Sector Overview
Fabricated metal manufacturing, non-metallic mineral manufacturing, transportation equipment manufacturing, plastics ad rubber products, and beverages are anticipated to lead the way in growth as the manufacturing industry continues to expand. The cross-section of manufacturers makes it easy for existing and new businesses to find high-quality local partners.
The Central Okanagan is home to a growing cluster of well-established and new aerospace companies and suppliers. Maintenance, repair and overhaul/in-service support, rotary-wing and avionics are well represented and there is an increasing number of companies offering a diverse range of services.
The region's aerospace industry is also benefitting from the Digitial Technology Supercluster - a historic investment by the Government of Canada, industry, and academia driving global leadership in digital technologies and fueling economic growth.
Industry Highlights
Manufacturing
- BC has one of the largest manufacturing sectors in Canada with revenue of over $51 billion in 2017
- There were 609 manufacturing firms employing 5760 people in the Central Okanagan in 2016
- BC shipped over $8 billion in processed food and beverages in 2017
Aerospace
- BC has one of the largest aerospace sectors in Canada with 170 firms, 8,300+ direct and up to 19,000 indirect jobs and $2.4 billion in annual revenue
- 18% of BC's aerospace companies are located in the Central Okanagan
- Kelowna International Airport is the 10th busiest airport in Canada serviced over 2 million passengers in 2019
- The Central Okanagan benefits from close proximity to the Asia Pacific aerospace market and Washington State industry
Employment Information
- Employment Data
- Wage and Salary Information
| Central Okanagan | Manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Total Business | 609 |
| W/O Employees | 291 |
| W Employees | 318 |
| 1-4 | 117 |
| 5-9 | 69 |
| 10-19 | 62 |
| 20-49 | 47 |
| 50-99 | 12 |
| 100-199 | 5 |
| 200-499 | 6 |
| NOC | Median Wage Thompson Okanagan | Median Wage BC |
| 7315 - Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors | $34.00/HR | $34.00/HR |
| 2232 - Mechanical engineers | $42.31/HR | $42.31/HR |
| 2133 - Electrical and electronics engineers | $38.46/HR | $38.46/HR |
Competitive Advantages
- The region was named the most Cost Competitive Region for business in the Pacific by KPMG in 2016
- Dry climate ideal for fiberglass/composite and wood products manufacturing
- Geographic proximity to key transportation routes including Port of Vancouver, YLW, YVR, YYC
- Well serviced by Kelowna International Airport's nine airline partners offering 60 daily non-stop commercial flights
- Extensive research and training capacity at UBC Okanagan and Okanagan College
We're All About the Craft
The region’s largest private-sector employer is only getting bigger. The number of staff in Kelowna alone is projected to grow from 750 to 800 by early 2020. Not only are the number of employees growing, the company’s skilled labour force tends to stay onboard. Over 150 staff members have over 20 years of service with KF Aerospace, making them some of the most highly skilled technicians in the business. While many industry competitors hire staff on a short term contract basis, KF Aerospace has focused on creating long-term, high-quality careers.
The increasing demand for highly skilled workers has led KF Aerospace to explore unique partnerships, including a joint commitment with Okanagan College and Mohawk College in Hamilton, ON to create cross-Canada opportunities for training, internships, cooperative education and applied research.
