Reaping the Benefits of NETN’s Aerospace Cluster
Northeast Tennessee has a long and rich history of aerospace and defense. Today, the region is home to a vibrant cluster of more than 50 top aerospace companies that provide world-class manufacturing, maintenance, and jobs. Bell, for example, provides aircraft support solutions and employs hundreds of aviation maintenance technicians, engineers, and support personnel at its completion center in Piney Flats. Companies such as Wysong, Aeronautical Access, BAE Systems, AIR2, Aerojet Rocketdyne, IES, and Eastman Aviation Solutions also maintain locations within the Tri-Cities area.
Our state’s aerospace sector is supported by a variety of workforce development programs. Coupled with the existing presence of these aerospace industry leaders, Northeast Tennessee is prepared to provide high quality manufacturing, maintenance, and a workforce capable of future expansion and growth. And Tri-Cities Aerospace Park is located right in the heart of this thriving area.
Aerospace Park is surrounded by renowned education institutions and research facilities that offer aerospace industry and advanced engineering degrees. For example, the Tennessee College of Applied Technology in Morristown offers a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part-147 Aviation Maintenance Technician program currently producing airframe and powerplant (A&P)-certified employees. The Regional Center for Advanced Manufacturing (RCAM) in Kingsport creates custom training programs for our existing industries at its 26,000 sq. ft. training facility. Northeast State Community College—located adjacent to Aerospace Park— has both degree and certification programs in aviation. As of January 2021, the Northeast State aviation maintenance technician program received FAA certification, becoming the first and only program in the country where students can receive their certification at no cost by utilizing Tennessee Promise and Tennessee Reconnect scholarships. Our prime location means we have direct access to reliable, skilled labor now and for years to come.
Northeast Tennessee’s booming aerospace cluster and dedicated workforce provides the perfect setting for your next expansion. Operating from Aerospace Park offers access to all these benefits and more. Schedule a site visit today to explore how our property can accommodate your needs.