Chris talks with Tony Vernaci, Vice President for Global Business Development, Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), about the Aerospace industry. Michigan is Number 2 in the nation for Aerospace attractiveness (see page 4 of the linked pdf report from Price Waterhouse). 

The key reasons for this is due to Michigan’s technology climate, operational cost, density of industry and educational system. There are currently 600 companies in Michigan doing work for the Aerospace industry. The University of Michigan has the oldest aeronautic engineering program and consistently rates in the top two programs in the country. There is a nine year backlog of airplanes, and a fleet that needs to be retired. Michigan is in a great place to meet the global demand in the Aerospace industry. 

In the second segment, Chris picks back up on a conversation about the Aerospace industry, speaking with Tony Vernaci, Vice President for Global Business Development, Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).

• Overall job growth in Michigan is outpacing the national average.
  • 2009-2014 Michigan aerospace jobs grew at 38% while the national average was less than 1%.
• Some of the key assets based in Michigan:
  • Oscoda Wurtsmith Airport;
  • Former military base with 11,000 foot runway capable of landing any commercial aircraft;
  • Over 900 employees performing complex engine repair and overhaul, airframe and composites;
  • Kalitta Air full maintenance crew for their entire global fleet of Boeing 747s;
  • Alco in Whitehall, Michigan; 
  • Spirit Airlines Maintenance Facility at Detroit Metro Airport:
    • $31.7 million investment, 84 high paying new jobs;

       

    • Michigan won this project over competing states in the south.