GE to invest $7.9 million in upgrades at Hooksett jet-engine plant

Mar. 18—GE Aerospace is investing $650 million in its manufacturing plants and supply chain this year, including $9.7 million at its Hooksett facility.

"The investment will allow some current machinery to be replaced and add new tooling for the production of wide-body and narrow-body aircraft engines, along with military helicopter and fighter jet engines," a GE spokesman said in an email.

Building utilities will also receive upgrades, said the spokesman, who didn't want to be identified.

GE also will provide funds to a Milford supplier it declined to name.

"For the supplier in Milford, it will be used to provide specific tools and customized dies needed to produce castings and forgings that later become engine components," the spokesman said. "This ensures suppliers are using the newest tools to produce parts, further reducing the possibility that defects occur."

The Hooksett location works on engines for different-sized jets.

"Hooksett produces parts that go into nearly every GE Aerospace engine we produce," the spokesman said. "Those engines are used on commercial narrow-body, wide-body and regional aircraft and on military fighter jets and helicopters."

The Hooksett location has nearly 800 employees with about 25 job openings.

"The investments allow Hookset to meet the growing demand from commercial and military customers, while putting GE Aerospace on a strong foundation as we become an independent company," said James Florio, site leader for GE Aerospace Hooksett.

The company's 2024 investment plan calls for nearly $450 million to go toward new machines, inspection equipment, building upgrades and new test cells and safety enhancements at 22 GE Aerospace facilities across 14 states.

Another $100 million will go to suppliers based in the United States.

"The $100 million will strengthen the company's U.S. supply chain, helping suppliers build and maintain capacity and capabilities needed for sustained growth. Suppliers provide materials (castings and forgings) and some early-stage parts for commercial and military engines," according to a company announcement.

In nearby Lynn, Mass., $30 million will be invested in engine assembly and testing that supports the production of U.S. and allied military helicopter and fighter jet engines," the company said.

Additional investments will be used for facility maintenance and upkeep.

"GE Aerospace and its partner engines power three out of every four commercial flights around the world and two-thirds of U.S. military aircraft," the company said.