SIP attracts aerospace company to OKC

Skydweller Aero Inc. has announced that it will establish its corporate headquarters and engineering operations in Oklahoma City, with testing and integration in Ardmore. Skydweller will increase its operations to 120 aerospace engineering and field technician jobs in Oklahoma by 2024.

Skydweller is a U.S.-Spanish aerospace company that owns solar design technology used on manned aircraft capable of circumnavigating the globe using only solar power. It will convert the design and technology to an autonomous drone, capable of “dwelling” over a location for months at a time without the need for refueling or maintenance work. The technology has applications that will enhance commercial and government telecommunication, geospatial, meteorological and emergency operation efforts. For the military specifically, the technology supports airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

Local and state incentives played an important role in Skydweller’s decision to locate here. Thanks to citizens’ continued approval of General Obligation Limited Tax Bond Programs, our community has economic tools like the Strategic Investment Program to encourage companies to select Oklahoma City. Due to the SIP and other proven economic tools, we have the means to compete with other cities for these quality jobs.

The SIP program was designed to protect the city’s investment. Facilities must be located in Oklahoma City and create at least 50 new full-time jobs or have a new total payroll of at least $1.75 million annually. Funds are allocated on a pay-for-performance basis, meaning no funds are released until companies prove they have fulfilled job creation requirements.