The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced a $125,000 grant to the Economic Development Board for Tacoma-Pierce County that will support capital investments by AIM Aerospace, a growing Washington-based advanced carbon fiber manufacturer. The grant from Governor Inslee’s economic development strategic reserve account will assist expansion and job creation at AIM facilities in Pierce and King Counties.
AIM Aerospace has already begun to move its Auburn operations to Sumner, and work is underway to turn its Sumner and Renton locations into world-class aerospace manufacturing facilities. The company will expand its carbon fiber advanced manufacturing technologies for military, commercial aerospace, engines, secondary/primary structures and unmanned aerial vehicles.
AIM Aerospace CEO, Daniele Cagnatel, states, “We are excited to have the Governor’s support as we are creating a better company that is more technologically advanced in the State of Washington, while adding more value to our customers, our employees, and our shareholders.”
“This is a fantastic opportunity to create good-paying manufacturing jobs, especially in our South Sound region. Our state is home to so many innovative world-class companies and it’s exciting to be part of helping them expand and grow,” said Gov. Jay Inslee.
City of Sumner Mayor Bill Pugh said, “We appreciate the State of Washington’s investment in keeping good jobs available in communities like Sumner. We have over 14,000 people working in our Manufacturing Industrial Center, and whether they roast coffee or build airplanes, they are supporting their families and helping us invest in a strong future.”
An exciting new development for these projects comes with the collaborative robots that will aid AIM Aerospace employees. The new robots will assist their human counterparts for years to come, helping to create new jobs. In fact, AIM Aerospace expects to grow 10 percent year-over-year for the next four years, reaching an overall increase of 30 percent for its entire workforce by 2023.
“We believe that a good quality of life starts with a good job,” said Bruce Kendall, president and CEO of the Economic Development Board for Tacoma-Pierce County. “AIM Aerospace’s commitment to invest in Pierce County means more great jobs for the citizens of our county and the South Sound.”