GE Aerospace has revealed its intention to inject US$650 million into its manufacturing facilities and supply chain this year. The investment aims to boost production capabilities and enhance quality to better serve both commercial and defence clientele.
H. Lawrence Culp, Jr., Chairman and CEO of GE and CEO of GE Aerospace, stated, “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. 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.”
The 2024 investment plan allocates nearly US$450 million for new machines, inspection equipment, building upgrades and new test cells and safety enhancements across 22 GE Aerospace facilities in 14 states. An additional US$100 million will be directed to U.S.-based supplier partners.
Specific investments include US$54 million to Auburn, Ala., for additional additive (3-D printing) machines and tooling to increase the production of military rotorcraft engine components, along with narrow and wide-body commercial aircraft engines. Additive manufacturing enhances performance and fuel efficiency while reducing weight and part count.
US$30 million will be allocated to Lynn, Mass., for engine assembly and testing, supporting the production of U.S. and allied military helicopter and fighter jet engines. Additional funds will be used for facility maintenance and build on investments made in 2023.
US$46 million will go to four North Carolina facilities producing parts and assembling engines for narrow- or wide-body commercial engines to meet growing demand. Specific allocations include US$11 million for high-precision machines in Asheville, more than US$7 million for tooling and equipment in Durham, almost US$5 million for quality inspection equipment and machinery in West Jefferson and US$22 million for machines and specialised tooling in Wilmington.
US$107 million will be directed to facilities in the greater Cincinnati region for additional additive manufacturing machines, new tooling and equipment, and modernisation and upgrades to test cells, increasing production capacity for engines used in commercial aircraft and U.S. and allied military helicopter and fighter jets.
The remaining US$100 million will fortify the US supply chain, aiding suppliers in building and maintaining the necessary capacity and capabilities for sustained growth. These suppliers contribute materials (castings and forgings) and some early-stage parts for commercial and military engines.
In addition, to support its global clientele, GE Aerospace plans to invest approximately US$100 million at some of its international sites in North America, Europe, and India. (£1.00 = US$1.27 at time of publication).
