Latest Manufacturing Contract With McStarlite Company For A350
XWB Components
Airbus announced Tuesday it has
awarded the contract for the manufacturing of high tech inlet
lipskins for the A350 XWB to the California-based McStarlite
Company, a producer of aircraft engine nacelle lipskins. Lipskins,
are the engine nacelle leading edges.
This contract confirms the growing contribution that Airbus is
making to the US aerospace industry, with an increased spending
nationwide that has doubled in the last five years and reached an
investment of around 10 billion dollars last year alone. In
California, Airbus doubled its investment from 2007 to 2008,
reaching a total investment of around $1 billion, most of which is
invested in Southern California.
“Airbus is increasingly working with US-based high-tech
companies like McStarlite,” said Airbus Americas Chairman
Allan McArtor at a ceremony in the City of Los Angeles in the
presence of Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa. “Today hundreds of
American companies in over 40 states and over 180,000 jobs are
supported through Airbus’ partnership with the US. I
wholeheartedly thank the Mayor of Los Angeles for his long-term
vision and his continuous support to the aviation industry.
“Airbus also is extremely thankful for the steadfast
leadership of City leaders who have made it a priority to modernize
LAX to accommodate the newest generation of planes,” McArtor
added.
“Airbus has proven to be a strong business partner with
more than 100 suppliers throughout California. By doubling its
direct economic investment, Airbus’ commitment to the region
is commendable and helps ensure that the aerospace industry remains
a strong economic engine here in Southern California where it
began. Los Angeles is always on the cutting edge of creativity and
innovation, and companies like McStarlite make the city's business
community shine,” stated Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
For McStarlite, this new contract means another significant
milestone in its long standing partnership with Airbus. The company
has a lengthy history of providing precision sheet metal components
on other Airbus aircraft, including the A318, A320, A321, A330 and
A340. In March 2003, McStarlite Company also was selected by Airbus
as their partner for the A380.
“McStarlite Company is proud of its 30 years-plus
experience in the aerospace industry, its reputation as a global
deep draw forming specialist, and its relationship with
Airbus,” said John Allen Basso, Vice President of McStarlite
Company. “This new contract will not only provide us with
additional work for the coming six years, but also will allow us to
stay at the cutting edge of new technology by participating in the
all new A350 XWB, the new generation aircraft.”
More than 100 employees currently work at McStarlite’s
Harbor City, California, plant, and more will be hired in the
future to meet increasing aircraft production needs.