Will Open New Manufacturing Facility At MidAmerica Airport

Boeing intends to expand its St. Louis-area operations with the planned opening of a new manufacturing facility at MidAmerica Airport in Mascoutah (KBLV), the planemaker announced Thursday. The facility, tentatively scheduled to open in late 2010 or early 2011, will use leased space in an existing building to house assembly and subassembly work. It is expected to initially bring approximately 75 new manufacturing jobs to Illinois.

Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) President and CEO Dennis Muilenburg addressed U.S., state and local officials, Boeing employees, and the media at a ceremony today in Mascoutah. “This facility’s proximity to BDS headquarters, the presence of an established, skilled work force, and the infrastructure at MidAmerica Airport make it an ideal choice as Boeing looks for opportunities to expand our core business and ensure our St. Louis site remains competitive as we meet the high-value, low-cost needs of our customers,” said Muilenburg.

Muilenburg was joined by Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), U.S. Rep. Jerry Costello (D-Ill.), U.S. Rep. John Shimkus (R-Ill.), and St. Clair County Board Chairman Mark Kern at the official announcement. “I’m happy to support Boeing’s investment in America’s work force and the State of Illinois. In this economy, every single job counts, and Boeing’s facility will bring skilled manufacturing jobs that pay wages capable of supporting families,” said Durbin. “It’s exactly the kind of investment in Illinois we need to spur our nation’s economic recovery.”

“Today marks the beginning of what I expect will be a long-term relationship with Boeing, and I expect we will be back here to announce more good news and more jobs in the future,” said Costello.

“This is the best news Southwestern Illinois has received in some time. We have had a great relationship with Boeing through the years and look forward to welcoming our new neighbors,” said Shimkus.

Boeing and St. Clair County are entering into a long-term lease for the existing 50,000-square-foot facility, which is the first Boeing manufacturing center in Illinois. “We are ecstatic that Boeing has chosen MidAmerica Airport for this expansion. Their presence here brings a much-needed boost to the entire local economy,” said Kern.

Home to BDS headquarters, the Boeing St. Louis site employs approximately 16,000 employees and is Missouri’s largest manufacturer and second-largest employer. Key products manufactured at the site include F/A-18s, F-15s, C-17s and weapons.

FMI: www.boeing.com, www.flymidamerica.com/