WICHITA, Kan. July 13, 2023 – Quickstep, Australia’s largest independent aerospace composite manufacturer, has selected the Wichita region as its preferred location for its first United States engineering and manufacturing facility, strengthening its global commitment to building and delivering comprehensive aerospace and defense solutions.
“Wichita is a globally recognized center of excellence for aerospace technology. The location itself will offer significant business-winning opportunities,” said Quickstep Inc. Vice President Steve Osborne. “Our presence in the U.S. is already presenting greater certainty over new business opportunities and opening many more potential customer and contractual relationships. This is an exciting time for Quickstep and establishing our U.S. capability will be a defining feature of growth across the group.”
Quickstep's selection of the Wichita region follows a detailed eight-month process covering site identification in more than 20 U.S. locations and marks a significant milestone for the company as it bolsters its international footprint and underscores its commitment to serving its expanding customer base.
“The Air Capital of the World provides a robust aerospace value chain ecosystem and proximity to customers across North America,” Kansas Department of Commerce Assistant Secretary Nadira Hazim-Patrick said. “An innovative industry leader such as Quickstep is who Governor Kelly envisioned landing when making aerospace a target sector for Kansas’ economic development efforts.”
Greater Wichita Partnership President Jeff Fluhr applauded the project emphasizing the industry depth and diversification Quickstep brings to the region.
“Quickstep’s global manufacturing presence paired with the Greater Wichita region’s robust aviation ecosystem, composites expertise and strong-supply chain presents an ideal opportunity for continued economic growth and innovation,“ said Fluhr.
City of Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple commended Quickstep’s expansion project, welcoming the global leader in manufacturing drones, missiles and commercial and military aircraft to the South-Central Kansas region, a premier geocentric United States location.
“This is a great day for the Air Capital of the World. As a proven manufacturing hub, we are thrilled to have Australian-based Quickstep establish its presence in the heart of the American aerospace industry,” said Mayor Brandon Whipple. “We support the company’s expansion and look forward to providing the talented workforce to continue Quickstep’s commitment to quality products and innovation.”
As Quickstep establishes its presence in the region, the company anticipates creating new job opportunities and engaging with local talent to further enhance its capabilities and maintain its industry-leading position.
Quickstep’s engineering and manufacturing base will initially focus on the commercial and defense UAS markets with plans to increasingly expand into commercial and defense aerostructures and aviation electrification. Expansion in the U.S. is expected to commence in the coming months with initial operational capability in 2024.
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About the Greater Wichita Partnership
The Greater Wichita Partnership is focused on one primary objective: to fast-forward regional economic growth in Wichita and South-Central Kansas. The organization works within three key priorities – jobs, talent and quality of place – to accelerate this objective. For more information, visit https://greaterwichitapartnership.org/home.
About Quickstep
Quickstep Holdings Limited (ASX: QHL) is the largest independent aerospace composite business in Australia, with facilities in Sydney, Geelong, Melbourne and Dallas. The group employs more than 280 people in Australia and internationally. More information about Quickstep is available at www.quickstep.com.au
