PricewaterhouseCoopers manufacturing attractiveness analysis puts Washington ahead of Texas and Georgia; South Carolina #17

High scores for industry, infrastructure and economy pushed Washington to the top of the list in a new report from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) on aerospace manufacturing attractiveness internationally and among U.S. states. The paper notes in particular Washington’s 1,400+ aerospace companies and the highest concentration of aerospace jobs in America. The next closest competitor states are Texas and Georgia.

The PwC study is the second major independent research report placing Washington state above all other competitors as the best place to design and build commercial aircraft. In June, the Teal Report on U.S. Aerospace Competitive Economics came to the same conclusion in a study released by the Choose Washington New Middle-Market Airplane (NMA) Council.

“Built on over a century of innovation and leadership that began with the Boeing Airplane Company, Washington state’s aerospace industry today stands head and shoulders above any other. We intend to keep aiming higher by building on our strengths and addressing opportunities identified in this and other independent rankings,” said Gov. Jay Inslee.

“It’s gratifying to see others validate what we know — Washington State is the best place to design and build aircraft in the world,” said Commerce Director Brian Bonlender. “We already have the most productive aerospace workforce and other industry expertise. Now, a confluence of new technologies developing right here in our state – from cloud computing and artificial intelligence to composites and advanced manufacturing – provides incredible opportunities for the future of our aerospace sector.”

Leaders of the NMA Council joined in hailing the PricewaterhouseCoopers report.

“This is great news for all of Washington,” said Dr. Noel Schulz, co-chair of the NMA Council and a professor at Washington State University. “We are in a strong position, and to stay there we must continue to make investments in education, workforce training and in infrastructure.”

Schulz’ NMA co-chair, Rick Bender, former president of the Washington State Labor Council, said the report validates the contribution of Washington’s aerospace workforce.

“Aerospace companies want to be in Washington because we have the most highly skilled and productive workforce in the industry,” Bender said. “The workforce here is a major advantage to aerospace companies.”

      – Washington State Department of Commerce