Private jet manufacturer Gulfstream is expanding its completions and outfitting operations at St Louis Downtown Airport in the US. Once complete, the expansion will bring the company’s total footprint at the St Louis hub to 59,705 square metres.
The expansion will also see the modernisation of Gulfstream’s existing spaces with the addition of state-of-the-art equipment and tooling, representing a total capital investment of $28.5 million. The facility will also include greater capacity for exterior aircraft painting, furniture installations and avionics integrations to enable full aircraft completion and customer deliveries directly from St Louis.
“As we continue to experience extraordinary demand, we are implementing strategic investments in our people and places,” said Mark Burns, President, Gulfstream. “St Louis has a deep aviation history, and we are proud to build on that history while enhancing support for our customers. We look forward to offering these expanded capabilities to Gulfstream customers from around the world, so they can experience firsthand the region’s talented workforce and artisans.”
In line with the company’s sustainability strategy, the upgrade will increase efficiency and reduce waste through improved lighting, water and HVAC systems. The expansion will also help build the pipeline in the region with Gulfstream partnering with local educational institutions. What’s more, it will create opportunities for skilled labour in avionics, interior installations, structures and testing, as well as positions in procurement, parts management, customer service and engineering.
Alongside its St Louis facility, completions and customer deliveries are also conducted from Gulfstream’s facilities in Savannah; Appleton, Wisconsin; and Dallas.
Acknowledging Gulfstream’s relationships with local stakeholders, including the state of Illinois, St Clair County, Bi-State Development, the City of Cahokia Heights and the Village of Sauget, Burns added: “These relationships have helped expand our business in Greater St Louis and cultivate workforce development opportunities that allow us to prepare Gulfstream customers and the community for future success.”
