July 28, 2010

From Paris to Farnborough-Rockford, Illinois continues to grow its aerospace industry

Cited From: Office of Trade and Investment
State of Illinois-Western Europe

Nobody wants to be the best kept secret least of all Rockford, Illinois. Having successfully promoted its aerospace industry at the Paris Airshow last year , the Rockford Area Economic Development Council (RAEDC) is back in Europe for the Farnborough Airshow, July 19th to 25th. (Farnborough alternates with the Paris Air Show every second year).

The Rockford region's credentials in aerospace are impressive. It is home to five major tier one aerospace supply companies : Hamilton Sundstrand , Woodward, B/E Aerospace, Mag Aerospace Industies, Inc and Supplycore. These in turn support a strong cluster of supply chain partners including about 90 second and third tier suppliers.These suppliers alone employs 6,000 in Rockford including over 500 engineers.

The RAEDC want their aerospace cluster to grow, develop better skills, and become even more recognized as a centre for aerospace development and engineering world wide. To further their aim, they have been supported by the State of Illinois’ Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity which recognizes that one of the most effective ways to assist the RAEDC is to allow them to exhibit at events like Farnborough where meetings with high level executives can conveniently take place. By undertaking all the arrangements for travel, logistics and exhibition space and supplying qualified multi lingual staff for the week of the Trade Fair the State of Illinois supports RAEDC and leaves it free to concentrate on its industry promotion. Last year in Paris this support lead to 16 meetings with potential investors including two global manufacturers.

The Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) certainly attracts the type of decision makers of interest to the RAEDC. During the last show in 2008 a record-breaking US$88.7 billion worth of orders were announced during the show, with top management from all major aircraft manufacturers and suppliers in attendance. At Farnbourgh the RAEDC will be renewing relationships and continuing negotiations started in Paris last year and sending out the clear signal that its region is constantly and conscientiously committed to developing its aerospace industry.We wish them a successful week.