Aerospace Parts Manufacturer to Invest Nearly $15 Million in Kansas Plant

Airplane in sky

Image Credit: OlegRi / Shutterstock.com

A manufacturer of aerospace components plans to establish a new factory in Kansas, state and company officials announced. Pinnacle Aerospace will invest nearly $15 million in the forthcoming facility in Wellington, which will build and assemble complex metal components for commercial and military aircraft as well as the space industry.

The company expects to create 155 jobs over its first five years in operation and said it hopes to work with a nearby branch of Cowley College to establish a pipeline of skilled aerospace workers.

Kansas officials noted that Pinnacle’s management team is comprised of Kansas natives with decades of experience in the state’s aerospace machining and assembly sector. Wichita, which calls itself the “Air Capital of the World,” is home to several prominent aircraft makers and more than 450 aerospace suppliers. The industry contributes some $7 billion to the Kansas economy.

Pinnacle Aerospace President Scott Brown said the company chose Wellington because of its talented workforce.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly’s office said state and county economic development agencies, along with local government officials, collaborated to “meet Pinnacle’s needs.” The announcement did not provide details on any incentives offered to the company.