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

Centrus to Expand in Oak Ridge, Tennessee

Centrus, the only uranium enrichment centrifuge manufacturing facility in the U.S., announced plans to expand operations in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Plans for the project include creating 430 new jobs and investing more than $560 million to support large-scale restoration of uranium enrichment capability. Economic development partners include Oak Ridge Electric Department, the Tennessee Department of…

Heil Trailer International Plans to Expand Operations in Athens, Tennessee

Heil Trailer International, a global manufacturer of specialty transport trailers, announced plans to expand operations in Athens, Tennessee. Plans for the project include creating 18 new jobs and investing $9.8 million following the securement of a U.S. Department of the Army contract for the company’s Tactical Fuel Distribution System. Economic development partners include the Athens…

ALUKO Group Announces New Operations in Halls, Tennessee

ALUKO Group, a South Korean aluminum manufacturer, announced plans to establish operations in Halls, Tennessee. Plans for the project include creating 285 new jobs and investing $108 million in the Lauderdale County manufacturing facility. Economic development partners include Ripley Power & Light, Lauderdale County Economic and Community Development, Lauderdale County, and the Tennessee Department of…