Ohio Is Ideal Location for Aerospace Innovation and Manufacturing Excellence

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Sept. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Success in the aerospace and aviation industry means having balanced access to cutting-edge technologies and the ability to build and deliver the high-tech parts, instruments and devices that fuel the industry. As this growth continues both domestically and globally, businesses need an ideal environment that combines a business-friendly climate, deep industry knowledge base, a well-educated workforce, dedicated universities and research institutions, and most importantly a strong supply chain to get products to market.

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As the nation recognizes National Aerospace Week this week, Ohio celebrates its historic strengths and goals for future industry success. Ohio delivers on its promises to be the ideal environment for aerospace companies to thrive. Ohio's aerospace and aviation industry is the nation's leader in advanced propulsion and power technology. The state boasts more than 1,000 private companies, more than 100,000 workers, two federal laboratories, a network of higher education institutions and numerous nonprofit organizations engaged in the aerospace industry, well positioning Ohio to take advantage of the market growth.

"OAI is proud to join America in recognizing National Aerospace Week," said Michael Heil, president and CEO of the Ohio Aerospace Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building Ohio's aerospace economy. "The aerospace industry is vital to the nation's and Ohio's economic recovery, and this week is an opportunity to reinforce the value of our industry with our elected officials and community."

As market growth continues, global companies look for whoever can manufacture and deliver the parts and supplies in the most cost-efficient and time-effective way. Ohio and its network of aerospace industry businesses now face greater competition not just domestically, but from around the globe.

As the birthplace of aviation, Ohio's aerospace and aviation industry covers a complete spectrum of advanced propulsion technologies for all aerospace vehicle types (aircraft, rockets and spacecraft) both military and commercial. Ohio's network of suppliers draws in billions of dollars annually from global companies like Boeing and Airbus.

Ohio also is home to some of the world's largest aerospace and aviation industry businesses including GE Aviation, Boeing, Parker-Hannifin, Goodrich and Timken, just to name a few. In addition, Ohio also is home to a world-class research environment that includes two dedicated federal aerospace laboratories – Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton and NASA Glenn in Cleveland – and ten aerospace related doctoral programs at Ohio universities. Graduates of these institutions provide a cluster of highly skilled and educated workers. 

Ohio's aerospace jobs rank 1st among the 12 comparable states in private sector aerospace and defense manufacturing value-added, nearly double the national average. More than 66,000 specialized aerospace and aviation workers—double the national average—provide Ohio with an abundant pool of professionals to effectively meet industry needs.

According to David Joyce, president and CEO of GE Aviation, Ohio's talented aerospace workforce is why the company calls Ohio home.

"Ohio is home to some of the best and brightest talent in the aerospace industry, and we are very gratified by the growing partnership between Ohio and GE Aviation," Joyce said.

Aerospace companies located in Ohio also benefit from Ohio's central location supported by a world-class logistics infrastructure, easy access to markets and supply chains, a highly skilled workforce, and public-private sector leadership.

Ohio is within 600 miles of 60 percent of the U.S. and Canadian population and is within a one-day drive of 70 percent of North America's manufacturing capacity. The state's central location and world-class logistics capabilities help companies reduce operating costs by getting components and finished goods quickly to their destination anywhere in the U.S. or around the globe.

Understanding today's global economy, Ohio lawmakers dramatically revamped the state's tax structure, creating the lowest rates in the Midwest and an extremely profit-friendly business climate for companies that locate in the state. A recent report by the Quantitative Economics and Statistics Practices (QUEST) of Ernst & Young in conjunction with the Council On State Taxation (COST) ranks Ohio as third in the nation for friendliest tax environment.

"Ohio has proactively redesigned its business climate to support a leading 21st century global economy," said Ed Burghard, executive director of the Ohio Business Development Coalition, the nonprofit organization that markets the state for capital investment. "Strategic tax reform and economic development incentives encourage global success and make the state an ideal location to profitably compete in the global marketplace."

The advantages Ohio offers positions the state as an international leader for business success in the 21st century global marketplace. Companies continue to discover the benefits of investing in Ohio, finding a preferred location for capital investment, a competitive business environment and a perfect balance between business pursuits and personal aspirations.

"Ohio's success is not solely dependent on the strength of its business advantages. It's about Ohio's promise of work-life balance," added Burghard. "Low-cost, low-stress communities and short commutes create the State of Perfect Balance, where you can achieve both professional and personal success without sacrificing one for the other."

About the Ohio Business Development Coalition

The Ohio Business Development Coalition is a nonprofit organization that provides marketing strategy and implementation to support Ohio's economic development efforts. For more information, visit www.ohiomeansbusiness.com.

SOURCE Ohio Business Development Coalition