OPPORTUNITIES SKYROCKET FOR MANUFACTURERS ALONG THE SPACE COAST
by Patrick Evans-Hylton
The age of rockets was exciting and new six decades ago when
the stretch of sand and surf from Volusia County southward to Cape Canaveral began opening up to NASA and other manufacturers active in the space race . Ideally located to take advantage of orbital velocity and fuel efficiency , what became known as the Space Coast developed into an attractive place for many in the aviation and aerospace industry to do business . And , although some of the dynamics have shifted and other manufacturers are calling the region home , it ’ s still all about location , location , location .
“ We ’ re a diverse manufacturing community ,” says Jayne Fifer , president and CEO of Volusia Manufacturers Association . “ We have the logistics : I-4 , I-95 , railroads . It ’ s all strong and connected with our local manufacturers association . Just one phone call gets you to the people and information that you need .”
VMA was founded in 1980 and includes Jayne Fifer a wide range of businesses from those with a single employee to companies with more than 500 on staff . And although many companies in the area are focused on the aviation and aerospace industry , VMA ’ s membership includes a diverse group of industries .
“ Manufacturers provide substantial jobs with above average pay with benefits to over 11,000 people in the area ,” said Fifer .
That ’ s in addition to contributions made to the tax base of the county .
According to Team Volusia , Greater Daytona Region ’ s Economic Development Corporation , there are 28 aviation / aerospace companies in the region and more than 400 manufacturers . The metropolitan statistical area also includes five airports , including Daytona Beach International , which features commercial aviation service .
A big draw for business is Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University , a world leader in aviation and aerospace education offering more than 40 degree programs . Located adjacent to Daytona Beach International , the school has runway access there .
On site is the Volusia Tech Hub , which is affiliated with Volusia County Business Incubator Powered by UCF Business Incubator Program , as well as the NextGen Test Bed which focuses on the modernization of the National Airspace System .
An important component for manufacturing growth in the aviation and aerospace field is the MicaPlex at the Research Park at Embry-Riddle . The incubator space allows collaborative opportunities for businesses and the university to develop and work on new products and technological services to bring to market .
Two manufacturers with ties to the aviation and aerospace community taking advantage of what the county has to offer are Arralis Technologies and S & B Metal Products . Arralis is a newcomer , while S & B put down roots almost a decade ago .
ARRALIS TECHNOLOGIES
Arralis Technologies is a leader in advanced millimetre wave technology , serving communications , satellite , aerospace and defence markets . Founded in Ireland in 2013 by Mike Gleaves and Barry Lunn , today the company has operations in Ireland , the UK as well as Volusia County .
“ Throughout the years we ’ ve done various small contracts with some U . S . based companies and about a year-and-a-half ago , Mike Gleaves , our president , decided he wanted to open a U . S . operation ,” says Emilie
Emilie Wren
Wren , vice president of U . S . operations . The company considered a move to
Sarasota but Daytona won out due to the
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