The Strength of Aerospace in Wisconsin

An experimental aircraft is demonstrated at AirVenture 2015

Benefits of a strong aerospace industry include national defense, convenient travel, creating highly paid jobs and driving the economy. With its strong aerospace manufacturing supply chain, Wisconsin plays a pivotal role in advancing the U.S. aerospace industry.

The state’s leadership is exemplified by the annual Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture event held in Oshkosh. Annually, this event draws nearly 500,000 aviation enthusiasts from more than 60 countries. The event is a premier airshow that highlights the latest aviation innovations and offers participants a forum for discovery and networking.

Recognizing the active role Wisconsin plays in advancing aerospace technologies, the Aerospace States Association (ASA) will be holding its annual meeting at EAA AirVenture this year. ASA is a public-private partnership headed by U.S. lieutenant governors, including Wisconsin’s Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch. Lt. Governor Kleefisch chairs ASA’s manufacturing committee and is a member of the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education committee.

“Traveling Wisconsin, I’m constantly impressed at the number and diversity of companies engaged in aviation and aerospace,” says Lt. Governor Kleefisch. “From defense contractors to precision manufacturers to unmanned aerial vehicle inventors, businesses across our state are keeping our country flying. Hosting this ASA annual meeting alongside EAA is further proof of Wisconsin’s growing national reputation as a hub for aerospace innovation and excellence.”

Fireworks at AirVenture 2015

Wisconsin’s world-class university and technical college systems are also committed to strengthening the U.S.’ leadership in aviation and aerospace. Engineering and research programs across the state, including UW-Madison, UW-Milwaukee, UW-Platteville, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Stout, Carthage College, Marquette University and Milwaukee School of Engineering, are providing solutions to aerospace industry challenges, including those faced by NASA, which provides research and internship funding through the Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium. AeroInnovate and Wisconsin Aerospace Partners are two leading organizations leveraging broad public- and private-sector participation. The result is a rapidly developing center of aviation and aerospace excellence in Wisconsin around which new business development opportunities are forming.

A powerhouse in precision manufacturing, Wisconsin is home to well over 200 companies in aerospace research and development, manufacturing, engineering and services. With more than 140 manufacturers in the state supplying precision products to Boeing, Wisconsin has distinguished itself as a reliable source of components and expertise in the aerospace subsector. For companies tackling the challenges of aviation and aerospace, Wisconsin has innovative and reliable solutions.