GE Aerospace recently announced a $1 billion investment in its US-based factories and supply chain to increase jet engine safety, quality, and delivery and cycle times. The company has earmarked $16 million specifically for its Hooksett facility.
According to GE Aerospace, the $16-million Hooksett investment will go toward new machines used for precision shaping of complex metal parts as well as upgrades to existing equipment. The company will also invest in specialized tooling to support the production of engine components used in narrowbody and widebody aircraft, military fighter jets, helicopters, and ships. Upgrades to the building’s utilities are also planned.
The company expects deliveries of its narrowbody CFM LEAP engine to increase by 15 – 20% this year alone. The Hooksett plant manufactures several key components of this engine, and the new equipment and specialized tooling will help increase production.
Nationwide, the company’s $1 billion investment will benefit two dozen communities across 16 states. GE Aerospace expects to hire around 5,000 US workers this year, in both manufacturing and engineering roles.
“Investing in manufacturing and innovation is more critical than ever for the future of our industry and the communities where we operate,” said H. Lawrence Culp, Jr., Chairman and CEO of GE Aerospace.
The Hooksett plant is one of the largest of the company’s nearly 80 operations worldwide, employing nearly 900 people who specialize in high-tech machining and manufacturing. Among those employees are 80 veterans, representing all branches of the US military.
“Hooksett has been a vital part of aerospace manufacturing in the United States for over 50 years, and this investment will help it maintain its place in the community for many years to come,” said James Florio, Site Leader for GE Aerospace Hooksett.
GE Aerospace recently made another investment in the community: In April, the company announced a $9,000 donation to the Engineering Program at Pinkerton Academy, Hooksett’s high school of record.
The funds allowed Pinkerton to purchase a Roland MDX-50 Milling Machine, which enables students to design a product, simulate a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) process, and actually machine their design. The new mill will replace Pinkerton’s existing 27-year-old machine. Approximately 40 students per year will go through the program and utilize the mill, said GE Aerospace.
