B/E Aerospace to build new plant in Rockford’s Logistics Park

Online Staff Report

B/E Aerospace, Inc., an aerospace manufacturer with $2 billion in revenues, will invest in a new building for its Rockford operations. The building will be in Logistics Park, directly east of Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD).

The company held a groundbreaking ceremony Nov. 15 in the industrial park owned by the City of Rockford. City and economic development officials, elected representatives, executives from the Rockford B/E Aerospace facility and the corporate office were on hand for the symbolic gold-shovel event for the 38,000-square-foot, two-story building on 7.5 acres that is scheduled to be completed by summer 2012. Logistics Parkway LLC, formed by Cord Construction, will build the new facility and lease it to B/E Aerospace.

Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey (I) said: “Rockford is extremely honored that B/E Aerospace decided to expand here in Rockford’s Logistics Park, as it was created for high-tech companies like them.”

Outgrew EIGERlab space

B/E Aerospace’s Rockford operations began in 2007 with two employees and quickly grew, mostly in engineering disciplines, to current levels. It is one of many startup companies at EIGERlab’s incubator center on Fulton Avenue in Rockford. B/E Aerospace outgrew its space and selected Logistics Park because of the infrastructure readiness of the industrial park and proximity to RFD.

“This is a great occasion for both B/E Aerospace and our community,” said Janyce Fadden, president of the Rockford Area Economic Development Council. “They are the epitome of a startup company that succeeded and outgrew its first location.”

Company part of aerospace cluster growth

“Our region is one of the top aerospace clusters in the country because of the presence of tier-one aerospace supply companies and a strong supply-chain base,” Fadden said. “B/E Aerospace is an important player in the Rockford Area Aerospace Network that shares best practices to grow more aerospace jobs for our region.”

B/E Aerospace’s outlook on Rockford operations

Sean Cromie, vice president/general manager of Commercial Aircraft Segment, said: “We are excited to expand our footprint in the Rockford community. It is a testament to the caliber of the local workforce, the commitment and professionalism of our local management team and the business support afforded us by the local authorities.”

Bob Schafer, vice president/general manager of Rockford operations, added: “The growth of our company is a prime example of private industry providing a product which has commercial appeal and replaces a competitor’s offerings. The creation of jobs is a direct result of market acceptance and not external stimulants.”

Incentives

The City of Rockford is providing financial assistance from the Rockford Global TradePark TIF zone and the River Edge Redevelopment Zone for B/E Aerospace’s new facility.

B/E Aerospace

B/E Aerospace is the world’s leading manufacturer of aircraft passenger-cabin interior products for commercial and business jet aircraft. It is also the leading global distributor of aerospace fasteners. The company was founded in 1987 and has grown from sales of $3 million to more than $2 billion in revenue today.

The Aircraft EcoSystems division of B/E Aerospace began in Rockford in November 2007. Aircraft EcoSystems designs and produces vacuum waste and water systems and components including vacuum toilets, waste tanks and vacuum generators.

They are an active member of the Rockford Area Aerospace Network (RAAN), a committee of the Rockford Area Economic Development Council that collaborates to create more jobs for the region’s aerospace cluster. With more than 130 aerospace-related companies, the Rockford area is a leading aerospace community.