21 April 2020:Spirit AeroSystems will power the massive 12.8 million square Kansas Aircraft factory with wind-generated electricity. A 10-year agreement was approved by the utility regulators at Kansas Corporation Commission. The agreement was filed jointly by Spirit AeroSystem and Evergy and had an updated electric rate structure. In return, Spirit has agreed to purchase Kansas wind-generated electricity, continue investing in capital improvements and make efforts to maintain stable or expanded operations in Wichita.
"Kansas is known for wind, and Spirit Wichita is known for building airplanes. The two will now be directly connected in a way that helps both the environment and our ability to compete," said Spirit AeroSystems Senior Vice President for Operations and Chief Procurement Officer Ron Rabe. "This new agreement is important to Spirit because it helps maintain the company as a vibrant and growing contributor to the Kansas economy. The new electric rates we will be paying address price disadvantages for electric service Spirit has experienced in Kansas compared to our operations in other states."
The Wichita site, which also serves as the company's headquarters, produces large structural components, such as fuselages and engine nacelles for military and commercial aircraft.