Greenville Business Magazine 2010 May issue : Page 40
GE Aviation BY BRANDY WOODS SNOW GE Aviation’s decision to expand operations here in the Upstate is a tremendous vote of confidence as well as an economic boost. In the midst of the nation’s slow economic recovery, the news of plant expansions, produc- tion increases and new jobs creates excitement. And Greenville truly has something to be excited about with GE Aviation’s announcement of the grand opening of its new facility in the Matrix 40 GREENVILLEBUSINESSMAG.COM | MAY 2010 Business Park. For the various state and local representatives that gathered for the press conference on Monday, April 19, it was more than a sign of economic recovery – it was a sign that Greenville businesses are happy here and commit- ted to the success not only of their companies but also our area. “With this exciting announcement, GE says ‘Yes!’ to the Upstate yet again. And we say ‘Yes!’to GE – ‘Yes!’ to more jobs, ‘Yes!’ to fabulous products, ‘Yes!’ to flying high in G world-wide leadership in entrepreneur- ial spirit,” said Representative Bob Inglis. The Greenville Airfoils facility produces high pressure turbine (HPT) blades used in commercial aircraft engines that power many Boeing and Airbus aircraft, including the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner that will enter service this year. Beginning as a small operation in 2004, the Airfoils facility has experienced continually increased productivity requirements over the last five years, causing GE Aviation to outgrow the 50,000-square-foot Garlington Road building it shared with GE Energy and facilitating expansion into the new 150,000-square-foot PHOTO BY COMMERCIAL IMAGING
GE Aviation Flying High in Greenville
Brandy Woods Snow
GE Aviation’s decision to expand operations here in the Upstate is a tremendous vote of confidence as well as an economic boost. In the midst of the nation’s slow economic recovery, the news of plant expansions, production increases and new jobs creates excitement. And Greenville truly has something to be excited about with GE Aviation’s announcement of the grand opening of its new facility in the Matrix Business Park. For the various state and local representatives that gathered for the press conference on Monday, April 19, it was more than a sign of economic recovery – it was a sign that Greenville businesses are happy here and committed to the success not only of their companies but also our area.
“With this exciting announcement, GE says ‘Yes!’ to the Upstate yet again. And we say ‘Yes!’ to GE – ‘Yes!’ to more jobs, ‘Yes!’ to fabulous products, ‘Yes!’ to world-wide leadership in entrepreneurial spirit,” said Representative Bob Inglis.
The Greenville Airfoils facility produces high pressure turbine (HPT) blades used in commercial aircraft engines that power many Boeing and Airbus aircraft, including the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner that will enter service this year. Beginning as a small operation in 2004, the Airfoils facility has experienced continually increased productivity requirements over the last five years, causing GE Aviation to outgrow the 50,000-square-foot Garlington Road building it shared with GE Energy and facilitating expansion into the new 150,000-square-foot facility in the Matrix Business Park where they will continue to grow and efficiently meet customer demand. Approximately $30 million was invested in equipment to extend production capacity at the new facility. It is expected that volume will grow by approximately 40 percent at the facility this year, and GE Aviation also plans to extend the site’s capabilities to include coating technologies.
The facility’s new technologies will dramatically reduce production time 50 percent for turbine blades, shearing the usual 15-day lead time to just one week.
“GE Aviation is proud to be a part of economic development in the state of South Carolina,” said Scott Ernest, GE Aviation Vice President and General Manager, Supply Chain. “The facility continues to ramp up production and will produce 350,000 high pressure turbine blades this year.”
The Greenville plant currently employs 150 and plans to expand its presence by 100 additional jobs to be added by 2013, with an immediate 20 positions to be filled in 2010. Salaries are highly competitive, starting at $27.00 per hour with a potential to reach up to $30.00 per hour.
The expansion reaffirms South Carolina’s and Greenville’s niche in the advanced manufacturing industry as well as our area’s increasing presence in the aviation and aerospace sectors.
“We’re very proud of GE Aviation’s new operation at the Matrix Business Park in Greenville County,” noted H.G. “Butch” Kirven Jr., director of the Greenville Area Development Corporation and chairman of Greenville County Council. “And with still more room to expand there, GE Aviation represents the type of high quality and innovative enterprise that offers great opportunity for local citizens. This demonstrates that Greenville County has what it takes for great companies to be competitive here.” GBM
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