According to ATC Manufacturing in Post Falls , Idaho , that material is advanced thermoplastic composites . Currently used in structural applications in aircraft , the material will become more central to commercial aerospace manufacturing .
Jacob Bonwell , CEO of ATC Manufacturing , said that the Tech Hub funding if awarded would be like having a “ testbed ” of aerospace composites in the region . While located in Post Falls , he noted that they are " a stone ' s throw from Spokane Valley , where many organizations are focused on aerospace . We want to build our relationships with our colleagues in the region . We are building something special here . ATC is working heavily on its workforce development pipelines .”
He spoke about how trades have become a dying breed , but with the opportunities for commercial airline manufacturing rapidly ticking up , “ We need to build it back up .”
He noted that the work is here , and as Boeing plans to increase monthly manufacturing volumes , he wants to be prepared . “ Local supply chain and economic development organizations are ready for growth ; they are having these conversations . The growth is coming .” He said he ’ s been in the area for a long time and has seen it change . He said city leaders are “ ecstatic ” about the possible Tech Hub coming here .
According to the EDA website , “ The American Aerospace Materials Manufacturing Tech Hub , led by Gonzaga University , aims to develop new domestic supply chains to meet the immediate demand for high-rate production of advanced composite aerostructures in defense and commercial markets .
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