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