Industry Strengths
Arizona’s manufacturing strengths include semiconductors, aerospace and defense and electric vehicles. The state’s manufacturers power high tech devices, sustainable materials and medical devices.
Home to Global Semiconductor Giants
Semiconductor manufacturers from around the world come to Arizona to develop innovations that power the next generation of devices. With a pro-business environment and competitive ecosystem, semiconductor manufacturers in Arizona produce technological breakthroughs that are shaping the future.
TOP 5 aerospace & defense manufacturing employment in the nation
Emsi, 2022
Aerospace & Defense
Arizona’s soaring aerospace & defense industry is supported by its broad set of manufacturing suppliers. Arizona ranks fifth in the nation for aerospace and has the second-highest employment in guided missiles and space vehicle manufacturing. Raytheon Missile Systems, headquartered in Tucson, employs nearly 14,700 people. Honeywell Aerospace, the world’s largest manufacturer of aircraft engines and avionics, is headquartered in Phoenix. Boeing manufactures helicopters in Mesa and employs more than 4,300 people in the state. Arizona companies exported $3.8 billion worth of aerospace and defense products in 2021.
#1 bioscience manufacturing job growth rate in the nation
Emsi, 2021
Bioscience
Arizona saw a 49 percent increase in employment in bioscience manufacturing from 2017 to 2021, which is the fastest growth rate in the U.S. Bioscience manufacturing advances made in Arizona include new electromedical devices, implantable medical devices and pharmaceuticals. Medical device manufacturers in Arizona include Medtronic, W.L. Gore’s, Stryker, Accelerate Diagnostics, Dexcom and Celgene.
Steering the Future of Transportation
Automotive manufacturing is revving up in Arizona. With a rapidly expanding manufacturing industry, innovative suppliers and a collaborative ecosystem, the state is poised to be the next electric vehicle epicenter.
TOP 3 industrial engineering job growth from 2017 to 2021
Emsi, 2022
Arizona’s rapidly expanding automotive and battery manufacturing ecosystem is charged by a large supply of innovators developing next-gen technologies—with one of the largest segments representing transportation, including electric vehicles. Electric car and automated vehicle manufacturers rely on Arizona’s strong manufacturing foundation. Ranging from self-driving trucks to electric luxury cars, vehicle manufacturers are driving their operations to Arizona.
TOP 3 optics and photonics manufacturing job growth rate in the nation from 2017 to 2021
Emsi, 2022
Optics and Photonics
Optics technology crosses industry lines and is critical to many of Arizona’s manufacturing industries, such as precision missile guidance systems, medical imaging and autonomous and unmanned aerial vehicles. Optics and photonics manufacturing employment in Arizona increased by 43% percent from 2017 to 2021, more than 14 times the national average of 3 percent.
TOP 3 electrical engineering job growth from 2017 to 2021
Emsi, 2022
Composites
Companies in Arizona supply specialized composite materials to other industries, particularly to companies in the aerospace and defense industry, including Honeywell, Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems, Boeing and UTC Aerospace Systems. Hexcel in Coolidge manufactures composite materials used in commercial aircraft structures and interiors, defense aircraft, helicopters and other industrial applications. HJ3 Composite Technologies manufactures carbon fiber repair systems that fortify and protect structures against earthquakes, blasts and environmental damage.