Study finds 9,000 jobs tied to giant in aerospace business
02/14/04
An economic study by the University of Alabama shows Boeing pumps more money into the state than any other aerospace company.
The Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Alabama conducted the economic impact study on behalf of Boeing. Among major findings, the study shows Boeing operations in Alabama put nearly $1.2 billion into the state's economy. More than 9,000 jobs are tied to Boeing across Alabama, and the aerospace giant creates 6,400 jobs in North Alabama, according to study numbers.
In Huntsville, Boeing builds parts for the Army's latest Patriot missiles, the Patriot Advanced Capability-3, and the International Space Station. In Decatur, the aerospace giant builds Delta rockets. The Delta rocket program is also important for military satellite work. Delta rockets are used to put weather, communications and spy satellites in orbit.
Boeing also builds the Avenger air defense system, and the Arrow antimissile system, which is a Patriot-type missile that intercepts other missiles, for Israel.
"Boeing's presence in space, missiles and with the Army and Huntsville are inseparable," said U.S. Rep. Bud Cramer, D-Huntsville. "There's no way to separate the two."
Cramer said Boeing's work in North Alabama bolstered jobs in an indirect manner. "For every 100 Boeing jobs, there are 185 other jobs" created in the community because of the Boeing payroll, he said. "That's an impressive economic domino affect."
Cramer made his comments Friday just before a Boeing-sponsored luncheon to inform local leaders about the study findings.
Company officials discussed Boeing's role in the community and the importance Alabama plays in producing Boeing goods.
"Boeing is not only the oldest, but the largest aerospace company in Alabama," said Peri Widener, Boeing's senior executive in Huntsville. "We are committed to the continued success of our customers, to the economic health of the state and contributing to the overall quality of life in the communities where we live and work."
With a major round of the Base Realignment and Closure Commission coming up in 2005, Cramer said the ties between Alabama and Boeing bolsters the area when it comes to the possibility of base closure.
"The BRAC process is coming up and it could be a real challenge," Cramer said. "The defense work Boeing does is invaluable for the Department of Defense."