GE Aerospace plans to invest in its U.S. factories and supply chain to strengthen manufacturing and increase the use of innovative parts and materials needed for the future of flight, including military fighter jets and helicopter engines.
In Muskegon, the $70 million investment will go toward machines, updated equipment, and expanding the facility to support production of key components in the LEAP engine used in narrowbody aircraft, ramping up production as deliveries are expected to increase 15-20% this year.
Rachel Gorman, President and CEO of Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce says the timing is great for announcements of the expansion as a bright light in a time of uncertainty.
“We're leaning into the uncertainty, and I think we're all very grateful for the work we've done during the good times to diversify our workforce in industry in Muskegon, so we're no longer solely based on manufacturing. We have diversity, especially in our growing tourism sector and we're seeing how that can insulate Muskegon in particular from some of the effects that are happening on a federal and even state level pertaining to our economy.”
GE Aerospace announced it will hire around 5,000 U.S. workers this year in manufacturing and engineering but did not specify if those positions impact West Michigan.
