West Virginia ’ s Aerospace Industry
COMPILED BY AMANDA LARCH
In 2019 , the aerospace industry supported 4,000 jobs and created a $ 1.3 billion total economic output in West Virginia . A hidden gem , the Mountain State ’ s aerospace industry is built around access to raw materials , development assistance , education and location . Ohio is home to eight aviation maintenance schools and has the second-largest aerospace economy in the country , while Kentucky has the second-largest aerospace export economy , making West Virginia perfectly situated to contribute to and benefit from the success of surrounding states .
As one of the state ’ s largest developing economic sectors , the aerospace industry has the potential to create jobs and move the economy forward . Seven counties in Southern West Virginia were certified as AEROready in early 2020 , totaling 21 counties with this designation . The AEROready certification , which was led by Consultants Tucson Atlantic Consulting and Common Sense Economic Development and funded by Appalachian Power , came on the heels of an in-depth analysis of the region ’ s property , labor , education and infrastructure to ensure it had the capacity to support the aerospace industry . Coupled with the already booming aerospace presence in North Central West Virginia , which provides access to critical infrastructure and resources and continues to grow in size and economic impact every year , this certification and the ongoing improvement of existing resources creates even more opportunities for growth .
While the prospective growth is exciting , West Virginia ’ s aerospace industry — including large and small manufacturers , service-oriented small businesses , educational institutions , airports and industry partners — is already a dynamic and thriving economic sector . West Virginia Executive , in partnership with Appalachian Power , Fairmont State University , Marshall University and the Robert C . Byrd Institute , created the following map to show that , despite its size , West Virginia is already a major player in the aerospace arena .
Editor ’ s Note : This map was compiled using lists from the Robert C . Byrd Institute and West Virginia Department of Commerce . If you know of additional aerospace companies located in West Virginia , help us update this list by sending an email to ajl @ wvexecutive . com .
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE