GE Aviation announces $200 million investment, 300 new Alabama jobs

GE Aviation announced Tuesday its plans to invest $200 million in the Yellowhammer State to create adjacent factories on 100 acres in Huntsville. The plan will create up to 300 jobs when the factories are operational later this decade.

The announcement was made at the Alabama State Capital in Montgomery by GE Aviation’s Vice President of the CMC Programs, Sanjay Correa. He was was joined by Gov. Robert Bentley and members of the Alabama delegation.

One plant will be the first of its kind in the United States and will produce silicon carbide (SiC) ceramic fiber. The other factory will use the SiC ceramic fiber to produce the unidirectional ceramic matrix composite component (CMC) tape necessary to fabricate CMC components for jet engines and land-based gas turbines.

It represents GE Aviation’s second significant factory investment in Alabama in recent years. Since 2013, GE Aviation has invested more than $100 million in a 300,000-square-foot factory in Auburn, where the company is engaged in jet engine component manufacturing as well as establishing the world’s highest-volume additive manufacturing center.

Here’s what the Alabama government officials have to say about the announcement:

Gov. Robert Bentley:

We are honored that GE Aviation has chosen Huntsville for an advanced technology manufacturing operation to produce silicon carbide materials for commercial and military engines. Today’s announcement is important because Alabama is expanding our partnership with a global aviation leader. We have prioritized advanced manufacturing in aerospace and aviation, and I appreciate the investment by GE Aviation in this new Huntsville operation.

U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby:

GE Aviation’s decision to open two adjacent factories in Huntsville is great news for the region and our state. This announcement is a testament to the exceptional workforce in Huntsville and highlights that Alabama is open for business.  I look forward to the jobs and economic growth that this investment will bring to Huntsville.

U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions:

GE Aviation’s decision to build two new world-class factories in North Alabama is a vote of confidence in the strength and talent of Alabama and its workers. It continues Huntsville’s strong tradition of supporting our men and women in uniform. This $200 million investment will expand the footprint and impact of GE Aviation in the area while providing new opportunities for hundreds of workers. The cutting-edge technology employed in Huntsville demonstrates GE Aviation’s continued leadership in this industry. A strong manufacturing base is essential for a robust economy, and I am pleased that Alabama and GE Aviation have been leaders by investing in high-paying manufacturing jobs.

 U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks (AL-05):

North Alabama prides itself on manufacturing excellence, and its high-technology workforce, making it a perfect match for global aviation leaders like GE Aviation. This investment will bolster Alabama’s pivotal role in the development of GE Aviation’s world-class engines and the future of aerospace engineering. We are grateful for this commitment to Huntsville and the additional growth it will inspire across the state.

U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-04):

This is wonderful news for North Alabama. GE has been committed to this area for decades, and I’m glad to know that dedication continues with even more well paying jobs for 300 people. Job creation continues to be the number one priority for Alabama. As Ronald Reagan once said, ‘the best social program is a job.’ This investment from GE is a clear sign that Alabama is open for business.

Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle:

GE is an innovation company. Huntsville is an innovation city. This announcement by GE is the latest chapter in that history of innovation. The products that will be manufactured here represent the future of aerospace. We are proud that Huntsville will help GE change the way we travel through the skies.