7 Reasons Why Aerospace Companies Are Considering Eastern Kentucky

29 Aug 2017


Eastern Kentucky is known for its hardworking people. With coal mining having been the major industry in the area, working hard and doing what it takes to get the job done has defined this region for more than a century. Now, the aerospace industry has figured out that these same diligent, hardworking folks are ideal for advanced manufacturing. This, combined with Kentucky’s recent surge in the aerospace industry, is creating a logical business case for the One East Kentucky region.  The commonwealth is now number two in aerospace exports for the United States, representing 37 percent of the nation’s total aerospace exports (United States Census Bureau, 2016).

Here Are 7 Reasons Why Aerospace Companies Are Considering Eastern Kentucky

 

#1 This is the right place at the right time

Braidy Industries is investing $1.3 billion in Eastern Kentucky to build and operate an aluminum melting and rolling mill that will supply the aerospace and automotive industries located in the region and throughout the country. This is the first plant of its kind to be built in the United States in three decades.  “We are on the cusp of a boom and by the way… Appalachia is going to lead that boom. It’s the best place to go and we are spending 1.3 billion dollars to prove our point there” said Craig Bouchard, CEO of Braidy Industries.

#2 Eastern Kentucky has 10,000 available workers

Highly trained, hardworking, smart and innovative workers exist in Eastern Kentucky. Laid off from coal jobs, these workers have advanced math and operational skills that are easily transferable to the aerospace industry. In fact, Eastern Kentucky has eight times the national average of metal fabrication workers, something the aerospace industry greatly needs. These are people who are ready to get to work, willing to drive for a good job, skilled and loyal. Plus, East Kentucky has both the HAAS CNC Machinist Now training facility and an FAA certified A&P training facility ready to give these workers additional skills.

#3 Right to Work state

Recruitment is fast and easy in Eastern Kentucky with thousands of workers applying for job openings. As a Right to Work state, management and HR has an easy time staffing up with highly skilled workers in this region.

#4 Central location

Kentucky is in the new manufacturing corridor, located within eight-hours of sixty percent of United States’ manufacturers. Any business located here, will be close to their suppliers and customers, cutting down on transportation costs.

#5 Kentucky is pro-business

Everyone from Governor Bevin to local economic development directors and county officials are focused on bringing business to Kentucky. With officials ready to cut the red tape, assist in site selection and willing to talk about incentives, businesses are finding a friendly government in Kentucky. Governor Bevin’s Red Tape Reduction Initiative is just one example.  This makes it possible to launch a business quickly and take advantage of market opportunities.

#6 We have the infrastructure

With abundant access to highway, rail, water and air transportation routes, Kentucky’s infrastructure is top-rate. This makes it easy to move supplies or finished goods throughout the country. Aerospace manufacturers are finding Kentucky a convenient home from which to reach regional and national suppliers and customers.

#7 Sites are available in Eastern Kentucky

There is raw land and existing buildings available to support growth in the aerospace industry. As an AEROreadytm Region, we have airport land and certified industrial parks available for economic development, existing as well as virtual spec hangars and commercial buildings all available for development. To make the move easier, our economic development teams are assisting companies in finding the right location.

There is raw land and existing buildings available to support growth in the aerospace industry. As an AEROreadytm Region, we have airport land and certified industrial parks available for economic development, existing as well as virtual spec hangars and commercial buildings all available for development. To make the move easier, our economic development teams are assisting companies in finding the right location.

Suppliers are moving to Eastern Kentucky

As more aerospace companies are moving to Eastern Kentucky, so are their suppliers. A convenient location, access to commercial property, skilled workers and low costs of living, make this move highly advantageous. Companies who had difficulty recruiting employees on the coast or major metropolitan areas find that they have their pick of skilled workers here. When combined with a lower cost of doing business, the move makes basic economic sense. This has led suppliers and support companies to consider relocation to the region as well.

AEROready™ Region

Eastern Kentucky is an AEROreadytm Region, being one of the few communities in the United States to meet the criteria. This designation confirms Eastern Kentucky’s commitment to being pro-business. It recognizes our developed infrastructure, easy access to airports, available commercial sites, and in-state training opportunities, along with our strong and skilled workforce.

Kentucky is focused on growth

Demonstrating Kentucky’s commitment to growing the aerospace sector, a delegation recently participated in the Paris Air Show. The world’s largest aerospace event was attended by Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin, Economic Development Secretary Terry Gill, Braidy Industries CEO Craig Bouchard, One East Kentucky President/CEO Chuck Sexton, AEP Kentucky Power President Matt Satterwhite and other economic development leaders from Eastern Kentucky. This dynamic show featured more than 2,000 vendors and innovators in the aerospace industry, with C-Level executives of nearly 30 companies meeting with the delegation. This created an opportunity for Kentucky leaders to discuss the incredible advantages of locating a company in the state.

“Aerospace has been one of the fastest growing industries in Kentucky for several years now, and it is important we use every opportunity to build upon that success,” Sec. Gill said. “The Paris Air Show provides the greatest opportunity to do just that. The ability to meet in person with aerospace executives from around the world and discuss Kentucky’s many advantages will go a long way toward developing new relationships and strengthening those we have already established.”

Join the movement

There is a move in the aerospace industry to relocate to Eastern Kentucky. The timing is right and all available resources are here. Join the movement and become part of this economic boom. For more information, contact One East Kentucky CEO & President, Chuck Sexton at 606-886-7333 or by emailing chuck@OneEastKY.com.