State's Chief Executive Promoting His Plan To Boost Missouri Exports

Job creation is closely tied to export growth, Missouri Governor Jay Nixon said Wednesday during a visit to kit plane manufacturer Zenith Aircraft Company, which has more than 30 percent of its sales in exports, and Zenith is one example of how Missouri's exports continue to grow, the Governor said. The state's international exports are up by 13 percent, or an additional $1 billion, through the first two quarters of 2011, after increasing an impressive 35 percent during 2010. To continue the success of export growth and job creation in Missouri, Gov. Nixon urged the legislature to pass a Made in Missouri Jobs Package during the upcoming special session of the General Assembly, which will begin Sept. 6.

"A critical part of creating jobs here at home is helping more Missouri companies export their products abroad," Gov. Nixon said. "Zenith Aircraft is a great example of what a business can accomplish when our policies are focused on their success. That's why I'm urging the General Assembly to pass a bipartisan, Made in Missouri Jobs Package that will help more Missouri businesses grow their exports and grow our workforce." 

Zenith Aircraft Company is in the exclusive business of designing, developing and manufacturing kit aircraft. The independent, privately-owned company was formed in 1992 in Mexico, MO. and is based in a 20,000 square foot production facility at Mexico Memorial Airport. Zenith Aircraft Company has acquired the exclusive rights to manufacture and market Zenair kit aircraft designs from designer Chris Heintz.

The Missouri Department of Economic Development's International Trade & Investment Office has worked with Zenith for many years to help identify dealers in a variety of European markets.  Zenith has a large export market in Europe and Australia with growing exports to Brazil, India and China. Export sales account for 30% of Zenith's annual sales. Export sales are especially strong for the utility "sky jeep" models, the STOL CH 701, 750 and four seat STOL CH 801 utility aircraft.

Gov. Nixon has called a special session of the Missouri General Assembly to pass a bipartisan jobs package that will foster growth in science and technology industries and expand Missouri exports, along with passing tax credit reform legislation to pay for these additional investments and ensure continued fiscal responsibility.

FMI: www.zenithair.com