Six Vermont companies with ties to the aerospace and defense industries are in Paris this week for the International Air Show. Representing Vermont at the world’s oldest and largest trade show connecting commercial and military suppliers with potential customers, were AeroParts Plus of South Burlington; Concepts NREC of White River Junction; Liquid Measurement Systems of Georgia; Metal-Flex Welded Bellows of Derby; North Hartland Tool Corp., of North Hartland and TeamITAR of Derby. They joined with five New Hampshire companies and one from Maine in the Best of New England booth at the US Pavilion. In all, 34 states were represented at the international air show.
The Best of New England booth is made possible through the State Trade Export Promotion program, funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. As three of the smallest states taking part, combining resources allows northern New England to have a presence at an iconic international event.
The goal of the companies attending is to increase their access to international markets, which helps them to grow. "Many nations provide significant resources to their companies that export, so it is exciting to have the opportunity to work in collaboration with private companies, the SBA, the US Department of Commerce, the Vermont Chamber of Commerce and other New England states to provide global visibility to our aerospace companies," Brent Raymond, director of the Vermont Global Trade Partnership said.
The aviation and aerospace industries represent a $2 billion industry in Vermont, according to the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, supporting more than 9,000 jobs. Chris Carrigan, vice president of business development for the chamber, called the two sectors “key economic drivers” of Vermont’s economy and in line with the mission of the Vermont Chamber’s Aerospace and Aviation Association.
“By connecting its members with new suppliers and customers through matchmaking efforts, participating in international events like the Paris Air Show, provide access to new resources, businesses and supply chain opportunities,” he said, “which propels Vermont’s economy forward.”
