GE Aerospace to invest nearly $52 million in Wilmington plant

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — GE Aerospace plans to invest nearly $1 billion in its U.S. factories and supply chain, including nearly $52 million at the Wilmington site, to strengthen manufacturing and increase the use of innovative new parts and materials needed for the future of flight.

According to a press release, the investment will go toward multiple machines used to shape metal parts to precise specifications as part of a larger equipment refresh to reduce cycle times, crane systems to increase capacity, and additional tooling. The site produces components for engines used in narrowbody and widebody aircraft, along with military fighter jets and ships. Upgrades to the building are planned.

“This type of investment ensures that Wilmington, the state of North Carolina, and the United States will continue to compete and win in aerospace manufacturing, create jobs, and positively impact the economy,” said Mark Moon, site leader for GE Aerospace Wilmington.

Vice President of Supply Chain Mike Cauffman added the company is working to meet rising demand. 

“We’re entering in a time of unprecedented demand across nearly every product line. Commercial aerospace is growing rapidly as the airlines desire to refresh their fleet with the latest technology,” he explained. 

Cauffman noted there’s also growing demand from the military and the energy suppliers. 

This comes after the GE Aerospace Foundation late last year donated $100,000 to Cape Fear Community College in Wilmington. It will provide 10 full-ride scholarships to the Computer-Integrated Machining associates program and support a 40-hour machining bootcamp career exploration course for high school students.