WASHINGTON – The announcement that ATK has chosen to locate its composite airframe operation at its Iuka facility will create quality jobs and help Mississippi play an important role in a new aerospace market, Sens. Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker said today.  The announcement was made by Governor Haley Barbour earlier today.   

Sen. Cochran said:  “ATK’s decision to locate its new production facility in Iuka is wonderful news not only for the workforce in Northeast Mississippi but also for the entire State of Mississippi.  In these tough economic times it is encouraging to see businesses investing in our state.  This should serve as evidence that Mississippi is in a good position to withstand the economic challenges currently faced by our nation.” 

Sen. Wicker said:  “The ATK announcement proves once again that Mississippi’s workers can compete against anyone in the world.  In addition to creating hundreds of quality jobs in the years to come, this contract ensures Mississippi will be at the center of the emerging aerospace composite manufacturing market.  As a result of the substantial energy efficiency improvements being made to the Iuka facility because of this contract, the facility is now in a strong position to compete for future contracts, helping grow Mississippi’s role in this cutting-edge market.  I congratulate the economic development team on this victory for our state’s workers and our economy.”  

In addition to retaining the 176 jobs currently at the facility, today’s announcement is expected to help grow the total number of jobs at the Iuka facility to 800 over the next eight years.