BROOMFIELD – Today, Governor Polis and the Global Business Development Division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) announced that Raven Space Systems (Raven), a 3D printing company that specializes in aerospace-grade composites, has selected Broomfield, Colorado, for its headquarters and manufacturing facility.
“Colorado is the best place to live, work and do business, and we are thrilled to see Raven Space Systems expand in Colorado. The company will help advance our state’s thriving aerospace ecosystem and create 392 good-paying jobs,” said Governor Polis.
In Colorado, Raven joins a thriving aerospace ecosystem, home to more than 2,000 aerospace companies and growing. Raven’s patented Microwave Assisted Deposition (MAD) 3D printing technology minimizes labor, tooling, and waste to rapidly manufacture aerospace-grade thermoset and ceramic composites by curing materials immediately after deposition. Applications include hypersonics, propulsion systems, reentry vehicles, satellites, aircraft, missiles, and rockets, among others.
“We are excited to relocate to Colorado and become part of its robust aerospace manufacturing ecosystem. The support we’ve received has been incredible, and we believe Colorado is the ideal place to scale Raven and maximize our impact,” said Blake Herren, PhD, CEO of Raven.
The company chose Colorado for the access to talent and proximity to aerospace customers and partners. Raven expects to create up to 392 net new jobs at an average annual wage of $130,867, which is 119% of the average annual wage in Broomfield County. Hiring is underway for engineers, technicians, managers, operators and executives.
“Colorado is known for its leadership in aerospace and advanced manufacturing, and Raven Space Systems will advance both of these leading industries while creating good-paying jobs for Coloradans,” said OEDIT Executive Director Eve Lieberman.
The Colorado Economic Development Commission approved up to $5,852,666 in a performance-based Job Growth Incentive Tax Credit for the company over an eight-year period. These incentives are contingent upon Raven, referred to as Project Skyforge throughout the OEDIT review process, meeting net new job creation and salary requirements.
“Broomfield’s thriving and diverse aerospace ecosystem, along with our easy access to the top educational institutions in Colorado, make it the ideal home for Raven Space Systems,” said Mayor Castriotta. “This successful partnership with Raven Space Systems exemplifies our approach of fostering innovation, creating a vital economy, and moving our community thoughtfully into the future.”
“Raven Space Systems’ decision to expand to Broomfield affirms Colorado’s position as a leader in advanced industries and next-generation space technology,” said President of the Metro Denver EDC, Raymond H. Gonzales. “With a world-class workforce, a thriving innovation ecosystem, and a spirit of public-private collaboration, our region continues to attract pioneering companies at the forefront of space exploration and development. This exciting expansion is the result of remarkable teamwork among the Metro Denver EDC, the Colorado Space Coalition, the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, and the City and County of Broomfield. Congratulations to our partners for helping bring this visionary project to life and for reinforcing Colorado’s role on the global stage as a hub for aerospace innovation.”
In addition to Colorado, Raven considered Kansas and Missouri for expansion. The company has four employees, one of whom is in Colorado.