The joint task force established by the Katy Area Economic Development Council and the Sealy Economic Development Corporation to fight the potential closure of the BAE Systems plant has announced the launch of a website for residents to get involved in saving the defense contractor.
The website, DefendTexasJobs.org, provides information for residents to use send letters to elected officials, the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the Army. It also allows residents to send e-mail messages in support of BAE.
The website also features a video about BAE Systems and the vehicles they build for the military.
The Sealy-based plant currently employs 3,000 people from Austin, Waller, Harris and surrounding counties and manufactures medium tactical vehicles for the United States Army.
A key economic driver in the region, the plant and its employees contribute an estimated $500 million to the state’s economy each year through employee salaries, contractor costs and vendor partnerships. Additionally, more than 1,000 BAE employees live in the Katy area.
BAE Systems, which has been manufacturing the U.S. Army’s Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles for more than 17 years at its Sealy plant, recently learned that a “follow-on contract” was awarded to OshKosh Corporation in Wisconsin. BAE Systems is currently appealing the US Army’s decision, citing a flawed bidding process.
The task force is comprised of representatives from the City of Sealy, Sealy EDC, Katy Area EDC, CenterPoint Energy, the Greater Houston Partnership, Congressman Michael McCaul, State Rep. Lois W. Kolkhorst and other area residents.
By: John Pape on Wed, Nov 4, 2009
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