Bombardier formally announced expansion plans for its Wichita facilities Tuesday, saying it will add about 450 jobs as it ramps up for production of the Learjet 85. At a news conference, Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback said he said the state was providing $16 million in incentives toward the expansion, which will start with a $52.7 million for paint, preflight and delivery facilities. The city and county governments in Wichita are chipping in $1 million each. That’s in addition to the $600 million the company has already sunk into development and infrastructure for the Learjet 85.
In the future, Bombardier says it will add engineering, flight test and information technology facilities. “We want to build lots of airplanes here,” said Steve Ridolfi, president of Bombardier Business Aircraft. “Bombardier as a company is very, very happy here.” The Learjet 85 is Bombardier’s first composite design and was announced in 2007. First deliveries are expected in 2013.
