ST. LOUIS – Leaders from Boeing announced today that they are officially moving the headquarters of Boeing Defense, Space & Security to St. Louis.
“It’s important for leaders to be side-by-side with our teammates, listening to their feedback and acting to remove obstacles as we continue to stabilize and strengthen our business,” said Steve Parker, Boeing Defense, Space & Security CEO. “The headquarters move, coupled with our senior leaders being based at and spending their time at major engineering, production and manufacturing centers across the U.S., reflects our continued focus on disciplined performance across our business.”
The move marks a return of Boeing’s Defense headquarters to St. Louis from Arlington, Virginia.
“This is a huge win for St. Louis that solidifies our standing as a national hub for defense technology and aerospace and recognizes our strength as an advanced manufacturing center,” said Ron Kitchens, Managing Partner for Greater St. Louis, Inc.
Boeing’s Impact on the St. Louis Region
Boeing has over 18,000 teammates and indirectly impacts more than 34,000 jobs across the St. Louis region; spends over $750 million at more than 350 local suppliers; and is a leader in philanthropic work, donating $13 million annually to local charities.
Boeing is progressing on a multi-year, multi-billion-dollar investment in the world’s most advanced combat aircraft production facilities, including in St. Louis. The site has a rich history designing and manufacturing some of the world’s most innovative spacecraft and most advanced and innovative tactical aircraft. In the St. Louis region, Boeing oversees:
- Defense aircraft and munitions production and modernization
- Advanced fabrication capabilities
- Services and sustainment support
- Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality and other capability centers
- Phantom Works advanced prototyping and Virtual Warfare Centers
Employees in the St. Louis area also support Boeing Global Services, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, and enterprise functions.
St. Louis: National Center for Aerospace and Defense Technology, Advanced Manufacturing
St. Louis has a long and storied history in aerospace and defense. Today’s announcement continues that legacy and cements St. Louis as one of the country’s true centers for aerospace, defense technology, and advanced manufacturing.
“With the return of the headquarters of Boeing Defense, Space & Security, the recent opening of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s state-of-the-art campus, and Scott Air Force Base, the St. Louis region is home to some of America’s most critical national security assets,” said Kitchens. “The jobs they sustain and the contractors, workforce development programs, and educational opportunities they support are driving economic growth and advancing the mission of creating more and better jobs across the St. Louis region.”
The return of Boeing’s Defense, Space & Security headquarters to St. Louis adds to the region’s existing strengths and key assets in the defense sector, which include:
- The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency opened last year its new $1.75 billion state-of-the-art headquarters north of Downtown St. Louis.
- Scott Air Force Base employs nearly 13,000 people in the region and is home to USTRANSCOM, which oversees the deployment and sustainment of U.S. forces worldwide.
- U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt and Congressman Wesley Bell have led efforts in Congress to establish St. Louis as a hub for “defense tech,” supported by funding for geospatial workforce development.
- Boeing produces the MQ-25 Stingray unmanned air vehicle at Mid-America Airport in Mascoutah, Illinois.
- Boeing is a major supporter of the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Center, currently under construction in North St. Louis City.
Greater St. Louis, Inc. – We Drive Growth
Greater St. Louis, Inc. forges partnerships that empower growth across the 15-county St. Louis region. We convene and collaborate with business, governmental, and civic leaders to empower economic growth and prosperity in communities across the St. Louis metro area. Together, we act with intention to create a thriving and inclusive St. Louis that attracts and retains investment and talent for generations to come and creates more and better jobs for the region. Learn more about how we are driving growth at GreaterSTLinc.com.
Media Contact: Tony Wyche | 314-398-9991 | moc.cniLTSretaerG@ynoT
Photo: © Boeing