Aerospace Manufacturing Companies in Illinois

Illinois has approximately 13,000 manufacturing establishments and 570,000 manufacturing employees. Illinois is a top-five manufacturing state, with Chicago as a metal fabrication and food processing center, Peoria as Caterpillar's headquarters, and a vast network of industrial suppliers.

Illinois contributes to the national aerospace manufacturing landscape. The aerospace manufacturing industry encompasses companies that design and produce aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, missiles, and their components. This includes OEMs like Boeing and Lockheed Martin, as well as thousands of Tier 1 through Tier 3 suppliers that machine, fabricate, and assemble critical components.

Aircraft OEMs: Companies like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Gulfstream that design and assemble complete aircraft and major structures.

Aerostructure Suppliers: Tier 1 companies like Spirit AeroSystems and GKN Aerospace that produce fuselages, wings, and major structural assemblies.

Engine Component Manufacturers: Companies machining and forging turbine blades, discs, and casings for jet engine programs.

Avionics & Systems Integrators: Manufacturers of flight control systems, navigation equipment, and electronic warfare systems.

MRO Providers: Maintenance, repair, and overhaul facilities that service commercial and military aircraft fleets.

Major industrial centers in Illinois include Chicago, Rockford, Peoria, Aurora, Joliet, and Elgin. These cities have concentrations of manufacturers across sectors including metal fabrication, food processing manufacturing, and chemical manufacturing.