South Carolina promotes its aerospace benefits in England

COLUMBIA, S.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–July 18, 2006–Governor Mark Sanford, Secretary of Commerce Joe Taylor and a delegation of Commerce managers and economic development allies from across the state are in England at the Farnborough International Airshow to sell the state’s benefits as a location for aerospace manufacturers and suppliers. The world renowned showcase for aerospace equipment and technology attracts more than 133,000 trade visitors and 1360 exhibitors from 32 countries during the week of July 17-23.

According to Secretary of Commerce Joe Taylor, the Farnborough International Airshow provides a superb venue for the State to share its pro-business climate to the world’s premier civil and military aerospace suppliers. The show also creates an effective business environment where individuals, companies and organizations can develop beneficial relationships that may result in job-creating investment in the Palmetto State.

Commerce will highlight many of the state’s aerospace successes, including the recent grand opening of the Vought Aircraft production facility in North Charleston and the upcoming opening of the Global Aeronautica plant later this year. Both facilities will produce and assemble fuselage components for Boeing’s new 787 Dreamliner passenger jet. The entire aerospace complex represents a $560 million investment and creation of 745 new jobs in South Carolina’s growing aerospace industry.

“With existing aerospace companies like Lockheed Martin, Honeywell and Champion Aerospace and our newest additions of Vought and Global Aeronautica, South Carolina is well positioned to compete in the global economy for jobs and capital investment in this important industry sector,” said Secretary Taylor. “Participating in the Farnborough Airshow is critical to our efforts to promote our state as an ideal location for aerospace engineering and technology and we believe our efforts will result in creating the high tech, knowledge-based jobs that will fuel our state’s economy for many years to come.”

The Department of Commerce is hosting a booth (17c, Hall 2) in the sold-out US Pavilion. For more information about Commerce’s visit to Farnborough, please visit www.sccommerce.com/aerospace.