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Gov. Nathan Deal announced today that Pratt & Whitney, a global aerospace leader, will expand its manufacturing facility in Columbus creating approximately 180 new manufacturing jobs.
“Pratt and Whitney’s decision to grow its operation in Georgia attests to our deep business resources for this high-tech industry,” said Deal. “Our outstanding logistics infrastructure and experienced workforce, packaged with the vast amount of aerospace research coming out of our universities, can help give these companies the competitive edge they need to succeed in the global marketplace.
“Pratt & Whitney has been a large presence in Georgia for more than 25 years and I am proud to continue our state’s long partnership with Pratt & Whitney by adding these new high-quality manufacturing jobs to Georgia’s skilled work force. This expansion further validates our state’s position as one of the top locations in the United States for aerospace employment.”
Pratt & Whitney will expand its existing Columbus Engine Center, part of Pratt & Whitney’s Global Service Partners network, with a building refit, additional tooling, new equipment and an upgrade to the facility's test cell to accommodate Pratt & Whitney's F117 engine. Engine overhauls for the F117, which is the power plant for the C-17 Globemaster III military cargo aircraft, will be added to the Columbus Engine Center’s existing engine overhaul capability of International Aero Engine V2500s for Airbus A320 series aircraft. The 215,000-square-foot state-of-the art facility, which opened in 1984, is located on 300 acres east of Columbus and already employs more than 300 people.
“I am very pleased with the support the Department of Economic Development has provided to help Pratt & Whitney bring approximately 180 new manufacturing jobs to its Columbus engine overhaul facility,” said Pratt & Whitney President David Hess. “These new manufacturing jobs will allow Pratt & Whitney to remain competitive and viable in the global engine overhaul market while keeping jobs in the United States and better serving its long-time customer, the United States Air Force and its large C-17 fleet located in Charleston.”
Hiring for the new positions is ongoing. Interested applicants should visit www.prattcareers.com. Georgia Quick Start will partner with the company to provide customized training for its workers. Pratt & Whitney’s Columbus Engine Center has also worked with Columbus Technical College and South Georgia Technical College to establish aviation co-op and intern programs to train new mechanics.
Department of Economic Development project managers Candice Scott and Andrew Neumann assisted the company with its decision to locate these jobs in Georgia, as did the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce.
“On behalf of the business leadership in Columbus, we are honored that Pratt & Whitney has chosen to create these jobs in our community,” said Dick Ellis, chairman of the Development Authority of Columbus. “We have had a long-standing relationship with Pratt & Whitney that dates back to the late 1970s. This announcement is a true tribute to the quality partnerships and work force we have in Columbus.”
“Columbus is very fortunate to have a great corporate citizen like Pratt & Whitney,” said Columbus mayor Teresa Thomlinson. “They continually support our community, providing excellent jobs for our citizens.”
About Georgia’s aerospace industry
Georgia ranks eighth among U.S. states for aviation industry employment, with over 80,000 employees in more than 500 operations. Industry giants like Boeing, Cessna, Gulfstream, Lockheed Martin and many more have a presence in the state. The state’s aerospace work force is more productive at a faster rate than any other state in the U.S. Georgia is also ranked in the top 10 in the U.S. for aerospace research. Georgia’s total aviation exports worldwide topped $4.14 billion in 2010, up 23 percent, ranking the state as the seventh-highest U.S. state in this sector.
About the company
Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, space propulsion systems and industrial gas turbines. United Technologies, based in Hartford, Conn., is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the global aerospace and commercial building industries.
