Spirit AeroSystems opens facility in Chanute, Kansas

CHANUTE, Kan., 9 April 2012. Spirit AeroSystems Inc. (NYSE:SPR), a non-OEM designer and manufacturer of aerostructures for commercial aircraft, has formally opened a 55,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Chanute, Kan. Employees at the new facility 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," says Spirit President and CEO Jeff 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."

The Chanute site was established to help address capacity needs driven by previously-announced rate increases for many of Spirit's core programs. In September 2011, an existing facility in Chanute was chosen in collaboration with the Kansas Department of Commerce, the City of Chanute, and other community partners based on a number of priorities, including infrastructure requirements, an available workforce, and major highway access. Employees are recruited and trained through a partnership between Spirit, KANSASWORKS, and Neosho County Community College.