Bombardier Expanding Wichita Learjet Site

Stephen Pope

Thursday, January 12, 2012 at 09:54 PM ET

Verified

Workers hear the good news that the Learjet
85 will be assembled in Wichita. (Photo
courtesy of IAMAW)

Key Takeaways:

Learjet announced a significant expansion of its Wichita production site, creating 450 new jobs over the next 7-10 years.
The expansion includes new facilities like a Flight Test Center, paint and production centers, a delivery center, and an Engineering and IT Center of Excellence.
The state of Kansas is providing $16 million in financial support for the expansion, which complements Bombardier's $600 million investment, as Boeing plans to exit Wichita.

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As Boeing moves ahead with plans to leave Wichita, Learjet revealed it will expand its footprint there. Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback and ** Bombardier** Business Aircraft President Steve Ridolfi on Tuesday announced an expansion of the company’s Learjet production site, saying the growth will create 450 new jobs over the next seven to 10 years.

Brownback and Ridolfi said the expansion would include a new Flight Test Center as well as facilities for paint and production and a delivery center. The growth also will include establishment of a Bombardier Center of Excellence of Engineering and Information Technology at the site.