BAE Systems Boosted Texas Economy by $891 Million in 2007

WASHINGTON — BAE Systems generated a positive economic impact exceeding US $891 million in Texas during 2007. The figure includes US $220 million in payroll for the company’s more than 3,600 Texas-based employees, and more than US $670 million in goods and services purchased from local suppliers. In addition, the company and its employees contributed more than US $600,000 to Texas civic, charitable, and educational institutions in 2007 across the Lone Star state.

BAE Systems has five operations in Texas, including Austin, Fort Worth, Fort Hood, Irving, and Sealy.

“In Austin, we employ more than 600 people and contributed US $71 million to the economy,” said Kent Jacobson, vice president and general manager of sensor integration for BAE Systems in Austin. “Our location provides for collaboration with nearby military facilities and a host of BAE Systems sites. As we continue to grow our business, this will mean more high-quality jobs throughout the state.”

“This company has been a key component of the community for more than 50 years, and I commend them on their dedication to protecting those who protect our country,” said U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul (Republican – Texas).

At the Sealy facility west of Houston, more than 2,400 employees operate the plant around the clock to build the U.S. Army’s Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) at a rate of 40 trucks per day. During 2007, US $541 million in goods and services were purchased from nearly 350 Texas vendors to support the operation.

“The Sealy operation has become an integral part of the Sealy and Houston communities over the past 17 years, and we are proud to be here performing for our customers,” said Denny Dellinger, president of BAE Systems’ Mobility and Protection Systems unit.

Approximately 47,000 FMTV trucks and trailers have been built and delivered since 1991, and contracts are in place for many more. The facility also builds the Caiman, one of BAE Systems’ three Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles.

“The MRAP has a strong record of saving troops’ lives in Iraq and Afghanistan. We must continue providing service members the finest equipment possible, and Sealy should be proud of their role in this effort,” said Senator John Cornyn (Republican - Texas), an Armed Services Committee member who recently travelled to Iraq and Afghanistan.

In Fort Worth, more than 120 employees provide engineering services on the F-35 Lightning II program and manage the aircraft’s Electro-Optical Targeting System.

Employee contributions to local charities topped US $200,000, including donations of approximately US $30,000 to support the Capital of Texas chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association through the company’s Charity Challenge program. Charity Challenge is a companywide fundraising effort that names a new beneficiary every 18 months.

“Our community outreach efforts combine with local payroll and spending to make a significant contribution to the local economy, making our area an even better place to live and work,” Jacobson said.

BAE Systems is also a Worldwide Strategic Partner of the United Service Organizations and supports the USO transit lounge at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport with a US $50,000 annual donation.