Spirit AeroSystems opens Kansas, facility

Spirit AeroSystems, Inc. formally opened a 55,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Chanute, Kansas, April 5.

Spirit AeroSystems is the world’s largest non-OEM designer and manufacturer of aerostructures for commercial aircraft.

The ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony was hosted by Spirit President and CEO Jeff Turner. Other special guests included Kansas Governor Sam Brownback, Kansas Secretary of Commerce Pat George, U.S. Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins, Chanute Mayor Jim Chappell, Chanute City Manager J.D. Lester, Spirit Chanute employees and their families and numerous community partners from the region and state.

Employees at the facility, who officially began work March 2, will perform small aircraft sub-assembly bench work for Spirit work packages.

“The opening of this facility in Chanute fits well with our company’s strategy to increase our capacity in a cost effective manner and improve our ability to compete in this challenging global economy,” said Turner. “We’re positioning ourselves to take advantage of the upswing in commercial aviation, and we can only do that with the right people and capabilities in place.”

Employees are recruited and trained through a partnership between Spirit, KANSASWORKS and Neosho County Community College.

“This facility represents a great accomplishment for Spirit AeroSystems, Chanute, and Kansas,” said Brownback. “It brings to bear some of the best assets that Kansas has to offer – excellent infrastructure, an experienced workforce, and exemplary training opportunities through Neosho Community College. I want to congratulate Spirit on this expansion.”

“This is a special day as we cut the ribbon in front of this facility,” said John Pilla, Spirit senior vice president/general manager, propulsion business unit. “Spirit is experiencing unprecedented demand for our products, and our company has found an innovative way to meet those needs through this facility – we’re proud to be doing business in Chanute.”