Wichita ? Aerospace companies looking to hire engineers and other workers are stepping up recruiting in Wichita in response to the Boeing Co.’s plans to close its facility in that city.

Boeing announced earlier this month that it planned to close its Wichita defense plant and move the work to Oklahoma City, San Antonio and Seattle. Some of its Wichita workers may be offered jobs at other Boeing plants.

The Wichita Eagle reports Boeing’s Wichita facility has gotten calls from companies looking for skilled employees. Boeing spokesman Jarrod Bartlett says the company is trying to help their workers find jobs within Boeing first before looking at other companies.

Eight aerospace-related companies will be in Wichita Wednesday for a job fair. Other companies are also touting their job openings.