Airbus Americas recently announced that it has awarded a $10 million contract to McStarlite Company. The six-year contract will support 120 existing jobs with McStarlite, as well as create an additional 40 new jobs.

"Airbus has proven to be a strong business partner with more than 100 suppliers throughout California," Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said. "By doubling its direct economic investment, Airbus' commitment to the region helps ensure that the aerospace industry remains a strong economic engine here in Southern California where it began. Los Angeles is always on the cutting edge of creativity and innovation, and companies like McStarlite make the city's business community shine."

During the last five years, Airbus has doubled its spending throughout the nation to reach an investment of about $10 billion last year. From 2007 to 2008, Airbus doubled its investment in California, reaching an investment of about $1 billion.

"Airbus is increasingly working with US-based high-tech companies like McStarlite,"Airbus Americas Chairman Allan McArtor said. "Today hundreds of American companies in over 40 states and over 180,000 jobs are supported through Airbus' partnership with the US. I wholeheartedly thank the Mayor of Los Angeles for his long-term vision and his continuous support to the aviation industry."

Airbus produces about 50 percent of the world's jet liners by partnering with high-tech manufacturers to provide parts. McStarlite Company, for instance, is responsible for manufacturing the "donut" shape in the front part of an airplane engine known as a high-tech inlet lipskin.

The new contract furthers McStarlite Company's standing partnership with Airbus, as the company has long provided precision sheet metal components for other Airbus aircraft, including the A318, A320, A321, A330, A340 and most recently the A380.

"McStarlite Company is proud of its 30 years-plus experience in the aerospace industry, its reputation as a global deep draw forming specialist, and its relationship with Airbus," John Allen Basso, vice president of McStarlite Company, said. "This new contract will not only provide us with additional work for the coming six years, but also will allow us to stay at the cutting edge of new technology by participating in the all new A350 XWB, the new generation aircraft."