Boeing to Lease Second Facility in Oklahoma City

Boeing will lease a new 320,000-square-foot facility in Oklahoma city to accommodate the relocation of its B-1 and C-130 programs. Boeing expects to the facility to open in second-quarter 2012.
"By moving B-1 and C-130 AMP to Oklahoma City, we are able to lower our operating costs and extend an increased value to our customer," said Mark Bass, Boeing vice president and general manager of Maintenance, Modifications & Upgrades. "Boeing appreciates the positive business environment created by the state of Oklahoma and its county and city governments. This environment contributes to our affordability, and the well-trained aerospace workforce already in place will be key to our success." Boeing Oklahoma City houses programs for two divisions under its Global Services & Support business: Maintenance, Modifications & Upgrades; and Defense & Government Services. The site focuses on engineering, contractor logistics services and field support. "Core to our success in the competitive services market is to be affordable for our customers," said Mike Emmelhainz, Boeing Oklahoma City site leader. "We have worked in Oklahoma City to create a business environment that allows Boeing to be affordable and competitive. Our partnership with Oklahoma and the business climate here are helping us win new business, create quality jobs and sustain our current work across all of our businesses." Boeing employs 945 employees in Oklahoma, 745 of whom are located in Oklahoma City. Boeing noted it will have nearly 1,500 employees in Oklahoma when the B-1 and C-130 transition is complete. Follow IndustryWeek senior editor Josh Cable on Twitter at @JCable_IW .