Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2007
Gov. Minner Announces Dassault Falcon Expansion in Delaware
Plan Will Bring 100 New Jobs to Delaware
New Castle – Governor Ruth Ann Minner and Dassault Aircraft Services President Jack Young announced today a multi-year expansion plan at Dassault Falcon’s facility at the New Castle Airport that will result in 100 additional jobs and allow for aircraft completions at the facility. The Delaware Economic Development Office, New Castle County and the Delaware River and Bay Authority worked together to secure the expansion.
“This expansion is a direct result of our 2006 business development mission to Europe, and I am especially pleased that Dassault Falcon recognized the benefits of expanding here in Delaware,” Gov. Minner said. “It is my goal to ensure that Delaware remains a leading choice for the location and expansion of business, and this expansion will certainly bring additional strength to our state’s manufacturing operations.”
The plan includes the acquisition of a 22,000-square-foot hanger for customized aircraft completions, which have not previously been a part of the facility’s operations. About 12 Falcons will be completed at the New Castle Airport starting in 2008. The expansion will create an additional 100 jobs within the next 12 to 18 months, including more than 70 employees dedicated to the completion work and the remaining positions dedicated to maintenance and technical personnel. The impact of the expansion on Delaware’s Gross Domestic Product is expected to be an estimated $12 million.
“Dassault Falcon Jet’s decision to add about 100 new employees to their operations at the New Castle Airport is great news. Our labor market is strong and the decision by Dassault Falcon to grow their business locally will only make it stronger,” said County Executive Chris Coons. “Our thanks go to Governor Minner for her leadership and work with company leaders to encourage them to expand their operations here in Delaware.”
According to James T. Johnson, Jr., Executive Director of the Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA), the New Castle Airport is ideally positioned to be a growth catalyst for the area. “We believe that Dassault’s decision to expand its operations here illustrates the airport’s appeal to the aviation community,” Johnson said. “With its location and airport characteristics, the sky’s the limit at the New Castle Airport.”
Johnson also credited the close working relationship between the state of Delaware and DRBA during the discussions with Dassault Falcon Jet representatives. “The Authority’s staff, led by our Deputy Executive Director Don Rainear, worked tirelessly with Judy McKinney-Cherry and her team at the Delaware Economic Development Office and New Castle County officials to help influence Dassault’s decision to expand at the New Castle Airport,” Johnson said.
In April 2006, Governor Minner and DEDO officials met with Dassault Falcon Jet executives during a business development mission to Europe to increase the state’s international business opportunities.
“We knew the trip to Europe was successful,” said Judy-McKinney-Cherry, director of DEDO. “It’s even better now to be able to celebrate the results of that visit.”
Dassault Falcon Jet has also enjoyed benefits from DEDO’s Workforce Development Program since 2003, receiving training funds totaling approximately $162,000. Dassault Aircraft Services currently offers engineering, maintenance, refurbishment, structural repairs, and flight support services at the New Castle Airport.
“With Dassault facilities worldwide as busy as ever to meet the historic demand for Falcons,” Dassault President Jack Young said. “We needed a facility that could handle the demands of our completion overflow with a dedicated workforce, an exacting eye to detail and a commitment to the customer.”
The aviation industry in Delaware has a total economic impact of $154.7 million and employs more than 6,500 workers.
