April 11, 2005
The competition to select a U.S. assembly site for the KC-330 advanced tanker has attracted a full lineup of candidates – with 32 states submitting approximately 70 locations for consideration by EADS North America.
Responding to a March 30 deadline for the submittal of information, the states provided initial details on a full of range of site options from coast-to-coast in the continental U.S. This information is now being evaluated in a process that will lead to a short list of locations for the competition’s final phase.
“We are extremely pleased by the number of states that responded, and the diversity of locations proposed for the KC-330’s industrial facility,” said EADS North America Chairman Ralph J. Crosby. “We remain on track for a selection of the location before the end of 2005.”
EADS North America is offering the KC-330 tanker for the recapitalization of the U.S. Air Force’s aging aerial refueling fleet. The KC-330 is world's most modern and capable in-flight refueling system, and it is being offered to the Air Force as an American solution, developed with a highly capable U.S. industrial team.
Once selected, the winning site’s initial activity will be as a new Airbus Aircraft Engineering Center in the U.S., which will begin operation in early 2006. This facility will employ approximately 150 engineers, and is to support continuing engineering work on commercial Airbus models and military derivative aircraft - including the A330, A340 and A350 commercial jetliners, as well as the KC-330 tanker.
An Air Force selection of the KC-330 for its tanker requirements would lead to the establishment of a Military Modification Assembly Line (MMAL) at the site, where A330 aircraft will be brought for modification and the outfitting of mission equipment. Employment could grow by an estimated 500 workers, which would include structures and systems assemblers, engineers, technicians, quality personnel and managerial staff.
Depending upon the size of the Air Force acquisition, the site could be further expanded to include a Final Assembly Facility (FAL), where KC-330 build-up would be performed. This additional activity could bring the industrial center's total investment to more than $600 million, raising employment to as many as 1,100 workers.
The KC-330 industrial facility site selection process is being managed by The Staubach Company – a Dallas, Texas-based firm with significant experience in facilities selection, real estate, and project management.
