Report: Rockford continues to grow its strong aerospace hub

ROCKFORD, April 24 — Rockford’s Aerospace Cluster was recently praised in the national publication Aerospace Manufacturing and Design. The article “Building a strong aerospace hub” mentions Rockford Region’s current record breaking export numbers, as well as the region’s capacity for continued growth.

The Rockford Area Economic Development Council’s (RAEDC) Executive Director of Trade & Investment, Carrie Zethmayr, explains how regional organizations like the Illinois SBDC International Trade Center of Rockford support growth of local companies.  “Services are provided to companies to walk them through the process of establishing and growing an export program, including consulting, training, and assistance in accessing valuable programs such as the Illinois State Trade and Export Promotion program” quotes the article.

The article also quotes Frederic Young, owner of Forest City Gear, on the local company’s positive outlook for future growth, “We anticipate banner years for the next several years because of the growth in aerospace and medical (industries). Our goal is to reach $40 million within the next 5 to 10 years.”

See the full story here.

For more information on the Rockford Area Aerospace Network (RAAN) click here.