Business is booming in Ohio
Bringing together numerous innovators, industry leaders and educational institutions, the Ohio pavilion’s presence at Farnborough represented a strong showing not just for the state itself but the countless companies across the world who rely on its innovation and expertise.
One of the US’ most economically diverse states, described as the “birthplace, home and future of aviation” by JP Nauseef, president and CEO of Ohio’s private economic development corporation JobsOhio, the state’s aerospace capabilities build on a strong heritage. The Wright brothers, pioneers of the first heavier-than-air powered flight were from Dayton, Ohio, whose legacy lives on through a myriad of companies exhibiting at Farnborough International Airshow.
These include various manufacturers, including Clampco Products, Martin Machine and Duke Manufacturing, complemented by Master Fluid Solutions who provide lubricants for the metal manufacturing industry. Jergens also offer quick-change solutions for fixtures and manufacturing, as well as aerospace fasteners.
Meanwhile, one of the oldest companies represented here – the Cleveland Wire Cloth and Manufacturing Company, formed in 1914 – was attending Farnborough International Airshow for the first time. “Our wire mesh products are used in helicopters, spaceships, airplanes – the aluminium is a lightweight material,” explained Greg Celmer, technical sales director, who elaborated that the company specialises in creating specific products to a desired technical specification rather than offering an ‘off-the-shelf’ option
Moving from the civilian commercial to the more military domain, IEC Infrared Systems were on hand to highlight their long-range integrated surveillance systems, counter-UAS systems and remote weapons stations.
Research and educational institutions were also well represented, including the NASA Glenn Research Center, based in Cleveland (one of two NASA presences in the state). John Horack, the Neil Armstrong Chair in aerospace policy at the Ohio State University – one of the largest public universities in the United States, with over 66,000 students – added: “If you’re interested in studying anything and you want excellence at scale, Ohio State is the place for you!”
Closing the tour, John Sankovic, president of the Ohio Aerospace Institute – which has been involved in bringing together government, industry and education institutions for over 30 years now – concluded that the Institute’s recurring presence at Farnborough International Airshow continues to be a key element in helping Ohio companies interact with the international aerospace supply chain.
