Alabama’s aerospace and defense industry is expanding its scope thanks to growth projects that are adding over 2,000 jobs and around $1 billion in new capital investment that will propel the state’s robust lineup of operations into the future.
These projects, all announced since the beginning of 2020, will reinforce the state’s considerable expertise in the development of innovative products and technologies within the global industry.
The growth plans include the construction of a third Final Assembly Line to increase the production capacity of A320 Family aircraft at Airbus’ manufacturing facility in Mobile, creating 1,000 jobs there over several years.
Another highlight: Defense contractor Northrop Grumman recently opened a new facility in Huntsville’s Cummings Research Park to support development of the U.S. Air Force’s next-generation intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) system. The project will create 500 jobs.
And just days ago, Lockheed Martin broke ground on a new $16.5 million Alabama lab to advance the development of a revolutionary interceptor to kill incoming enemy missiles.
“The aerospace and defense industry represents a cornerstone of Alabama’s economy, and many of the top international players continue to deepen their roots here,” said Greg Canfield, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce.
“Since 2016, we’ve seen commitments from aerospace and defense companies for around $3 billion in new investment and nearly 8,000 new jobs, extending the capabilities and reach of this critically important industry across the state.”
FARNBOROUGH OBJECTIVES
The timing is right to spotlight Alabama’s aerospace growth story.
Secretary Canfield is joining the Alabama economic development team for high-level meetings with aerospace industry decision-makers at the 2022 Farnborough International Airshow, the high-profile industry event held just outside of London that kicks off today.
The Alabama team arrives in Farnborough with the objective of laying the groundwork for future aerospace investment projects in the state.
The event, last held in 2018, is expected to draw most of the world’s top aerospace and defense firms to the Farnborough airport.
While expansions by global aerospace companies have been driving most of the new growth in the state industry, smaller firms are also finding a welcoming home in Alabama, where the Wright Brothers established their first flying school over a century ago.
The innovative spirit is finding new expressions all the time within the state.
Last month, Georgia-based Advanced ATC Inc., an air traffic control academy, announced plans to open the nation’s first remote aviation control tower center at Selma’s Craig Field, a project that could revolutionize airspace management in the U.S.
The pioneering tower center in rural Dallas County will use virtual technology to perform air traffic control duties at up to 40 airports across the nation.
“This virtual tower center represents another prime example of how Alabama is at the leading edge of trends shaping the future of aviation and aerospace for the U.S.,” Secretary Canfield said.
Other small companies within the sector, including Special Aerospace Services (SAS) and Turbine Worx Inc., have also launched growth projects recently in Alabama.
NEW HOME
Colorado-based SAS announced plans in September 2021 for a new Huntsville facility as part of an expansion strategy that will expedite its strategic, tactical, manufacturing, logistics, and R&D activities.
The new, 55,000-square-foot facility at Cummings Research Park will feature an engineering and training space, high bay assembly, advanced manufacturing, and research bays.
“The community is pro-business, moving at the speed of industry and finding every opportunity to support SAS in our exciting expansion,” Heather Bulk, SAS president and CEO, said at a groundbreaking ceremony in Alabama’s “Rocket City.”
“When you have a governor and a Legislature that work every day to encourage new and innovative businesses to open their doors and expand into the state, it’s good for everyone.”
