General Electric (GE) Aerospace, a world-leading provider of jet and turboprop engines, components and integrated systems for commercial, military, business and general aviation aircraft, announced plans to invest $101 million into its North Carolina facilities in 2025, aiming to enhance manufacturing capabilities, incorporate advanced technologies and support the future of flight.
“Fostering a vibrant aerospace industry in North Carolina strengthens our national security, spurs technological innovation and creates good paying jobs,” said North Carolina Governor Josh Stein. “I am pleased that GE Aerospace recognizes our state’s talented workforce and has committed to reinvesting in its four sites across North Carolina.”
This investment is part of a company announcement released last week, which disclosed plans for $1 billion in US manufacturing and supply chain operations in 2025.
"GE and GE Aerospace are strong corporate partners in North Carolina and we welcome this major expansion of their business,” said North Carolina Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “North Carolina is a leader in advanced manufacturing, and these GE and GE Aerospace investments are a vote of confidence in our ability to make the finest products for the most dynamic companies in the world.”
Highlights from the Investment in North Carolina Include:
· $52 million in Wilmington to upgrade equipment and expand capacity. The site produces components for engines used in narrowbody and widebody aircraft, along with military fighter jets and ships.
· $20 million in Asheville for additional equipment to produce ceramic matrix composite engine parts, new inspection equipment and advanced machines that can shape metal parts to precise specifications.
· $16 million in Durham for additional equipment to support the assembly of commercial engines, including CFM International’s LEAP, the engine of choice to power the Airbus A320neo, the Boeing 737 MAX and the COMAC C919, delivering a 15% improvement in fuel efficiency, along with significant reductions in noise and emissions signatures.
· $13 million in West Jefferson to expand the building to increase production of key engine parts.
“GE Aerospace’s commitment to North Carolina will strengthen our workforce and drive economic growth across multiple communities in the state. We are excited to partner with the company to help as they expand these highly valuable manufacturing operations within our state,” said Christopher Chung, CEO of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC).
As part of the announcement the company also publicized it will hire 5,000 US workers this year, including manufacturing and engineering roles.