Economic Development
Rockford Aerospace
The Rockford Area Aerospace Network (RAAN) is a consortium of companies implementing a strategic plan to increase the competitiveness of the Rockford Region for aerospace expansion and attraction.
The Rockford Region has strong aerospace and advanced manufacturing industries and supply chains. Manufacturers find the area to be an ideal location based on the region's highly skilled workforce, the availability of highly specialized existing facilities, and a strong, qualified supplier base.
On every commercial plane, there is a part or system that has been manufactured or designed in the Rockford Region. This strong supply chain and experienced workforce in advanced manufacturing and the aerospace industry make us your opportunity region.
The concentration in aerospace employment is 6th in the nation and the Rockford MSA has twice the employment in manufacturing than in the rest of the U.S.
Mission
Leverage the power of a collection of Midwest aerospace businesses to attract growth, optimize business competitiveness and results.
Vision
RAAN is the leading aerospace cluster in the nation.
Where we are
The Rockford Region, just northwest of Chicago, is the largest center of aerospace production employment in Illinois and sixth in the United States.
Why we work together
RAAN has multiple aspects of purpose and benefits for those companies that participate in the network; focusing on these initiatives to address the industry's greatest needs.
- Fostering innovation through industry and cross-industry synergies.
- Encouraging supplier development through a growing awareness of requirements and continuous improvement.
- Expand business development opportunities through B2B matchmaking and sales missions.
- Increasing the focus on workforce development that feeds the pipeline at all levels and disciplines for industry growth.
- Enhancing the global brand of Rockford as Your Opportunity Region
- Growing the size and diversity of our cluster by attracting new companies to establish operations in the Rockford Region.
Who we are:
The Rockford Region is home to four tier-one companies and more than 250 suppliers within a 90-minute radius.
Major subsectors include AS9100 and Nadcap certified suppliers of:
- Electric power generation systems
- Power management
- Actuation systems
- Metal component fabrication
- Aircraft interior manufacturing
- Maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO)
How we work together:
Examples include:
- National/international trade show participation
- Supplier symposiums and networking opportunities
- Educational and vocational partnerships and initiatives
- Marketing efforts
- Training and information-sharing