MASCOUTAH, Ill., Aug. 19 (UPI) -- The Boeing Co. announced Thursday it is developing a manufacturing facility in Mascoutah, bringing about 75 jobs to the southern Illinois town near St. Louis.
The aircraft manufacturer said it is leasing 50,000 square feet of space at MidAmerica Airport and has tentatively plans for new assembly and sub-assembly operation to open late this year or early 2011.
Dennis Muilenburg, president and chief executive officer of Boeing Defense, Space & Security in St. Louis, said the "established, skilled work force, and the infrastructure at MidAmerica Airport make it an ideal choice" for the facility as Boeing "looks for opportunities to expand our core business and ensure our St. Louis site remains competitive as we meet the high-value, low-cost needs of our customers."
Muilenburg was flanked by a host of Illinois elected officials, including Gov. Pat Quinn, Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., Rep. Jerry Costello, D-Ill., and Rep. John Shimkus, R-Ill.
"I'm happy to support Boeing's investment in America's workforce and the state of Illinois," Durbin said. "In this economy, every single job counts, and Boeing's facility will bring skilled manufacturing jobs that pay wages capable of supporting families. It's exactly the kind of investment in Illinois we need to spur our nation's economic recovery."
Shimkus called Boeing's first venture into the state "the best news southwestern Illinois has received in some time."
