California's Aerospace Industry Expands as War Continues.

Business Editors

Topical News: War On Terrorism 

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 9, 2003

A recent report released by the Aerospace Industries Association's Board of Governors identified the aerospace industry's top ten most important issues for 2003. Issues include "a national plan to revitalize the aerospace workforce" and "promoting and supporting US homeland defense and aviation security." These issues are "designed to ensure the leadership of the US aerospace industry in the 21st century." Addressing these issues will help the leadership of the US aerospace industry and the leadership of the California aerospace industry.

California is responsible for about 25% of the aerospace manufacturing industry in the US. Virtually all of California aerospace manufacturers are suppliers to large aerospace companies who make a variety of aircraft from commercial Boeing 747s to military Black Hawk helicopters and F/A 22 Raptors. Many of the California suppliers produce components, such as landing gear or windshields, which help to complete the aircraft. Now because of the war in Iraq and the focus on the war on terrorism, many California aerospace suppliers have won large military contracts. However, winning the contract is only half the battle. Aerospace suppliers face problems typically associated with meeting tough cost and schedule demands. If these issues are not resolved, aerospace suppliers can lose their contracts, which can mean a loss of California jobs. There are, however, manufacturing techniques available such as lean manufacturing that allow for manufacturers to scrutinize every step of the production line and then fix any problems, so that a product can be produced in less time for less of the original cost. California aerospace suppliers have the enviable challenge of delivering more products at a lower cost and in a shorter amount of time.

Says David Braunstein, President and CEO of the California Manufacturing Technology Center (CMTC), "California's aerospace suppliers play a critical role in the national defense industry base, however, they still have many challenges they must face. With over 130,000 Californians employed in the aerospace manufacturing industry, it is important that we help California's small aerospace manufacturers stay alive and well. As California's aerospace suppliers learn how to produce products more efficiently, they will solidify their reputation on the nation level. This will create jobs and improve the local and California economy."

About California Manufacturing Technology Center

A private, nonprofit corporation, CMTC was established in 1992 to provide high-value consulting services to California's high-tech and traditional small and medium-size manufacturers to increase their competitive advantage through improved methods of management and manufacturing. Today, through its seven regional centers, CMTC provides consulting services in the practice areas of Strategic Business, Lean Enterprise, Information Technology, and Quality. CMTC's regional centers cover Los Angeles, the Inland Empire, Orange County, Ventura/Santa Barbara County, the San Fernando/San Gabriel Valley, the San Joaquin Valley and San Diego/Imperial County. For more information, visit www.cmtc.com.