GE has announced plans to invest more than $450 million in its existing US manufacturing facilities this year. The company will be purchasing advanced equipment and making upgrades prior to the company’s planned creation of two independent, industry-leading companies in energy and aerospace.
GE Aerospace expects to invest more than $335 million this year; currently, it has more than 800 external job postings open in sites throughout the country.
H Lawrence Culp, GE’s chairman and CEO, and CEO of GE Aerospace, said: “GE Aerospace is a world leader in aircraft engine production, due in a large part to the strength and ingenuity of our US employee base. The investments we are making this year support ‘cutting edge’ technology that will help advance the next generation of aerospace manufacturing, thereby ensuring a strong future for our employees, our business, the industry, and our commercial and military customers.”
This year’s investments will provide additional support for assembly improvements, capacity expansion and maintenance, and enhanced safety infrastructure upgrades. GE Aerospace’s investment in US manufacturing will also positively impact productivity and quality for its sites. For example, in Lynn, Massachusetts, GE will invest $31 million toward test cell upgrades, tooling redesign, and other building improvements to support engine production and development.
In anticipation of continued manufacturing growth in Auburn, Alabama, GE will invest $16 million towards facilities upgrades to support increased additive manufacturing. Furthermore, in Lafayette, Indiana, GE Aerospace will invest about $7 million to increase tooling support for LEAP and Passport engine growth and MRO for LEAP.
Meanwhile, GE Vernova — GE’s portfolio of energy businesses — expects to make investments this year; these include capacity upgrades, facility maintenance, and equipment and tool management. Scott Strazik, GE Vernova’s CEO, said: “By improving capacity and modernising facilities, GE Vernova will be well positioned to further drive decarbonisation, increase electrification, and lead the energy transition. Our investments will ensure our employees and facilities are ready to support US energy independence and sustainability goals, while positioning the company for long-term stability and success.”
GE Vernova is looking to recruit more than 920 people in the USA and anticipates investing upwards of $117 million in its US energy facilities this year, including: $35 million in Greenville, South Carolina; and $20 million in nacelle-manufacturing facilities in Pensacola, Florida, to expand production capacity and bring new products to market.
GE currently employs more than 45,000 employees and operates 58 manufacturing facilities in the USA. Continued investment this year will help GE’s Aerospace and Energy businesses “as they move toward launching two independent industry leaders, allowing each company to drive deeper operational focus, financial flexibility, and continued innovation”.