MOBILE, Ala. — Yet another aerospace company announced at the Paris Air Show Wednesday that they will be locating in the Yellowhammer State.
Messier-Bugatti-Dowty, a Safran company and major provider of aircraft landing and braking systems, will open an office and workshop at the Mobile Aeroplex—the industrial complex that’s the U.S. home of Airbus.
“This decision reflects our commitment to support customers locally and expand our relationship with Airbus,” said CEO of Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Vincent Mascré. “We look forward to being in Alabama and joining the Mobile aerospace community.”
According to the Mobile Airport Authority, the Safran building will open at the Mobile Aeroplex in the next few years to contribute to the Airbus A320 single-aisle passenger jet program.
“We are very excited about our evolving partnership with Messier-Bugatti-Dowty,” said Mobile Airport Authority CEO Roger Wehner. “From design to renovation/construction, we have laid the groundwork for a collaborative partnership and we believe that having a world class partner with this capability set in particular will be a win for all parties for many years to come.”
According to the Alabama Department of Commerce, the Aeroplex is the location of the new, $600 million Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility, which will begin assembling its first Alabama-made passenger jet in coming weeks. The Aeroplex also has substantial maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services.
“We are pleased and excited to welcome Messier-Bugatti-Dowty to Mobile,” said Port City Mayor Sandy Stimpson. “Our skilled workforce and strategic location are incredible assets for companies looking to grow in the aerospace industry, and we are grateful to Messier-Bugatti-Dowty for making this investment at the Brookley Aeroplex. Mobile is open for business, and I have never been more excited about the future of our city.”
This is the third major announcement of an aerospace company choosing Alabama in the three days of the Paris Air Show thus far.
On Monday airplane parts company Hutchinson Corporation revealed to the public its intention to build an Aerospace Manufacturing Center of Excellence (COE) in Mobile.
Also on Monday, Alabama Governor Robert Bentley (R) announced the state launched a set of preliminary studies to determine the state’s ability to land Sierra Nevada Corporation’s (SNC) Dream Chaser reusable spacecraft at Huntsville International Airport.
The Dream Chaser is a reusable spacecraft, similar to a miniature space shuttle, that is launched on a rocket but can land at commercial airports upon its return to Earth.
The Paris Air Show continues through the end of the week. A delegation from the Alabama Department of Commerce, including Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield, municipal leaders from across the state, and representatives from Alabama’s existing aerospace businesses.
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— Elizabeth BeShears (@LizEBeesh) January 21, 2015
