GE Aerospace is expanding manufacturing capacity at its Batesville location with an $11 million investment, according to a Wednesday release from the Mississippi Development Authority.
The American aircraft engine supplier plans to use the expansion to add industrial equipment, precision measuring tools, and high-precision tools. It will also add inspection technology, enabling the Batesville site to maintain quality as it increases the production of components used in narrowbody and widebody aircraft engines, military fighter jet, and military helicopter engines.
The Mississippi Development Authority is assisting with the project through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive program, along with helping with building improvements and equipment relocation. Accelerate MS, Panola Partnership, Tennessee Valley Authority, and Northwest Mississippi Community College are also playing a role in ensuring the expansion comes to fruition.
Combined with other projects underway at GE Aerospace in Batesville, the $11 million expansion is expected to create 100 new jobs to be filled over the next three years.
“From the start, the GE Aerospace site [in Batesville] has been at the forefront of manufacturing cutting edge parts that are key to the future of aviation,” said Brian Rapien, the Batesville site’s plant leader. “The site’s role and number of employees continues to grow. These parts that are made from new, advanced materials play a key role in providing more efficiency and durability in GE Aerospace’s newest engines.
“We are grateful for the partnership we have with the country and Mississippi to strengthen manufacturing in the region.”
Gov. Tate Reeves, who has seen a record number of economic development projects and expansions under his tenure, said GE Aerospace is a shining example of what doing business in Mississippi looks like.
“This is a world-class company that is globally recognized for its jet engines, and we are proud to be able to say the composite components that go into those engines are made in Batesville, Mississippi,” Reeves said. “MDA is glad to support innovation in our communities, and this latest win serves as another reminder that ‘Made in Mississippi’ is known as a stamp of quality here in the U.S. and around the world.”
GE Aerospace, which was founded as part of General Electric, is now a standalone Fortune 500 company. It broke ground on its Batesville location in May 2007 and officially opened in August 2008.
