Airbus, a subsidiary of the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co., announced its plans this morning to build a $600 million aircraft assembly plant at the Brookley Aeroplex in Mobile.

 

The plant at Brookley will assemble the industry leading family of A319, A320 and A321 aircraft. The facility will employ 1,000 full-time workers at full capacity.

 

Construction of the assembly line will begin in the summer of 2013 and create an estimated 2,500 jobs over a two-year period to build the plant. Aircraft assembly is planned to start in 2015, with first deliveries from the Mobile facility beginning in 2016. Airbus anticipates the facility will produce between 40 and 50 aircraft per year by 2018.

 

According to the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, the project has two phases - a final assembly line where aircraft parts from around the world will be delivered to the Brookley Aeroplex site for assembly, and a delivery center - similar to a showroom - where assembled planes will be delivered to its new owners.

 

According to Troy Wayman, vice president of economic development for the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, in order to meet the company's aggressive plan, there are a number of suppliers who will need to locate within close proximity to the facility.

 

Jim Searcy, Executive Director of Coastal Gateway Regional Economic Development Alliance, observed that this is a remarkable day for the City of Mobile, the Coastal Gateway Region, and the State of Alabama. "The supplier network for the Airbus facility will be extensive and the 5 counties that comprise the Coastal Gateway Region are well positioned to compete for these projects. This is a transformative project for our region and the success of this project will validate southwest Alabama as a location for the aerospace industry."

 

Airbus stressed that the assembly line, which will create jobs and strengthen the aerospace industry, is part of its strategy to enhance Airbus' global competitiveness by meeting the growing needs of its customers in the United States and elsewhere.

 

"The time is right for Airbus to expand in America," said Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President & CEO, at the announcement today in Mobile. "The U.S. is the largest single-aisle aircraft market in the world - with a projected need for 4,600 aircraft over the next 20 years - and this assembly line brings us closer to our customers. Mobile is now becoming part of Airbus' global production network, joining our successful and growing assembly lines in Hamburg, Toulouse and Tianjin.

 

"When Airbus aircraft take to the skies, our pride and workmanship will soar along with them," Alabama Governor Robert Bentley said.  "We owe thanks to so many people who helped make this effort a success.  This project will create 1,000 stable, well-paying jobs that the people of this area need and deserve.  Alabama has the best workforce you'll find anywhere in the U.S.  Airbus has recognized all that this state can offer expanding industries, and the company is making a significant new investment in Alabama.  Airbus and its parent company, EADS, have been great citizens of Alabama for years now, and we are excited to build on our wonderful relationship."

 

Airbus already has a strong and growing presence in Alabama and throughout the United States.  In Alabama, the company operates an Engineering Center in Mobile - also located at Brookley Aeroplex and employing more than 200 engineers and support staff - as well as an Airbus Military customer services operation supporting U.S. Coast Guard aircraft.