Governor McDonnell Visits RTI International Metals' Construction Site in Martinsville
– Emphasizes Partnership Between Commonwealth, RTI International and Airbus Leading Toward Further Economic Development and Growth –
MARTINSVILLE- Governor Bob McDonnell today visited the construction progress at RTI International Metals' new facility in Martinsville. Governor McDonnell was joined by RTI International Vice Chair, President and CEO, Dawne Hickton and Airbus Americas Chairman, Allan McArtor, as well as Mary Rae Carter, Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Trade for Rural Economic Development. The new Martinsville compound will focus on the manufacturing of titanium components for aircrafts, most notably for the entire Airbus commercial aircraft fleet in addition to the EADS KC-45 refueling tanker. Construction on two of the buildings at the compound is already complete, and a third building will be completed by the end of the year. RTI International is expected to hire approximately 150 people starting in early 2011.
During a press conference at the site, Governor McDonnell noted, "My number one priority is job creation and economic development. That's why we encourage and support collaboration between our education, business and government communities, much like we're fostering here with a partnership between the Commonwealth, RTI International and one of its prominent customers, Airbus. This partnership will create much needed jobs and opportunities for Virginians, especially those here in Martinsville. This partnership will also enhance the aerospace industry-one that is vital to Virginia's economic growth and development. We're pleased to have this great company here in the Commonwealth and look forward to the completion of their new facility."
Dawne Hickton, Vice Chair, President and CEO of RTI International Metals, Inc. added, "We are pleased to contribute to the economic development of the Martinsville region with the construction of our titanium manufacturing facility. Governor McDonnell and his administration recognize the importance of a diverse economic base, and the need to provide the right mix of talent and resources to support our hiring needs. We are also fortunate to partner with one of our key customers, Airbus, a leader in the aircraft manufacturing industry. This partnership enhances our commitment to provide quality titanium mill and fabricated titanium products for the next generation of commercial and defense aircrafts."
Allan McArtor, Chairman of Airbus Americas, commented, "RTI is a strategic supplier to Airbus and critical to both our current and future aircraft programs. We are proud to count RTI among the hundreds of U.S. suppliers on which we rely for top quality craftsmanship. It's immensely gratifying to see our business have such a positive impact on the economy of American towns, big and small, and with the Governor here today, it's obvious how important this business is to the people of Martinsville."
RTI International Metals®, headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is one of the world's largest producers of titanium mill products and a global supplier of fabricated titanium and specialty metal components for the international market. Through its various subsidiaries, RTI manufactures and distributes titanium and specialty metal mill products, extruded shapes, formed parts and engineered systems for commercial aerospace, defense, energy, industrial, chemical, and consumer applications for customers around the world. To learn more about RTI International Metals, Inc., visit our website at www.rtiintl.com.
Airbus is a leading aircraft manufacturer with the most modern, eco-efficient and comprehensive family of airliners available, ranging in capacity from 100 to more than 500 seats. With over 6000 aircraft in service worldwide and a backlog of some 3400, Airbus is a global company with design and manufacturing facilities around the world. In 2009 alone, Airbus spent over $10 billion with hundreds of U.S. suppliers, translating into Airbus support of more than 180,000 American jobs. Airbus is an EADS company.
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