4:30pm | A manufacturing company in Long Beach is one of several firms that will produce parts for Boeing on new air refueling tankers for the U.S. Air Force. The Pentagon this week awarded Boeing with a $35 billion contract, one of the largest contracts in military history.

The news has been well received by public officials looking for ways to strengthen a struggling economic climate. The unemployment rate in Long Beach shrank to a relatively encouraging 13.9% in December 2010.

Congresswoman Laura Richardson (D-Carson), whose district encompasses large swaths of Long Beach, applauded the contract.

“I am thrilled to learn that the Pentagon has selected Boeing to provide 179 new air refueling tankers for the U.S. Air Force.  Boeing is uniquely suited to fulfill the Air Force’s need to modernize this crucial part of its fleet,” said Congresswoman Richardson.  “With this contract, Boeing will create thousands of jobs throughout the country, and I am pleased to announce that several dozen new jobs will be added here in the 37th Congressional District, bringing in millions of dollars to our community.”

Neill Aircraft Co. in Long Beach typically produces things like window frames, seat frames, engine inlets and other aircraft materials. Five other firms in cities like Carson and Torrance will also work on the KC 46A tankers.