Michigan is ranked as No. 2 state in the nation for aerospace manufacturing facilities, says a new report by PwC, a London-based auditor.
“The Michigan supply base brings forward the capabilities that both commercial and defense aerospace are looking for,” says Gavin Brown, executive director of the Michigan Aerospace Manufacturing Association based in Sterling Heights. “With this dedication comes a commitment to be the best.”
Following Florida, Michigan ranked a 10 on its tax, 25 on its opex, a three on industry, and an 18 on education.
There are more than 230 aerospace companies manufacturing in Michigan, such as commercial-manufacturers Airbus and Boeing; defense-manufacturer Lockheed Martin; and engine-manufacturers Pratt & Whitney, Rolls Royce, and GE Aviation, Brown says.
Additionally, Michigan is ranked 24th in overall dollars spent on the aerospace industry, with $1.5 billion spent annually.
“What you’re going to find in Michigan is not only the manufacture base but the engineering and modeling simulation expertise that the aerospace industry needs,” Brown says. “We’ve been able to take (our automotive heritage) and actually utilize that legendary expertise to help develop and expand our role in aerospace.”
In 2013, PwC ranked Michigan No. 4 for U.S. aviation manufacturing attractiveness.
