US-based plane manufacturer Boeing has decided to close its 83-year-old defence, space & security (BDS) facility in Wichita, Kansas, US by the end of 2013.
The Wichita facility is home to Boeing’s Global Transport & Executive Systems business and B-52 and 767 International Tanker programmes, as well as supported flight mission planning and integrated logistics.
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BDS Maintenance, Modifications & Upgrades division vice-president and general manager Mark Bass said: "The decision to close our Wichita facility was difficult but ultimately was based on a study of the current and future market environment and the need to remain competitive.
"We recognise how this will affect the lives of the highly skilled men and women who work here, so we will do everything possible to assist our employees, their families and our community through this difficult transition."
Boeing said the Wichita site had inadequate sustainable business on the horizon to establish an affordable cost structure to maintain and win new business.
"In this time of defence budget reductions, as well as shifting customer priorities, Boeing has decided to close its operations in Wichita to reduce costs, increase efficiencies and drive competitiveness," Bass commented, adding: "We will begin programme transitions in the coming months, with the complete closure of the site scheduled for the end of 2013."
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By GlobalDataFollowing the decision, the future aircraft maintenance, modification and support work will take place at Boeing’s San Antonio facility and the engineering work at its Oklahoma City facility.
While work on KC-46 tanker will be performed in Puget Sound, Washington, suppliers from Kansas on the programme will provide vital elements of the aircraft as per the original plan.
The site includes 97 buildings spread across an area of roughly 2 million square feet.
Image: Boeing’s decision to shut down its Wichita plant threatens more than 2,160 jobs. Photo: Boeing
