Hawker Beechcraft to close Salina plant

SALINA, Kansas (AP) - Business jet manufacturer Hawker Beechcraft Corp. is closing its Salina operation.

Officials with the International Aerospace Machinist Union informed members of the closing Monday morning. Local union negotiator Pat Maxey says there's no timeline for the closure.

Wichita-based Hawker Beechcraft employs about 240 people in Salina, down from about 500 a year ago.

The plant builds wings, spar assemblies and other subassemblies.

Hawker Beechcraft CEO Bill Boisture had said in October the company likely would close the Salina plant and move the work to Wichita.

Salina Airport Authority Executive Director Tim Rogers says that it's disappointing news coming from a company that has been in Salina since 1966.

See story video at KSN.com

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