Employees at Boeing’s Ridley Park plant gathered to celebrate the company’s centennial and 50 years of success at its Delaware County site, writes Kathleen E. Carey for the Daily Times.

Production at the former Baldwin Locomotive site reached its peak in the 1960s as demand for Boeing’s Chinook helicopter increased during the Vietnam War. Half a century later, 4,800 employees now work at the plant in the H-47 Chinook and the V-22 Osprey programs, engineering labs, and the Philadelphia Design Center.

“It was a hundred years ago today that a four-page document set forth the articles of incorporation for, at the time, a company called Pacific Aero Products, soon to become the Boeing Co.,” said David Koopersmith, vice president/general manager for Boeing Vertical Lift.

“Our own Philadelphia site has been at the heart of the innovation, the drive, the performance of this company.”

Several state officials were present at the celebration, including State Senators Tom McGarrigle and Tom Killion. McGarrigle used the opportunity to recognize the importance of Boeing for Delaware County.

“Boeing has always been one of the greatest employers we’ve had in Delaware County” he said. “We’ve always appreciated the great job they’ve done.”

Read more about the celebration in the Daily Times by clicking here.
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Top photo credit: FAMET Chinook via photopin (license)