Boeing to close Wichita facility by end of 2013

WICHITA, Kan. — The Boeing Co. has told its employees that it plans to close its massive defense plant in Wichita before the end of 2013 in a bid to cut costs in a tight market for defense spending.

Wednesday's announcement means the loss of 2,100 well-paying jobs at its Kansas facility, which was once considered the centerpiece of Wichita's claim as the air capital of the world.

It also dashes hopes for an additional 7,500 direct and indirect jobs that the company once promised to bring to Wichita with the Air Force air refueling tanker contract.

The work will move to Boeing facilities in Texas, Oklahoma and Washington.

Job reductions at the Wichita facility are scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2013.