In October, Economic Development staff member Rob Allen attended the Japan International Aerospace Exhibition in Tokyo. The purpose of the trip was to inform companies in Japan’s emerging aerospace industry about opportunities in Pierce County, both to locate facilities here and to add our companies into their supply chain. Several promising contacts were made, including a company that manufactures UAV engines and control systems that is looking for a U.S. partner to design and build the rest of the vehicle, and a tier-2 supplier of engine parts that is hoping to establish a manufacturing facility in Washington.
One of the highlights of the trip was a visit with Lt. General Jerry Martinez, former commander of the 62nd Airlift Wing at JBLM, who spoke forcefully of the role international business relationships play in securing the Asia-Pacific region. He was thankful for our participation in the event and encouraged our efforts to build ties between companies in Washington and Japan.
Companies begin to make siting and partnership assessments years in advance of actual decisions. By participating in select aerospace shows and events, we put Pierce County in front of decision makers.