Governor Bentley Celebrates 260 New Jobs in Foley

MONTGOMERY—Governor Robert Bentley on Tuesday praised the news that UTC Aerospace Systems is expanding its plant in Foley and adding 260 employees.

“The UTC Aerospace Systems facility in Foley is one of the company’s most innovative and productive operations, and I welcome this significant expansion, which will add new capabilities and expand its Alabama workforce,” Governor Robert Bentley said. “Creating new jobs remains my top priority, especially in the aerospace industry which we identified as strategic in our Accelerate Alabama growth plan. I commend the leaders at UTC Aerospace Systems for their investment in our state and confidence in the Alabama workforce.”

UTC Aerospace Systems is expanding its Foley aerostructures facility with a new 80,000-square-foot space in which they will assemble nacelle components, which are aerodynamic covers of the jet engines, and provide propulsion system integration. The primary mission of the new facility will be to support the Airbus assembly line in Mobile, but will also support other aircraft platforms.

“This expansion is a great opportunity to expand our ability to apply our innovative nacelle technology to one of the world’s most popular airplanes,” Marc Duvall, President of UTC Aerospace Systems’ Aerostructures Business. “We chose Foley to expand because of its proven track record of performance, our desire to be near a key customer, and the tremendous cooperation we’ve had from the state, county and the city.”

“UTC’s expansion project is more evidence that Alabama is primed for aerospace growth as Airbus ramps up production in Mobile,” said Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “By adding new capabilities at its Baldwin County facility, UTC is solidifying its position as a pillar in an expanding aerospace corridor.”

The current UTC facility in Foley employs around 800 people, making it one of the largest aerospace companies operating in the state.