4/12/2013 Group Watch: Airbus Breaks Ground
On Monday, Alabama welcomed the groundbreaking of a $600 million assembly plant to be constructed for European jet manufacturer Airbus in the port city of Mobile. When construction of the plant is complete, the new factory will employ more than 1,000 people as the company works to fill orders on the Airbus A320. Production of the plane is set for 2015. The ceremony comes just a week after state lawmakers approved a key part of the incentives package for Airbus, limiting the liability on Airbus and its suppliers as they set up in the state. The plant did not come to Alabama overnight. Airbus’ parent company EADS wanted to build refueling tankers for the U. S. Department of Defense in Mobile. It initially won the contract but later lost it after rival Boeing contested the process and ultimately won the contract. Mobile leaders expressed their excitement and enthusiasm over Airbus’ decision to make the port city its home.
