Boeing has opened its new $300 million enhanced composite production centre at St Louis, Missouri.
The 424,000sq ft (39,391m²) facility, which will be located at one of the company’s major defence manufacturing sites, will initially be engaged in building composite parts for the 777X. Boeing says it represents the largest commercial aviation work package it has placed at the site, as it drives to diversify and grow its St Louis-area operations.
Bob Ciesla, Vice President and Program Manager for the 777X St Louis work, said: “Boeing has had a presence in St Louis for nearly 80 years, and we have built more than 12,000 fighter jets here. With the opening of this new composite centre, our well-trained, highly-skilled workforce is able to demonstrate its versatility and expertise, positioning our region for additional commercial and defence work in the future.”
Boeing confirmed production of 777X wing edge and empennage parts will start in early 2017. As work is ramped-up, the company estimates 700 new jobs will be created across production, engineering and multiple support areas by the end of the decade.
Recent Comments