GE Aerospace has confirmed a major $53 million investment into its West Jefferson, North Carolina facility, signalling strengthened capability in producing parts for the world’s most in-demand narrowbody aircraft engines. The multi-year project includes the purchase of new equipment and the expansion of the building footprint by more than 35,000 square feet — amounting to nearly 20 percent growth in manufacturing capacity.
The expansion will create over 40 new jobs and reinforces North Carolina’s long association with the advancement of aviation. “West Jefferson will now have an even bigger role to play in building the future of flight for GE Aerospace,” said Dylan Gerding, GE Aerospace site leader. “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.”
A $100,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund will support the development, while a further $1 million will be contributed collectively by Ashe County, Ashe County Job Development Inc., and the Town of West Jefferson. North Carolina Governor Josh Stein welcomed the announcement, describing it as “a win for western North Carolina,” and emphasising confidence in the region’s aerospace workforce and potential for continued growth.
GE Aerospace powers three out of every four commercial flights globally, as well as two-thirds of U.S. military combat aircraft and helicopters. The West Jefferson operation produces essential components for CFM LEAP engines, including rotating parts, blisks, high-pressure turbines and spools — a critical contribution to both civil and defence aviation.
Recruitment will span skilled roles such as apprentice machinists, inspectors and engineers. The facility continues to benefit from GE’s decade-long partnership with Wilkes Community College and the NC Edge programme, which offer targeted training to prepare local talent for advanced manufacturing roles.
Local leadership echoed support for the initiative, highlighting the long-standing relationship between GE Aerospace and Ashe County. “This milestone strengthens both our local economy and workforce,” said Ashe County Chairman Todd McNeil. Brantley Price, Town Manager of West Jefferson, added that the expansion represents meaningful economic uplift for the region, while Representative Ray Pickett expressed appreciation for GE’s ongoing investment and commitment to the state.
GE Aerospace currently employs approximately 2,000 people across four North Carolina sites, of whom one in five are military veterans. Earlier in the year, the company announced plans to invest more than $100 million into its North Carolina footprint — with this latest development adding further momentum to that vision for growth.
SOURCE AND IMAGE: GE Aerospace
