October 1, 2008
EADS’ presence in the U.S. marked a new step at the Airbus Engineering Center which now has more than 100 employees at its Mobile, Alabama facility.
During its initial two years of operation, the Mobile Engineering Center has quickly grown into a major part of the worldwide engineering network for EADS’ Airbus business unit.
The facility’s initial focus was to support Airbus design for cabin components and cargo systems for the A350 aircraft. Today, this center is involved in the production development, production engineering and post-production modification phases for all aircraft in Airbus' product line.
Its location at Mobile’s Brookley Field is adjacent to the site chosen by EADS North America for assembly and outfitting of the KC-45 Tanker, which has been proposed as the U.S. Air Force’s new-generation aerial refueling platform by a Northrop Grumman-led industrial team.
Employees of the Airbus Engineering Center have become an integral part of the Mobile community. They are active and visible in many key community activities, including Airbus’ representation as the lead company in the Red Cross's “Ready When the Time Comes” program – which responds to disasters such as hurricanes. Airbus also is a member of the Mobile Chamber of Commerce board of advisors, the company is working to develop a future workforce through a gubernatorial appointment to the Southwest Alabama Workforce Development Council. In addition, the company is a member of the University of South Alabama School of Engineering Industrial Advisory Board.
The Mobile Engineering Center is Airbus' sixth facility in the United States. It has been scheduled to staff up to 150 employees within the next year, but may grow beyond that under Airbus' new Power 8+ plan, which includes plans to expand in the U.S.
