TECH HUB: Getting liftoff from senators

Idaho is fortunate to have Senators Risch and Crapo representing us in the U.S. Senate. As our country faces unprecedented challenges, meeting market demands with local manufacturing growth is the best way to support Idaho jobs. They recognize today’s challenges and are preparing Idaho’s workforce and small businesses to compete in the future.

They are fighting to increase our local manufacturing jobs at small aerospace suppliers developing advanced materials to meet global demand for new aircraft. North Idaho is at the forefront of these key technologies. Securing these Idaho manufacturing jobs and making next generation aerospace parts requires new state of the art equipment and new industry-led technical education and training.

Small aerospace suppliers in North Idaho are part of the Regional Tech Hub plan to develop the next generation of lightweight aircraft, with the global production demands expected to be 20 times the current domestic aerospace supply base. These efforts reflect a long-term vision to multiply our existing regional strengths and create significant opportunities in defense and commercial aerospace markets.

The Tech Hub testbed and training center is backed by a consortium of 50+ members, including Boeing, Collins Aerospace, Toray, Spirit Aerosystems, Synesqo, Blue Origin, Electroimpact, Accudyne, Lockheed Martin, Apex Composites, ATC Manufacturing, NASA, The Air Force Research Lab, PNNL, Idaho Department of Commerce, University of Idaho, North Idaho College, Idaho Workforce Council, among many others.

Thanks to Senators Crapo and Risch, North Idaho will be well-positioned in advanced aerospace technologies essential to American economic and national security.

JACOB BONWELL

Hayden