ST. LOUIS, Mo.– Missouri’s Eighth District Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08) released the following statement praising Boeing’s decision to return the Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) headquarters to St. Louis, bringing the division’s leadership back to Missouri after nearly a decade. Smith joined Secretary of War Pete Hegseth at Boeing’s St. Louis facility for the Secretary’s Arsenal of Freedom Tour, during which the announcement was made.
Congressman Smith said, “Boeing’s decision to redesignate St. Louis as the headquarters of its Defense, Space & Security business is a major win for Missouri workers, our regional economy, and our nation’s defense. With more than 18,000 employees in the St. Louis region, Boeing is a cornerstone of our manufacturing economy and a driving force behind the advanced defense systems that keep our nation secure.
“This move sends a strong message: the future of America’s defense capabilities is being built right here in the heartland. I look forward to continuing to work with Boeing, state leaders, and our federal partners to ensure Missouri remains a leader in the aerospace and defense manufacturing industry for decades to come.”
Background:
- The BDS headquarters is returning to St. Louis where it was previously located from 1997 to 2017.
- The One, Big, Beautiful Bill made it easier for companies to move their activities to where it makes the most business sense.
- Specifically, under the OBBB, a company that sets up a new headquarters can permanently deduct 100% of its new office equipment, such as desks, chairs, and computer monitors.
- Boeing provides more than 18,000 people in the St. Louis region with high-skilled, good-paying jobs.
- This site supports defense aircraft and munitions production and modernization, advanced fabrication, engineering, and supply chain and quality centers.
- Employees in the region also support Boeing Global Services, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, and enterprise functions.
- Boeing is making a multi-year, multi-billion-dollar investment in advanced combat aircraft production facilities, including in St. Louis.