Cultivating an Aviation Cluster

Cirrus Aircraft started 33 years ago with two brothers and a kit plane in a barn in Baraboo, Wisconsin. Last year, the company launched the world’s first single-engine personal jet.

Cirrus has long called Duluth home. It expanded local operations in the last year, opening a $12.7 million finishing center, thanks in part to help from APEX and other partners. Cirrus has had serious regional impact. A cluster of aviation-focused suppliers, services, and manufacturers has grown up around the company, adding about $1 billion to the local economy.

And there’s still room for growth. APEX is attending the Aeromart Montreal Conference in April, giving us access to top-notch networking opportunities, which translate to further growth and development for our local aviation industry.

Learn more.