Royal Engineered Composites has been named the 2026 Nebraska Manufacturer of the Year by the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry (nechamber.com). The award recognizes a Nebraska manufacturer that implements innovative ways to conduct business using products, processes, technologies and other strategies.
“Nebraska Manufacturing is second to none, and the Nebraska Manufacturer of the Year award celebrates a company that embodies what it means to thrive in this industry,” said Joseph Young, NE Chamber President & CEO. “Royal Engineered Composites operates out of a town of just over 3,000 people and its products reach the other side of the world every day.”
Royal Engineered Composites was founded in Minden more than 75 years ago and has since served to resolve challenges, maximize performance and exceed quality requirements in the commercial and defense aerospace industry. With customers like Boeing, Northrop Grumman and Bell Helicopter, Royal Engineered Composites’ footprint reaches far beyond Nebraska, serving people around the globe and into space beyond.
In April 2026, Royal announced a $5 million investment in its Minden facility, including a 23,500-square-foot expansion and $2 million in advanced manufacturing equipment to enhance its ability to produce and inspect large-scale aerospace components in-house. The expansion also supports the company’s continued workforce growth, with plans to add 70 positions and bring its total workforce to approximately 250 employee-owners.
“We are honored to be named Nebraska Manufacturer of the Year. For over 75 years, our employee-owners in Minden have taken immense pride in manufacturing components for the world’s most advanced aircraft,” said Dave Arnold, President of Royal Engineered Composites.
For more information, visit nechamber.com.