Sale of Cirrus to Chinese firm complete

A Chinese aviation company has closed on its acquisition of Duluth-based plane maker Cirrus Aircraft.

Cirrus officials say China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Company will deliver jobs and job growth in the United States.

U.S. Rep. Chip Cravaack, a freshman Republican representing the 8th Congressional District which includes Duluth, had raised concerns about the transaction siphoning jobs and sensitive technology to China. But the sale cleared a review by a Treasury Department panel evaluating national security concerns.

Cravaack said he trusts the panel has done its due diligence to ensure sensitive technology will not fall into the wrong hands. He added that he hopes the company will maintain or expand the number of high-skill aviation jobs in northeast Minnesota.

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