Kent Valley Offers a Bright Future for Manufacturers in the Air and Space Supply Chain

This article originally appeared on and was written for Kent Valley Economic Development by Golden Shovel Agency.

Aerospace Leadership and the Growing Demand for Local Suppliers

Washington State is home to the largest aerospace cluster in the world, with over 250,000 aerospace-related employees and more than 1,400 firms supporting the industry. Within a state that produces nearly 95% of North America's commercial aircraft production, Kent Valley has established itself as a vital manufacturing center. The region is also a powerhouse in the growing space sector, generating $4.6 billion in annual revenue. Yet, despite this dominance, a critical issue remains: Washington State sources only 16% of its aerospace supply chain locally, with the majority of inputs coming from out of state.

Washington has specialized in final assembly and engineering services for years, leaving much of the supply chain decentralized. However, as the industry expands into space vehicle production and next-generation aerospace technologies, the need for a stronger local supplier base has never been greater. The Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) is actively identifying supply chain gaps, and companies like Blue Origin and Amazon’s Project Kuiper are driving demand for local suppliers capable of providing materials, precision components, and cutting-edge technologies. The opportunity is evident: for manufacturers looking to establish themselves in the air and space industries, there has never been a better time to locate in Kent Valley.

Bridging the Supply Chain Gap

The expansion of air and space operations presents a major opportunity for manufacturers across multiple tiers seeking to leverage Kent Valley’s dynamic air and space ecosystem. With Washington’s increasing emphasis on sustainability and advanced manufacturing, there is a growing incentive for suppliers to relocate closer to their largest customers in Kent Valley.

A King County Aerospace Alliance report identified air and space inputs that the regional supply chain has the potential to support but are currently sourced from outside the state.

According to the report, key opportunities for manufacturers in Kent Valley’s supply chain include:

• Tier 1 Suppliers: Aircraft engines and engine parts, fabricated structural metal products, propulsion units and parts for space vehicles and guided missiles, broadcast and wireless communications equipment, and search, detection, and navigation instruments.
• Tier 2 Suppliers: Aircraft parts and auxiliary equipment, wiring devices, valves and fittings (excluding plumbing), semiconductors, and related devices.
• Tier 3 Suppliers: Iron, steel, and ferroalloy products, plates, and iron and steel forgings.

By locating operations in Kent Valley, air and space suppliers can position themselves to streamline their logistics and reduce lead times. The region’s expanding air and space economy offers manufacturers a competitive advantage - one that leading companies are already capitalizing on. Businesses that establish a footprint here gain direct access to an established industrial ecosystem, a skilled workforce, and cutting-edge infrastructure, all of which contribute to long-term success and growth in the industry.

Success Stories: Kent Valley's Thriving Air and Space Suppliers 

Kent Valley’s thriving supply chain is no accident. The businesses that have chosen to operate here flourish due to a combination of strategic location, a strong manufacturing ecosystem, and supportive infrastructure. Five companies, each filling critical supply chain gaps, showcase why air and space suppliers can thrive here. The following companies provide clear examples of what’s possible in Kent Valley—and why manufacturers looking to expand should take note.

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