Boeing closing El Paso facility; 300 employees will be affected

Boeing announced Tuesday it is consolidating several facilities and realigning its workforce, a move resulting in the closure of its El Paso facility.

Nearly 300 Boeing employees will be affected by the closure, according to Meghan McCormick with Boeing Defense, Space & Security Communications.

“We expect some employees will have opportunities at other Boeing facilities and all employees will be offered assistance to find other jobs either within or outside Boeing,” McCormick said.

Boeing expects its consolidation plan to be completely implemented by the end of 2020, McCormick said.

“We are surprised by Boeing’s announcement, especially after working with them for two years to help work toward obtaining their FAA certification that would have allowed Boeing to diversify their operations,” El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser said, “As soon as I was notified, my office immediately reached out to Boeing’s local leadership to offer assistance in helping prevent this closure.”

The moves will increase employment in Los Angeles County, St. Louis, and Huntsville, Alabama, Boeing said in a news release posted on its website.

“In order to win more business, we need to make the most of our resources and talent,” said Leanne Caret, President and CEO, Defense, Space & Security. “These steps will help us be a stronger partner for our customers worldwide.”

Boeing expects to reduce its facilities space by approximately 4.5 million square feet by the end of 2020.

With the moves, Los Angeles County gains about 1,600 positions, with St. Louis gaining 500 and Huntsville about 400.

“Making better use of our facilities will enhance efficiency and promote greater collaboration,” Caret said. “This will help drive our global growth in Boeing’s second century.”