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Aerospace & Defense

From family-owned aerospace operations to global leaders like Boeing, St. Charles County aerospace companies are thriving. 

With an unmatched combination of cost-effective operations, a growing talent pipeline, and strategic logistical advantages, St. Charles County, Missouri, is the premier destination for aerospace manufacturers looking to scale and innovate.

Download Advanced Manufacturing Fact Sheet 

Home to Aerospace Leaders Like Boeing

The St. Louis region is home to the world headquarters for Boeing’s defense operations, with a $1.2 billion expansion project underway.  Boeing’s St. Louis facility has been awarded the contract to build the Air Force’s next-generation fighter jet, the F-47, further solidifying the region’s role in aerospace innovation.

Boeing also has a major presence in St. Charles County, where it is one of the County's employers. Its St. Charles facility plays a critical role in defense technology, producing the advanced smart technology add-ons for the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM), including GPS tail kits and laser-guided technology. These innovations enhance the precision and versatility of modern defense systems, reinforcing the county’s reputation as a hub for advanced aerospace manufacturing.

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JDAM guidance kits built in St. Charles County
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Laser JDAM kits built in St. Charles Couny
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JDAMs built in St. Charles County on time and on cost
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Regional Boeing expansion

A Deep Talent Pool for High-Tech Industries

As Missouri’s fastest-growing county, St. Charles County provides a robust workforce with expertise in advanced manufacturing, precision machining, and aerospace engineering. Additionally, our location within the St. Louis metro area connects employers to a workforce of over 1 million, including graduates from top-tier aerospace and engineering programs.

 A National Leader in Workforce Development

Missouri is committed to developing and attracting highly skilled talent through cutting-edge apprenticeship programs and hands-on training initiatives. The state’s workforce development strategies have earned national recognition, ensuring aerospace manufacturers have the skilled labor necessary to thrive.

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lowest corporate tax rate
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lowest unemployment insurance
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lowest property tax
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electric rates lower than the national average

Business-Friendly. Innovation-Driven.

Missouri’s pro-business climate means lower corporate taxes, reduced operating costs, and a regulatory environment designed to support advanced industries like aerospace. From R&D incentives to infrastructure investments, Missouri provides the foundation for aerospace companies to innovate and grow.

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in the nation for new apprentices
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in the nation for active apprentices
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in the nation for on-the-job training programs
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in the nation for completed apprenticeships