Spirit enters with glitz, promises
DAVID BRACKEN - Staff Writer
News & Observer - Raleigh, NC
Photo: John Rottet
June 2, 2010
KINSTON In the history of North Carolina plant openings, the Spirit AeroSystems event here Thursday surely ranks as one of the more elaborate.
Flashing lights, pulsating music, touch-screen video technology - all were used to hail the arrival of the Global TransPark's first major tenant.
Top executives from Spirit and its partner Airbus were in attendance, as was Gov. Bev Perdue and other local and state officials.
Perdue said Spirit's decision to come to the TransPark validates lawmakers' decision to build the park nearly two decades ago. The TransPark has received nearly $250 million in state, federal and local money since 1991.
"I believe Kinston and the Global TransPark will become synonymous with aerospace around the globe," she said.
Spirit and Airbus officials graciously thanked the state and local groups that helped lure Spirit to Kinston.
Spirit could receive incentives that exceed $180 million if it meets job and investment requirements.
The incentives included a $100 million grant from the Golden LEAF Foundation to offset the cost of building the company's 500,000-square-foot plant.
The cavernous facility was largely empty Thursday. Spirit plans to add additional equipment as the company ramps up production.
The plant will make fuselage components for the Airbus A350 wide body plane, a new model that won't be delivered to customers until 2013.
Airbus CEO Tom Enders said the company has received more than 500 orders for the plane.
Enders used the Spirit event as an opportunity to reject criticism that Airbus receives European subsidies that ultimately take away jobs from U.S. aerospace companies.
"We're here to stay and we will further expand our presence," he said.
At the end of the event, Enders and Spirit CEO Jeff Turner simultaneously touched a button on the video screen.
With music playing and strobe lights circling, attendees watched as a black curtain opened to reveal an automated fiber placement machine, which is used to shape the massive carbon fiber components.
Spirit has promised to create 1,000 jobs over the next six years and at least 200 by the end of the year.
Many of the 70 people Spirit has already hired were in attendance, wearing light blue T-shirts with A350 XWB on the back.
Charles Kellum III of Kinston was among the first nine people hired by Spirit.
Kellum, 55, quit his maintenance job at Electrolux eight months ago because the late-night hours were keeping him away from his family.
After taking Spirit's three-month training course, Kellum was offered a job in May.
"I feel very lucky to be here," he said. "They had, like, 5,000 applications."
|
