To maintain and grow its production levels on its newest jet engines, engine components and aircraft systems, GE Aviation investments reached $4.3 billion in its U.S. operations during 2011–2016, with another $1.1 billion invested in its international sites, the company reports.

That U.S. amount includes $214 million to establish five new plants in Auburn, Ala.; Asheville, N.C.; Ellisville, Miss.; Huntsville, Ala.; and Lafayette, Ind. About 2 million sq. ft. of new manufacturing floor space is being created.

In addition, upgrades at current U.S. operations include expansions in West Jefferson, N.C.; and Hooksett, N.H.; and new centers for emerging technologies such as additive manufacturing, digital engine monitoring, ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) and electrical distribution.

"The first company to introduce heat-resistant, lightweight CMC components into the hot section of commercial jet engines, GE Aviation is creating America's first fully-integrated supply chain to mass produce components from this advanced material," the company stated: "From a CMC raw materials plant in Huntsville to CMC manufacturing research labs in Cincinnati, Ohio; and Newark, Delaware; to full-scale CMC production in Asheville."

The announcement also noted the company's Additive Development Center in Cincinnati and a component production operation in Auburn, "where more than 40 additive machines are mass producing commercial and military engine components."

The entire news release is here.