Enstrom Helicopter Corporation’s experimental hangar now bears the name of Jim Bournonville, a long-time employee of Enstrom’s Research and Development department.

Jim was born and raised in Menominee, MI and has worked for Enstrom since December 1968. After devoting many years to Enstrom as Head of Manufacturing, Jim went on to support Enstrom’s many R&D projects as Senior Mechanic and Production Supervisor. Since taking that role, Jim’s many designs and innovations have helped grow Enstrom’s reputation for building safe, powerful, and affordable helicopters.

Enstrom President Todd Tetzlaff spent many years working alongside Jim earlier in his career.

“After 55 years on the job, he understands the inner workings of Enstrom better than anyone else,” said Tetzlaff. “His no-nonsense approach work ethic and mentorship to Enstrom’s newer employees consistently prove priceless. Jim is technically gifted, and he’s always willing to share his knowledge with anyone who is willing to learn.”

Jim has officially retired from full-time work, but he has chosen to stay on with Enstrom part-time to continue testing and improving Enstrom’s product.

“The building dedication ceremony was small and quiet. Jim wouldn’t have had it any other way,” said Tetzlaff. “We surprised him at lunch by bringing his family in to unveil the official signage. I said a few words, we took pictures, and then Jim asked to go right back to work.”

He added, “The James Bournonville Research and Development Center will no doubt be a home to future innovation and development inspired by the facility’s namesake. On behalf of all Enstrom employees and customers around the world, thank you, Jim, for your decades of dedication to building Enstrom Helicopter into what it is today.”