Gov. Jay Nixon today visited West Plains to celebrate the groundbreaking of Air Medical Group Holdings’ (AMGH) new facility, a $1.4 million investment that is expected to create 20 new jobs. AMGH is the parent company of Air Evac Lifeteam, an air medical services provider that was founded in West Plains in 1985.

“With our unemployment at its lowest point in five years, and new investments by growing companies like Air Medical Group, Missouri’s economy is continuing to pick up steam,” Gov. Nixon said. “These new jobs and new investments in West Plains demonstrate that our commitment to fiscal responsibility and targeted investments in our workforce are paying off for communities across Missouri.”

The groundbreaking today began construction on a new 40,000 square foot building where AMGH will consolidate three of its West Plains locations. The new facility will accommodate the company’s increased employment and future growth plans. In total, AMGH’s employment presence in the West Plains area is more than 400.

“Missouri has played a critical role in the growth and success of AMGH, particularly here in West Plains, where a skilled workforce and business-friendly environment continue to present opportunities for success,” said Keith Hovey, vice president of AirMedCare Network. “We’re thankful that Gov. Nixon could join us today to celebrate this next phase in our Missouri expansion.”

AMGH is the largest independent provider of air medical services in the U.S. and responds to emergencies that require air medical services in more than 66 Missouri counties. While based in Lewisville, Texas, AMGH operates in 31 states. The company’s Air Evac Lifeteam division headquarters relocated from West Plains to O’Fallon, Mo., in 2012.

Missouri has a strong presence in both the medical and transportation industries which provides AMGH with a welcoming environment to grow. The state has seven nationally ranked hospitals; and more than 400,000 workers in the health and science industry support some of the state’s largest companies, including Cerner Corporation and Express Scripts. Additionally, with two international airports and 99 public use airports, Missouri’s transportation and infrastructure system ranks 5thbest in the nation.

To assist Air Medical Group Holdings with its expansion, the Department of Economic Development and the City of West Plains have authorized a strategic economic incentive package that the company can receive if it meets strict job creation and investment criteria.