Spirit Aerosystems has announced it will expand its operations by investing more than $80 million into the Tulsa economy.
The company also plans to hire about 250 employees, it said in a press release on Wednesday. The first phase of the expansion will begin in 2019 and full production is expected by the end of 2021.
The new Tulsa jobs will support increases in 737 production rates by freeing up required space in Spirit's Wichita factory site, according to the company.
"The work expansion in Tulsa is part of a larger effort to maximize operational efficiencies across Spirit's sites," the release says. "As the production rates increase, the Wichita site will continue to hire additional workers to meet the increasing demand."
Spirit Aerospace says the expansion is possible because of a collaboration between Spirit, the UAW and Oklahoma state and local officials.
"The Spirit team in Tulsa has made great strides improving the site's efficiency and demonstrating the capability to bring in additional work," Spirit AeroSystems President and CEO Tom Gentile in a statement. "The Tulsa site has a critical role in helping Spirit meet rising airplane production rates and pursue growth opportunities."
Additional investment in equipment, tooling and facilities upgrades are planned through 2022.
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.
Download our free app for Apple and Android and Kindle devices.
Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. Select from these options: Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines and Daily Forecasts.
