COLUMBUS, OH -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 02/22/07 -- Ohio is best in the Midwest for aerospace production and parts manufacturing and a national leader in the aerospace propulsion and power industry, according to the Ohio Business Development Coalition, the nonprofit organization that provides marketing strategy and implementation to support Ohio's economic development efforts. Ohio offers state-of-the-art development programs for education, research and development and manufacturing of new technology to support this industry.

"Ohio's legacy in manufacturing and the development of jet engines and advanced materials make the state one of the top supplier concentrations in the aerospace propulsion and power industry," said Joe Renaud, Ohio Aerospace and Defense Advisor. "Ohio's expertise in advanced manufacturing and investment in Edison Technology Centers will continue to make Ohio's aerospace industry even stronger."

Moody's www.economy.com, the leading independent provider of economic, financial, country and industry research, lists Ohio's 2005 gross product output in the aerospace industry at $2.13 billion. The next closest state is Illinois ($235 million), followed by Indiana ($859 million), Michigan ($662 million), Minnesota ($103 million), Kentucky ($210 million) and Wisconsin ($84 million).

Ohio is home to more than 450 aerospace propulsion and power suppliers and manufacturers, two major federal labs, sophisticated intermediary organizations, and seven strong research and education programs at the state's many colleges and universities.

These companies and organizations include GE Aviation, Rolls Royce, Parker-Hannifin, Smiths Industries, Eaton, Goodrich, Alcoa, RTI, the Air Force Research Laboratory, NASA Glenn Research Center, the Ohio Aerospace Institute as well as the Ohio Center for Advanced Propulsion and Power led by The Ohio State University.

As one of the few states where all critical phases of aerospace propulsion and power development take place -- from basic and advanced research, to systems development, to sourcing of component suppliers and ultimately final product testing -- Ohio continues to nurture a supportive business environment for the aerospace industry.

"Ohio's strength in aerospace propulsion and power is complemented by a world class logistics infrastructure and a large, skilled labor pool. Plus, Ohio offers a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities that promote a full, balanced life," said Ed Burghard, executive director of the Ohio Business Development Coalition.

With the projected surge in aviation over the next few decades, Ohio recognizes that aerospace propulsion and power is a critical investment area for economic growth and is working to promote the state's initiatives in this industry.

About the Ohio Business Development Coalition

The Ohio Business Development Coalition (OBDC) is a nonprofit organization that provides marketing strategy and implementation to support Ohio's economic development efforts. For more information, please visit http://www.ohiomeansbusiness.com/.

Media Contact:
Dace de la Foret
Paul Werth Associates
614-224-8114, ext. 235
Email Contact