Oklahoma City likely will get at least 800 jobs, the majority coming from Wichita — with others coming from Puget Sound, Wash.

In a news release issued Wednesday morning, the company announced it will be closing its Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) plant in Wichita by late 2013.

The plant employs 2,160 employees, and the company intends to move remaining aircraft maintenance, modification and support work at Wichita to its operation in San Antonio, while remaining engineering work will be moved to Oklahoma City.

“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,” said Mark Bass, vice president and general manager for BDS' Maintenance, Modifications & Upgrades division. “We recognize how this will affect the lives of the highly skilled men and women who work here, so we will do everything possible to assist our employees, their families and our community through this difficult transition.”

Boeing Wichita is the base for the company's Global Transport & Executive Systems business and its B-52 and 767 International Tanker programs. The facility also provides support for flight mission planning and integrated logistics.

Boeing announced in 2010 it would be moving the B-1 program and C-130 Avionics Modernization Program to Oklahoma City from Long Beach, Calif. About 550 jobs are being added to its Oklahoma City operation, and the company is building a six-story office building next to its current operation at SE 59 and Air Depot.