Pratt & Whitney, a division of Raytheon Technologies Corp., announced on Oct. 22 that it plans to invest at least $650 million through 2027 in a world-class turbine airfoil production facility in Asheville, North Carolina.
The new, 1,000,000-square-foot facility will house an advanced casting foundry for the production of turbine airfoils as well as conduct machining, coating and finishing of airfoils onsite.
“Turbine airfoils are a critical component across our engine portfolio and demand will increase significantly as the market recovers over the next several years,” said Chris Calio, president, Pratt & Whitney in a statement.
“We need to invest today to ensure that we have the infrastructure, production capabilities and workforce in place to meet future market demand and provide the best products to our customers worldwide,” Calio added.” We are grateful for the support provided by the State of North Carolina and the local community.”
The new, state-of-the-art facility will implement best-in-class manufacturing technologies and processes exemplifying industry 4.0 manufacturing principles and will complement existing turbine airfoil work that is done across Pratt & Whitney’s facilities.
The company said this investment directly supports its goal to transform its business and strengthen its position by implementing modern solutions to prepare for the future, while reducing structural costs to emerge from the pandemic stronger.
“North Carolina’s leadership in aerospace may have started with the Wright Brothers, but make no mistake, this industry is a vibrant part of our state’s modern economy, as today’s announcement proves,” said North Carolina Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland.
