We’re celebrating getting to the “fringe” of the weekend with a Heat Treat Fringe Friday installment: Woodward, Inc, a manufacturer with in-house heat treat operations which serves the aerospace industry, has announced its plan to build a precision manufacturing facility in Greer, South Carolina, in Spartanburg County. The new site is a strategic investment for the company. The 300,000-square-foot facility is set to open in 2027 and will focus on production of servo-hydraulic actuation systems, which are critical components used in aircraft flight control.
While not exactly heat treat, “Fringe Friday” deals with interesting developments in one of our key markets: aerospace, automotive, medical, energy, or general manufacturing.
Source: Woodward, Inc.
Chairman & CEO
Woodward, Inc.
Initially, most of the factory’s capacity will be dedicated to producing spoiler actuation for the Airbus A350. These critical control systems are mounted on the upper surface of aircraft wings and play a vital role in managing lift and enhancing flight performance and safety. The site has potential to expand capacity as the company meets growing demand for its aerospace technologies.
The facility is expected to create approximately 275 high-quality jobs in manufacturing, engineering, and business operations, with potential for significant workforce expansion in the future.
“The selection of Woodward to supply Airbus with spoiler actuation systems and our investment in South Carolina represent a major milestone for Woodward and our commitment to delivering leading controls solutions to our customers,” said Chip Blankenship, chairman and CEO of Woodward, Inc. “It will be a showcase manufacturing site, much like our Rock Cut campus, vertically integrated, highly automated, and built on the capabilities and methodologies in operational excellence we’ve developed through our LEAP and GTF aircraft engine programs.
“Beyond supporting the Airbus A350, this facility positions us to extend our hydraulic flight control design and industrialization expertise to additional applications as well as other commercial aircraft manufacturers. We’re proud to bring jobs and economic opportunity to Spartanburg County as we fulfill our purpose to design and deliver energy control solutions our partners count on to power a clean future.”
Governor of South Carolina
Source: South Carolina Office of the Governor
After an extensive nationwide search, Woodward selected Spartanburg County for its robust manufacturing infrastructure, access to highly skilled aerospace talent, and proximity to key suppliers. The investment is supported by an incentive package from the State of South Carolina, Spartanburg County, and local economic development organizations.
“When global companies like Woodward, Inc. decide to invest in our state, it further solidifies South Carolina’s impressive reputation in the manufacturing industry. We look forward to creating a long-standing partnership with the company and seeing the strong impact of these approximately 275 new jobs in Spartanburg County,” said Henry McMaster, Governor of South Carolina.
Press release is available in its original form here.
