WHAT ’ S HAPPENING IN YOUR REGION ?
I-90 AEROSPACE CORRIDOR MANEUVERS THROUGH
CHALLENGES
BY : STACI NELSON , EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR , INWAC
The I-90 Aerospace Corridor is home to a wide variety of advanced manufacturers who have established themselves as a valuable part of the aerospace supply chain , serving customers in the Puget Sound region and around the world .
In addition to commercial aerospace work , many manufacturers in the region have long maintained a diverse customer base serving medical device , utilities , defense , and industrial goods sectors . This approach enabled suppliers to weather the downturn in air travel and subsequent impact on aircraft manufacturing .
Several companies even contributed to the design and production of Personal Protective Equipment ( PPE ) to address coronavirus safety concerns . Capitalizing on the collaborative relationships that exist among companies along the I-90 Corridor , companies were able to quickly pivot and partner to design face masks , protective barriers , and ventilators .
Since the 2nd Quarter of 2021 , suppliers have seen business begin to rebound and there are many reasons to feel optimistic about the future . The region has continued to see growth in the space market , as that industry matures and capitalizes on many of the highly technical specifications and certifications required for commercial aerospace .
As is true beyond the I-90 Corridor region , workforce availability remains a challenge . Not to be deterred , I-90 manufacturers are taking a variety of approaches to address this need . From apprenticeship programs designed to upskill and expand the number of skilled workers , to hiring in-house instructors , to creative marketing campaigns and hands on programs that introduce students to manufacturing careers , companies are taking active steps to ensure that they have the skilled workforce they need to continue serving their customers for years to come .
80 NORTHWEST AEROSPACE NEWS
PNAA ADVANCE / 2022