Aerospace Industry

South Carolina is home to one of the nation's most dynamic aerospace centers. With an economic impact of more than $28 billion, the aerospace sector has evolved into a major pillar of the state's economy.

Since 2009, when Boeing selected North Charleston for its final assembly and delivery facility, the state's aerospace industry has soared. The driving force behind the success of this sector is the state's loyal, highly-skilled workforce. From premium automobiles to wide-bodied commercial aircraft, the people of South Carolina have proven that they excel in manufacturing advanced, extremely complex products.

Feature Story

Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin opened a new F-16 production line in Greenville, South Carolina. F-16 tooling and equipment previously in Fort Worth, Texas, has since been installed in a newly-refurbished hangar in Greenville, where the company will begin manufacturing F-16 Block 70 aircraft later this year.

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Why Is SC Just Right for Aerospace?

400

firms in the private sector component of the SC aerospace cluster

136,000

South Carolinians employed in the aerospace industry

464

new jobs announced by aerospace firms from 2017–2021

6th

largest export in the state

$1 billion

in export sales of aircraft in 2021

$28.8 billion

economic impact of aerospace in SC

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Aerospace Manufacturer Snapshots

Boeing GKN Aerospace Lockheed Martin RBC Bearings

Boeing

“Boeing has been a part of the South Carolina community for more than a decade, providing meaningful careers for our teammates who continue to innovate the aerospace industry. We are grateful for the strong partnerships across the state that have contributed to the development of an advanced and growing manufacturing community, and we look forward to a long future in South Carolina.”

– Boeing South Carolina Vice President and General Manager Lane Ballard

GKN Aerospace

“The selection of Orangeburg was influenced by the ongoing success in our existing facility. We have been able to hire and train the personnel we need and are confident we will have future success as our facilities grow. GKN is proud to be a part of the South Carolina aerospace community and have continued growing our strong partnership with the State of South Carolina, Orangeburg County Council and the City of Orangeburg.”

– GKN Aerostructures North America Chief Executive Officer Daniele Cagnatel

Lockheed Martin

"This is an exciting time as we celebrate another important milestone for the F-16 ‒ the world's most successful, combat-proven 4th generation fighter. The future is bright, and it begins right here in Greenville, South Carolina ‒ the new home of F-16 production.”

– Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Executive Vice President Michele Evans

RBC Bearings

“The opportunities to expand our business and create job growth have been many since moving to South Carolina in 2014. It’s an exciting time for RBC Aerostructures. We expect to triple our base business over the next five years and continue to be a contributor to the growth of the South Carolina economy.”

– RBC Aerostructures Director of Operations Stan Griffis

Boeing

“Boeing has been a part of the South Carolina community for more than a decade, providing meaningful careers for our teammates who continue to innovate the aerospace industry. We are grateful for the strong partnerships across the state that have contributed to the development of an advanced and growing manufacturing community, and we look forward to a long future in South Carolina.”

– Boeing South Carolina Vice President and General Manager Lane Ballard

GKN Aerospace

“The selection of Orangeburg was influenced by the ongoing success in our existing facility. We have been able to hire and train the personnel we need and are confident we will have future success as our facilities grow. GKN is proud to be a part of the South Carolina aerospace community and have continued growing our strong partnership with the State of South Carolina, Orangeburg County Council and the City of Orangeburg.”

– GKN Aerostructures North America Chief Executive Officer Daniele Cagnatel

Lockheed Martin

"This is an exciting time as we celebrate another important milestone for the F-16 ‒ the world's most successful, combat-proven 4th generation fighter. The future is bright, and it begins right here in Greenville, South Carolina ‒ the new home of F-16 production.”

– Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Executive Vice President Michele Evans

RBC Bearings

“The opportunities to expand our business and create job growth have been many since moving to South Carolina in 2014. It’s an exciting time for RBC Aerostructures. We expect to triple our base business over the next five years and continue to be a contributor to the growth of the South Carolina economy.”

– RBC Aerostructures Director of Operations Stan Griffis