It is sad to see one of the most impactful businesses in Santa Clarita history relocate. Hydraulic Research Textron/Woodward has been a major aerospace employer in Santa Clarita since 1969. I am a recent retiree who spent 35 years as an engineer for Woodward. I am grateful for the company that allowed me to work and live in Santa Clarita almost my entire career. It allowed me the means to have a rewarding career and raise a family.
People often ask me, “What did I do at Woodward?” I remember about 30 years ago there was a trade magazine ad for our Textron location that stated, “If it’s up there, we’re in there!” Over the years, the facility designed and manufactured flight actuators, valves and other motion control devices for nearly everything that flies. That includes innovative hydraulic and electromechanical flight controls technology and component parts for commercial, space and military flight vehicles. I tell people that I worked on many “cool” projects and without us, things can’t fly. I’m sure I can speak for Santa Clarita and the thousands of my colleagues who worked there over the years, “You will be missed!”
John Hanks
Valencia
