LAFAYETTE, IN – January 29, 2015 – GE Aviation, a global leader in jet engine and aircraft system production, today announced plans for additional investment at the site of its new engine assembly facility in Lafayette, Indiana.
The additional $15M investment in machinery and equipment will allow for maintenance, repair and overhaul capability for the new LEAP engine of CFM International, a 50/50 joint company of GE and Snecma (Safran) of France. GE plans to hire an additional 30 people, bringing the total commitment to 230 employees by 2020. Hiring will begin next month.
The new jobs and investment will position Lafayette to play a pivotal role across the entire life cycle of the engine—beginning with capability for final assembly of new make engines, and extending to maintenance, repair and overhaul of the engines once in service.
“This decision is a testament to our commitment to Lafayette and the state of Indiana. Within a short time, this community has proven to be an invaluable partner and I know we’ll continue to be successful as we take on this additional work at the Lafayette site” said Eric Matteson, GE’s project leader.
Construction on the new 300,000-square-foot facility in Lafayette has begun and the facility will be operational by January of 2016.
CFM has logged total orders and commitments with airlines for more than 8,000 LEAP jet engines, thus setting the stage for long-term production volume at the Lafayette plant. The LEAP engine will power new Airbus A320neo, Boeing 737 MAX, and COMAC (China) C919 aircraft for airlines worldwide.
Reaction from state and local leaders:
Governor Mike Pence
“The aerospace industry is excelling in Indiana, with Hoosiers propelling the future of aerospace innovation today,” said Governor Mike Pence. “GE Aviation’s confidence in Indiana is now growing even stronger, bringing more jobs and investment to the state than initially planned. That confidence is also sparking other aerospace manufacturers and suppliers across the state to realize their full potential here in the Hoosier State, home to Indiana’s strong workforce and a business climate that rises to the top among competition around the world.”
Mayor Tony Roswarski
“GE Aviation’s decision to choose Lafayette as a location for their maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility is a tremendous opportunity and milestone. Their commitment to add these well-paying jobs in addition to the one’s already underway with the LEAP engine assembly plant is evidence of the strength of our local workforce and our quality of life initiatives. We sincerely appreciate GE Aviation for their confidence in Lafayette and their recognition of the spirit of cooperation among us and our community partners” said Mayor of Lafayette, Tony Roswarski.
Senator Dan Coats
“GE Aviation continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to Lafayette and the state of Indiana,” said Coats. “This announcement of additional jobs and investment is exciting and a testament to the vibrant partnership forged by local leaders and GE Aviation. It also reflects the reputation and talent of Indiana’s workforce. I celebrate this outstanding news.”
Senator Joe Donnelly
U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly said, “I welcome GE Aviation’s announcement of additional investment in its jet engine assembly facility in Lafayette, adding more jobs, machinery, and equipment. Some of the best and most technologically-advanced products are made by Indiana’s homegrown talent, including in the Greater Lafayette area. GE Aviation is making another valuable investment in Hoosier workers and innovation.”
Congressman Todd Rokita
“Hoosiers are grateful that GE Aviation selected Lafayette almost one year ago as the site of its advanced manufacturing facility to assemble CFM International’s new LEAP engine. Today’s exciting news of the expansion of those plans to include maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities, increasing its $100 million investment in Indiana by an additional $15 million even before the Lafayette facility is operational, demonstrates the depth of GE Aviation’s commitment to our community. I am looking forward to our continued partnership and to the addition of what will be well over 200 new jobs for our Hoosier families,” said U.S. Congressman Todd Rokita.
GE Aviation has the largest and fastest-growing installed base of jet engines in commercial aviation and a global services network to support them. GE Aviation employs approximately 40,000 people and operates more than 80 facilities around the world. An operating unit of GE, GE Aviation is a world-leading provider of jet engines, components and integrated systems for commercial and military aircraft. GE Aviation has a global service network to support these offerings. For more information, visit us at www.geaviation.com
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