STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) -- A Belgian aerospace company announced plans Monday to open a plant in Stillwater, creating up to 600 jobs and investing up to $100 million by 2015.

Gov. Mary Fallin made the announcement Monday as she attended the Farnborough International Air Show in the United Kingdom. ASCO Inc. will build in the former MerCruiser manufacturing facility on Perkins Road in Stillwater.

"Oklahoma has one of the strongest aerospace sectors in the U.S., and we are quickly becoming an international destination for the industry," Fallin said. "Today's announcement is one more indication that our commitment to pro-business policies is helping to attract jobs and businesses to the state."

Officials said the company will initially invest $60 million and employ 250 people by 2014. The second phase of development would bring an additional $30 million to $40 million in capital investment and another 350 jobs by 2015.

"Oklahoma was the best location for our facility," ASCO CEO Christian Boas said. "The state is centrally located in North America and has an existing aerospace industry, which is thriving."

The company designs and makes aircraft components and assemblies for Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier and Embraer commercial jets.

Excerpt from:

Aerospace company to open plant in Stillwater