Boeing says winning Pentagon tanker competition would mean 450 new jobs for Michigan

Boeing says tanker would bring jobs to Michigan

ST. LOUIS — Boeing Co. said Tuesday that it will bring an estimated 450 new jobs and $25 million in annual economic impact to Michigan if it wins the Pentagon’s contract to build a new fleet of aerial refueling jets.

The aerospace company said its proposed plane, based on a military variant of the 767 passenger jet, would include components made by companies with manufacturing facilities in Michigan. Those include Eaton Aerospace, General Electric and Honeywell International.

Boeing is competing with Airbus parent European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co. (EADS) for the lucrative Air Force contract to build 179 new planes. The jets are meant to replace the military’s aging KC-135 refueling jets.

The Pentagon has struggled for nearly a decade to pick a company for the project. An award is expected later this year.

Boeing shares fell 50 cents to $62.60 in afternoon trading.