Airbus planning to build first US factory in Alabama [sources]

FOX News ^ | June 28, 2012 | AP - Associated Press

[wolf78]

European plane maker Airbus intends to build its first U.S. plant in Mobile, Ala., a person with knowledge of the plans told The Associated Press on Wednesday.

Airbus will assemble its A320 jet there, according to the person, who requested anonymity because a public announcement has not been made. The A320 is a widely used plane flown by U.S. airlines including Delta and US Airways.

An Alabama plant would enable Airbus to produce planes squarely in the territory of archrival Boeing Co. It would likely mean lower production costs compared with Airbus' European A320 production lines in Toulouse, France, and Hamburg, Germany. The company also makes A320s in China.

The plan was reported earlier Wednesday by The New York Times, citing anonymous sources who said that an announcement could come as soon as Monday.

Airbus has said it wants to expand, and that it favors a site in the Southern U.S.

[wolf78]

Original report by the New York Times at: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/28/business/global/airbus-said-to-plan-first-us-plant.html

[djf]

I think Alabama should tell Airbus to take an FN leap.

But they won’t.
They’ll suck up and bend over for the cash.

[iowamark]

It would likely mean lower production costs compared with Airbus' European A320 production lines in Toulouse, France, and Hamburg, Germany.

If they can keep the UAW out.

[Mikey_1962]

The only union plant I know of in lower Alabama is Sikorsky and their labor problems are not that bad but are irritating.

[agere_contra]

Please explain to the thread why Alabama should turn away foreign investment.

Is it somehow unpatriotic to compete with Boeing?

Would you prefer everyone to be on the dole?

[the invisib1e hand]

It’s 21st century sharecropping. Perfect location, really.

[FreedomPoster]

I’m surprised it’s going to Mobile. I guess they must need to be close to a port? I would have guessed Huntsville for a number of reasons.

[1rudeboy]

Perfect location, really.

Yeah, New England wouldn't work at all. /s

[FreedomPoster]

Ping to the above.

[Alas Babylon!]

We're making all kinds of cars here in Alabama:

Hyundai in Montgomery, Mercedes in Tuscaloosa, and Honda near Anniston.

None of them have unions.

.Hyundai Teaches UAW Best Factory Job Doesn’t Need a Union: Cars

We're a very conservative state with a strong work ethic and pro business outlook. FReepers should applaud this; not call us sharecroppers!

If any state still has sharecroppers and plantations, it's with the democratic party in the Northeast and West coasts!

[gov_bean_ counter]

Brookley AFB. Air, Rail, I-10 Interstate.

Location, location, location!!!

[gov_bean_ counter]

... and I-65.

[Dadofmany]

Right on! I work for their competitor, but power to Alabama. This imho is much better than outsourcing.

[wolf78]

I would have guessed Huntsville for a number of reasons.



You mean because of the the history? Yeah, that would have been funny.

I’m surprised it’s going to Mobile. I guess they must need to be close to a port?

Exactly. Ideal shipping routes across the Atlantic plus the existing infrastructure / aerospace industry in Alabama. That's why the Airbus tanker would also have been built there had EADS (Airbus' parent company) won the contract instead of Boeing.

[gov_bean_ counter]

Oh, yeah, and there is that port thingy too...

[panzer_grey]

Congrats to Governor Robert Bentley !!! Great news for the state of Alabama !!!

[Gay State Conservative]

Of all the flying I’ve done I’ve only flown Airbus a couple of times...and one time was intentional.I had the chance to fly the A380 once and I took it.A very nice aircraft,I must say.However,my basic attitude is “if it ain’t Boeing,I ain’t going”.

[ImJustAnotherOkie]

Airbus is crap.

[Palmetto Patriot]

Airbus is crap.

That might be one of the reasons why they are opening a manufacturing plant in Alabama.

[blam]

Large Defense Company Is Already Threatening Massive Layoffs On January 1 Next Year If The Fiscal Cliff Hits