Pratt & Whitney expands Asheville facility with $285 million investment, creating 325 jobs in western North Carolina

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pratt and whitney asheville

North Carolina Construction News staff writer

Pratt & Whitney, a division of RTX, has announced plans to expand its turbine airfoil manufacturing facility in Buncombe County, solidifying its commitment to the region and reinforcing western North Carolina’s economic future. The $285 million expansion will create 325 new jobs at the Asheville plant.

“Despite challenges from Hurricane Helene, western North Carolina continues to be a thriving hub for business and innovation,” Gov. Josh Stein said in a statement. “Pratt & Whitney’s expansion is a testament to the region’s skilled workforce and the opportunities the state provides. We’re excited to have them as a part of our community.”

Pratt & Whitney is a global leader in aircraft engine and auxiliary power unit manufacturing. Its engines serve over 17,000 customers across more than 200 countries and territories, with more than 90,000 engines in operation worldwide. The Asheville structure, which began production in October 2020, manufactures advanced turbine airfoils—a key component for jet engines. The new expansion will boost production capacity to meet rising demand.

“Our investment in Asheville is crucial to meeting the growing demand for our products, like the GTF engine for the A320 family and the F135 engine for the F-35 Lightning II,” said Dan Field, General Manager of the Asheville plant. “We’re grateful for the support from the state, Buncombe County, and Governor Stein, as this project will allow us to enhance our manufacturing processes and increase production, creating hundreds of new jobs for the local community.”

North Carolina Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley added, “Pratt & Whitney’s decision reinforces our state’s position as a leader in the aviation industry, a major driver of our economy. We remain committed to supporting employers like Pratt & Whitney by investing in the educational systems and infrastructure that help them thrive.”

The expansion project is supported by a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) approved by the state’s Economic Investment Committee. Over the 12-year term of the grant, the project is expected to generate nearly $2.1 billion for North Carolina’s economy. The JDIG agreement offers a potential reimbursement of up to $4.2 million, contingent on the company meeting job creation and investment milestones.

For every dollar of state investment, the projected return is $4.17 in state revenue, making the project a strong financial investment for North Carolina. The expansion also supports Buncombe County, classified as a Tier 3 region, by directing $1.4 million from the JDIG agreement to the state’s Industrial Development Fund, which helps rural areas enhance infrastructure to attract new business.

“Local, regional, and state organizations have worked tirelessly to bring this project to fruition, especially in the aftermath of storm recovery,” said Representative Eric Ager. “We are thrilled to see Pratt & Whitney continue to grow and contribute to our community.”

This project is a collaborative effort involving the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, and various local stakeholders, including the North Carolina General Assembly, community colleges, local governments, and private partners like Duke Energy and the Golden LEAF Foundation.

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