GE Aerospace Plans $1B US Investments

GE Aerospace will spend $1 billion in new investments on its U.S. manufacturing sites and suppliers in 2026, the aviation manufacturer announced March 9, as part of a new wave of corporate investment targeting 30 locations in 17 states, including $227 million towards the company’s commercial flight operations and $275 million for its defense businesses.

According to a company statement detailing plans for the investments, GE Aerospace also plans to hire 5,000 new U.S. workers across the board this year.

The aerospace engine manufacturer previously announced a +$1-billion cap-ex program for its supplier network, following its relaunch from the former General Electric Co.

In its defense business, GE Aerospace said it would aim to upgrade factories producing engines and components for military aircraft, including a $40 million upgrade for its Lynn, Massachusetts factory for expanding test cell capacity and building upgrades, and $10 million for new machinery at its Madisonville, Kentucky site to go towards new machinery.

Commercially, GE Aerospace said it aims to dramatically increase production capacity for its CFM LEAP engine, notably used on the Boeing 737MAX and Airbus A320. The company will spend $200 million to increase capacity for high-pressure turbine durability kits, meant to augment the CFM LEAP engine’s performance in harsh conditions. Two commercial sites were named for upgrades: factories in Durham, North Carolina and Lafayette, Indiana will receive $20 million and $7 million, respectively, for new tooling, assembly systems and equipment, and facility upgrades to support increased engine production.

Lastly, the company says it will spend $100 million on its external supplier base.

In a statement, GE Aerospace CEO Lawrence Culp, Jr., said the extra money would maintain his company’s stature in the aviation field.

““Maintaining U.S. aerospace leadership requires sustained investment in our people, our facilities, and the technologies that will define the future of flight,” Culp said. “This investment is for our customers, our communities, and our country.”