28 Apr Arizona Leads the Way in Aerospace and Defense Manufacturing
Arizona has become a fast-growing hub for aerospace and defense manufacturing. The tight supply chain, strong military presence, ideal climate, and growing workforce draw many industry leaders to our state.
CRC Surface Technologies is proud to be an AS9100- and NADCAP-certified, ITAR-registered company. But as a metal finishing provider, we’re only part of the bigger picture. Here’s a closer look at what makes Arizona the ideal place for military and aerospace contractors.
Established Supply Chain
Arizona is home to over 1,200 aerospace and defense companies. At CRC, we’ve partnered with industry leaders like Honeywell and Northrop Grumman. This tight, local supply chain spans OEMs, specialized processors, component manufacturers, material suppliers, and more.
When you choose an Arizona-based plating partner, you benefit from faster turnaround times, shorter shipping distances, better quality assurance, and closer collaboration.
Strong Military Presence
Arizona has been a major player in the aerospace and defense industries since World War II, when key military bases like Luke Air Force Base were established. Today, the state hosts seven major military bases that continue to drive demand for high-performance components and coatings.
This significant military presence fuels ongoing innovation in metal finishing, a strict adherence to military specifications (MIL-SPEC), and a consistent demand for high-performance plating services.
Ideal Climate for Testing and Manufacturing
Arizona’s dry, consistent climate makes it an ideal environment for year-round testing and manufacturing. The low humidity and low risk of corrosion mean that components can be reliably manufactured, plated, and tested without complications.
This ideal climate means less chance of imperfections, so you can count on reliable, durable, long-lasting results.
Big Workforce
There are over 50,000 aerospace and defense jobs in Phoenix alone, including manufacturing, assembly, engineering, and quality assurance roles. Over the last five years, the state has spent $2.8 billion investing in this sector’s workforce, creating over 12,500 new jobs. And in 2026, that momentum continues, with thousands of jobs expected to be created as Arizona’s aerospace and defense workforce continues to grow.
At CRC, our talented professionals have advanced training in every surface treatment technique we use, and our strict quality control measures ensure that every finished product meets the highest standards.
Partner with a Certified Metal Finishing Provider in Phoenix
As an AS9100- and NADCAP-certified, ITAR-registered company, we understand the demands of the aerospace and defense industry. We offer over 33 different metal finishing services to regional and national machine shops. Whether you need anodizing, electroplating, grinding, non-destructive testing, or another service, CRC Surface Technologies is your one-stop shop.
Send a message to rfq@chemresearchco.com to request a quote today.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (4/28/2026). Photo by Laura Mann on Unsplash