Spokane Emerges as a Prime Destination for Aerospace Industry Growth
Spokane's burgeoning aerospace sector is poised for significant expansion, with industry advocates highlighting the confluence of factors making the area increasingly attractive to aerospace and aviation companies. Among these are enhanced transportation infrastructure, growing Boeing Co. activities in the Puget Sound region, and a recent federal designation of an advanced aerospace manufacturing center as a regional technology and innovation hub.
Mark Norton, Executive Director of the Northwest I-90 Manufacturing Alliance and Principal of Norton Strategic Consulting LLC, relayed the optimistic outlook for Spokane. The city has been actively cultivating an aerospace supply chain, bolstered by vital projects like the Rail-Truck Transload Facility completed in 2022. This facility, vital for transporting large aircraft fuselages, marks a significant milestone in Spokane’s infrastructure development, presenting a compelling case for major aero-structures companies to consider Spokane as a strategic location for expansion.
Dean Cameron, owner and publisher of Northwest Aerospace News Magazine, underscored the region's concerted efforts in fostering an ecosystem supportive of advanced manufacturing practices. The presence of an international airport and a robust transportation system, alongside initiatives by S3R3 Solutions, amplifies Spokane's offerings to the aerospace sector.
The heightened aerospace activity in Western Washington, spearheaded by Boeing's announcement to add a fourth 737 Max production line in Everett, signals growing opportunities for Spokane. With the new production line focusing on advanced composite materials, Spokane's tech hub aims to spearhead developments in this arena. The anticipation of Boeing and other tier-one suppliers establishing operations in Spokane underscores the strategic importance of the region in the aerospace industry’s future. These tier-one suppliers, crucial in assembling significant aircraft sections, are drawn by the area's evolving capabilities in manufacturing lighter and more fuel-efficient parts, a critical factor in reducing operational costs.
In October, Spokane received a federal tech hub designation, spotlighting the 386,000-square-foot former Triumph Composite Systems Inc. building transformation into the American Aerospace Materials Manufacturing Center. This designation, potentially accompanied by up to $70 million in funding, predicts a surge in startups and manufacturing company growth in the Inland Northwest.
The city of Spokane has pledged ongoing support for the tech hub's development, with initiatives aimed at prepping the site to meet various infrastructure requirements. Mayor Lisa Brown emphasized the city’s role as an active partner in recruiting companies and fostering workforce development initiatives. This forward-looking approach is aimed at making Spokane more competitive in attracting aerospace and aviation firms.
However, despite Spokane’s promising trajectory, Mark Norton cautioned against complacency, pointing to the state’s declining aerospace manufacturing rankings and the imperative of a robust workforce development system. Efforts to rejuvenate the manufacturing sector's image and attract younger generations into the aerospace workforce are already underway, as evidenced by the launch of Let’s Go Aerospace!, a magazine targeting middle school students.
As Spokane solidifies its position as a key player in the aerospace and aviation industry, the concerted efforts of the local government, industry advocates, and educational institutions signal a vibrant future for the region in attracting top-tier aerospace companies and talent. The blend of infrastructure readiness, strategic initiatives, and workforce development positions Spokane as an increasingly attractive destination for aerospace industry growth.
Analyst comment
Positive news. The Spokane aerospace sector is set to expand significantly due to enhanced transportation infrastructure, growing Boeing activities, and federal designation of an aerospace manufacturing center. Spokane’s emphasis on aerospace supply chain and advanced manufacturing practices, along with initiatives by S3R3 Solutions, make it an attractive location for expansion. The city’s potential surge in startups and manufacturing company growth, accompanied by ongoing support from the local government, signals a vibrant future in attracting top-tier aerospace companies and talent.
