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

Eli Lilly Announces Plans to Establish Operations in Huntsville, Alabama

Eli Lilly, a leading pharmaceutical company, announced plans to establish operations in Huntsville, Alabama. Plans for the advanced manufacturing facility include creating 450 new quality jobs and investing $6 billion, which represents the largest initial investment in the state’s history. Economic development partners include Alabama Department of Commerce, Athens Utilities, Huntsville-Madison County Chamber of Commerce,…

Toyota to Expand its U.S. Manufacturing Presence in Jackson, Tennessee and Blue Springs, Mississippi

Toyota, a global automotive manufacturer, announced plans to expand its U.S. manufacturing presence, including two locations within TVA’s footprint. Toyota announced plans to invest $125 million in the company’s Blue Springs, Mississippi facility and $71.4 million along with 33 new jobs at its casting plant in Jackson, Tennessee. Economic development partners include Mississippi Development Authority,…

Hyosung HICO Announces Expansion in Memphis, Tennessee

Hyosung HICO, a global power transformer manufacturer, announced plans to expand operations in Memphis, Tennessee. Plans for the project include creating 240 new jobs and investing more than $150 million as the company constructs a new facility at its U.S. headquarters, marking the second expansion project at the facility in six months. Upon completion, the…