Washington, Jan 5 (IANS): US aircraft company Boeing has announced its plans to close a massive plant in Wichita in Kansas state before the end of 2013, a decision that will affect over 2,100 employees.

"The decision to close our Wichita facility was difficult but ultimately was based on a thorough study of the current and future market environment and our ability to remain competitive while meeting our customers' needs with the best and most affordable solutions," Mark Bass, vice president and general manager for Boeing Defense, Space and Security (BDS) Maintenance, Modifications and Upgrades division, was quoted as saying by Xinhua.

The announcement means that its 2,160 employees will lose their jobs at the Kansas facility, which is the base for Boeing's Global Transport and Executive Systems business and its B-52 and 767 International Tanker programmes. The facility also provides support for flight mission planning and integrated logistics.