AEROSPACE

Global aerospace leaders are calling Mississippi home in growing numbers. Compelling business advantages, like the state’s low operating costs, minimal tax burden, easy access to U.S. and international markets, and proximity to important military installations, have attracted numerous aerospace companies to the state. These companies are thriving as a result of Mississippi’s productive, well-trained workforce.

Mississippi is home to some of the world’s most renowned names in aerospace: GE Aviation, Airbus Helicopters, Rolls-Royce and Lockheed Martin. All rely on our skilled and productive workforce and comprehensive workforce training, supportive business environment, strategic location, low startup and operation costs, and cutting-edge R&D.

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The state works with its network of 15 community colleges and universities to create customized training programs to meet companies’ specific needs. These programs equip employees with the skills they need to ensure the success of aerospace companies in the state. Mississippians now produce everything from helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles to composite jet engine components.

Community Colleges

Mississippi’s 15 community colleges offer 26,403 training classes and serve more than 550 companies with customized training solutions.

A number of Mississippi’s community colleges offer programs of particular interest to aerospace- and aviation-related companies, such as Northwest Mississippi Community College’s Aviation Maintenance Technology program and Hinds Community College’s Aviation Maintenance and Avionics Technology Program.

Both Hinds Community College and Northwest Mississippi Community College offer airframe and power plant programs. As a result of Airbus’ recent location along the Gulf Coast, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College will begin an airframe license-training program in the fall of 2015.

Mississippi Research Universities

Mississippi is home to four major public research universities: the University of Mississippi in Oxford, Mississippi State University in Starkville, the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg and Jackson State University in Jackson.

Each university plays a vital role in Mississippi’s economic and workforce development. From providing cutting-edge research to training support in new industry skills, the state’s universities are ready to work with your business to help it grow to the next level.

Raspet Flight Research Laboratory

The Raspet Flight Research Laboratory at Mississippi State University specializes in the design and testing of materials to support rapid prototyping for lighter-weight aircraft. The business incubator at Raspet also offers technical training, manufacturing space and other assets to various aerospace industries. Raspet has partnered with such companies as Airbus Helicopters, GE Aviation and Aurora Flight sciences. GE Aviation, Aurora Flight Sciences and Stark Aerospace launched their Mississippi operations at the Raspet Laboratory.

Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems

The Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems (CAVS) at Mississippi State University helps businesses improve engineering, manufacturing and design technologies. CAVS includes an entire department specializing in the simulation and experimentation of aerospace materials.

Center for Manufacturing Excellence

The Center for Manufacturing Excellence (CME) at the University of Mississippi offers a degree in engineering preparing students for careers in manufacturing. The CME is advised by numerous industry executives including those from nearby GE Aviation and Toyota Motor Manufacturing Mississippi. The CME also has extensive research facilities, numerous existing co-op programs and the flexibility to provide extension programs to companies that wish to work with CME staff and students.

Mississippi Polymer Institute

The Mississippi Polymer Institute (MPI) at the University of Southern Mississippi is a national leader in the study of composites, advanced materials, polymers and plastics. GE Aviation, Boeing, Cytec Resins, Northrup Grumman, ATK and SELEX Galileo have partnered before with the Mississippi Polymer Institute.

Engineering Programs

Mississippi’s four public universities offer undergraduate degree programs certified by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology in 16 different fields.

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Mississippi is centrally located between the East and West coasts and provides easy access to major U.S. markets including Mobile, Alabama; New Orleans, Louisiana; Atlanta, Georgia; Nashville, Tennessee; Dallas, Texas; Houston, Texas; and St. Louis, Missouri. The U.S. distribution hub of Memphis, Tennessee, is just across Mississippi’s northern state line, and the Gulf of Mexico forms the state’s southern border. The state’s transportation infrastructure provides unparalleled distribution and delivery for manufacturers.

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The State of Mississippi offers a variety of grant, loan and tax incentive programs designed to assist businesses creating jobs and making capital investments in the state. Below are commonly used business incentives programs within the aerospace industry.

For a more comprehensive list of incentives for aerospace companies, click here.

Aerospace Initiative Incentive Program

Provides a 10-year state income tax exemption, a 10-year franchise tax exemption and an exemption from sales and use tax for the startup of the facility. This is available to companies that manufacture or assemble aerospace components, as well as provide research, development or training services locating to or expanding in Mississippi. View a detailed pdf.

Advantage Jobs Program

The Advantage Jobs Program provides for a rebate of a percentage of Mississippi payroll to qualified aerospace manufacturers for a period of up to 10 years. Jobs must meet or exceed the average annual wage of the state or the county in which the company locates, whichever is lower.

On-the-Job Training (OJT) Reimbursement

OJT reimbursements can help offset training costs for new employees, depending on their wages and the length of training. The community college and/or WIN Job Center will work with the company to develop and negotiate a training and service plan and funding agreement. View a detailed pdf.

Standard Property Tax Exemption

For aerospace industries and other eligible businesses that locate or expand in the state, certain property tax exemptions are available for up to 10 years at the discretion of local authorities. These exemptions may be granted on real and tangible property being used in the state. View a detailed pdf.

View a complete list of Mississippi business incentive programs here.

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