The aerospace and defense sector in Alabama is growing as a result of expansion projects that are creating over 2,000 new employment and almost $1 billion in fresh capital investment that will sustain the state’s diverse array of operations in the long run.
These projects, which have all been launched since the start of 2020, will strengthen the state’s great experience in the creation of cutting-edge goods and technologies for the international market.
In order to improve the production capacity of A320 Family aircraft at Airbus’ manufacturing site in Mobile, the growth plans call for the construction of a third Final Assembly Line, which will result in the creation of 1,000 jobs over a number of years.
Another notable development is the recent opening of a new facility by the defense contractor Northrop Grumman in Huntsville’s Cummings Research Park to aid in the creation of the U.S.
Air Force’s next-generation intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) system. 500 jobs will be produced by the project.
In addition, Lockheed Martin recently began ground on a new $16.5 million Alabama lab to advance the creation of a ground-breaking interceptor to destroy approaching hostile missiles.
Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, noted that the aerospace and defense sector “represents a cornerstone of Alabama’s economy, and many of the top worldwide players continue to strengthen their roots here.”
“We’ve seen promises from aerospace and defense industries for about $3 billion in new investment and nearly 8,000 new employment since 2016, expanding the capabilities and reach of this critically essential industry across the state.”
OBJECTIVES FOR FARNBOROUGH
The time is opportune to highlight Alabama’s success in the aerospace industry.
For high-level talks with decision-makers in the aerospace industry at the 2022 Farnborough International Airshow, the prestigious industrial event located just outside of London and which begins today, Secretary Canfield will be joining the Alabama economic development team.
To establish the framework for upcoming aerospace investment initiatives in the state, the Alabama delegation travels to Farnborough.
The majority of the leading aerospace and defense companies in the world are anticipated to visit the Farnborough airport for the event, which was last held in 2018.
While the majority of the state industry’s recent growth has been fueled by global aerospace company expansions, smaller businesses are also finding a warm home in Alabama, where the Wright Brothers founded their first flying school more than a century ago.
Within the state, the inventive spirit is always taking on new forms.
The opening of the first remote aviation control tower center in the country at Selma’s Craig Field, as announced last month by Georgia-based Advanced ATC Inc., could completely alter how airspace is managed in the country.
Up to 40 airports around the country will have their air traffic controlled by the avant-garde tower center in remote Dallas County.
According to Secretary Canfield, “this virtual tower center provides yet another outstanding example of how Alabama is at the forefront of trends defining the future of aviation and aerospace for the United States.”
Special Aerospace Services (SAS) and Turbine Worx Inc., two more little businesses in the industry, have lately started growth initiatives in Alabama.
NEW HOUSE
As part of an expansion plan that will quicken its strategic, tactical, manufacturing, logistics, and R&D activities, Colorado-based SAS unveiled plans in September 2021 for a new Huntsville location.
In addition to high bay assembly, advanced manufacturing, and research bays, the new 55,000-square-foot building at Cummings Research Park will also have an engineering and training area.
At a groundbreaking event at Alabama’s “Rocket City,” SAS President and CEO Heather Bulk said, “The town is pro-business, moving at the speed of industry and finding every opportunity to help SAS in our exciting development.”
Everyone benefits when the governor and the legislature actively promote the opening of new, innovative firms and their expansion into the state.