Work to grow aerospace industry ongoing in Denver South and Colorado's Arapahoe County

Artemis II is putting a spotlight on the aerospace industry in the United States, and Colorado is certainly one of the epicenters of that growing sector. There are more than 250 aerospace companies that have a presence in Colorado that collaborated with NASA on this month's moon mission. But those businesses only make up about 13% of Colorado's overall aerospace presence. Colorado currently has about 2,000 aerospace companies based in the state, with more growth now on the way.

According to Denver South, in the past five years, more than 1,600 jobs in aerospace and aviation have been added in the Denver South area, which includes Arapahoe County businesses in the I-25 corridor south of Denver's city limits. Business leaders in that area are hoping to grow the industry even more in upcoming years.

The company Step One 2 Launch recently opened a facility on the 7000 block of South Tucson Way in Centennial.

As an entrepreneur himself and co-founder, Kenneth Guyer knows what it takes to build a business from the ground up. He's helped to build products and deliver products mostly in the aerospace and defense industry.

"When we sold our last company, we dedicated to do something a little different," said Guyer. "We wanted to create a place to help the small entrepreneur, the small company, the maker, the inventor, the engineer. This is a hub for technology, a shared engineering space, is what we like to say."

The hub will give start-up companies a place to begin and grow and provides infrastructure that can help take their idea from concept to product.

Geyer says their hub gives startup companies a place to grow, and provides infrastructure that can help take their idea from concept to product.

"We have hot desks and things like that. We also have anti-static flooring, assembly benches, tool kits, tool sets, and offices that are dedicated to what you need, and then a network of people that can help grow your business," he said.

The 22,000 square foot command center aims to support developing the next generation of technology in industries like aerospace, defense and advanced manufacturing.

"The Front Range has always been a big part of the space industry," Geyer said. "There is a lot of technology here. Then you look at places like Centennial Airport, this has been a hub. You've got United Launch Alliance, and the Sierra Nevada Corporation."

"(There are) humongous manufacturers that are located down in this region. Lockheed Martin is here, Northrop Grumman is here," said Christine Shapard, Senior Director of Economic Development for Denver South. Denver South is an organization whose primary focuses are transportation and economic development.

The area also sits between defense installations, research institutions and also near Centennial's airport and Denver International Airport.

Shapard said the aviation and aerospace industry is Denver South's fastest growing sector.

"Over the past five years, it's definitely been growing about 18%," she said. "We are number two in the country, after California for the aerospace industry. So, it's all growing here in Colorado, but specifically this eight-mile corridor that is Denver South."

Shapard also said often, small companies are part of the supply chain for larger companies in the region too, which is why Denver South is also appealing to many companies.

"All of the aerospace industry in Denver South spends $565 million a year on their supply chain. Half of that $565 million comes from companies who are making products in Denver South. So, their supply chain is local here, and that really helps grow the industry too," said Shapard.

With flexible workspace options and engineering-ready infrastructure, the command center will support Colorado's growing tech economy.

"And this helps encourage that same startup community in this aerospace industry," Shapard said. "I just forsee it being another generator of companies and jobs here in Denver South. It's wonderful to have here."

For small startups, it also means big exposure.

"(We can) bring them into a place where there is a lot of different opinions to help a lot of people, not only to learn from our successes, but to also to learn from a lot of our failures," Geyer said. "We have a place where people can bring their innovations and their drive and their dreams, and we'll support that the whole way."