South Carolina Aerospace Industry Growth Outpaces Washington State

Last week, The University of South Carolina released its “Aerospace in the Southeast” study showing that though it’s size still pales in comparison to that of Washington state’s, South Carolina’s aerospace industry is growing at a faster rate.

The study compares South Carolina’s private sector aerospace growth — aerospace manufacturing, air transportation and air transportation support services — to Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and Washington state. The report found that among those states, South Carolina is actually the industry leader in private sector aerospace revenue growth. South Carolina’s aerospace sector grew at a rate of 15.5% from 2010-2012, compared to Washington’s 13.9% growth (the data excluded military aviation).

Of course, Washington’s aerospace industry, centered around Boeing, remains far larger than its southern counterparts. South Carolina’s entire aerospace workforce only makes up 19% of the 92,000 aerospace workers in Washington.

The Next Step For Aersospace In The Southeast

For the rest of the southeastern states to get on the same playing field as Washington, aerospace firms need more metal finishing and metal processing suppliers in a close proximity.  More original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and tier-one firms moving to these states would also accelerate growth. Lastly, companies in the Southeast need to obtain their AS9100 certifications — a quality management system for the aerospace industry — in order to do more work for large OEMs like Boeing.

A Dedicated Partner For The Aerospace Supply Chain

For over 40 years bisco industries has been serving quality-oriented companies in the aerospace industry. Our quality management team works diligently in cooperation with dedicated sales reps to ensure that products arrive on time and to our customers’ specifications. bisco is AS9100 certified and has 48 local facilities throughout North America. We also have 8 regional warehouses that have been strategically placed so clients receive products as soon as possible. Visit biscoind.com to learn more and shop for products.