Story ID: 018 HSNews AINDec11.doc
GE Aviation Breaks Ground on Auburn Facility
By: David A. Lombardo
Caption: GE Aviation has broken ground on a new jet engine components factory in Auburn, Ala. 
Word Count: 163
GE Aviation has broken ground on a new jet engine components factory in Auburn, Ala. The 300,000-sq-ft manufacturing plant will produce precision, super-alloy machined parts for GE jet engines that will power future commercial and military aircraft and support the fleet of GE jet engines already in service. The facility is located five minutes from Auburn University. “GE Aviation wanted to align with Auburn for several reasons. The university has extensive experience in aerospace research, including work with the government. Another significant advantage is that the students have the skills GE needs for component manufacturing,” Colleen Athans, GE Aviation vice president and general manager for supply chain, told AIN. GE plans to develop collaborative relationships with both Auburn University and Tuskegee University. According to Athans, the facility is scheduled to open late next year, with limited hiring to begin next year and additional hiring slated for 2013 as production begins to ramp up. It is expected to employ as many as 400 people.