GE Aerospace outlined a $650-million capital investment program for its U.S. manufacturing operations and supply chain, to increase production capacity and improve product quality for its range of commercial and defense engine products. All the investments are scheduled for 2024, and include new machinery, inspection equipment, test cells, and improvements to buildings and safety systems at 22 locations in 14 states.
The soon-to-be standalone company manufactures a wide range of turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft, and rotary aircraft engines, and industrial and marine turbine engines.
Together with the capital investment, GE Aerospace reported it seeks to hire over 1,000 workers for open positions at its U.S. factories.
A significant part of the CapEx program will increase GE’s additive manufacturing capabilities, with $54 million going to an Auburn, Ala., operation to add more 3D printing machines and tooling for producing components for military rotorcraft engines and commercial aircraft engines.
Also, various plants in the Cincinnati area will draw $107 million for new additive manufacturing machines, new tooling and equipment, and modernization and upgrades to test cells, for commercial aircraft engines, fighter jet engines, and military helicopter engines.
Of the total investment, $100 million is targeted at U.S. suppliers of castings, forgings, and other “early-stage parts for commercial and military engines,” to reinforce GE Aerospace’s U.S. supply chain and help those suppliers build and maintain capacity and capabilities.
A further $100 million will be disbursed to GE suppliers operating at sites outside the U.S., in North America, Europe, and India.
“As GE Aerospace prepares to become a standalone company this spring, we are making significant investments in the future of flight and in the dozens of communities and supplier partners helping us build it,” stated chairman H. Lawrence Culp, Jr. “These investments are part of the next chapter for GE Aerospace, supporting cutting-edge equipment and safety enhancements that will help us meet our customers’ growing needs.”
