The move is seen as a significant boost to local employment and technological advancement, reinforcing Poland’s role in the global aerospace industry.
The new jobs created by Boeing in its facilities in the capital Warsaw, the Baltic port city of Gdańsk and the southeastern city of Rzeszów will focus on civil and defense projects, including structural and software engineering.
David L. Calhoun, President and CEO of Boeing, remarked on Poland's potential in contributing globally to aviation through innovative research and development, supported by government initiatives.
Honorata Hencel, Boeing's Director for Poland and Ukraine, highlighted the long-standing presence of the company in Poland, dating back 35 years, and noted the strategic role of the new engineering complex in Warsaw, opened to align with Boeing’s local customers and partners.
Linda Hapgood, Vice President at Boeing, overseeing Boeing Engineering Poland & Ukraine, described the opening of the new engineering center in Poland as a logical step.
"Poland is home to many of our customers and industry, academic, and research partners, including the esteemed Łukasiewicz - Institute of Aviation," Hapgood said.
"But most importantly, we found the essential skills needed for our engineering projects here," she added.
Polish Deputy Defense Minister Paweł Bejda emphasized the importance of Boeing's role amid Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine, appreciating the company's decision to open an engineering center in Warsaw.
He expressed satisfaction with Boeing's engagement of Polish engineering talent and its establishment of deep business roots in Poland, enhancing not just national but also European security.
Bejda also highlighted the strategic American presence in global peace efforts and Poland's involvement in NATO and the EU, mentioning future enhancements in Poland’s defense capabilities, including the introduction of AH-64 Apache helicopters and discussions about F-15 platforms and Chinook transport helicopters.
Boeing's engineering operations in Poland include the main office in Rzeszów, focusing on mechanical and electrical engineering and client support; the Gdańsk division, specializing in software, systems engineering and avionics; and the Warsaw teams working on production engineering and material testing.
Boeing also maintains several other divisions across Poland, collaborating extensively with local suppliers, universities and research centers.
(rt/gs)
Source: polskieradio24.pl, IAR, PAP