Kent Valley Offers a Bright Future for Manufacturers in the Air and Space Supply Chain

Aerospace Leadership and the Growing Demand for Local Suppliers

Washington State is home to the largest aerospace cluster in the world, with over 250,000 aerospace-related employees and more than 1,400 firms supporting the industry. Within a state that produces nearly 95% of North America's commercial aircraft production, Kent Valley has established itself as a vital manufacturing center. The region is also a powerhouse in the growing space sector, generating $4.6 billion in annual revenue. Yet, despite this dominance, a critical issue remains: Washington State sources only 16% of its aerospace supply chain locally, with the majority of inputs coming from out of state. 

Washington has specialized in final assembly and engineering services for years, leaving much of the supply chain decentralized. However, as the industry expands into space vehicle production and next-generation aerospace technologies, the need for a stronger local supplier base has never been greater. The Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) is actively identifying supply chain gaps, and companies like Blue Origin and Amazon’s Project Kuiper are driving demand for local suppliers capable of providing materials, precision components, and cutting-edge technologies. The opportunity is evident: for manufacturers looking to establish themselves in the air and space industries, there has never been a better time to locate in Kent Valley.

Bridging the Supply Chain Gap

The expansion of air and space operations presents a major opportunity for manufacturers across multiple tiers seeking to leverage Kent Valley’s dynamic air and space ecosystem. With Washington’s increasing emphasis on sustainability and advanced manufacturing, there is a growing incentive for suppliers to relocate closer to their largest customers in Kent Valley.

A King County Aerospace Alliance report identified air and space inputs that the regional supply chain has the potential to support but are currently sourced from outside the state.

According to the report, key opportunities for manufacturers in Kent Valley’s supply chain include:

• Tier 1 Suppliers: Aircraft engines and engine parts, fabricated structural metal products, propulsion units and parts for space vehicles and guided missiles, broadcast and wireless communications equipment, and search, detection, and navigation instruments.
• Tier 2 Suppliers: Aircraft parts and auxiliary equipment, wiring devices, valves and fittings (excluding plumbing), semiconductors, and related devices.
• Tier 3 Suppliers: Iron, steel, and ferroalloy products, plates, and iron and steel forgings.

By locating operations in Kent Valley, air and space suppliers can position themselves to streamline their logistics and reduce lead times. The region’s expanding air and space economy offers manufacturers a competitive advantage - one that leading companies are already capitalizing on. Businesses that establish a footprint here gain direct access to an established industrial ecosystem, a skilled workforce, and cutting-edge infrastructure, all of which contribute to long-term success and growth in the industry.

Success Stories: Kent Valley's Thriving Air and Space Suppliers 

Kent Valley’s thriving supply chain is no accident. The businesses that have chosen to operate here flourish due to a combination of strategic location, a strong manufacturing ecosystem, and supportive infrastructure. Five companies, each filling critical supply chain gaps, showcase why air and space suppliers can thrive here. The following companies provide clear examples of what’s possible in Kent Valley—and why manufacturers looking to expand should take note.

Thyssenkrupp Aerospace: Scaling Material Supply in Kent

As a Tier 3 supplier of iron, steel, and ferroalloy products, Thyssenkrupp Aerospace plays a key role in the regional aerospace supply chain. The company operates a dedicated service center in Auburn, WA, providing tailored material solutions and just-in-time delivery to support major manufacturers, including Boeing. Winning a long-term supply contract with such a major aerospace company highlights Kent Valley’s strategic advantages for material suppliers seeking to grow alongside the region’s aerospace industry.

Out of the Box Manufacturing: Building the Electronics Backbone of Aerospace

Wiring devices, semiconductors, and avionics are critical Tier 2 components for modern air and space systems. Out of the Box Manufacturing (OBMFG), which started as a small garage operation in Renton, has grown into a trusted electronics contract manufacturer supplying OEMs with advanced PCB assembly and prototyping services. With an expanding customer base and increased capacity for high-precision avionics production, OBMFG’s growth proves that electronics suppliers can thrive in Kent Valley.

New Frontier Aerospace: Fueling the Future of Propulsion

The space sector is booming in Kent Valley, and New Frontier Aerospace (NFA) is an innovative startup already making some big waves. The company was founded in Tukwila in 2020 but is currently located in Kent. NFA is developing the 3D-printed Mjölnir rocket engine, a Tier 1 propulsion technology that has already attracted NASA and Department of Defense contracts. The company recently closed a seed funding round with Pacific Bays Capital, signaling strong investor confidence in Valley-based space startups. For propulsion and space vehicle manufacturing suppliers, NFA’s rapid rise demonstrates the strength of the Valley’s space ecosystem.

Hexcel: Dominating Composite Manufacturing in Aerospace

With operations in Kent since 1996, Hexcel has been a leader in advanced composite materials—a crucial component in reducing aircraft weight and improving fuel efficiency. The company supplies carbon fiber, reinforcements, and prepregs to major aerospace manufacturers, including Boeing and Airbus. In 2024, Hexcel’s commercial aerospace sales grew by 12%, driven by increased demand for lightweight, fuel-efficient aircraft. The company’s Kent facility is a testament to the long-term benefits of locating composite material manufacturing in the region.

Exotic Metals Forming (Parker Hannifin): Precision Metalwork in Kent

Specializing in forming titanium and nickel alloys, Exotic Metals Forming has established itself as a Tier 2 supplier of aircraft parts and auxiliary equipment. The company provides precision components for Boeing, Airbus, Collins Aerospace, and Pratt & Whitney, making it a crucial part of the Kent aerospace supply chain. Since its acquisition by Parker Hannifin, the company has expanded its capabilities and strengthened its position in advanced metal forming. Exotic Metals' continued success highlights Kent’s strong ecosystem for precision metalworking and aerospace fabrication.

Why Kent Valley? The Strategic Advantage for Manufacturers 

The success of these companies is not an anomaly—Kent Valley offers clear advantages that make it an ideal location for aerospace suppliers.

Industrial Space Availability: Room to Grow

Kent Valley's low industrial vacancy rate—6.6% in the final quarter of 2024—indicates a strong demand for manufacturing and industrial space. Despite this trend, the region still boasts over 105 million square feet of commercial and industrial space, providing ample room for expansion. This balance between availability and high occupancy rates makes Kent an attractive destination for businesses looking for stability and growth.

Lower Business Costs than Seattle

Kent Valley offers significantly lower operating costs compared to Seattle, making it an attractive destination for businesses looking to expand. This cost advantage enables air and space suppliers to position themselves at the heart of Washington’s aerospace industry while remaining competitive.

Prime Infrastructure & Logistics

Kent Valley is strategically positioned with direct access to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, major highways, and deepwater ports. This prime location facilitates the seamless distribution of aerospace components and manufactured goods, ensuring suppliers can efficiently reach both domestic and international markets.

Aerospace-Ready Workforce

A key advantage of Kent Valley is its highly skilled workforce specializing in engineering, manufacturing, and computer science. The region boasts strong industry partnerships with technical training programs and higher education institutions, ensuring a steady pipeline of talent for the air and space industries. Employers in Kent Valley can tap into a growing talent pool equipped with the expertise needed for advanced manufacturing and innovation.

A Pacific Northwest Quality of Life

Beyond its business advantages, Kent Valley offers an exceptional quality of life that attracts top-tier talent. Employees benefit from affordable housing options, access to outdoor recreation, and proximity to Seattle's cultural amenities. This combination of livability and affordability makes Kent Valley an appealing destination for professionals in the air and space industry.

From satellite systems to space services, companies benefit from the region’s deep expertise in engineering, research, and high-complexity manufacturing. Kent Valley’s unique strength lies in blending aerospace and information technology into a single innovation ecosystem—one that can serve as a launchpad for suppliers looking to grow with the next generation of air and space technologies.

Conclusion: “Your Business Could Be Next” 

Kent Valley has repeatedly proven that it is an exceptional location for air and space suppliers. The companies that have established themselves here have not only grown but have become essential players in Washington’s air and space industries. As the sector evolves, the demand for a robust, local supply chain will only increase. By setting up operations in Kent Valley, manufacturers can join a community deeply integrated into the global aerospace market.

The region’s vast infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, and cost advantages provide an unparalleled opportunity for businesses looking to scale. With industrial land available, strong industry partnerships, and a growing demand for locally sourced aerospace components, Kent Valley is positioned to be at the forefront of supply chain transformation.
The question isn’t whether Kent Valley is the right place—it’s whether your business is ready to seize the opportunity.

Kent Valley is ready. Are you? Contact Kent Valley Economic Development to connect with the assistance necessary to meet your business goals.