OLYMPIA, Wash. – Paris will host the world's biggest air show three weeks from now and Gov. Chris Gregoire is headed there in an effort to bring more aerospace business and jobs to Washington state.
Gregoire says she's already in discussions with some 20 aerospace companies to try getting them to come to Washington or expand and add to existing facilities and hire more people.
"This is the place to come to buy every component part, everything that you will need as you produce an airplane. Where will you ever go other than Washington state to find that?" Gregoire asks.
Washington state will host a pavilion at the air show, with Gregorie leading a delegation of about 50 that include state government and private industry. The Machinists' union is sending a delegation to promote the skill set of Washington workers. And, Boeing is sending its own delegation.
Washington state is already a big supplier for Airbus. Electroimpact of Mukilteo builds custom gigantic airplane construction tools for the European plane maker, as well as Boeing. In a global economy where Boeing has suppliers around the world, Washington state wants the world to come here for parts and services. The state already lists 650 aerospace suppliers.
In Paris, the Governor will meet with Comac, a Chinese company building new jets for their market. Russian airplane builders are becoming more active and both countries rely on high-tech parts built in the U.S.
But at home, she also knows the state needs to hang on to Boeing's next new airplane as the company decides where to build the likely replacement for the 737 in the next few years. It's a jet that could be delivered in 2019 or 2020.
"Whenever Boeing announces whatever they're going to do with the 737, we intend to be the first in line, ready to go, ready to complete," said Gregoire.
A state team is being assembled to go after that business as cities from Bremerton to Moses Lake to Renton all position themselves to become the airplane's home.
"We're ready to go. We've got some people ready to lead the effort and people to co-chair it, business and labor," said Gregoire.
To add a comment, please register or login.