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Rockwall EDC - Business park, industrial park, and center for economic development.
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Aerospace & Defense

The aerospace and defense sector develops, manufactures, and sells products and services related to air travel and defense, focusing on new technologies for safety and security. Dominated by large enterprises and often influenced by government control, this critical industry drives innovation, creates jobs, and impacts global security. Rockwall and the greater DFW area hosts several defense contractors, particularly focused on aerospace manufacturing and related technologies, making the area a prime location for other defense and aerospace contractors and manufacturers. 

 

Industry Concentration

  • Over 17,000 employed in “Aerospace Vehicles and Defense” within a 45-minute drive time of Rockwall (LQ 1.48)
      • Over 7,000 employed in “Aircraft Manufacturing” (LQ 1.63)
      • Over 5,000 employed in “Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing” (LQ 2.81)
  • Over 4,000 employed in “Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing” within a 45-minute drive time of Rockwall (LQ 1.83)

*Location Quotient – Provides a concentration of workers in the area compared to the national average.  An LQ of 1.0 means the area has a concentration of workers equal to that of the national average.  An LQ of 1.5 means the area has a concentration of workers 50% greater than the national average.

 

Area Workforce

SOC Description Employees (45 Minute Drive) Location Quotient Average Local Salary*
11-3021 Computer and Information Systems Manager 16,247 1.65 $154,300
15-1211 Computer Systems Analysts 14,987 1.61 $109,800
15-1232 Computer User Support Specialists 20,142 1.56 $57,800
15-1252 Software Developers 43,091 1.49 $117,900
51-2011 Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging and Systems Assemblers 872 1.46 $75,200
51-9061 Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers 10,847 1.02 $45,300
17-2112 Industrial Engineers 5,795 0.97 $101,500
51-4121 Welders, Cutters, Solderers and Brazers 7,095 0.91 51,100
51-2092 Team Assemblers 17,604 0.8

$39,700

 

Source: 2023Q4 data from JobsEQ

*Average Local Salary is representative of positions within Rockwall County.  

Rockwall Residents: Qualified Individuals Living Nearby

SOC Description Rockwall Residents* Net Commuters**
11-1021 General Operations Managers 1,301 -338
15-1252 Software Developers 463 -308
17-2071 Electrical Engineers 57 -32
17-2141 Mechanical Engineers 56

-28

 
17-2011 Aerospace Engineers 32 -22

Source: Lightcast, May 2024

*Individuals employed in these occupations, living in zip code 75087 and 75032

**Negative numbers indicate that the community is “losing” more of these workers to commutes outside of Rockwall, than what is being gained by local companies. These individuals may be targets for recruitment, as a job in Rockwall would create an opportunity to work closer to home.

Veteran Population

Rockwall is specifically known to have a strong veteran population, with many veterans working for L3Harris. The community’s patriotism can be seen through the various veteran philanthropic organizations that are either based in Rockwall, or frequently hold events in the community. Additionally, the community has received national attention for the massive American flag flying over I-30 on the western entrance of the city.

 

 

Rockwall Companies

  • L3Harris
  • Integrated Defense Products*
  • Archer OpTx*
  • Interstate/Agave Wire*
  • Precision Sheet Metal*

*National or International Headquarters 

DFW Companies with Significant Corporate Presence

  • American Airlines*
  • Lockheed Martin Aeronautics*
  • Raytheon
  • Southwest Airlines*
  • Airbus Helicopters*
  • Honeywell International
  • Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems

*National or International Headquarters 

 

Ready to make the move? Let’s talk.

With plenty of available land, financial incentives, and an educated, experienced workforce, Rockwall may just be your new home. Drop us a line to learn more.

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Testimonials

Rob Grand-Lienard

Special Products & Manufacturing, Inc.
“Doing business in Rockwall and North Central Texas is great for several reasons. First and foremost is the talent pool in which we get to draw. Secondly, the community, schools, and businesses work closely together for the benefit of each other and finally, the quality of life for all of us that work at SPM. Rockwall is an excellent location because of Interstate 30 providing regional access and close proximity to our suppliers and customers.”

Alan Yu

Karat by Lollicup
“When I came to Texas, I felt this Texas pride. People here, they want to support domestic and local manufacturing and the local manufacturers want to support the local community… In California, it took us five years to build what we have right now. But in Texas, it will only take 12 months to surpass what we’re currently doing in California. I foresee our manufacturing capability will be three times what we’re currently doing in California.”
Watch the full interview here

Ignacio Echavarri

SPR Packaging
“The EDC (in Rockwall) has really gone a lot further than what any other EDC would have done. They’ve really made a commitment to help us grow and made a commitment to be there for us…
I really believe that it was the perfect decision, coming here to Rockwall. It was a lot better than what we ever thought it would be.”
Watch the full interview here

John Batts

Pratt Industries
“The hidden benefit we didn’t recognize initially when we scouted out the territory was really how great the skilled, hourly workforce was going to be. We didn’t realize how good it would be…
I’ve worked in twelve manufacturing facilities in corrugated and this is by far the best group I’ve ever had.”
Watch the full interview here