Boeing Closure Impact More Psychological Than Economic

A Wichita State University official who
follows the aviation industry sees Boeing’s planned closing of its
defense plant in the city as more of a psychological blow than an
economic one.
Jeremy Hill directs the Center for Economic Development and
Business Research at Wichita State. Hill said Wednesday there’s
likely to be a short-term dip in consumer confidence in the area.
But he also says the area’s economy can probably provide jobs
for the 2,160 workers who will be laid off by the time the Boeing
plant closes at the end of 2013.
Hill said there’s growth in commercial aviation, and most of the
workers are likely to stay in the Wichita area. He also said local
officials also can market Boeing’s facilities for other companies.