Two major announcements could bring even more aerospace jobs to Alabama

"Dream Chaser pre-drop tests.6" by Ken Ulbrich — “Dream Chaser pre-drop tests.6” by Ken Ulbrich

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Two major announcements from Alabama Governor Robert Bentley’s office Monday morning could mean more aerospace jobs are coming to the Yellowhammer State.

Hutchinson Corporation revealed to the public its intention to build an Aerospace Manufacturing Center of Excellence (COE) in Mobile.

“I am pleased to welcome Hutchinson Corporation to Alabama,” said Governor Bentley. “Alabama is a prime location for aviation and aerospace industries to be successful. The decision to open an Aerospace Manufacturing Center of Excellence is a testament to the strong business climate in Mobile. I appreciate Hutchinson’s investment in Alabama, and I look forward to the company’s success in Sweet Home Alabama.”

Hutchinson Corporation, a manufacturing company headquartered in France that will make airplane parts for Airbus in Mobile, made the announcement at the outset of the annual Paris Air Show.

Though the governor was unable to attend the Paris Air Show this year, a cadre from Alabama’s commerce department, including Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield, are in France to help recruit aerospace industries such as Hutchinson to the state.

“We look forward to working with the Alabama economic development team and the state’s leadership to establish another high performance, customer-focused Manufacturing Center of Excellence that will expand Hutchinson’s operations in North America – most importantly by establishing key sites close to key aerospace customers,” said Laurent Poirier, President of Hutchinson Aerospace.

Just a few hours after breaking the Hutchinson news, Gov. Bentley also announced the state is working on another project that could further solidify Huntsville’s position as the Rocket City.

Alabama has launched a set of preliminary studies to determine the state’s ability to land Sierra Nevada Corporation’s (SNC) Dream Chaser reusable spacecraft at Huntsville International Airport.

The Dream Chaser is a reusable spacecraft, similar to a miniature space shuttle, that is launched on a rocket but can land at commercial airports upon its return to Earth.

“Alabama has been a leader in the space industry since the beginning and it is natural that Alabama would continue to play a vital role in the continuation of space exploration,” Governor Bentley said. “Having Dream Chaser land in Huntsville would further highlight Alabama as the premiere destination for innovative, high-tech careers and keep our state on the cutting edge of history.”

SNC is currently competing with other private companies for the contract with NASA to provide transportation and logistical support to the International Space Station as well as missions for a variety of private customers.

“For decades, Alabama’s Rocket City has been at the epicenter of groundbreaking space exploration technology,” said Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield. “Having the Dream Chaser spacecraft touch down at the Huntsville International Airport after a cargo mission to space would be a fitting new chapter in that ongoing story.”

The initial feasibility studies are expected to be concluded by late 2015, at which point the state would pursue a special license from the Federal Aviation Administration. According to the Governor’s office, the first studies will be conducted by Teledyne Brown Engineering, with support from RS&H Aerospace and Morell Engineering, based in Athens, Alabama.