Praises Rolls-Royce for Creating New Jobs in America and 'Investing in the Future' During Media Event

Among the aero-industry's various pundits and editorial staffers, there is little disagreement that the current Administration has not exactly been kind to the aviation and aerospace communities. So... it comes, again, as a bit of a surprise to see this same Administration trying to use one of the companies that has survived this economy, and the less supportive efforts of this Administration, as a political tool. Last Friday, President Barack Obama praised Rolls-Royce for 'investing in its American workforce and creating 240 new, advanced-manufacturing jobs in Virginia and Indiana.' The President delivered his remarks at the Rolls-Royce Crosspointe facility in Virginia, in front of hundreds of Rolls-Royce workers, students and members of the local community.

“These are advanced manufacturing jobs which require high skill levels and really contribute to the economic vitality of a community. Rolls-Royce is choosing to invest in America. You are creating jobs here, manufacturing components for jet engines, for planes that we're going to send all around the world. That's the kind of business cycle we want to see, not buying stuff that's made someplace else and racking up debt, but by inventing things and building things and selling them all around the world stamped with three proud words: 'Made in America,'" said President Obama.

The President failed to mention the negative impact his Administration has had in casting negative commentary and attention to the general and business aviation communities, as well as the Administration's current plans to add and extensive series of news fees and costs to those attempting to work in aviation and aerospace.

Still, Rolls-Royce put as much of a positive face on the matter by pointing to what has kept RR alive in such difficult times. James M. Guyette, Rolls-Royce North America Chairman, President & CEO called the workers here at their facility, "the heroes."

"They have created a culture of leadership, of learning and of high performance. It is this culture that has allowed us to be successful. The message of Crosspointe is that America can compete,” Guyette explained.

Crosspointe is a hub of advanced manufacturing and innovation that demonstrates that collaboration can spur American jobs and competitiveness. Today, workers at Crosspointe are making precision-engineered engine discs for some of the most sophisticated aircraft in the world, including the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, and the Airbus A320 and A380. Rolls-Royce already has created 150 new high-tech manufacturing jobs at Crosspointe, with up to 140 additional jobs to come at a new Advanced Blade Machining Facility. The global company has invested $170 million at Crosspointe. Rolls-Royce employs more than 7,700 people across the United States.

FMI: www.rolls-royce.com