S.C. Department of Commerce Participating in the Paris Air Show and VW Industrial Forum
June 17, 2009
Delegation Promotes State’s Strengths at World’s Largest Aerospace Event and German Auto Supplier Forum
COLUMBIA, SC – June 16, 2009 – This week the South Carolina Department of Commerce is participating in the 48th annual Paris Air Show in Le Bourget and the Volkswagen Industrial Forum: Automotive Supply & Logistics in Wolfsburg, Germany. The Paris Air Show will be held from June 15-18 and the VW Industrial Forum will be held June17-18.
Jack Ellenberg, Deputy Secretary for New Investment, will lead Commerce’s team at the Paris Air Show. Senior Project Manager Wayne Fritz and staff from the Department of Commerce’s Europe office, including the director Ian Forbes-Jones, will be part of the state’s economic development team in Le Bourget.
Commerce has had a multi-year presence at the air shows, alternating each year between the Paris Air Show in Le Bourget and the Farnborough International Air Show.
South Carolina has a rich history in aviation and aerospace. From companies up-fitting traditional aluminum skinned aircraft to defense companies to cutting-edge technology, many world-renowned aviation and aerospace companies call South Carolina home. One of the largest ventures in the future of commercial aviation, Boeing Aircraft’s 787 Dreamliner, is being partially constructed in Charleston out of the latest in composite technology
Today, South Carolina boasts some 40 aviation companies investing well over $1 billion in the state. Some of those include: ATI Allvac, BAE Systems, Boeing, Cytec Carbon Fibers, Global Aeronautica, Honeywell International, Lockheed Martin, Michelin Aircraft Tires, Northup Grumman, Venture Aerobearings (GE JV and SKF), Vought Aircraft Industries and the Nasmyth Group, which announced its intention to locate in Newberry at the Paris Air Show in 2007.
The Paris Air Show is the world’s longest-established aerospace event. When last held in 2007, the Paris Air Show attracted 1,996 exhibitors from 42 countries, 153,920 trade visitors, 150 official defense delegations from 60 countries, 40 transport/civil aviation delegations from 20 countries and featured 142 aircraft on display. Among the featured aircraft at the 2009 Paris Air Show is the C-17, which is based in Charleston.
Later this week, Deputy Secretary Jack Ellenberg will be a featured speaker at the Volkswagen Industrial Forum: Automotive Supply & Logistics in Wolfsburg, Germany.
South Carolina is currently home to 183 automotive-related companies including OEMs, tire companies, truck manufacturers, motor vehicle body and motor vehicle parts companies. There are 85 tier one suppliers operating in South Carolina and 61 of those companies are German suppliers. BMW, Volkswagen and Mercedes share a large number of suppliers.
South Carolina has demonstrated strength in attracting German investment. There are 278 German companies and firms operating in South Carolina employing over 21,400 South Carolinians. Commerce will feature a testimonial video as part of the state’s presentation in Wolfsburg. The video can be accessed at: www.sccommerce.com/sc_auto_video_2009.wmv.
