Upstate SC’s Aerospace Hub
Flying forward in the Upstate
Aviation and aerospace companies are soaring to success in Upstate South Carolina, the global home of the Lockheed Martin F-16.
Well-known for its materials research, manufacturing ecosystem and engineering workforce training, Upstate South Carolina is established as a global leader for aerospace manufacturing, aviation innovation, and cutting-edge technology.
South Carolina is home to more than 400 aviation and aerospace-related companies, with 40% located in Upstate South Carolina. More than 136,000 people are employed in South Carolina’s aerospace industry.
Aerospace companies in Greenville and the surrounding region are strategically positioned to reach major OEMs like Boeing, Gulfstream, Airbus, and Honda Jet, making Upstate SC an ideal location for aviation and aerospace manufacturers.
Upstate South Carolina aerospace companies include:
Workforce & Training
South Carolina has a strong workforce development system tailored to the needs of aerospace manufacturers.
The SC Technical College System is a statewide organizational structure unifying independent technical colleges across South Carolina, including four schools within the Upstate region. These colleges offer a range of training programs, including degrees, certificates, and incumbent worker training, which helps existing employees at an organization further advance their skill sets.
ReadySC, a division of the SC Technical College System, is dedicated to supporting businesses through customized training solutions. Recognized as one of the nation’s premier and most-experienced workforce training programs, readySC collaborates with companies to design and implement training programs that align with their unique processes and technologies.
Through this initiative, customized workforce training is available at little or no cost to companies located in the area, ensuring new and expanding companies have access to a workforce trained for their specific needs.
Specialty Training
Upstate South Carolina is home to four technical colleges focused on serving the needs of local business and industry. The technical college system works hand-in-hand with its affiliate programs: readySC™, Apprenticeship Carolina™ and QuickJobs Carolina™, so companies located in the area can take full advantage of the extensive education and training network.
The Upstate’s four technical colleges provide specialized training to elevate the aviation and aerospace manufacturing workforce across the region.
Degree and certificate programs include:
- Associate’s in Aircraft Maintenance Technology
- Certificate in Aviation Powerplant Theory/Systems
- Certificate in Aviation Airframe Structure & Systems
- Certificate in Aviation Fundamentals
Advanced aeronautical training is also available through the following:
These education ecosystems continue fueling and advancing the talent pipeline, ensuring that aerospace companies in Upstate South Carolina have access to a highly skilled workforce now and in the future.
Why Upstate South Carolina for Aerospace?
Hear why Solar Atmospheres, a leading company specializing in vacuum heat-treating for the aerospace industry, chose Greenville for its operations.
Industry Support and Aviation Assets
The Upstate is a worldwide leader in the research and manufacturing of advanced materials. The Upstate has one of the country’s highest number of engineers per capita.
Home to highly trained graduates, world-renowned professors and a dynamic workforce, we have the capabilities to research, develop and perfect cutting-edge technologies in some of our state-of-the-art research facilities. These include: the Composites Manufacturing Technology Center, the Center for Advanced Engineering Fibers & Films, and The McNair Center for Aerospace Innovation and Research.
McNAIR CENTER FOR AEROSPACE INNOVATION AND RESEARCH
The University of South Carolina McNAIR Center for Aerospace Innovation and Research‘s mission is to support the aerospace industry through education, research and economic engagement, with $30 million in annual research grants and 100 graduates each year. The McNair Center’s primary research areas include: Advanced Composites, Advanced Air Mobility, Combustion and Automation.
SOUTH CAROLINA TECHNOLOGY & AVIATION CENTER (SCTAC)
SCTAC is a unique, leading-edge business and technology airpark located in Upstate South Carolina serving the business needs of South Carolina’s aerospace, automotive and advanced manufacturing industries.
Encompassing 2,600 acres, SCTAC is recognized as the Global Home of the Lockheed Martin F-16, the world’s only manufacturing and sustainment center for the most advanced F-16 fighter jet ever built. At the heart of SCTAC lies the state’s largest general aviation airport, Donaldson Field. Its 8,000-ft long runway can handle virtually any aircraft and has a Category 1 Instrument Landing System. This unique business park asset makes SCTAC well-suited for aviation MRO and other aviation-related business needs.
SC AEROSPACE
South Carolina’s aerospace industry continues to drive economic growth with an economic impact of more than $28.8 billion. Learn more about the industry from SC Aerospace, a collaborative effort to support SC’s aerospace industry cluster on a global stage.
Interested in expanding your business to Upstate South Carolina? Learn how our team can help.