Spirit AeroSystems, one of the world's largest independent suppliers of commercial airplane parts, says it plans to expand its operations at N.C. Global TransPark, investing an additional $55.7 million over the next five years. Governor Cooper welcomed the decision Thursday, describing it as a major step forward for eastern North Carolina and the state's aerospace industry.
"We are excited to see Spirit AeroSystems strengthen its investment in North Carolina with this major expansion," Governor Cooper said. "This sends a clear signal that eastern North Carolina can compete for business and is ready for new opportunities that bring jobs to this region."
Allen Thomas, executive director of the 2,500-acre Global TransPark, also welcomed Spirit AeroSystems' decision.
"This expansion further reinforces North Carolina's position as one of the top four states in aerospace manufacturing in the nation and sends a message to the high quality of skilled labor in eastern North Carolina," he said.
Wichita-based Spirit already has operations at multiple Global TransPark facilities, including a 500,000-square-foot manufacturing plant. It also runs a 33,000-square-foot training center to serve the growing aerospace industry in eastern North Carolina.
Since opening its facilities at Global TransPark in 2010, Spirit AeroSystems has invested more than $206 million in the region. The North Carolina operation employs approximately 850 people from 22 surrounding counties.
"As we further invest in our site to meet the needs of our customer, we will be creating opportunities to support job growth and positively contribute to the regional economy," said Terry George, Spirit AeroSystems North Carolina's vice president and general manager. "This projected future capital investment will improve our capacity to deliver world-class aerostructures."
About N.C. Global TransPark
A division of the N.C. Department of Transportation, N.C. Global TransPark is one of the most innovative and forward-thinking multimodal developments in the world. The business park – with approximately 1,350 employees – supports the manufacturing and logistics needs of the aviation, aerospace, defense, emergency response and advanced materials industries.
Global TransPark features a centerpiece 11,500-foot runway, on-site rail connections, shovel-ready development sites, available facilities and an onsite Foreign Trade Zone.
Its strategic location to interstate and connector highways provides easy access to military installations, colleges and universities, metropolitan areas and North Carolina's ports in Morehead City and Wilmington.