News Summary
Elevate Aircraft Seating, a leader in airline seat manufacturing, has signed a lease for a new 280,460-square-foot facility in Huntington Beach. This expansion, located at 5701 Skylab Road, will enhance the company’s production and distribution capabilities while maintaining its existing site. Amid a challenging industrial market in Southern California, this move is expected to create jobs and stimulate the local economy. The facility will serve as a vital hub for Elevate’s operations, reinforcing its commitment to quality and innovation in aerospace seating.
Huntington Beach – Elevate Aircraft Seating, a prominent designer and manufacturer of airline seats, has made a significant commitment to expanding its operations by leasing a new 280,460-square-foot manufacturing facility in Huntington Beach. This strategic move is set to bolster Elevate’s production and distribution capabilities as the company continues to grow.
The new facility is located at 5701 Skylab Road and features an extensive layout, including 40,000 square feet designated for office space, which was a specific requirement for the expansion. Elevate Aircraft Seating, formerly known as Adient Aerospace, is headquartered in Bothell, Washington but has operated a facility at 5511 Skylab Road in Huntington Beach since its establishment in 2018.
While Elevate will maintain its current 80,000-square-foot location, the addition of the new site reflects the company’s ambitions to accelerate growth and enhance operational efficiency in an industry characterized by intense competition.
Implications of the Expansion
The lease agreement represents a notable instance of expansion within a struggling industrial market in Southern California, as highlighted by local real estate experts. Reports indicate that the region has been facing rising vacancy rates and declining asking rates for industrial spaces. Despite these challenges, there has been noticeable leasing activity, with first-quarter 2025 leasing transactions reaching 2.4 million square feet, according to data from CBRE.
The expansion of Elevate Aircraft Seating is expected to not only benefit the company but also contribute positively to the local economy by creating jobs and attracting more business opportunities to Huntington Beach. Steve Card, Vice Chairman at Savills, commented on the significance of this expansion in the context of the current industrial market landscape, which has seen limited growth.
Construction and Area Context
Currently, there is 1.8 million square feet of industrial space under construction throughout Orange County, signaling continued interest and investment in the region’s industrial capabilities. The demand for industrial space remains high, underscored by the presence of other major aerospace companies in the area, including Safran, Panasonic Avionics Corp., and Thales Avionics Inc.
The industrial building at 5701 Skylab Road, built in 2000 and previously leased to Hybrid Apparel, is owned by Prologis Inc. This location will serve as a vital hub for Elevate’s manufacturing endeavors, aligning with industry standards and the company’s strategic objectives. Elevate’s focus lies in designing, manufacturing, and marketing seating products to airlines and aircraft leasing companies, solidifying its influence in the aerospace sector.
Company Background
Founded in 2018, Elevate Aircraft Seating has quickly positioned itself as a leader in the aerospace seating market, with additional facilities located in California and Germany. By enhancing its operations through this new facility, Elevate aims to fulfill its commitment to quality and innovation in the airline seat design and manufacturing space.
In conclusion, the expansion of Elevate Aircraft Seating at its new manufacturing facility in Huntington Beach signifies a robust vision for growth amidst a complex industrial landscape. As the company prepares to scale its operations and adapt to the evolving demands of the aerospace market, this strategic move may pave the way for further opportunities in the region.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Elevate Aircraft Seating Expands Operations in Huntington Beach
Elevate Aircraft Seating Expands Manufacturing Facility
Additional Resources
- Orange County Business Journal: Elevate Aircraft Expands Operations
- Wikipedia: Aerospace Industry
- OC Register: Luxury Aircraft Seat Maker Elevate Expanding
- Google Search: Elevate Aircraft Seating
- Orange County Business Journal: Elevate Aircraft Seating Leases New Space
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Aerospace Manufacturing
- OC Register: Stock Market Today – Tariffs Impact
- Google News: Elevate Aircraft Expands
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
