Gulfstream Aerospace, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics, has announced plans for a $300 million, seven-year expansion of its manufacturing and service facilities in Savannah, Georgia. As a result of the expansion, employment at the facility is expected to grow by some 1,100 jobs, a 25 percent increase from the current employment level of 4,300 employees.
“In the past four years we’ve seen strong, steady growth in our industry,” Gulfstream President Bryan Moss said. “From 2004 to 2005, we experienced a 12 percent increase in aircraft production at our Savannah facility and we have every reason to believe that growth will continue. This expansion is necessary to meet the industry’s projected increase in demand for new business-jet aircraft and the maintenance that will follow.
“While Gulfstream may be an international company, our roots are deeply embedded in Georgia and Savannah ,” Moss continued. “We appreciate the assistance and cooperation we have received from the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Savannah Economic Development Authority, Chatham County and the City of Savannah in supporting our site expansion.”
To ensure a growing pool of potential employees to fill the more than 1,000 jobs created by this expansion plan, Gulfstream will participate in new job training programs. In addition to the State of Georgia’s Quick Start program, Gulfstream will work with Savannah Technical College on programs specially tailored for Gulfstream’s employment needs.
As part of the expansion, Gulfstream will upgrade site infrastructure, including improvements to the railway delivery and water drainage systems. Gulfstream, the Georgia Department of Transportation, Chatham County, and the City of Savannah will work together to improve traffic access routes to Gulfstream’s facilities.
