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Ellen Belcher is the Dayton Daily News opinion pages editor. She writes about state government, education, the environment, higher education and all things Dayton.
Martin Gottlieb is an editorial writer and columnist for the Dayton Daily News opinion pages. He focuses on the political process itself and does such national issues as war, the economy, taxes and Social Security, as well as a hodge-podge of local and state issues.Home > Blogs > A Matter of Opinion > Archives > 2009 > May > 21 > Entry
Guest column: Ohio must grab aerospace opportunities
By Michael Heil
It is an industry that employs more than 100,000 Ohioans at nearly 1,200 companies.
It is an industry focused on cutting-edge technology that produces high-quality, well-paying jobs. It is an industry that is staying strong even in the recession and is poised for phenomenal global growth.
But, most significantly, it is an industry that has at least a $4.5 billion economic impact on Ohio.
This industry is aerospace, and it is critically important to not only the economic future of the Greater Dayton area, but the entire state.
Aerospace involves much more than sending rockets to the moon. It touches the lives of just about every American every day. It is a complex industry that includes all aspects of researching, designing, engineering, testing, manufacturing and operating manned and unmanned vehicles safely, efficiently and effectively. Through air and space, they transport people, goods, defense systems, communications systems and other technology to destinations on Earth and considerably beyond.
The industry allows us to communicate across our planet, observe its health and well being and predict our weather. It includes allied industries and disciplines such as materials, energy and power generation, distribution and storage, instrumentation and electronics, medicine and biomedical engineering. Aerospace is a diverse field, with a multitude of commercial, industrial and military applications.
In Ohio, it also is a growth field, and one in which Ohio is a leader.
From its humble beginnings in the Wright brothers’ bicycle shop in Dayton, the aerospace industry has grown tremendously in the state.
Consider:
— Ohio is the only state that is home to both a federal civilian aerospace research laboratory (NASA Glenn Research Center) and military aerospace research laboratories (Wright-Patterson Air Force Base).
— Market-leading companies in the aerospace supply chain are either based, or have operations, in Ohio. These include GE Aviation, Parker Hannifin, Alcoa, Timken, Goodrich, Lockheed Martin and Eaton.
— Ohio is home to hundreds of small businesses — many engaged in direct manufacturing — that support the aerospace supply chain.
— Ohio is the nation’s second-largest supplier to the Boeing Co.
— More than 20 universities and colleges within the state have strong programs in aerospace-related disciplines with many of their graduates staying in Ohio to launch their careers in well-paying, high-tech jobs.
What does the future hold for aerospace in Ohio?
Aerospace products are the top U.S. manufacturing export with projected growth in 2010 and beyond. Ohio can position itself to capitalize on this growth by making investments now that support supply chain enhancements, workforce development and the expansion and attraction of aerospace companies to Ohio.
This is particularly critical if Ohio wants to reposition its automotive industry assets to serve the growing aerospace industry. This is just one of the many opportunities that possibly are ahead for the state.
There is also the opportunity to leverage Ohio’s aerospace capabilities to address our nation’s energy issues and target new and promising markets in advanced energy.
Ohio can lead the way to the future of aerospace in quiet, clean, efficient aircraft; next generation access to space; and advanced space exploration systems.
The time is now to position Ohio at the forefront of this leading-edge industry.
Michael Heil is president and chief executive officer of the Ohio Aerospace Institute.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment | Categories: Economy, Guest Columns, Local Business, Wright Patterson Air Force Base
Comments
By Tony Sculimbrene
May 22, 2009 9:55 AM | Link to this
The citizens of Ohio have a history of achievements in the aviation and aerospace business. Unlike some other industries that have run their course, the future IS bright given the assets mentioned by Dr. Heil. Federal research labs, extensive educational programs at leading universities and organizations like Ohio Aerospace Institute position the state to continue a leadership role in creating new aviation and aerospace technologies and JOBS! As the executive director of the National Aviation Heritage Area I know our aviation heritage is internationally recognized and fortunately, so is the role Ohio will play in the future of this industry. Lets all keep our eye on this prize and work collectively to ensure the state maintains its leadership role. This means continued investments in the research and development laboratories, educational institutions and advanced manufacturing technologies that exist across Ohio.