The Seacoast Aerospace Initiative launched Monday, with the ceremonial signing of a letter that clears for landing Canadian aerospace companies looking for opportunity to expand in one of New Hampshire’s fastest growing sectors.
The initiative came about in 2012, as Albany International and Safran were preparing for their co-location in Rochester, and the need to prepare for the growth of the industry.
The Seacoast Aerospace Initiative
For the past 18 months, a partnership that included officials from Dover, Portsmouth, Rochester and Somersworth, as well as the Pease International Tradeport, Great Bay Community College and the University of New Hampshire and we here at the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, has been working to position this region as a hub for composites manufacturing.
Fast forward to this week and we celebrated a milestone: The signing of a letter – in French – inviting Quebec aerospace companies and suppliers not only to expand here, but to work with us in other areas, such as research and education.
“This collaboration has strengthened the Seacoast’s position as a leader in the aerospace and defense industry,” said Gov. Maggie Hassan. “This is win-win for everybody – the companies involved, the cities, the Seacoast, the state and for our people. It’s a good day for business in New Hampshire.”
Quebec is our closest neighbor to the north and we share more than an international border; we owe much to them for our history, culture and work ethic.
“Montreal is the national hub for aerospace,” said Thierry Weissenburger, senior trade commissioner of the Canadian Consulate in Boston. “This collaboration is happening as burgeoning trade is going on and I expect it grow massively.”
If you recall, our aerospace industry got a boost when the New Hampshire Aerospace and Defense Export Consortium signed a MOU with Aero Montreal in December, paving the way for our aerospace companies to have preferred relationships with their counterparts in Quebec.
Marianne Bonnard
“This happened six months ago and already you are moving on with the next steps,” said Marianne Bonnard, with the Quebec delegation. “You are already moving on to the step and I think that says a lot about the determination of the region here and of our cooperation.”
With that came the ceremonial signing of the letter by our Commissioner Jeffrey Rose, of the Department of Resources and Economic Development; Mayors Karen Weston of Dover, Robert Lister of Portsmouth, T.J. Dean of Rochester, Dana Hilliard of Somersworth, and Arthur Nickless Jr., chairman of the Pease Development Authority.
“This regional hub is the centerpiece for our state’s economy, built around aerospace and defense,” Rose said. “We’re ready for take-off on the Seacoast.”
Dignitaries from New Hampshire and France took part in this morning’s ribbon cutting at Safran’s new manufacturing plant in Rochester.
This afternoon’s ribbon cutting in Rochester was so much more than the opening of a new manufacturing plant, where Safran and Albany International Corp. have co-located to produce composite parts for the US and French governments.
“This is a significant milestone, not only for our two companies, but for our customers and partners in the aerospace industry and for the city of Rochester and the state of New Hampshire,” said Joseph Morone, president and CEO of Albany International. “We are opening an identical sister plant in Commercy, France and this is a first of its kind in the aerospace industry. The manufacturing technology and the product being produced with that technology are new to the world …”
New to the world … right here in New Hampshire.
“What a great day for Rochester and New Hampshire,” said Gov. Maggie Hassan. “This is a shining example of the kind of innovative business that has New Hampshire as well-positioned as any state to lead the country in economic growth.”
Rochester Mayor TJ Jean called the grand opening of the plant a celebration “of the power of partnerships,” between the two companies, between the local, state and federal officials who made sure the resources would be available, and “the community college system, which will help train our workforce.”
As manufacturing ramps up in this new plant, hundreds of more jobs will be added to 130 already in place. They will work to produce 3D woven composite parts using RTM technology for aircraft engines parts.”Our presence in Rochester reflects our commitment to this state and the US,” said Jean-Paul Herteman, chairman and CEO of Safran. “Our aim is to continue to expand our position and to contribute to the development of the aerospace and security markets as an American company, to ensure optimum service for our civil and military customers here.”
More than an opening of a new manufacturing plant, today’s event clears New Hampshire’s aerospace and defense industries for take-off.
“This is new-to-the-world high impact technology,” Morone said.
If you are in the vicinity of Rochester on Thursday evening, make plans to spend a little time in the city for a celebration.
Great Bay Community College’s new Advance Technology & Academic Center (ATAC), Rochester
Between 5 and 7 pm, Great Bay Community College will celebrate its new Advanced Technology & Academic Center (better known as ATAC), which is located at the Lilac Mall. More than a education center, it is going to help put the Seacoast on a flight path to success, as the area becomes known as an emerging composites region.
The ATAC is the largest single project under the statewide Advanced Manufacturing Partnership in Education initiative (AMPedNH), formed by the Community College System of New Hampshire under the federal TAACCCT-NH grant. AMPed NH is sponsored by a $20 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration.
Great Bay’s advanced composites manufacturing curriculum at the ATAC was developed to fit the needs of area manufacturers — among those, Albany Engineered Composites and Safran Aerospace Composites. These two companies are co-locating in a new manufacturing plant at the Granite State Business Park. The plant, set to open in a couple of months, is being built by Safran and is expected to add about 500 jobs to the local market. Representatives of both companies will be available to talk about the advanced composites manufacturing industry and opportunities within the region.
“This center is a wonderful educational resource for anyone interested in what Great Bay has to offer,” said college President Will Arvelo. “Now residents of Strafford County and beyond can conveniently take a course at Rochester – whether it be a general education or liberal arts course or something from a specific field – and those seeking training opportunities in advanced composites manufacturing now have a state-of-the art facility practically in their backyard.”
Gov. Maggie Hassan will attend, as well as other officials. If you attend, you can enter to win free tuition for one year – a value of up to $5,000. Representatives from the College Admissions, Financial Aid and WorkReady NH can answer your questions.
For more information on the free event, visit www.gbrochester.com or call 1-800-522-1194.
A lot, if it’s over in Rochester (at the Granite State Business Park) and it’s called Innovation Way.
The bridge is officially open, now that the red ribbon has been cut.
It’s some great news from Rochester and Joe Morone, CEO of Albany International, spoke of the importance at the ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday morning.
Lorna Colquhoun
Communications Director
NH Division of Economic Development
Dec. 11, 2012
The man who helped revive a Lakes Region community, an organization that helps the state’s Vietnam veterans and a city with a bold vision for the future are this year’s recipients of the Profile Awards, presented Sunday afternoon in Franconia Notch.
Created in 2003 after the fall of the Old Man of the Mountain, the Profile Awards are given annually to an individual, an organization and a community, recognizing their work in preserving the resources and character of New Hampshire in the spirit of the state’s icon. This year’s recipients are Rusty McLear of Meredith; the Vietnam Veterans of America – New Hampshire Council, and the city of Rochester.
Rusty McLear
McLear was recognized for his work and dedication that has helped revitalized Meredith over the past 20 years.
“Rusty has been an outstanding leader in preservation and economic development in his community, turning vacant asbestos mills to premier hotels and helping to inspire others in preserving their own properties,” said Union Leader Corp. President Joseph McQuaid, who serves on the Profile Awards’ selection committee of the Old Man of the Mountain Legacy Fund. “Rusty’s ability to inspire others has brought state and local officials, non-profit and civic organizations, volunteers, and local businesses together in efforts to maintain and continually increase the preservation of historic buildings and land conservation.”
Working throughout the state to make sure veterans get care and support they need, four chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America – NH Council work tirelessly to provide just that. From organizing fairs and fundraisers to supporting local families when they need it, to tackling issues lie Agent Orange, post-traumatic stress disorder and caring for homeless veterans at Liberty House in Manchester, the organization strengthens the bonds forged in times of war.
“It is fitting to recognize the Vietnam Veterans of America– NH State Council for this year’s organization award,” McQuaid said. “March 30, 2011 was declared ‘Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day,’ 38 years after troops were withdrawn from Vietnam.”
The award also honors the 46,000 Vietnam-era veterans living in New Hampshire, he said, and remembers 227 New Hampshire soldiers who lost their lives during the Vietnam War.
McQuaid also noted, “Franconia Notch Forest Reservation and Memorial Park was dedicated in 1928 as a memorial to the men and women of New Hampshire who served the nation in times of war.”
Long known as the Lilac City, Rochester has become one of the fastest growing cities in New Hampshire. Where mills once hummed, the city has undertaken protection of its historic, scenic and cultural assets, while attracting high quality commercial, residential and industrial development.
“Rochester residents have a strong sense of volunteerism, supporting causes that make the city a livable and friendly place,” McQuaid said. “Keep a watch on Rochester, NH. It is a special community with a bold vision for its future.”
Presentation of the Profile Awards followed the dedication of the Old Man of the Mountain Profile Plaza on the shore of Profile Lake. The plaza features seven ‘profilers,’ which, when viewed from a specific angle depending on the height of the viewer, puts back on the cliffside the visage of the Old Man of the Mountain. The plaza is laid with more than 250 engraved granite blocks purchased by people, companies and organizations who are now a part of the enduring legacy for future generations of the Old Man of the Mountain. For more information about the Old Man of the Mountain Legacy Fund, visit www.NHOldMan.org.
