Boeing, the prominent aerospace manufacturer in Missouri, is now positioned to take a crucial step in expanding its footprint within St. Louis County, creating about 500 new job opportunities in the region.
The ambitious project, aptly named Project Voyager, is expected to inject a colossal investment of nearly $2 billion into the region, creating the number of impressive high-quality job opportunities. The success of the plan, however, relies on the approval of tax breaks associated with the expansion.
The proposed expansion is set to solidify St. Louis’s position as a key player in the aviation industry, showcasing the region’s talent and pride.
St. Louis County Executive Sam Page expressed optimism, emphasizing the potential for creating promising career pathways and fortifying the county’s prominence in shaping the future of aviation.
“This project will reinforce our dominance as a region that builds the future of aviation, creates pathways to exciting careers, and showcases the pride and talent of St. Louis County,” said Page.
To facilitate the expansion and boost the economic landscape, Boeing would receive a substantial 50% break on real and personal property taxes for a decade if the St. Louis County Council greenlights the proposal.
It is worth noting that this tax incentive solely applies to the expansion and will not affect existing taxes.
Jason Hall, the CEO of Greater St. Louis, Inc., praised Boeing’s commitment to St. Louis and hailed the collaboration among stakeholders as a pivotal factor in securing this milestone.
“The plan announced today by Boeing to invest nearly $2 billion and add 500 high-quality jobs in our community demonstrates their continued commitment to St. Louis and to the future of advanced manufacturing in our metro,” said Jason Hall,
The CEO also noted that extensive efforts over the past year have resulted in this significant announcement, emphasizing the collective voice of the metro in fostering growth within the advanced manufacturing sector.
The company adds in the statement that its collaborating partners include Boeing, St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Louis Lambert International Airport, Missouri Department of Economic Development, St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, St. Louis Development Corporation, Ameren, and Greater St. Louis Inc.
Michael Shea, manager of Pantera’s Pizza in Hazelwood, expressed enthusiasm for the prospect of Boeing’s expansion, as it promises to bring in new customers and increase business, resulting in higher income for his employees.
“The more business I get, the more income I put into my employees’ pockets,” Shea said.
Boeing’s statement:
Boeing and St. Louis Lambert International Airport are regularly engaged in discussions related to the potential expansion of Boeing’s existing operations at Lambert Airport. Those existing operations currently include production and flight test activities across a range of defense-related programs and potential future defense programs.
“Boeing is engaged in additional discussions with Lambert Airport about leasing additional property to expand Boeing’s manufacturing potential for future franchise programs. We appreciate the partnership with the airport, the officials of St. Louis City, and the other organizations collaborating on this effort.
[About Boeing: Boeing, founded on July 15, 1916, in Seattle, Washington, by William Boeing, today operates in more than 150 countries, specializing in the development and manufacturing of commercial airplanes, defense products, and space systems. Its St. Louis operations primarily focus on defense products such as fighter jets, trainer planes, and drones, with additional munitions production in St. Charles to expand capacity. Source: Click here]
