FOUNDATIONS OF CENTRAL OREGON’S ECONOMY ADVANCED MANUFACTURING Central Oregon is home to a variety of businesses in advanced manufacturing, which produce essential products and play a crucial role in the supply chain for various original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in industries such as aviation and aerospace, brewing and distilling, specialty food processing, and automotive. Local advancements include both additive and subtractive machining of metals and plastics, advanced welding and metal fabrication, specialty metals casting, and the development of specialized machinery and equipment. Notable employers in this industry include BASX, Epic Aircraft, JELD-WEN Windows and Doors, and Keith Manufacturing. Aviation/Aeropspace The production of light aircraft in Central Oregon spans back more than 30 years. Composite (carbon fiber) fabrication and innovation in aircraft are the region’s specialty, offering a cluster of world-class talent and capabilities. Some of the most successful flight training programs in the country are located in the area, with both fixed-wing and helicopter flight schools, including Leading Edge, Hillsboro Aero Academy and Central Oregon Community College , which serve the global industry. Building Products After more than 100 years and considerable change across the industry, the building products sector remains Central Oregon’s largest traded-sector employer. Businesses in this sector compete and win on a global scale, innovating and automating as leaders in their respective sub-industries, including wood doors and windows, mouldings, cabinetry, and furniture. The region’s largest manufacturer and second-largest private employer, Brightwood Corporation , is based in Madras, with operations in Redmond, Culver and Prineville. The company has been growing in Central Oregon for over half a century.
HIGH TECHNOLOGY Central Oregon’s high technology sector is broad and growing, encompassing software development, electronics manufacturing, data centers, and alternative energy. A large and growing number of tech companies now operate in the region, with a particularly strong presence in software. Many firms have established headquarters in Central Oregon, drawn by the region’s livability, talent pipeline and business-friendly environment. Prineville has emerged as a data center hub, anchored by Meta’ s first and largest data center campus, an expansive site comprising 11 buildings totaling approximately 4.6 million square feet. Central Oregon’s appeal for data infrastructure includes access to affordable industrial land, low utility costs, a dry climate ideal for cooling efficiency, and globally competitive tax incentives. With multiple telecom carriers and an expanding technology ecosystem, the region continues to attract investment and talent in high-tech industries.
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