Lancaster anticipates 100 new jobs with aerospace firm's move

One hundred new jobs are anticipated in Lancaster once an aerospace manufacturing firm relocates to the city, officials announced this week.

Morton Manufacturing, specializing in the production of nickel-alloy bolts for gas-turbine aircraft engines, has selected Lancaster as its new corporate headquarters, representatives of the firm confirmed.

Two hundred existing employees will move with the company from its current Santa Clarita Valley location and 100 new positions will be allocated for local workers, giving the Antelope Valley region a boost of 300 jobs.

The additional positions are expected to include machinists and personnel in production and inspection, according to information from company officials, who credited Lancaster’s “business-friendly environment” as a factor for relocating to the city.

Lancaster City Manager Mark Bozigian said the new jobs would help stimulate the entire local economy.

“Because manufacturing jobs induce service jobs at an estimated 3-to-1 ratio, Morton Manufacturing’s move will not only bring 300 manufacturing jobs to Lancaster but also support a significant number of additional jobs in the service sector,” Bozigian said in prepared remarks. “This will result in a total local economic impact of up to 1,200 jobs.”

Launched in 1967, Morton Manufacturing’s clients include companies such as Rolls-Royce, Pratt & Whitney and General Electric.

Pending the City Council’s anticipated approval by a vote next week, the firm’s Lancaster home is planned for a 10-acre parcel at a local business park near East Avenue K-15 and Business Center Parkway, officials said.

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Photo: Back row: Councilman Marvin Crist, Planning Commission Chair James Vose, Mayor R. Rex Parris, Councilwoman Sandra Johnson. Front row: Wallace Morton Jr., Frank Visco, Delores Regaldo, Morton Manufacturing Chairman and Chief Executive Yolanda Morton, Morton Chief Operating Officer Dale Ray. Credit: City of Lancaster