The Challenge
As global air travel rebounded faster than expected following the COVID-19 pandemic, demand surged for the repair of jet fuel nozzles—critical components that help power commercial and military aircraft around the world.
Parker Hannifin's Gas Turbine Fuel Systems Division needed to quickly increase repair capacity to meet customer demand. The company evaluated where that growth should occur, weighing an investment in its Mentor, Ohio, facility against expanding capabilities at its operation in Malaysia, where lower labor costs and a broader global footprint presented a competitive alternative.
The decision would determine where highly specialized aerospace repair work—and the skilled jobs that support it—would be performed for years to come.
The Solution
Parker Hannifin invested $10 million to enhance its Mentor facility, reinforcing Northeast Ohio as a cornerstone of the company's global aerospace business.
The project added new machinery and equipment to increase repair capacity while creating 60 new jobs and retaining 120 existing positions. Rather than shifting the work overseas, Parker chose to build on the specialized expertise and technical capabilities already established in Ohio.
The decision reflects the company's confidence in Northeast Ohio's aerospace ecosystem, where one of the nation's highest concentrations of aerospace companies provides access to the skilled talent needed to support complex manufacturing and precision repair.
Key Factors in Choosing Ohio Included:
A highly skilled aerospace and advanced manufacturing workforce with expertise in specialized repair operations
Northeast Ohio's concentration of aerospace companies, ranking among the top two percent of U.S. metro markets for active aerospace businesses
Parker Hannifin's established presence and experienced team in Mentor
The ability to rapidly increase repair capacity to meet growing global demand
A collaborative business environment supported by JobsOhio, Team NEO, the City of Mentor, the Ohio Department of Development, and the Lake County Development Authority
Ohio's long-standing leadership in aerospace and advanced manufacturing
The Results
Jobs Created: 60
Total Payroll: $4.6 million
Total Investment: $10 million
Economic Impact: Parker Hannifin's investment strengthens one of Northeast Ohio's anchor aerospace operations while keeping highly specialized repair work in Ohio. The project supports continued economic growth in Lake County, creates new high-quality careers, and further reinforces the state's position as a global leader in aerospace manufacturing and maintenance.
Strategic Advantage: Parker Hannifin's decision underscores Ohio's ability to support sophisticated aerospace manufacturing through its combination of skilled talent, a nationally recognized aerospace cluster, and a collaborative business climate. Together, these strengths enable companies to grow complex, high-value operations while remaining competitive in the global marketplace.
Parker Hannifin’s investment in their Gas Turbine Fuel Systems Division is another recognition of the City of Mentor’s economic vibrancy, particularly in our Tyler Boulevard industrial and manufacturing corridor. Parker’s continued focus on their Mentor facility will enhance opportunities for Mentor’s workforce and provide resources for the city to continue to provide excellent services to its residents.
-Mentor Economic Director Kevin Malecek
