Tucson Arizona employment is bolstered by clusters. An economic cluster is a geographic concentration of interdependent competitive firms in related industries that do business with each other. Clusters help attract businesses to an area and create a spawning ground for start-up companies. The Aerospace cluster is one of Tucson's largest, employing over 20,000 people. Anchored by companies such as Raytheon, Honeywell, Bombardier, Texas Instruments and Evergreen Air Center, the Aerospace cluster represents defense and space-related manufacturing, research and development, industrial high-tech fields, assembly, distribution and warehousing. The cluster also encompasses firms that maintain and rehabilitate the nation's commercial aircraft fleet.
Tucson's manufacturing employment has more than doubled in the past ten years, largely due to clustering. Tucson's other clusters include bioindustry, environmental technology, information technology & teleservices, optics, and Plastics & Advanced Composite Materials. Besides being a rewarding place to work, Tucsonans enjoy a low-key lifestyle. The pace is naturally relaxed, the weather is mild, casual dress is the rule, the cost of living is low, and the natural and cultural attractions are plentiful.
Credit: Tucson Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce
