Pratt & Whitney is planning a $200-million expansion at its Columbus, Ga., commercial and military engine complex, to add a seventh isothermal forging press. The additional production capacity will support a 30% increase in production volume for critical engine parts, including rotating compressors and turbine disks.
The complex includes the Columbus Engine Center, which performs maintenance on PW1100G-JM, V2500, PW2000, F117, and F100 turbofan jet engines; and Columbus Forge, which produces compressor airfoils and nickel and titanium forgings. Those parts are finish-machined for installation as rotating parts for military and commercial engines.
The isothermal forging operation was established in 2017 at a reported cost of $386 million. The new press will be operational in 2028.
Isothermal forging is a closed-die process in which the dies and the workpieces are heated to the same temperature, so that forming can take place without loss of temperature in the workpiece. It’s a preferred process for forming engineered parts, including jet-engine and other aerospace components in high-density lightweight alloys.
Increasing capacity will support Pratt & Whitney’s future supply requirements for both civilian and military aircraft engines. Pratt’s F135 engine powers the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, which is in the midst of a planned “technology refresh” to accommodate more advanced warfare capabilities.
The GTF geared turbofan commercial jet engine - which Pratt & Whitney has struggled to produce and supply at rates demanded for high-volume commercial jet programs like the Airbus A321neo and Embraer E-Jet E2.
Recently, Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury expressed frustration with Pratt & Whitney’s late deliveries and claimed its 2026 deliveries would be impacted by engine supply shortages.
The upcoming investment follows a recent $70-million expansion that added systems and machinery to support Pratt’s Industry 4.0 strategy.
"Since 2008, we have invested more than $1 billion to continue expanding the footprint and capabilities of our Columbus facility,” stated Pratt & Whitney president Shane Eddy. “This latest investment will increase output of critical parts for our growing military and commercial engine programs and underscores our ongoing commitment to ramp industrial capacity to support our customers."
