Northrop Grumman, EADS and the KC-30 supply base contributes $2 billion to Mississippi's economy annually
A KC-30 win will generate economic growth of $12 million annually
Northrop Grumman and teammate EADS currently employ 11,000 Mississippians
MELBOURNE, Fla., Aug. 15, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE:NOC) KC-30 Tanker program will contribute nearly $12 million annually to Mississippi's economy if the KC-30 Tanker aircraft is selected by the U.S. Air Force.
Northrop Grumman and principal KC-30 teammate EADS currently employ 11,000 Mississippians, support more than 34,000 jobs statewide and bring a combined economic impact of $2 billion annually to Mississippi. Northrop Grumman injects an employee payroll of $574 million into the state's economy each year.
"Mississippians will certainly benefit if this very capable tanker aircraft is selected by the Air Force," said Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour. "Attracting more high-tech, higher-paying aerospace jobs to our state is a significant part of our economic development efforts. This project not only serves a major national defense objective, but would also benefit Mississippi's workforce, our communities and the entire Gulf Coast region."
Northrop Grumman's current KC-30 supply base in Mississippi employs 520 employees and will provide aircraft components for the KC-30 Tanker.
"The economic impact of a KC-30 win will be widespread," said Blake Wilson, president of the Mississippi Economic Council. "Expanding the aerospace industry in our state directly and indirectly benefits our businesses and our citizens, and truly is a win for Mississippians."
The KC-30 Tanker aircraft will be assembled in Mobile, Ala., and the KC-30 team will employ 25,000 American workers at 230 U.S. companies. It will be built by a world-class industrial team led by Northrop Grumman, and includes EADS North America, General Electric Aviation and Sargent Fletcher.
About the KC-30: Northrop Grumman's KC-30 Tanker carries 45,000 more pounds of fuel than a KC-135 or any competitor, providing a significant boost to the U.S. Air Force's global reach. The KC-30 is also designed to refuel Navy and coalition aircraft, and to serve as a multi-role transport aircraft to move passengers, cargo and medical evacuation patients. The KC-30 incorporates defense systems, precision fly-by-wire technology, and the ability to integrate a communications suite and a global support network.
Northrop Grumman Corporation is a $30 billion global defense and technology company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in information and services, electronics, aerospace and shipbuilding to government and commercial customers worldwide.