National aerospace and defense leaders visit Chickasha to explore manufacturing, workforce development opportunities
Representatives from two nationally recognized organizations, Siemens and America Makes, visited Chickasha this week to explore opportunities for aerospace and defense manufacturing, workforce development, and industry partnerships at the Chickasha Airport Industrial Park.
The visit was hosted by developer Chet Hitt, who is leading the development of Milhub, an initiative at the Chickasha Airport Industrial Park focused on attracting companies involved in aerospace, defense contracting, advanced manufacturing, and emerging technologies. “By working with America Makes and Siemens we will develop a competitive advantage of why a manufacturer would choose Chickasha,” remarked Hitt.
During the visit, representatives from Siemens and America Makes met with Hitt, Chickasha Economic Development Council Executive Director Jim Cowan, and Chickasha Mayor Zach Grayson to discuss opportunities to recruit manufacturers, attract investment, and position Chickasha as a competitive location for aerospace and defense-related businesses.
Siemens is a global technology company with significant capabilities in industrial automation, digital manufacturing, and aerospace and defense technologies. America Makes is the nation’s leading public-private partnership for additive manufacturing technology and education, working to accelerate the adoption of advanced manufacturing processes throughout the United States.
“This is exactly the type of opportunity we’ve been working toward in Chickasha,” said Cowan. “Having organizations with the national and international reach of Siemens and America Makes visit our community and explore opportunities with Chet Hitt demonstrates the potential of the Chickasha Airport Industrial Park. Our goal is not simply to recruit new companies, but to create an environment where advanced manufacturing businesses can succeed and grow.”
A major focus of the visit was developing partnerships between industry and education to build a sustainable workforce pipeline for aerospace and defense manufacturing.
Representatives met with University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma President Kayla Hale, Canadian Valley Technology Center Superintendent Gayla Lutts, and Chickasha Public Schools Superintendent Rick Croslin to discuss how educational institutions can collaborate with industry leaders to increase student interest in aerospace careers and develop the technical skills needed by advanced manufacturing employers.
Discussions included opportunities to introduce students to aerospace-related career pathways, expand workforce training, and create stronger connections between classroom education and the needs of future employers.
The visiting representatives also toured Canadian Valley Technology Center’s El Reno campus, where they learned more about aerospace training programs available to high school students and the institution’s capabilities for preparing students for careers in the industry.
“One of Chickasha’s greatest competitive advantages is the strength of our educational partnerships,” Cowan added. “When you bring together our public schools, Canadian Valley Technology Center, USAO, and industry leaders like Siemens and America Makes, you begin creating a pathway for students to pursue high-paying, highly skilled careers without having to leave our region.”
The visit also included a Welcome Reception from area business leaders so they could learn more about the Hitt’s focus of the Milhub and national representatives could meet local business leaders.
Hitt’s vision for the development includes creating an environment where aerospace and defense manufacturers can establish operations, collaborate with industry partners, and access a trained workforce.
The Chickasha Airport Industrial Park has become an increasingly important component of the Community’s long-term economic development strategy, with an emphasis on attracting manufacturing operations, creating quality jobs, and expanding the local tax base.
Mayor Zach Grayson’s participation reinforced the City’s commitment to supporting economic development initiatives that strengthen Chickasha’s position as a destination for business investment.
Cowan emphasized that the visit represents another important step in building relationships with organizations that can help introduce Chickasha to manufacturers throughout the country.
“Economic development is about relationships, preparation, and having a vision for the future,” Cowan said. “We want Chickasha to be a place where aerospace and defense manufacturers see opportunity, where educational institutions help develop tomorrow’s workforce, and where our young people can envision exciting careers right here at home.”
The meetings represent an exploratory step toward potential future partnerships, with continued discussions expected as Milhub and the Chickasha Airport Industrial Park pursue additional aerospace and defense manufacturing opportunities.
