By Erin Thorburn | AZ Big Media
To say the PHX East Valley is the proverbial “mothership” of aviation, defense and aerospace is an understatement. Collectively, the aerospace and defense industries account for 9,300 employment opportunities — most of which are located in Chandler, Gilbert and Mesa. Additionally, the East Valley is ranked No. 1 for aerospace manufacturing attractiveness, No. 2 for largest employment in space and defense manufacturing, and No. 4 for largest employment in aviation and aerospace manufacturing.
Dotting the PHX East Valley, are approximately 50 aviation, defense and aerospace companies. Among an impressive A-to-W list (starting with Able Aerospace and ending with Wiremasters) is Boeing, Cessna, KinetX, Inc., Lockheed Martin, and … one of the motherships — Northrop Grumman, which is making waves for its ongoing investment and expansion in the region.
