Charleston | South Carolina | USA

AEROSPACE

Anchored by Boeing SC, Charleston is an established destination for aerospace companies. Charleston is one of the nation's Top 10 mid-size metros for workforce growth in aircraft mechanics, computer hardware and electrical engineers. This community offers energy, excitement and innovation to the aerospace industry.

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we build jets

Charleston is one of three places in the world assembling and delivering wide body jets, is home to Boeing Centers of Excellence for IT, Research & Technology, and Engineering Design, and is the exclusive manufacturer of Boeing’s 787-10. This region offers the R&D, subassembly manufacturing, suppliers, advanced materials manufacturing, and non-destructive mechanical testing expertise necessary for your operation to be successful here.

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#1: Mid-size U.S. Metro for 5-Year Employment Growth in Manufacturing

#3: mid-size metro for prime-aged workforce aged 25-54

4.6x: higher concentration of aerospace manufacturing workforce than the U.S.

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Aerospace Companies

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Company	Web Address	Product/Service
PRIMARY
The Boeing Company	http://www.boeing.com	Fabricate and assemble major 787 aircraft components; engineering, design & production support; final assembly and delivery of 787 commercial airplanes
Barzan Aeronautical LLC	http://barzanaero.com/	Design and manufacturing of technology-based unmanned aircraft for defense, security and environmental use
SUPPLIERS
Acutec Precision Aerospace, Inc.	http://www.acutecprecision.com	Precision machining, precision welding, nondestructive testing and inspection, and related services for aerospace, power generation, and other industrial sectors; NADCAP certified
Advanced Technology International (ATI)	http://www.ati.org	Non-profit facilitator of applied research & technology commercialization: biotech, metals, composites, robotics, maritime, energy, space-related tech
AEROTUF	https://www.aerotuf.com/	Manufactures airplane cargo containers made from thermoplastic composites; division's global headquarters; FAA, EASA, CAA, JAA certified
AHG Fasteners-USA, Inc.	https://www.ahg.fr/SITE_AHG_WEB/UK/index.awp	U.S. business office for an international designer, manufacturer, and supplier of aerospace fastening systems
App Met Inc.	http://www.appmet.com	Dimensional, physical and electrical calibration services in our climate-controlled laboratories or onsite at client firms
BAE Systems	https://www.baesystems.com/	Electronic security and communications systems design, manufacturing and integration
Boxell Aerospace	https://www.boxellaero.com/	Design and manufacture aircrew equipment and tooling
CHS Flight School	https://chsflightschool.com/	Flight training and simulation
CRAFT Flight Training	https://flycraftchs.com/	Flight training and simulation
Dassault Systèmes	https://www.3ds.com/	Science-based and technology-powered company that provides virtual twins to drive human-centric experiences
DC Machine LLC	http://www.dcmachine.net/	Industrial machine shop with design/engineering, manufacturing/assembly and welding services to aerospace, medical, automotive and military markets
Defense Engineering Services (DES)	https://www.defengserv.com/expertise.html	Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) providing engineering and manufacturing services for the aerospace and defense industries including technical solutions, biomechanics and survivability research, test services, vehicle and C4I systems integration and prototype fabrication
Diehl Aviation	https://www.diehl.com/aviation/en/company/sites/	On-site Support Service (OSS) to Boeing; warehousing & kitting for Interiors Responsibility Center (IRC)
Eaton, Aerospace Group, Fuel & Motion Control Sys Div	http://www.eaton.com	Machined components
Gedore Tools Inc.	https://us.gedore.com/en/	Distribution of hand tools targeting aviation, automotive, industrial and renewable energy sectors
GEL Engineering	http://www.gel.com	Geo/civil engineering; Full-service analytical lab supporting organic, inorganic, radiochemistry, radiobioassay and special analyses; corporate HQ
Hubner Manufacturing Corporation Ltd. (USA)	http://www.hubner-usa.com	Articulation systems (bellows), passageway systems, specialty bumpers, airplane walkway coverings
Ingenics Corporation USA	https://www.ingenics.com/en/	Multinational corporate consulting firm specializing in the transformation and digitization of business models, products, and processes, serving automotive, aerospace, logistics, agriculture and medical technology, and other industries
JW Aluminum	http://www.jwaluminum.com	Flat-rolled aluminum products for the packaging, transportation machinery & equip, construction and consumer durables industries
Key Logistics Solutions	https://gaasolutions.com/gaa-companies/key-logistics-solutions/	Supply chain services including warehousing, inventory management, transportation, delivery, sequencing, and light assembly
Leatherwood Electronics & Manufacturing	http://www.leatherwoodmfg.com/index.html	Electronics, precision fabrication; CNC machining and electro-mechanical assembly
Leidos	https://www.leidos.com/	Cybersecurity, C4ISR technologies; Manufacturing Center of Excellence for Leidos' Security Enterprise Solutions (SES) -- security systems for screening checked baggage, cargo and passengers
Life Industries	https://www.lifeindustries.com/	Development, manufacture & packaging of commercial chemical and sanitizing products including BoatLIFE, RVbyLIFE, and AeroLIFE; also contract packaging & manufacturing
Mankiewicz Coatings LLC	http://www.mankiewicz.com	Coatings manufacturing and distribution, serving the medical, automotive, aviation, rail and yachting sectors
Metalworx	http://www.metalworxinc.com/	Full service contract manufacturer of OEM components incl. machining, sheet metal fab., certified welding, assembly, powder coating, liquid coating, etc
Mi-Tech, Inc.	http://www.mi-tech.net	Machine shop and technical consulting services; specialty in repair and remanufacture of components for rotating and reciprocating equipment
Pacific Rim Aerospace (PacRim)	http://pacrimaero.com/	Engineering services and solutions for the aerospace industry, including technical services such as tolerance and element testing
Parker Hannifin Corporation	http://www.parker.com	Fluid pumps for gas turbine fuel systems
Safran Electrical & Power	https://www.safran-group.com/companies/safran-electrical-power	Design, manufacture & install electrical interconnect & power systems in aviation/aerospace industry
Sev1Tech, LLC	https://sev1tech.com/	Software engineering, data center services, technology consulting to aerospace, defense, government and commercial clients
SQ (Sustained Quality) Group	http://www.sustained-quality.com/services/oem-services/	Engineering, process implementation, technical logistics management for aerospace, automotive & marine OEMs
Sullivan & Associates Inc	sa-ndt.com	Nondestructive testing & evaluations, mechanical engineering & testing
Textron Systems	https://www.textron.com/location/textron-locations	Software/hardware design and production; flight simulators, propulsion and electronic systems manufacturing; test, training and simulation
The Lighthouse for the Blind	https://lhblind.org/contact-us/locations/	Product assembly and light machining for the aerospace sector
ThyssenKrupp Material Services	https://www.thyssenkrupp-supply-chain.com/	Warehousing, FTZ, export packing, supply chain services
TIGHitco	https://tighitco.com/	Design and fabrication of engineered components for aerospace and industrial applications
TriMech	http://trimech.com/	Three-dimensional (3D) technology products and services in support of manufacturing, mechanical design & engineering; rapid prototyping services available
UEC Electronics	http://www.uec-electronics.com	Electronics engineering, design and assembly; automation, nondestructive testing and other engineering and manufacturing related services
Vartan USA LLC	https://aero.vartan.world/pages/contact	Aviation cabin interior production, support services, maintenance/overhaul
Venture Aerobearings, LLC	http://www.ventureaerobearings.com	Jet engine bearings (joint venture SKF & GE Aviation)
W International	https://w-international.com/company	Full-service manufacturer of large, complex welded metal fabrications serving defense, energy, and aerospace clients
Wheeler Bearing Co. LLC	http://wheelerfluidfilmbearings.com/	Journal bearings, oil rings, motor replacement bearings, labyrinth seals, hydrodynamic bearing design, EDM (machine shop) services, on-site or in-house repair of pumps, motors, transformers or generators
XPO Logistics	https://www.xpo.com/	Third party logistics services and supply chain management
Zeltwanger CNC Mfg LP/Leak Testing & Automation LP	http://www.zeltwanger.com	Contract CNC manufacturer specializing in ready-to-install machined components and complex assemblies for multiple global industries, including electric mobility, medical technology, packaging and aerospace; leak-testing systems services and support
Source: Charleston Regional Development Alliance, 1/2024

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Big Opportunities

“When you look at the aerospace footprint, with Joint Base Charleston, the growing airport, a supplier base that continues to expand, and our own long-term growth strategy, we're going to have a great future together.”

Joan Robinson-Berry
Former Vice President & General Manager
Boeing, South Carolina

Skilled Talent

The Charleston region offers deep expertise in manufacturing, R&D, IT, and is home to a high concentration of engineering and software talent, as well as a growing pool of skilled technicians

Workforce Training

Charleston is building a sustainable workforce pipeline by strategically aligning its education and training infrastructure with its high impact clusters. In fiscal year 2023-2024, ReadySC, a free, customized workforce training program for companies creating new, high wage jobs in South Carolina, trained 5,500 skilled workers for 97 companies.