rockford is aerospace - rockford, illinois, · pdf filerockford is aerospace rockford area...

Rockford Is Aerospace

m i d-am e r i ca’s b e st i nte r nati onal ae r os pace com m u n ity

Rockford Is Aerospace

Rockford Area Economic Development Council100 Park Avenue, Suite 100 | Rockford IL 61101p: 815.987-8118 | f: [email protected] | www.rockfordil.com

n Transportation options that save time and money

n Easy access to I-88, I-39, I-43 and I-88

n Rockford Region is within two hours of four international airports

The Rockford Region is one of the largest epicenters of aerospace activity in the country, with more than 200 suppliers operating in the area. It is in the center of a major economic region with assets vital to the aerospace industry.

The region has the critical mass of suppliers and infrastructure that tier-one

and original equipment manufacturers need. With more than 6,500 aerospace

sector employees, the Rockford Region is one of the nation’s leaders in overall

aerospace employment.

Unparalleled Global AccessThe region’s location allows for convenient access to regional, national and international markets. As part of the world’s third-largest multi-modal port system, the Rockford Region offers international airports, major interstate connections, ocean and river ports and rail services that provide effortless and cost-effective worldwide movement of employees, customers and products. The Rockford Region is only an hour away from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). It also boasts the Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD), a leading cargo airport in the country.

Technical Talent and Manufacturing ExcellenceThere are more than 56,000

engineers within 90 miles

of Rockford. The Rockford

MSA has more than 4,000

engineers, which is 1.3 times

more than the U.S. average.

The regional workforce is

productive and dedicated,

with targeted aerospace

industry training programs

to ensure suppliers have

consistent and long-term

access to skilled workers.

Business-Friendly CommunityThe Rockford Region

boasts pro-development

oriented communities with

a history of supporting the

growth needs of advanced

manufacturing. The region

features a collaborative

economic development effort

that encourages innovation

and supplier development.

Aerospace companies

in the region network

and collaboratively seek

opportunities to improve the

local business climate, share

leads and increase aerospace

business opportunities.

Instant Supply ChainRockford’s aerospace cluster is one of the leading aerospace employment centers in the country. The region offers multiple diverse clusters of advanced manufacturing capabilities at twice the national average in manufacturing employment. Rockford’s unique strength is the presence of diverse companies at all levels of the supply chain, including assembly, inspection, testing, repair and software. The region is comprised of more than 200 aerospace companies, with several tier-one aerospace suppliers, including B/E Aerospace, GE Aviation, Esterline, UTC Aerospace Systems and Woodward. Companies in the cluster serve industry leaders like Boeing and Airbus, which benefit from being able to visit multiple suppliers in one visit to the region.

mid-america’s best international aerospace community

Manufacturing Excellence


Workforce DevelopmentThe Rockford Region takes a proactive and pragmatic approach to addressing one of the aerospace industry’s greatest needs – finding qualified talent during a national shortage of engineers, scientists and technicians. A vision and strategy of the regional aerospace network is to educate, attract and retain an unparalleled workforce and create world-class educational and vocational partnerships and institutions. Rockford is at the center of the Midwest’s great slate of universities and engineering schools. Nearly 9,000 degrees are granted each year from local educational institutions, more than 400 in engineering. Through collaborative efforts with higher education institutions, businesses in the region have the opportunity to develop and sustain the professional, technical and skilled workforce necessary to meet global market demands.

Concentrated Manufacturing Talent Above National AverageEmployers in the Rockford Region benefit from its large pool of aerospace engineering and other professional, technical and skilled talent. As part of the Chicago area, Rockford is within one of the most densely populated areas of the country. There are 2.8 million working-age adults within 60 miles and more than 56,000 engineers within a 90-minute drive. The region has twice the U.S. average of manufacturing employment with multiple clusters of advanced manufacturing capabilities. The region is the global leader in the design and manufacture of engine control systems, electric power generation, distribution and control systems.

The Rockford metro area boasts concentrated manufacturing and research and development talent above the national average:n Transportation manufacturing and R&D employment – 3 times the national average n Machinery manufacturing and R&D employment – 6 times the national averagen Metals manufacturing and R&D employment – 4 times the national average

Attractive Hiring Climate n Experienced workforce: 55 percent have more than

10 years on the job and are multi-skilled

n Very good rating for turnover and productivity

n Rockford wages are competitive with other Midwest locations. They rival those in Madison and are lower than the Chicago area.

The Joint Institute of Engineering & Technology – Aerospace (JiET-A) is an innovative partnership between the region’s aerospace companies and universities, matching students with internship and mentorship opportunities to gain experience with leading aerospace companies. Throughout the experience, students are mentored by leading aerospace professionals. When students graduate, they enter the aerospace industry with valuable – and marketable – skills and experience.

JiET-A unites regional education institutions and aerospace companies to enhance students’ experiences and guide them into a successful transition from school to the aerospace workforce. JiET-A academic partners include:n Rock Valley Collegen Northern Illinois Universityn Rockford Collegen Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University


Instant Supply Chain


The Rockford Region is home to 11 major tier-one aerospace suppliers. The cluster network offers several benefits to aerospace companies, including:n Collaboration that strengthens global competitivenessn Development of an environment that encourages sharing of

knowledge and best practicesn Ability to retain the region’s skilled manufacturing capabilitiesn Establishment of engineering programs and cooperatives

The Rockford Aerospace Cluster is your instant supply chain with more than 200 companies.


Sampling of Companies:● AAR Corp.● ATI Ladish Forging● B/E Aerospace● Boeing HQ● Emteq Aerospace HQ● Esterline● Forest City Gear● GE Aviation● Ingenium Aerospace● Northrop Grumman● Northstar Aerospace HQ● QuEST Global Services● Spider Company● SupplyCore● UTC Aerospace Systems● Woodward



Unparalleled Global Access

4International airports

within two hours:ORD, MKE, RFD, MDW

IL International Port District:

Barge access to IL and MS

Rivers

The Rockford Region is part of the world’s third-largest multi-modal port system. n A best logistics site for connectivity and low cost of operationsn Direct access to all major world markets

NAFTA access via I-90,I-43,I-39

and I-88

The Rockford Region is served by four

class one railroads:•BNSF•CP•CN•UP

By the Numbers

6thLargest cargo airport in U.S. (ORD)

10,000 ft.Length of RFD’s primary runway

75%of U.S businesses can be reached

within a 24-hour truck drive

#176Foreign Trade Zone

24/7U. S. Custom Port of Entry


Rockford Region communities workenthusiastically with new and expandingcompanies to create a higher standardof living for the region’s residents.The Rockford Region offers limited governance, reasonable tax rates,superior transportation infrastructure andbusiness incentives programs for new andexpanding businesses, manufacturingcompanies and entrepreneurs.

5th lowest effective tax rate on new investment (4.6%), according to Ernst & Young April 2011 report. Illinois has no separate property tax on equipment and machinery, and has generous sales tax exemptions for business-to-business sales.

7th in Site Selection magazine’s Governor’s Cup ranking of state success in attracting major capital investment in 2011.

“Dozens of interviews with CEOs, entrepreneurs and experts in corporate site selection confirm that Illinois has more of what businesses need to thrive. The state has a larger pool of talented workers, bigger markets, more money for investment and better transportation.” – Crain’s Chicago Business Analysis, 2011

“The State of Illinois has a long-term vision to support the growth of the aerospace industry. The Rockford Region is a tangible example of that vision in action. There’s a virtual circle of growth and innovation happening in this region – especially with the $200 million expansion of Woodward. We’re proud of the partnerships and collaboration that have taken place to support the growth of this sector in Rockford and Illinois. Aerospace companies are welcome here!” – Adam Pollet, Acting Director, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

Business Friendly Community

5th

7th

The communities of the Rockford Region have a history of delivering on their commitments:

n A collaborative economic development effort where companies are encouraged to provide leadership on issues that they find important.

n Multiple demonstrations of community and governmental support for aerospace businesses.

n Acceptable environmental regulations and an expeditious permitting process.

n Proven ability of companies to expand facilities and extend infrastructure on time and in budget.

n Proven ability for industry leadership to make an impact on the direction and focus of community betterment initiatives simply by making one phone call.


UPS Parcel & Heavy Freight Air Cargo Operations – Attraction & Expansion – The Chicago Rockford International Airport project was completed and operational before concurrent east and west coast facilities were provided with permits.


The Rockford Region provides the charm and convenience of a small Midwestern city with easy access to neighboring Chicago, Milwaukee and Madison. This high quality of life comes at an affordable price with the cost of living being

below the U.S. average. Today, Rockford is a vital, multicultural community

of people with roots in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas. Rockford’s

landmarks, restaurants and shops reflect the city’s rich ethnic heritage.

City of Gardens Historically referred to as the “Forest City” because of the river valley’s lush woods, Rockford now refers to itself as the City of Gardens. The area is home to 10,000 acres of parks and forest preserves, tree-lined streets, an exceptionally green downtown, a riverside trail and many public gardens. From Rock Cut State Park to the new Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens along the banks of the Rock River, residents can enjoy the beauty our region has to offer.

Center of Attention Rockford residents enjoy being the center of the action. While we have everything we need right here in our community, the world is at our doorstep. Rockford is conveniently located within 90 minutes of Chicago, Milwaukee and Madison. Our residents can enjoy a day trip in to one of these larger, neighboring cities to take in their cultural, recreational and educational assets. Variety is the spice of life and Rockford and its surrounding communities have it all.

Best of Entertainment There is something for everyone in Rockford. Families can play together at a variety of local attractions, our thriving downtown is home to venues that pull in top entertainment acts, history buffs can take in one of our many museums and everywhere you look you can find a great meal.

Attractions n Burpee Museum of Natural

Historyn Discovery Center Museumn Midway Village Museumn Magic Watersn CoCo Key Water Resortn Anderson Japanese Gardensn Rockford Park District – named Best in Nation

Dining/Nightlife n BMO Harris Bank Center – Newly renovated civic arenan Home of the Rockford IceHogs – Top Chicago Blackhawks

affiliaten Starlight Theatren Variety of dining options

Culture n Rockford Art Museumn Historic Coronado Theatern Rockford Symphony Orchestran Tinker Swiss Cottagen Ethnic Heritage Museum

Attractive Quality of Lifemid-america’s best international aerospace community

rockford is aerospace - rockford, illinois, · pdf filerockford is aerospace rockford area...

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