Cherokee Nation buying Nowata engineering firm

CATOOSA, Okla. (AP) – Cherokee Nation Businesses says it will buy a Nowata-based engineering and manufacturing company with plans to double the company's workforce during the next three years.

Cherokee Chief Chad Smith says the purchase of Disan Engineering Corp. will help the American Indian tribe create jobs for its citizens. The company now employs 35 people and tribal officials say hiring for the new positions will start once the sale has been completed.

Disan designs and manufactures electronic and mechanical equipment for the Federal Aviation Administration and the Department of Defense. It's been in business since 1968.

The Cherokee Nation has long had defense manufacturing contracts. David Stewart, the CEO of Cherokee Nation Businesses, says the acquisition of Disan gives the tribe a key engineering component it had lacked.