It was my privilege to represent the Mobile County Commission at the 2015 International Paris Air Show last week. As the $600 million Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility in Mobile nears completion, our region's aerospace cluster, well-positioned on the "I-10 Aerospace Corridor" is rapidly expanding!

In just the last 10 days, several high-profile announcements have been made regarding Airbus suppliers' plans for locating or expanding operations in Mobile. Hutchinson Aerospace, a Paris-headquartered tier-one Airbus supplier, producing vibration and acoustic insulation systems, announced plans to open a $2 million Aerospace Manufacturing Center of Excellence at the Mobile Aeroplex. Messier-Bugotti-Dowty USA, an Airbus supplier of landing gear systems, announced its intention to also locate operations at the Aeroplex. Mobile-headquartered Star Aviation, providing post-delivery aircraft modifications and services, announced plans for a $2 million expansion, and MAAS Aviation announced plans to build a $39 million twin-bay paint facility at the Airbus facility site.

While in Paris, Team Mobile had the opportunity to visit with the corporate officers of VT Mobile Aerospace Engineering, a leading provider of aircraft maintenance and modifications, to thank them for their corporate citizenship and for providing more than 1,000 jobs in our community. Team Mobile also visited the corporate offices of Arkema Chemicals to discuss with corporate executives the company's plans for a $60 million expansion at its Axis, AL site. It was a very fast-paced, busy trip and very productive in terms of relationship-building with our corporate partners and promoting growth in our aerospace sector. Many thanks to our Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce for the great job in planning and coordinating a very successful trip!

Warmest Regards,

Connie  

Team Mobile Visits Arkema Chemicals