Nearly 20% expansion in building footprint will increase part production for in-demand narrowbody aircraft engines
West Jefferson, NC – Nov. 24, 2025 – GE Aerospace announced a nearly $53M investment to purchase new equipment and expand its West Jefferson facility by over 35,000 square feet to boost capacity for in-demand narrowbody aircraft engines. The project will create more than 40 new jobs at the site and bolster North Carolina’s role as a cornerstone in building the future of flight.
“West Jefferson will now have an even bigger role to play in building the future of flight for GE Aerospace. This expansion is good news for the community, and it is good news for our customers, who are eager to have our engines power their aircraft,” said Dylan Gerding, the GE Aerospace site leader for West Jefferson.
The $53M investment is over three years. A grant of $100,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will support the company’s expansion efforts.
“GE Aerospace’s expansion is a win for western North Carolina,” said Governor Josh Stein. “GE Aerospace could have chosen any location for this investment, but they chose the ‘First in Flight’ state because they believe in the hardworking people of Ashe County to power them forward.”
GE Aerospace and its technology power three of every four commercial flights and two of three U.S. military combat aircraft and helicopters. The West Jefferson site produces some of the most critical parts used in CFM LEAP engines, including rotating parts, blisks, high pressure turbines and spools.
The expansion will support hiring for roles including apprentice machinists and inspectors, as well as engineers. GE Aerospace has a decade-long partnership with the Wilkes Community College and the state’s NC Edge program that provides advanced training preparing local individuals with the skills they need to work at GE Aerospace.
Ashe County, Ashe County Job Development Inc., and the Town of West Jefferson will contribute $1M in grants as well.
“Ashe County is proud to celebrate the continued growth of GE Aerospace in West Jefferson, marking an exciting expansion that strengthens both our local economy and workforce. This milestone highlights GE Aerospace's deep-rooted commitment to the region and its role in creating quality jobs for local residents. GE Aerospace employs Ashe County families and provides a good paycheck to keep food on the table and houses warm," said Todd McNeil, Ashe County Chairman. "With this expansion, GE Aerospace continues to show why it is a cornerstone of our economic climate in Ashe County. The County greatly values this long-standing partnership and looks forward to many more years of shared success.”
“GE Aerospace’s expansion at the West Jefferson Facility is great for the area with additional jobs and capital investment. The Town of West Jefferson is blessed to have GE Aerospace in our community,” said Town Manager Brantley Price, Town of West Jefferson.
“We appreciate GE’s commitment to reinvest in West Jefferson and the state of North Carolina,” said Representative Ray Pickett. “Thank you to the dynamic economic development professionals and our local and state officials that brought this expansion to fruition.”
GE Aerospace employs around 2,000 workers across four locations in North Carolina, including 20 percent who are veterans. The company announced earlier this year it would invest more than $100M into its North Carolina sites. Today’s news is in addition to that investment.