Boeing announced yesterday that it is set to open a new manufacturing facility at MidAmerica Airport in Mascoutah, IL. The new facility is expected to open in early 2011 and will be responsible for assembly and subassembly work. The facility will be considered part of Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) St. Louis operating area. BDS is headquartered in St. Louis.
In order to get the new facility, Illinois will be providing a $2.3 million ‘business investment package,’ along with a $7 million investment from Boeing itself. The state’s investment will support Phase I of a potential three-phase project by Boeing to expand its Defense, Space and Security Group operations and create a Strategic Manufacturing Center at MidAmerica Airport. The package includes job creation based tax credits and job training funds. The facility will be leased in an existing building at the airport.
The state hopes that the addition of the facility will add a boost to the local economy and statewide manufacturing sector. “Our top priority is to get people back to work and continue our economic recovery,” said Governor Quinn. “This investment is bringing dozens of good-paying, sustainable jobs to the region, boosting Illinois’ manufacturing industry and helping MidAmerica Airport reach its full potential. I want to thank Boeing for continuing to invest in the people of Illinois.”
