Advanced Air Mobility Centre of Excellence planned for Logan

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Thales and Underwood Innovation Labs have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish an AAM Centre of Excellence. The AAM COE, supported by the Mayor of Logan City, Hon Jon Raven, will operate as a membership-based, open-ecosystem, enabling organisations to utilize and access state-of-the-art innovation, technology and resources. ​

The location of the AAM COE, in South East Queensland, is one of Australia’s fastest growing regions, with population numbers expected to reach 5.4million by 2041. As a key economic hub, the establishment of a centre of excellence will cultivate advanced technology and develop skills for Queensland’s future workforce.

The AAM COE is modelled after a successful initiative in Paris, France, known as Centre d’Excellence Drones Ile De France (CEDIF). CEDIF operates with an approved 40km Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) airspace corridor extending from Saint-Quentin en Yvelines to Bretigny sur Orge. Supported by Thales, Eurocontrol, and Systematic, CEDIF aims to provide a comprehensive platform for incubating, validating, and industrializing all aspects of drone activities, both direct and indirect.

“Thales is thrilled to be the initial founding partner in establishing the forthcoming innovation ecosystem centred on a Centre of Excellence for AAM in Queensland, alongside Underwood Innovation Lab and the City of Logan. Our shared commitment to trust, innovation, and results will unite innovators in addressing everyday challenges, integrating drones and other advanced air mobility systems safely into our daily routines, and contributing to the decarbonization of the future aviation industry.”
– Bobby Pavlickovski, Head of Uncrewed Services, Thales Australia.

 

“Underwood Innovation Lab is delighted to be partnering with Thales Australia to establish and deliver this catalytic project for Queensland which will propel the Advanced Air Mobility sector in the State and ultimately Nationally. As a first in kind, local government backed innovation Lab this project aligns well with the UiLab mission to positively impact the Australian innovation ecosystem through strategic global partnerships and transformative projects such as this that will create high-value jobs, attract further investment, and ultimately improve National productivity.”
– Dr Paul Mathiesen (UiLab Chief Innovation Officer).

This center will serve as a hub for cutting-edge research, development, and innovation in the rapidly growing AAM industry, further cementing Logan’s position as a key player in Australia’s tech and innovation landscape. This collaboration will not only bring world-class expertise to Logan but also drive advancements in autonomous systems, urban air mobility, and smart city solutions.

Together, these initiatives mark the beginning of a new chapter for Logan’s economy, attracting high-tech industries, creating tech jobs, and fostering innovation that will have long-lasting impacts on both the local and global stage.

Mayor Jon Raven with Bobby Pavlickovski (Thales) and Frank Erb (Systematic)

About Thales

Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies specialized in three business domains: Defence & Security, Aeronautics & Space, and Cybersecurity & Digital identity.

It develops products and solutions that help make the world safer, greener and more inclusive.

The Group invests close to €4 billion a year in Research & Development, particularly in key innovation areas such as AI, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, cloud technologies and 6G.

Thales has close to 81,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2023, the Group generated sales of €18.4 billion.

From Thales Australia and Underwood Innovation Labs sign an MoU to establish a collaborative Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Centre of Excellence inQueensland, Australia | Thales Group

Hydromulch trial good to grow in Underwood Park

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Textile recycling pioneers BlockTexx are not just breaking new ground in the City of Logan – they’re also helping to improve it.

The Loganholme-based ‘clean technology’ company is working with Logan City Council to trial a new type of mulch and seed mixture that could increase grass coverage at Underwood Park in Priestdale.

BlockTexx’s hydromulch – a blend of recycled cotton fibres, grass seed and fertiliser – is expected to promote turf growth by increasing nutrient levels in soil and helping to retain moisture.

If successful, the trial could also help create a new avenue for the recycling of cotton-based materials otherwise destined for landfill.

BlockTexx’s innovative textile recycling process chemically separates natural cotton fibres from synthetic polyester in items such as clothing and bedsheets.

The cotton is then reused in products like CellTexx – a cellulose clay that can be added to hydromulch or building materials. The raw polyester can also be reused.

City of Logan Mayor Jon Raven said Council was proud to support innovative local companies such as BlockTexx that are exploring new solutions to combat climate change and reduce waste in landfill.

“BlockTexx has quickly become a leader in the recycling industry, helping cement our city as the place where innovative ideas are born and grow,” Cr Raven said.

“Encouraging local businesses to explore new ideas is a priority for Council, especially when those ideas help reduce waste heading to landfill or create new revenue streams.

“This is the first technology in the world that breaks textiles down so they can be completely recycled – that’s good for our community, good for our economy and good for the environment.

“Our city’s future will be bright if we can encourage more businesses like this one to thrive here. After all, Logan is the perfect location for smart investors.”

BlockTexx co-founder Graham Ross said the company was delighted to work with Council to trial a new product with applications for the environment and local industry.

“Cotton breaks down to cellulose, which contains about 43 per cent embedded carbon and is the building block to plants and animals,” Mr Ross said.

“By combining that cellulose into a hydromulch mix of fertiliser, grass seed and water, we are effectively taking what nature grew in the first place and putting it back into nature.

“(This method) is incredibly important not only for our environment, but also for product development. Recycling is one thing, but resource recovery – that’s the future.”

The hydromulch was applied to a section of ground in the dog-off leash area at Underwood Park in late March.

Another section was reserved for Council’s regular turf growth procedure, so results could be compared.

Almost four weeks later, a thick layer of grass now covers the hydromulch site which looks considerably healthier than the comparison grass patch.

BlockTexx scientists have also recorded higher levels of moisture retention in their patch.

Final results from the trial are expected in late May.

Logan Office of Economic Development was proud to have facilitated the BlockTexx hydromulch trial with Logan City Council. Our team had the knowledge and networks to make the right connections and get the project off the ground.

We’re committed to helping businesses in emerging and circular economy industries grow, as this leads to better economic outcomes for the city and more high-value jobs.

We support businesses at all stages of their journey, from initial investment to expanding through new opportunities.

Night Time Economy Strategy

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Logan City Council will pave the way for more businesses to open their doors at night, allowing the economy to thrive after the sun goes down.

Council’s Night Time Economy Strategy will include a range of measures to grow the City of Logan after hours, creating a safe, diverse and inclusive city which champions local business.

Council will review costs for businesses applying to open later, and revisit requirements placed on venues such as bars to reduce noise which impacts the surrounding area. Development application fees will be reviewed.

Council will also look to utilise vacant shopfronts as ‘pop-ups’ for businesses and services. Land acquisition for a standalone dining precinct is also being considered.

It is hoped targeted investment attraction funding will encourage large food and entertainment brands to open in the city.

Economic Development Chair, Councillor Jon Raven, is excited about creating new evening dining and entertainment options, while ensuring residents’ safety.

“Our residents and families want to enjoy a night out in Logan and support local businesses rather than travel to another city,” Cr Raven said.

“We can build something tailored for the needs, tastes and budgets of our residents.”

The strategy will also encourage more footpath dining.

Division 10 Councillor and Deputy Economic Development Chair, Miriam Stemp said the strategy was a priority for locals.

“The development of a night time economy has been a common theme from our residents in giving feedback at city centre summits undertaken by Council,” Cr Stemp said.

The strategy follows a month-long public survey answered by more than 300 respondents.

Of those, 67 per cent said they wanted more to do in the city at night, while 50 per cent said they didn’t feel safe after dark.

Innovation Precinct for Logan

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An ambitious plan for Logan will aim to attract leading and start-up technology and research businesses.

Logan City Council will investigate establishing an ‘innovation precinct’ in Underwood and Slacks Creek to house a range of cutting-edge industries including:

  • Aeronautical engineering
  • Biotechnology industries
  • Medical laboratories
  • Computer component manufacturing
  • Computer server facilities
  • Energy industries

The proposed precinct, adjacent to the Logan and Kingston roads intersection, has proximity to the M1 and the South East Busway extension.

The area is already home to edu-tech giant Go1 – where, every three seconds, someone in the world accesses one of their online training programs – and Council’s coLab Growth Hub for emerging entrepreneurs.

Economic Development Chair, Councillor Jon Raven, said the precinct could launch a new era for City of Logan workers as many of the targeted industries offer high-end salaries and contract work.

“A precinct like this can become an employment powerhouse for our city, with every new high-value job in the city creating another five jobs to support it,” Cr Raven said.

The proposed precinct is the next step in an investment boom over the past five years in the City of Logan, mostly in traditional industries such as logistics and manufacturing.

Division 3 Councillor, Mindy Russell, said the facility would benefit residents and those from outside the area.

“It will provide high-paying employment opportunities close to home for those nearby, and new customers for existing businesses in the precinct,” Cr Russell said.

Council’s Digital Infrastructure Connectivity Program complements the plan.

The program was endorsed as a key priority in the City of Logan Advocacy Strategy 2021-2024.

New industries have also seen the benefit of being based in Logan.

They include drone delivery service Wing, BlockTexx, a clean technology company that recovers polyester and cellulose from textiles and clothing, and Imaging Solutions, which manufactures cutting edge radiation protection and other medical products.

Food businesses unite for shared vision

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Local businesses have come together to explore ways to be involved in the City of Logan’s expanding food ecosystem.

Loganly Grown was launched recently to connect local growers, makers, suppliers and innovators.

The Logan City Stories: Businesses Doing Good session was an interactive event hosted by the city’s newest innovation incubator Homebase, run by Griffith University and supported by Logan City Council.

Participants met potential collaborators and discovered ways to further promote their businesses.

New business owner Sujauddin Karimuddin, from Rua Haung Café in Woodridge, shared his inspirational story with the gathering.

Mr Karimuddin is a former refugee from Burma (now Myanmar) who lived in Malaysia and Thailand, where he helped other refugees, before coming to Australia in 2005.

He learned how to make street food while living South East Asia and now sells some of those dishes in his café.

Mr Karimuddin said the role food can play in nourishing the soul and spirit helped drive the vision for his North Rd café.

He also has plans to develop a place for healing, music and art.

“I want to create a community space next door for open-mic style cultural storytelling and bring different ethnic communities together to develop the soul of the community,” he said.

Mr Karimuddin said his café takings also help support refugees in Malaysia, Bangladesh and Burma.

Mayor Darren Power with Sujauddin

City of Logan Mayor Darren Power said it was great to see so many business owners passionate about continuing to expand the local food economy.

“Our abundance of opportunities will help us build a system that works together so everyone rises,” Councillor Power said.

Cr Power said Council had set a target to make Logan the multicultural food capital of Queensland within five years.

“We have 217 ethnic communities giving us all right ingredients to attract foodies from across the state and country,” he said.

Council will now explore the suggestions made by participants at last week’s launch event to guide future activities, events and initiatives for Loganly Grown.

Drone delivery service Wing expands to more suburbs

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Global drone delivery service Wing saw dramatic growth in the City of Logan during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing their deliveries by 500 per cent in 2020 from the previous year. With Logan residents at home last year, demand for air delivery soared with people relying on the service to deliver items they needed.

In 2021, use of the drone delivery service in Logan has continued to grow; with more than 18,000 deliveries to the community. More than 1,000 deliveries took place in just a few days during the most recent Queensland COVID-19 lockdown period, prior to the Easter long weekend, according to Jesse Suskin, Head of Policy and Community Affairs at Wing.

“Many people in Logan have contacted us asking for service, and in response to that feedback, we’ve recently expanded beyond our initial service suburbs of Crestmead, Marsden, and Berrinba. Wing is now available in more than a dozen suburbs in Logan, including drone delivery to customers in parts of Loganlea, Waterford West, Slacks Creek, Logan Central, Woodridge, Kingston, Park Ridge, Browns Plains, Heritage Park, and Regents Park. In the coming weeks we’ll also be expanding even further to include service for customers in Edens Landing, Bethania, Holmview, Waterford, and Beenleigh.”

As Wing expands, they will be improving their service offering, delivery range, and making changes to their aircraft in response to community feedback. Such changes have already taken place, with Jesse announcing new, quieter aircraft to be introduced to Logan’s skies in the coming weeks.

“Having made thousands of deliveries to customers in Logan over the last 18 months, we’ve also heard community feedback regarding noise and overflight of our drone in the neighbourhood, and we are committed to making improvements in response to their feedback. Today, we’re excited to be announcing the roll out of our new aircraft in the Logan community, a quieter drone model that almost halves the sound level experienced during overflight. We’ll be introducing the quieter drone model into service gradually in the coming weeks.”

Photo of Wing's new drone

Photo of Wing’s new drone

Wing established in Logan in 2019 as the first location in Queensland, and one of the first locations in the world to offer an air delivery service. Wing has invested in multiple sites across Logan and works with local retailers to deliver items such as cooked chickens, coffee, sushi and hardware.

To learn more about Wing, visit their website

Logan businesses embracing circular economy during Recycling Week

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City of Logan businesses are turning trash into treasure as they embrace this year’s theme for National Recycling Week.

Sixteen local companies have already signed up for a pilot program called ASPIRE, that provides a platform to trade and donate waste that would otherwise be discarded.

Logan businesses with up to 100 employees can register and use the platform for free.

The 25th annual National Recycling Week is Monday, November 9 to Sunday, November 15.

This year’s theme is ‘Recovery – A future beyond the bin’.

The ASPIRE program, supported by Logan City Council and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland, echoes that call to action.

It encourages local businesses to find ways to reuse or recycle material, treat waste as a potential resource and contribute to the ‘circular economy’.

Participating companies can buy, sell or donate waste to improve their own efficiencies, create new revenue streams and supply chains and reduce amounts going to landfill.

An example is coffee grinds and plasterboard offcuts, which often are dumped, can be used to make kitty litter.

Crestmead-based soft window furnishings manufacturer Vadain joined the ASPIRE program in September.

General Manager Tessa Schouten said the company, which employs more than 40 people, wanted to reduce its carbon footprint.

It hopes to find ways to reduce its general waste, such as fabric offcuts and cardboard and PVC centre tubes, from going to landfill.

“This is a great initiative and the best way to make it successful is to get as many companies as possible to join in,” Ms Schouten said.

City Planning, Economic Development and Environment Committee Deputy Chairs, Councillor Karen Murphy and Councillor Miriam Stemp, visited the Vadain factory this week.

Both praised the company’s recycling efforts and determination to minimise the amount of their waste from going to landfill.

“Some of the fabric offcuts are beautiful material that I know could be made into so many handy products rather than being dumped,” Cr Murphy said.

“I know there are groups across Logan, and possibly other companies, that could benefit from using these offcuts,” Cr Murphy said.

Piles of metres-long PVC tubes from the inner roles of material caught Cr Stemp’s eye.

“If there is any way we can recycle and stop this material go into landfill I’m all for it,” Cr Stemp said.

“That’s the beauty of the ASPIRE program in helping one organisation find another that can use their waste.”

Deputy Mayor Jon Raven said the Logan community strongly supports recycling.

“Recycling and reusing not only helps improve our environment but can also save money at home and in the workplace,” Cr Raven said.

For more information and to register visit the ASPIRE page or contact LOED on 3412 4888.

City of Logan rises as industrial powerhouse

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The City of Logan continues to strengthen its position as an industrial powerhouse in south-east Queensland, attracting more than $1.7 billion of national and international investment during the last 18 months.

Despite challenging global economic conditions, Logan’s industrial sectors have continued to push forward—building approvals have far exceeded the previous financial year, with more than double gross floor area approved in 2019-20.

Businesses in the transport and logistics, manufacturing and construction industries are key drivers in the local economy, generating $8.3 billion in revenue annually and creating almost one in three local jobs.

Located between the Queensland cities of Brisbane and the Gold Coast, Logan is fast becoming the region’s leading transport and logistics hub, with unrivalled access to major arterials and in close proximity to three international airports and the Port of Brisbane.

Recent infrastructure upgrades, including Transurban’s $512 million Logan Enhancement Project, have improved freight productivity and spurred commercial activity along Logan’s major industrial corridor.

Logan will soon be home to one of the largest industrial estates in Queensland—and the largest in the city’s history—with the Crestmead Logistics Estate breaking ground in August this year.

The $1.5 billion estate, to be developed during the next five years by Pointcorp, will deliver 650,000 sqm of warehousing, business, logistics and manufacturing space.

With the unprecedented demand for industrial space driven by consumers, the Crestmead Logistics Estate will enter the market at a pivotal time in the history of Logan and the wider region.

Matthew Frazer-Ryan, national director, industrial at Colliers International, said Logan was an exceptional location for this landmark development.

“The estate is just 6.4km from the Logan Motorway and Gateway Motorway interchange within the hugely successful Berrinba-Crestmead industrial region.

“This location benefits significantly from the recently-upgraded Wembley Road Interchange, providing occupiers with efficient access to a network of roads servicing greater Brisbane, south-east Queensland and key interstate transport routes,” Frazer-Ryan said.

Singapore’s Mapletree Logistics Trust will develop stage one of the estate into a $440 million world-class logistics park spanning 200,000 sqm.

Mapletree boasts an impressive tenant network of well-known multinational brands and has a multi-billion-dollar global asset base across real estate in Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, China, South Korea, Malaysia and Vietnam.

This follows more than $240 million of investment from a number of national and international companies moving in or expanding their footprint in Logan including DHL, CEVA Logistics, Mitre 10 and JB Hi Fi.

In addition, national third-party logistics (3PL) company McPhee Distribution Services and multinational Japanese gas appliance manufacturer Rinnai Corporation completed their $40 million warehouse in August.

Situated in the well-established industrial precinct in Berrinba, the 13,000 sqm facility co-locates McPhee Distribution Services and Rinnai Corporation’s Queensland headquarters.

With 3PL providers in high demand, McPhee Distribution Services managing director Jay McPhee said having ready access to their customers in south-east Queensland has been advantageous during this time, and reinforces the decision to set up in Logan for the long-term.

“We will be based in Logan for the next 20 to 30 years at least.”

As the second-fastest growing city in the region, Logan has access to a catchment of more than 2.6 million potential customers, a vast network of suppliers and a diverse pool of talent.

The city’s growing population was a key drawcard for air delivery company Wing’s world-first autonomous drone delivery service, which recently celebrated one year of operation in Logan.

Based in the South West 1 Enterprise Park in Berrinba, Wing saw customer demand surge in March to May, and plans to expand its service in coming months.

The South West 1 Enterprise Park was an initiative of Logan City Council to attract investment and jobs to the city.

Established in 2013, companies such as Phoenix Transport, National Tiles, PACCAR, GMK, Avery Dennison, Huhtamaki and Sigma Healthcare have moved into the estate.

Recently achieving a significant milestone, the industrial estate reached its completion with the construction of Phoenix Transport’s 9,999 sqm custom-built facility.

In response to the take-up in South West 1 Enterprise Park and existing tenants in the Crestmead Industrial Estate, Queensland developer De Luca Corporation is nearing completion of the first stage of Berrinba Central—a $60 million mixed-use development that will provide essential services for the area and surrounding suburbs.

With thousands of jobs created and millions of dollars funnelled into Logan since the inception of South West 1 Enterprise Park, its success shows how the city is evolving and has become a key player in south-east Queensland’s industrial sector.

Why invest in the City of Logan? Visit loed.com.au/investinlogan to find out more.

Queensland Government announces Indigenous tourism strategy

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The Queensland Government and Tourism & Events Queensland have named 2020 the Year of Indigenous Tourism.

“Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have been proudly practicing and preserving their cultures by sharing it with the next generation for tens of thousands of years,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.

“In modern times, their culture and stories have been an integral part of our tourism industry, attracting people from all around the world to learn more about the world’s oldest cultures.

Tourism Research Australia reports that 351,000 overseas visitors and 116,000 overnight domestic visitors took part in an Indigenous tourism experience in Queensland in the year ending March 2019.

The Queensland Government has launched a new $10 million Growing Indigenous Tourism in Queensland Fund to create economic opportunities and jobs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders.

The fund will support new, unique and innovative Indigenous tourism products and experiences in Queensland, particularly in regional areas. The fund comprises 2 categories, offering up to $25,000 to develop concepts for tourism products or experiences, and $250,000 to $1 million to improve or develop key tourism infrastructure or facilities.

Indigenous Tourism Development Service

Additionally, the Queensland Government is establishing a dedicated Indigenous Tourism Development Service to support Indigenous tourism in the state.

The new service would work with emerging and established Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander operators to start and grow their businesses and products.

“The new Indigenous Tourism Development Service will play a key role, providing on-the-ground support for Indigenous tourism businesses, helping them access government and industry services,” Tourism Minister Kate Jones said.

“This is about growing our tourism industry to create jobs in Queensland.”

SEQ Indigenous Tourism Strategy

The State Government is also working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to develop an Indigenous tourism strategy for South East Queensland.

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said the Palaszczuk Government wanted to give tourists greater access to Indigenous cultural experiences and to provide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with more business and employment opportunities.

“A working group of Traditional Owner groups from SEQ will identify gaps and opportunities to develop the tourism industry to deliver broad benefits across the entire region.”

Sprits of the Red Sand in Beenleigh is one of Tourism Australia’s Signature Experiences, featuring in the Discover Aboriginal Experiences brochure. The interactive theatrical performance includes dinner served on the homestead’s broad patio and shuttle transfers to and from Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

Mike Tamaki and Eddie Ruska perfected the play’s dialogue through extensive consultation with community elders, ensuring that the story, based on true events, is told in a way that is at once educational and inspiring.

The success of this experience highlights the opportunities that Logan City Council is keen to encourage. The Logan Destination Management Plan 2018-2022 seeks to position the city as a specialist cultural and arts events centre.

 

Need help establishing or growing your indigenous tourism offering in the City of Logan? Contact us on 07 3412 4888 or send us a message.

 

More information:

Black Sky Aerospace rockets towards manufacturing solid rocket boosters

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Black Sky Aerospace has just been given the green light by regulators to begin the process towards the manufacture of Solid Rocket Motors (SRM).

The South East Queensland space company, based in the City of Logan, will be the first manufacturer of its kind in Australia and will be able to provide access to solid fuels for orbital and sub-orbital launch vehicles.

SRMs are the fuel (propellant) that boosts rockets in to space, such as the boosters on the space shuttle and is the preferred fuel to use by many space launch companies due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness.

Solid Rocket Motors are particularly useful too, in the ever – emerging market that requires responsive access to space. This is because SRMs have a long shelf life and can be stockpiled with little upkeep, yet still be ready to use many months or years later.

Black Sky Aerospace has spent several years planning to step its operation over from the U.S.A to New Zealand, to its now permanent home in Logan, Queensland; opening both domestic and international markets for the product.

Director of Black Sky, Blake Nikolic said “our propulsion arm is integral to the bigger picture for us; without fuel, the industry stalls. Our SRM manufacturing provides industry with accessible rocket boosters, made right here in Queensland.”

Nikolic continued with “this also allows us to continue with our testing and launch capabilities that we carry out at our facility in Goondiwindi.”

The one stop – shop for SRM, testing and launch will make the logistics of space work and research far less challenging for companies looking to send their payloads in to lower earth orbit.

Logan City Council Director of Strategy and Sustainability, David Hansen, applauded Black Sky’s latest achievement and said Logan is positioning itself as a world-class innovation city.

“City of Logan continues to punch above its weight when it comes to tech and innovation companies launching big ideas – and rockets,” he said.

“Council is a proud supporter of Black Sky Aerospace and seeing its trajectory from start-up to become a scaled-up manufacturer and leading exporter is exciting for the city.

“Council sponsored Black Sky’s maiden commercial rocket launch last year and has worked closely with the business to assist in managing growth and to help accommodate the company’s expanding operations.

“The direct economic impact means more jobs for Logan, but it also puts the city on the international map as a reputable base for the future of the aerospace industry.”

The first batch of solid rocket motors is expected to be ready for delivery before the end of 2019.