U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala., toured Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. Friday morning. The visit was part of his county tour.

Since 1987, Shelby’s first term in the U.S. Senate, he has made more than 1,800 county visits in Alabama, according to a press release issued by Shelby. Sikorsky, his only stop in Troy, marked the 1,836th county visit of his career.

This tour focused on top employers in the state. Shelby planned to visit one in every county. He said job creation must be a priority in this country and it was critical that he hear firsthand from those who were creating the jobs how policy was affecting them and what he could do to help foster their success.

“I’ve had a good time here,” said Shelby after the tour. “This is the first time I’ve been at Sikorsky.”

Shelby said he worked with the corporation when it brought the business to Troy. The tour gave him a new perspective of the business.

He said he knew what Sikorsky did, but did not realize how much the mission had grown. The corporation employs more than 500 people.

“We’re very thankful for his support and we really appreciate his taking the time to come visit the facility,” said Paul Jackson, a spokesman for Sikorsky.

Shelby said he would continue to support the company’s business interests.

“I’m in a position as part of the Appropriations Committee to help this along,” Shelby said. “I have in the past. I will in the future.”