Aerospace & Defense Industry

Aerospace & Defense Industry Soars to New Heights

Airbus, BAE Systems, Bell Textron, and Lockheed Martin are just a few of more than 130 aerospace and defense firms that call TVA’s seven-state service area home.

Taking Flight in Our Seven-State Region

World leaders in aerospace and defense take full advantage of our region’s strengths — including our skilled workforce, leading aerospace research facilities, and advanced manufacturing capabilities. From shovel-ready sites to available buildings, our region is ready for take-off.

Leaders in Aerospace, Aviation and Defense

Thanks to a healthy mix of government, corporate, private, and military investment, our region is an ideal location for companies looking to expand and advance their aviation, aerospace, and defense operations. Plus, four major research and development facilities call the region home: Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Arnold Engineering, Redstone Arsenal, and NASA Marshall Flight Center.

130+

Companies that produce parts & products for the aerospace industry.

10,000+

People employed in the aerospace & defense industry.

230+

Universities, technical schools and community colleges.

Home to Global Leaders in Aerospace Industry

Several states in our region have been named among the top 10 in the country for aerospace & defense facilities, making the Valley a hotspot for leading aviation & defense companies including: 

  • Airbus
  • BAE Systems
  • Blue Origin
  • GE Aviation
  • Lockheed Martin
  • Northrop Grumman
  • Raytheon Technologies

Reach for the Skies

United Launch Alliance

Our People Are Our Most Valuable Resource

More than 10,000 workers are employed in aerospace-related jobs and our wage rates are 9.5% lower than the industry average.

Do Business With Us

More than 130 companies in the aerospace industry have made our region their home. Here are just a few of the reasons why:

99.999% Reliability

TVA offers low-cost, highly reliable power to its customers.

Diverse Power Generation

Nearly 60% of the region’s power comes from carbon-free sources.

Competitive Electricity Rates

Our region’s industrial electric rates are among the lowest compared to peer utilities.

The Valley Region is Ready for Takeoff

Get to know the region and the economic development team behind the countdowns! Our seven-state region is home to both Redstone Arsenal and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. It’s also home to Cummings Research Park (CRP), the world’s fourth largest research park. CRP features a mix of Fortune 500 companies as well as local and international tech enterprises, incubators, defense agencies, and more.

Adam Murray
Aerospace & Defense Specialist

Our specialists speak your industry’s language, and we’re here to guide you through your entire site selection process.

For more information about available properties, demographics, infrastructure, communities and our skilled workforce, use our interactive GIS mapping tool or contact your target market specialist.

[email protected]

The Sky’s the Limit: Search For Your Venture’s Next Home

Explore nearly 1,000 properties and buildings virtually using our interactive mapping tool. Filter by property type, size, location and more.

  • To me, economic development means aligning community goals for growth and economic progress with public and private investment and action to achieve those results.

    -Nick Cunningham, TVA Economic Development Regional Development Specialist

  • We always say economic development is the ultimate team sport and that shared energy means every interaction and challenge are a new chance to make an impact in the Valley.

    -Penny Townson, TVA Economic Development Regional Development Specialist

In the News

ROCKWOOL to Expand Operations in Marshall County, Mississippi

ROCKWOOL, an industrial insulation manufacturer, announced plans to expand operations in Marshall County, Mississippi. Plans for the project include creating 30 new jobs and investing more than $100 million in the company’s facility. Economic development partners include Northcentral Electric Cooperative, Mashall County Industrial Development Authority and Mississippi Development Authority. This project furthers TVA’s mission of…

Charms LLC Announces Plans to Expand Operations in Tipton County, Tennessee

Charms LLC, a candy manufacturer, announced plans to expand operations in Tipton County, Tennessee. Plans for the project include creating 62 new jobs and investing $97.7 million in the company’s Covington location. Economic development partners include Covington Electric System, Tipton Count Community Development and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.  This project furthers…

West Star Aviation to Expand in Hamilton County, Tennessee

West Star Aviation, an aircraft maintenance company, announced plans to expand operations in Hamilton County, Tennessee. Plans for the project include adding 200 new jobs and investing $32 million in the company’s Chattanooga manufacturing facility. Economic development partners include EPB, the City of Chattanooga, Hamilton County, Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority and the Tennessee Department of…