GE Aerospace Spends Nearly $1 Billion on Developing Factories and Supply Chain in The USA

GE Aerospace, a provider of jet and turboprop engines, has announced its plans to invest nearly $1 billion into its US factories and supply chain in 2025, aiming to strengthen its manufacturing and increase the adoption of new technology and parts needed for the future of aviation.

The aerospace giant’s latest investment is almost double the $550 million it spent last year. This move is aimed at improving engine safety, delivery times, and overall quality across 16 states amid a strong travel environment that has led to increased demand for its engines and spare parts.

In addition, it is also expected to create about 5,000 jobs this year regarding manufacturing and engineering roles.

A significant amount of the investment, roughly $500 million, will go toward expanding capacity and improving quality control across several key sites, particularly facilities involved in the production and assembly of its narrowbody CFM LEAP engine. 

Key sites are upgrading, including $113 million in Greater Cincinnati, $70 million in Muskegon, Michigan, and several million in North Carolina, Indiana, and Kentucky. An additional $200 million is spent for military engine production, preparing sites in Lynn, MA, and Madisonville, KY, for the new T901 helicopter engine and other defense programs.

Beyond traditional manufacturing enhancements, GE Aerospace is investing heavily in cutting-edge technologies like additive manufacturing and ceramic matrix composites (CMCs). Over $100 million is focused on scaling up advanced manufacturing and materials, with a major spotlight on additive manufacturing. 

The company will invest $51 million in Auburn, Alabama, and millions more across West Chester, Huntsville, Asheville, and Batesville to expand 3D printing capacity and ceramic matrix composite (CMC) production. CMCs are one-third the weight of traditional materials but can operate at up to 500 degrees hotter, allowing greater power and durability for engines.

In addition, over $100 million is being funneled into strengthening the company’s external supplier base, ensuring suppliers have access to modern tools, reducing defects, and easing supply chain pressure.

GE Aerospace engines, including those made by CFM International, are powering three out of every four commercial flights worldwide and two out of three U.S. military combat and helicopter aircraft. CFM International, GE’s joint venture with France’s Safran SA, is an engine supplier for Boeing, opens new tab 737 MAX jetliners, and competes with RTX’s Pratt & Whitney to power Airbus.

Photo by Lawrence Hookham on Unsplash