CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — From boosting the U.S. military to launching spacecraft into the cosmos, RAM Aviation, Space & Defense has been the community’s unsung hero for almost half a century.
“The owners started this business here almost 50 years ago, and we’ve just been a quiet giant here in the community ever since,” RAM Aviation CEO Gregg Robison said.
As the longest-standing active member of the St. George Area Chamber of Commerce, RAM Aviation is committed to supporting and giving back to the community. This dedication is exemplified by their sponsorship of this year’s 99.9 KONY Country Fourth of July Celebration.
“From a Fourth of July standpoint, we’ve shipped over 20,000 valves used on the Joint Strike Fighter aircraft and have been extremely proud supporters of the U.S. military,” he said.
The company is heavily involved in the community and employs nearly 300 dedicated professionals. That includes more than 30 engineers who specialize in designing and supporting the manufacture of custom solenoid valves. These valves control critical functions such as fuel, hydraulics and propulsion in spacecraft.
Being employed by RAM Aviation means being part of a legacy of innovation and excellence that spans nearly 50 years, contributing to both national defense and space exploration.
“I feel privileged and blessed to be here,” Robison said. “And I know a lot of the employees that work here feel the same way. It is truly a privilege to be designing, building and providing products that are on these planes and making a difference.”
The company actively collaborates with Utah Tech University, supporting its STEM and engineering programs. RAM Aviation frequently hires interns from the university, offering students valuable development experiences while fostering growth opportunities for both the company and the students.
RAM Aviation also engages with local schools. A year and a half ago, they brought an astronaut who had flown on the SpaceX Crew-2 Dragon capsule to the International Space Station to visit the community and local schools. This astronaut was the first to travel into space on a spacecraft equipped with RAM valves, which controlled the trajectory in space.
Currently, they are working on assembling valves for the next spacecraft that will take astronauts back to the moon. These parts are crafted with extraordinary precision, as maintaining a high level of quality is crucial to ensure the safety of the astronauts being transported to space.
“Most people don’t realize that there’s something right here in their backyard that is regularly putting people into space, out to the space station,” he said. “But we’re about to head back to the moon using values that were designed and built right here in St. George.”
“We do this because we care about the kids’ future and making sure they’re getting the support that will help them be successful both in their current activities and their lives,” he said. “We will continue, for the next 50 years, to be actively engaged in the community.”
Robison said by the end of the decade, an international space station will orbit the moon, enabling astronauts to travel back and forth with ease and collect samples locally without returning to Earth. This advancement will save time, money and resources. RAM Aviation will contribute to this mission by providing thermal valves that regulate the station’s temperature.
RAM Aviation was started 49 years ago in a garage in Bloomington by Ray and Melzie Ganowski, whose initials inspired the company’s name. Beginning with parts for industrial manufacturers, they quickly outgrew their initial 1,000-square-foot space on St. George Boulevard, expanding to a larger facility. By 1990, the company moved to its current location on Deseret Drive South, growing from a 20,000-square-foot facility to an impressive 150,000 square feet. Today, RAM Aviation is known for providing essential components for military aircraft, commercial aviation and spacecraft.
RAM Aviation, Space & Defense is a proud sponsor of this year’s 99.9 KONY Country Fourth of July Celebration with headliners Craig Morgan, Ashley McBryde and DJ Eric Rhodes. Join RAM and the rest of the community at Greater Zion Stadium on Independence Day to honor America. For tickets and more information, click here.
Written by JESSI BANG for St. George News.
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Resources
- RAM Aviation, Space & Defense | Address: 3172 E. Deseret Drive South, St. George | Telephone: 435-673-4603 | Website.
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