2011 RANKINGS: Wichita Rules the Sky

Wichita, KS repeats as the top aerospace manufacturing hub in Business Facilities 2011 Metro Rankings Report.

It seems that Wichita, KS has taken up permanent residence atop the annual Aerospace/Defense Manufacturing category in Business Facilities’ Metro Rankings, but the Charleston, SC area (ranked second this year) is revving up its jet engines for a dogfight in years to come, fueled by the growth in aerospace jobs that are expected to follow Boeing’s placement of its 787 assembly facility in North Charleston.

Wichita is home to the world’s best-known aviation cluster, often referred to as the “Air Capital of the World.” For nine decades—almost as long as manned flight has existed—aircraft and aircraft components have been built in the Kansas hub.

The Wichita area hosts four aerospace OEMs (Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, Bombadier Learjet, Cessna Aircraft and Hawker Beechcraft). Wichita also is the site of the Airbus Engineering Design Center, and some of the most specialized equipment in the world for metal and composite material fabrication. The Wichita area boasts a network of more than 200 precision machine shots, tool and die shops, and other aerospace subcontract manufacturers. There are more than 40 Boeing-certified gold and silver suppliers within a 200-mile radius of the city.

South Carolina officials hailed Boeing’s decision to place its 787 plant in the Palmetto State instead of its traditional jet manufacturing hub near Seattle, WA (our 2009 Economic Development Deal of the Year Gold Award winner) as “the largest investment” in the history of the state, comparing it to BMW’s decision to site a huge assembly facility in Spartanburg, SC, which established the Palmetto state as a major player in automotive manufacturing. The project is expected to create more than 4,000 jobs.

Our third-place Aerospace Defense Manufacturing leader, Huntsville, AL, is known as the “Rocket City” for its status as the primary hub for the nation’s missile defense, space and military aerospace programs. Huntsville/

Madison County is home to the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center and the U.S. Army’s Redstone Arsenal, both of which are centers of research and development.

Here are the top 10 finishers in the aerospace/defense category:

 2011 METRO RANKINGS: AEROSPACE/DEFENSE MANUFACTURING

1. WICHITA, KS

2. CHARLESTON, SC

3. HUNTSVILLE, AL

4. FT. WORTH, TX

5. SEATTLE, WA

6. TUCSON, AZ

7. LOS ANGELES, CA

8. PHOENIX, AZ

9. TAMPA/ST. PETERSBURG, FL

10. ORLANDO, FL

Awards & Rankings, Daily News, Economic Development, Magazine

Sponsored Content
Featured Location
Featured Video

Camp Hall – A Next Generation Commerce Park in South Carolina

Camp Hall is a first-of-its-kind, master-planned industrial work space located in Charleston, S.C. As a convergence of people, place and programming, Camp Hall delivers thoughtful infrastructure and logistical features that empower people — and business — to thrive.

Webinars, Podcasts & Videos

Camp Hall – A Next Generation Commerce Park in South Carolina

Camp Hall is a first-of-its-kind, master-planned industrial work space located in Charleston, S.C. As a convergence of people, place and programming, Camp Hall delivers thoughtful infrastructure and logistical features that empower people — and business — to thrive.

Hear from leaders at the Destination Medical Center and Mayo Clinic Business Development in Rochester about why they feel Minnesota is filled with opportunities for founders and why investors should consider the power of startups in Minnesota.

Business Benefits In Minnesota, a Mayo Clinic Business Development and Destination Medical Center Perspective

Hear from leaders at the Destination Medical Center and Mayo Clinic Business Development in Rochester about why they feel Minnesota is filled with opportunities for founders and why investors should consider the power of startups in Minnesota.

Agricultural Heritage Meets Strong Manufacturing Base With a rich history in agriculture, the region is now made up of a strong manufacturing base, including everything from snack foods and Gatorade, to leading human resources software and revolutionary plug-less power systems for electric vehicles. Mount Rogers Regional Partnership's strategic East Coast location is the driving force.

Virginia’s i81-i77 Crossroads | Talent Retention & Manufacturing

Learn about manufacturing jobs and facilities in the Mount Rogers region of southwest Virginia. There is ample opportunity for education and jobs in a region rich with culture and heritage.

Share to...