Indiana Hosting National Aerospace Conference

In October

Rolls-Royce North America is hosting a national aerospace conference this week in Indianapolis. The Aerospace Industries Association’s Supplier Management Council Meeting has attracted a record number of industry suppliers from throughout the country.

The conference, which runs Tuesday through Thursday, features sessions on innovation, technology, cybersecurity, improving production systems, workforce recruitment, supply chain management, partnerships with universities and other business issues, according to Rolls-Royce. Among the event’s speakers are Indiana Secretary of Commerce Jim Schellinger and Purdue University President Mitch Daniels.

"These meetings are a great opportunity for us to strengthen relationships with existing suppliers, learn about industry trends that may open doors with new suppliers, and share our thoughts on where the future of aerospace technology is headed," said Marion Blakey, chief executive officer of Rolls-Royce North America. "Rolls-Royce employs 4,000 people in high-tech engineering and manufacturing positions across central Indiana, and our advanced technology research ongoing at Purdue University will help lead our company into the future. Indiana is crucial to Rolls-Royce, and we are proud to help the state and AIA host this national supplier conference here."

Schellinger touted the number of global aerospace companies with a presence in Indiana, including Raytheon, GE Aviation and Arconic. He says he hopes the conference will help grow the aerospace industry within the state.