Col·lab·o·ra·tion
/kəˌlabəˈrāSH(ə)n/
Choose Washington’s partnership with the Washington SBDC demonstrates why the state dominates the aerospace manufacturing industry
The energy generated by a team creates a specific focus and excitement within a group. We all know the value of working together – whether rowing a boat, working an assembly line, or setting an offensive football play in motion that earns a touchdown. Watching a winning team – or being part of one – inspires both the players and spectators. It builds upon itself, sparking further innovation and success.
That same energy was at play among industry leaders, from across the state, who joined forces with the “Choose Washington” team at the Japan International Aerospace Exhibition in Tokyo. As with all Choose Washington exhibits at international trade shows, the group represented a range of aviation and aerospace-related industries.
Most importantly, this collaborative engagement ensured collective success for fellow exhibitors. Together, the group underscored why Washington is the most competitive state in the country for aerospace manufacturing and assembly of structures and aircraft. Working under the theme “Leading the Way in Building a Sustainable Future,” this new effort sets the stage to welcome new co-exhibitors and more at future aerospace exhibitions and trade shows.
“Washington State is proud to be the home to one of the most diverse aerospace supply chains,” said Robin Toth, director of aerospace and aviation within the Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness for the Washington State Department of Commerce. “The Japan International Aerospace Exhibition helped our partners to learn about opportunities to enhance their business portfolio, in addition to meeting new prospects and creating long lasting relationships.”
Washington State Department of Commerce Aerospace International Trade Specialist, Joanna Boatwright, coordinated the activities and meetings for the Choose Washington coalition. Her work helped prepare the team for their interactions with representatives from the Japan aerospace industry. The Japanese External Trade Recruitment Organization (JETRO) hosted a meeting between Choose Washington’s team and several companies representing Japan’s aerospace industry. These introductions spawned further conversations and served to build long-lasting relationships.
“JA2024, as it’s called, offered us a prime opportunity to showcase our state’s collective capabilities in aviation, defense and space and to learn more about cultivating relationships in Japan and greater Asia,” said Joanna. “It was exciting to be part of the teamwork with all our partners as we held these meetings with these Japanese companies, agencies, and other leaders.”
Welcome Washington SBDC
For the first time, the Washington State Department of Commerce joined forces with the Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at JA2024, welcoming new companies to this exhibition and expanding opportunities for export trade. The SBDC represents a network of more than 40 expert business advisors working in communities across the state to help entrepreneurs and small business owners.
“The international trade team of the Washington SBDC has concentrated our efforts on supporting small to medium-sized businesses within the aerospace industry,” said Allan Peterson, international trade business advisor with Washington SBDC. Through our partnership with the Washington State Department of Commerce, we are now working to achieve our goal of delivering personalized advising, conducting in-depth research, and offering specialized training to help aerospace companies thrive.”
Get to know our JA2024 “A-Team”
Along with the Washington SBDC, delegates from four of Washington’s more than 1,500 aerospace companies partnered with Choose Washington at the exhibition.
“JA2024 provided the opportunity for us to take a BIG step forward in accessing the market in Japan,” said Josh Tull, president of Industrial Machine Tool, based in Anacortes. “This was our first trade show experience in Japan and although there are some unique challenges to expanding our business in Japan, we are confident and excited about the long-term opportunities. The support from SBDC and Commerce was fantastic … the support from Washington is unparalleled. The meetings arranged at the U.S. Embassy and JETRO provided valuable insight to working in Japan.”
Delegates showcased Washington’s future-forward focus on many fronts. The state is investing heavily in sustainable fuels, electric aircraft, Industry 4.0, factory automation, uncrewed systems, advanced air mobility and commercial space. In addition to sustainability, commercial space is a particular hot spot in the state’s aerospace industry. More than half of the satellites in low-earth orbit were manufactured in Washington state.
JA2024 Choose Washington exhibitors included:
AeroTEC: This company develops tests and certifies new aerospace products, leveraging integrated assets to help innovators everywhere bring their products to market quickly and efficiently. www.aerotec.com.
Industrial Machine Tool: This family-owned and operated company specializes in providing first class used machinery and services to aerospace manufacturers worldwide. www.industrialmachinetools.com.
Toolcraft Inc.: Growing from a small machine shop to a producer of custom precision tools, Toolcraft manufactures parts and solves problems for the aerospace industry and beyond. www.tcprecision.com.
U.S. Aluminum Castings: This precision aluminum sand casting foundry supports the aerospace, military, defense, transportation, heavy truck, construction and commercial industries. www.us-castings.com.
Choose Washington
Along with an expert workforce and culture of innovative creativity, Washington is an amazing place to live and work. It has an international reputation as a mecca for those who love the great outdoors, a place where you can surf the ocean in the morning, play 18 holes at a PGA championship golf course in the afternoon, and still have enough time to get in a few black diamond ski runs before bedtime.
The Northwest spirit is everywhere – from funky festivals and quaint towns that dot the landscape, to our diverse interests and curious nature. It is no surprise that more than 500,000 businesses have chosen Washington state as their home. These companies range from small, in-home startups to world-famous brands. Thanks to our highly educated workforce, creative culture, mild climate, clean air and spectacular scenery, Washington state is without question one of the most desirable places to live and work in the United States.
Join Our Team
Participating in a state-sponsored trade mission or trade show can open doors that could never be opened if you went it alone. The Washington State Department of Commerce export assistance team will help you identify the right opportunities for your business and work with you to ensure that your participation is aligned with your business goals and offers a solid opportunity for success and hopefully, new business.
To learn more about how you can secure your spot in the Choose Washington pavilion for the Aircraft Interiors Expo and the Paris Air Show, contact Joanna Boatwright at 206-485-8541 or by email at Joanna.boatwright@commerce.wa.gov.
