative Larry Phillips. "It is exciting to have a family invest in our community. This location enjoys a close proximity to the Metroplex, yet this is a family-friendly community to raise children."
Even as the groundbreaking was taking place, crews were busy preparing to build new hangars and enlarge the apron near the hangars at Jones Field, work financed by a $1.6 million TxDOT Aviation Grant and $160,000 from the City of Bonham.
"TxDOT Aviation works very hard to make airports become economic engines," Rep. Phillips continued. "Jones Field has an important historic past and an exciting future."
Dalnor is currently leasing the airport site, with the real estate sale pending. The company will initially employ approximately 10-12 workers, but Dalnor has potential to expand and the sprawling west side of Jones Field could easily accommodate rapid growth by this well-known aviation firm.