A Government Study Looks At The Potential For Lost US Jobs When Boeing Ceases Production At Its St. Louis Facility

A plan is in place to cease production of Boeing’s FA-18 fighter jets and EA-18G electronic attack planes at Boeing St. Louis production facility. Production will likely continue until mid-2017 and Boeing will be deciding whether to entirely close the production line or maintain parts of the line in operation for product support.

According to a report from Reuters, the cessation of production may not affect critical suppliers in the US. The report quoted Elana Broitman, the deputy assistant secretary for manufacturing and industrial policy as saying, "Nothing piqued our concern (about) a critical supplier going away entirely if ... they do indeed have to close that line."

According to the report, orders for these planes have been stopped due to budgetary concerns. However the Navy has asked lawmakers to add $2.1 billion to the budget for 22 more EA-18G growlers, if the money becomes available.

Congress is weighing the Pentagon’s budget request, but it’s reported that current budget caps will be maintained.

(Image from file)

FMI: www.boeing.com