On the same day the Farnborough International Airshow takes flight in the UK, Howmet Aerospace Inc. has announced plans to expand its footprint in Morristown, Tennessee. This aerospace and transportation industry stalwart is slated to increase its local workforce by 50 and infuse $27.9 million into the region's economy, as noted in a release from Tennessee's Department of Economic and Community Development.

With Gov. Bill Lee at the helm, and the support of Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter, the move bolsters Howmet's long-term commitment to Tennessee, which has borne fruit in the form of more than 900 jobs in Hamblen County. Nurturing a relationship with the Volunteer State, Howmet Aerospace stands as a key player in an industry crucial for both local and global economies.

A Pittsburgh-headquartered company with a widespread global presence, Howmet Aerospace operates in 13 countries and 15 states across the U.S. Over the course of the pandemic and beyond, the aerospace sector has faced turbulence, yet Howmet's choice to deepen its roots in Tennessee symbolizes confidence in the region's workforce and infrastructure. According to their press release, Howmet's global reach includes the manufacture of everything from engine components to fastening systems, contributing critical innovation to the aerospace and transportation sectors.

East Tennessee has seen a flurry of economic development activity recently, with TNECD successfully backing over 50 projects since 2020. These initiatives have yielded close to 10,000 jobs and more than $3.1 billion in capital investments, accelerating the economic engine in a region once relying on the growth of jobs and opportunities.