MASCOUTAH, Ill. – Touting the strong workforce and manufacturing capabilities of the Metro East, state Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, joined local leaders and the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) for a visit of Boeing’s Mascoutah production facility Friday morning.
“Last Friday marked National Manufacturing Day, and it’s an opportunity to highlight the significant investments being made in our region,” Hoffman said. “Manufacturing is a critical component of our economy, and this Boeing facility is a shining example of the innovation and technology being cultivated right here in Southwestern Illinois. It’s important that elected officials, manufacturers and business organizations continue to work together to attract further developments that secure high-paying jobs.”
Friday’s visit, organized by IMA, highlighted local assembly of the Boeing MQ-25 Stingray – an aerial refueling drone developed for the U.S. Navy. More than 70 MQ-25 Stingrays are expected to be built at the plant which was constructed adjacent to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport and Scott Air Force Base. When fully operational, up to 300 employees are anticipated to work at the facility.
The visit was the first stop on IMA’s Makers on the Move bus tour intended to showcase manufacturing in Illinois throughout Manufacturing Month. For more information, please visit https://makersonthemove.org/.