Ribbon Cutting Held For New Boeing Lab In OKC

Positive business news has been hard to come by in the state lately, with the energy industry in bad shape. But on Friday, Oklahoma's second leading industry -- aerospace -- gave state leaders something to smile about.

Friday is the 100th anniversary of Boeing's founding, and so it's extra special that the company chose this day to host the ceremonial opening of its newest facility, right here in Oklahoma City.

It's an $80-million 300-thousand square foot engineering, research and development lab at their site in southeast Oklahoma City, near top customer, Tinker Air Force Base.

Of course, a big part of what they do is service and upgrade military aircraft, and this facility will enhance their ability to do that.

"From modernized communications, to enhanced radar, to software solutions, to increased weapons payloads, we're working alongside our military partners to bring homes more value to the AWACs, KC-135, and C-17, just to name a few," said Ed Dolanski with Boeing Defense, Space & Security.

Gov. Mary Fallin led the Oklahoma delegation in showing appreciation to Boeing for expanding its operations here. Fallin says one of her highest priorities has been to make the state business friendly, through tax incentives and an educated workforce.

"That we do everything we can to have the right tools in place to help businesses like Boeing grow, and flourish and be able to be successful," said Fallin.

The opening of this particular facility adds about 800 new jobs and brings Boeing's total number of Oklahoma workers to 2,500.