Cessna Aircraft Company will build the Citation Columbus plant in Kansas, creating an estimated 1,010 jobs with an annual payroll of $74 million. Research shows that each aviation job creates an additional 2.9 jobs, which means a total of nearly 4,000 new jobs in Kansas as a result of the new plant.
Cessna had indicated that its preference was to locate in Kansas, especially because of Wichita’s skilled work force, the National Institute for Aviation Research, and the new technical training school at Jabara Airport.
The new plant, an expansion of Cessna’s Wichita operations, represents an investment of $200 million. It is part of Cessna’s $780 million investment into development of the Citation Columbus, Cessna’s newest and largest business jet. The new plant will be a stand-alone facility that will house engineering offices and final assembly of this state-of-the-art $27 million business jet. Preliminary plans call for construction of more than 800,000 square feet of buildings and 14 acres of airfield pavement.
Local and state loans and bonds in support of the project totaled $45 million. This amount was augmented by an additional State package consisting of training dollars and other incentives. The package exceeded $70 million.
The Greater Wichita Economic Development Coalition worked closely with the State Department of Commerce and local partners to help secure financial incentives for the project, as well as the state response. “Cessna fully appreciates the partnership and support we have had at state and locally,” said Cessna Chairman, President and CEO Jack J. Pelton. “The economic development coalition, the Chamber, the City of Wichita and Sedgwick County all spoke with one voice and were seamless.”