South Carolina is outpacing its competitors when it comes to aerospace private sector employment and revenue growth, according to a recent study by the South Carolina Council on Competitiveness.

The report, “Aerospace in the Southeast: South Carolina and Its Competitive Markets,”  stacks up South Carolina against its competitors, including North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Washington. The findings also show that more than 17,000 workers are employed at 466 private sector aerospace firms in the state, with a significant percentage of the growth coming from the Charleston region.

The report is not only an indicator of where the region’s aerospace industry is today, but of the continued growth we can expect in the years to come. From new investments and partnerships, to groundbreaking technology, here’s a roundup of the latest aerospace news:

• Impresa Aerospace Joins Charleston’s Aerospace Cluster—California-based aerospace manufacturer, Impresa Aerospace made a multi-million dollar investment to establish a manufacturing facility in Berkeley County, bringing 72 jobs to the region over the next five years. Impresa will join the additional 40 aerospace companies that have opened in the state since Boeing located to North Charleston in 2009.

• Boeing Ramps up on Research—Boeing recently pledged $5 million to partner with the University of South Carolina (USC) for advanced research projects and next-gen aviation technology. The pledge will provide funding for up to two dozen research projects that explore ways to improve Boeing products. Boeing has officially opened its Research & Technology Center in North Charleston—one of only five Boeing research facilities in the nation.

• A 3D Printing Collaboration—The InterTech Group is also teaming up with USC, announcing a collaboration to 3-D print aerospace parts. The initiative, which is the first of its kind in the nation, aims to provide parts that could be used on Boeing’s 787 and other aircraft.

We are excited to witness all the aerospace industry growth and developments underway. As S.C. Commerce Secretary Bobby Hitt said, “Aerospace is now a major pillar of South Carolina’s economy and will remain so for the foreseeable future.”

If you’d like to join our region’s fast-growing aerospace industry, feel free to learn more on our Aerospace page or contact Mike Graney +1 843.760.4526 or [email protected].