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Enstrom dedicates R&D building in honour of long-time employee

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

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

Enstrom President Todd Tetzlaff spent many years working alongside Bournonville 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.”

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

“The building dedication ceremony happened in three stages,” said Tetzlaff. “In August we unveiled the renaming plan and sign at an all-Enstrom luncheon. Then, last week we had an intimate dedication of the installed sign with Jim and his family.

“The James Bournonville Research and Development Center will no doubt be a home to future innovation and development inspired by the facility’s namesake,” continued Tetzlaff. “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.”