Gulfstream Aerospace has further expanded its completions and outfitting operations at St Louis Downtown Airport.

The project augments the expansion announced in spring 2022 at the Gulfstream St Louis Service Center in Cahokia Heights, Illinois. It was made possible with support from the State of Illinois though its Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) tax credit program. The agreement stipulates a goal of making a significant capital investment, creating 200 jobs and retaining nearly 500 jobs.

Gulfstream will increase the completions operations at the facility and will modernise its existing spaces by adding new equipment and tooling, representing a total capital investment of $28.5m. The facility will include greater capacity for exterior aircraft painting, furniture installations and avionics integrations, among other work, that will enable full aircraft completion and customer deliveries directly from the St Louis facility. In line with Gulfstream’s sustainability strategy, the improvements are designed to increase efficiency and reduce waste through improved lighting, water and HVAC systems, alongside other features. 

“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.”

This Gulfstream St Louis facility growth also adds career opportunities for skilled labour in avionics, interior installations, structures and testing, as well as positions in procurement, parts management, customer service and engineering. 

To help build the talent pipeline in the region, Gulfstream is partnering with several local educational institutions, including East St. Louis Senior High School, The Center for Academic & Vocational Excellence in Belleville, Illinois, and Cahokia High School.

Once complete, this expansion will bring Gulfstream’s total St Louis footprint to 642,657sqft (59,705sqm). Completions and customer deliveries are also conducted from Gulfstream facilities in Savannah; Appleton, Wisconsin; and Dallas. Gulfstream Customer Support will continue to serve customers at the St Louis Service Center in Cahokia Heights.

“We value our partnerships with the state of Illinois, St Clair County, Bi-State Development, the City of Cahokia Heights and the Village of Sauget,” said Burns. “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.”