Boeing to consolidate defense and space sites

ST. LOUIS, Nov. 16 (UPI) -- Boeing is preparing to consolidate Defense, Space & Security facilities to streamline operations.

Under the new plan, the aerospace giant will reduce its facilities space by approximately 4.5 million square feet. Boeing will close its El Paso, Texas, and Newington, Va., sites. In California, many jobs from Huntington Beach will move to El Segundo, Long Beach, and Seal Beach, while others will move to St. Louis and Huntsville, Ala.

"In order to push ourselves farther and win more business, we need to make the most of our resources and talent," Boeing space and security chief Leanne Caret said in a press release. "These steps will help us be a stronger partner for our customers worldwide."

The changes also affect operations overseas, with defense subsidiaries in Australia, the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia being aligned in a new global operations group led by David Pitchforth.

"Making better use of our facilities will enhance efficiency and promote greater collaboration," Caret added. "This will help drive our global growth in Boeing's second century."

Boeing expects the consolidation efforts to be complete by the end of 2020.