Hawker Beechcraft will remain in Wichita for the next decade having secured a $40 million incentive package from the state of Kansas to remain in the world's leading business and general aerospace manufacturing hub where it has been a resident since 1932.
The announcement puts an end to weeks of speculation surrounding the future location of Hawker Beechcraft's headquarters. The company was also approached by the state of Louisiana with a multi-million dollar inducement to relocate.
The Kansas incentive package requires Hawker Beechcraft to maintain its current product lines in Wichita and retain at least 4,000 jobs over the next 10 years.
"Today's announcement marks a key point in the future of Hawker Beechcraft," says the company's chairman Bill Boisture. "With the acceptance of this agreement, we are committing to be successful as a Wichita, Kansas, and US-based private company and preserving a valued American industry in tomorrow's aviation markets."
Kansas governor Mark Parkinson says: "As the general aviation industry continues to recover from the economic recession, this agreement is a great victory for our state as it stabilises Hawker Beechcraft's long-term presence in Wichita and provides some security to thousands of employees in uncertain times."
The $40 million incentive package includes $10 million over three years for tuition reimbursement and training as part of the State of Kansas Investments in Lifelong Learning programme.
"With the strong level of commitment to our people and their skills enhancement, we intend to have the best trained work force in the industry to power the development, manufacturing and projection of our diversified product line of business turbine aircraft, trainers and special mission offerings to emerging global markets from here in Kansas," says Boisture.
Source: Flight International
