GE Aerospace to spend $52.9 million to expand North Carolina aviation plant

GE Aerospace will spend $52.9 million to expand its existing aircraft engine parts factory in West Jefferson, North Carolina. According to a November 24 company statement, the move will create 44 new jobs including machinists, inspectors and engineers, add 35,000 square-feet to the site footprint, and increase the company’s production capacity for narrowbody aircraft engines.

The new funding is in addition to $100 million the company pledged earlier this year to spend on its existing North Carolina facilities, where it employs about 2,000 people in total. The latest $52.9 investment will be doled out over a period of three years, the company added.

The state will provide a $100,000 performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund, the governor’s office reported, and a company statement said that Ashe County, Ash County Job Development Inc., and the Town of West Jefferson will contribute an additional $1 million in grants as well. To support hiring, GE Aerospace says it will lean on an existing partnership with Wilkes Community College and the state-run NC Edge training program.

What people are saying

“GE Aerospace’s expansion is a win for western North Carolina,” said Governor Josh Stein. “GE Aerospace could have chosen any location for this investment, but they chose the ‘First in Flight’ state because they believe in the hardworking people of Ashe County to power them forward.”

“West Jefferson will now have an even bigger role to play in building future of flight for GE Aerospace,” said Dylan Gerding, the GE Aerospace site leader for West Jefferson. “This expansion is good news for the community, and it is good news for our customers, who are eager to have our engines power their aircraft."

“More than 400 aerospace companies call North Carolina home,” said Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “Our booming aviation and aerospace sector continues to thrive thanks to innovators like GE Aerospace. With our STEM talent and research and training centers, North Carolina will remain first in talent while attracting global manufacturers for our aviation supply chain.”

“Ashe County is proud to celebrate the continued growth of GE Aerospace in West Jefferson, marking an exciting expansion that strengthens both our local economy and workforce. This milestone highlights GE Aerospace's deep-rooted commitment to the region and its role in creating quality jobs for local residents. GE Aerospace employs Ashe County families and provides a good paycheck to keep food on the table and houses warm," said Todd McNeil, Ashe County Chairman. "With this expansion, GE Aerospace continues to show why it is a cornerstone of our economic climate in Ashe County. The County greatly values this long-standing partnership and looks forward to many more years of shared success.”

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