RTX subsidiary expands aerospace manufacturing and engine support operations following completion of prior facility growth
COLUMBUS, Ga. — Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business and global leader in aircraft propulsion systems, announced plans to invest $200 million to expand its operations in Columbus, Georgia, reinforcing the region’s position as a major hub for aerospace manufacturing and maintenance.
The new investment, announced alongside the completion of a previously approved expansion, is expected to initially create 15 new jobs, with additional hiring anticipated as operations scale. State and local leaders joined company executives to mark both the new project and the completion of an earlier expansion announced in 2023 that added nearly 400 jobs and expanded the company’s footprint by 81,000 square feet at the Pratt & Whitney Columbus Engine Center.
Strengthening Georgia’s Aerospace Manufacturing Ecosystem
Pratt & Whitney has operated in Columbus for more than four decades, growing the site into a critical production and maintenance center supporting both commercial aviation and U.S. defense programs.
Governor Brian P. Kemp said the continued investment highlights Georgia’s ability to retain and grow long-term aerospace industry partnerships.
“Pratt & Whitney’s continued expansion demonstrates the long-term success companies experience in Georgia and the strength of our aerospace industry statewide,” Kemp said.
The Columbus campus includes both the Columbus Engine Center and Columbus Forge, which operate together to support engine production, maintenance, and advanced component manufacturing.
Supporting Commercial and Military Aviation Programs
The Columbus Engine Center provides maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for Pratt & Whitney’s Geared Turbofan (GTF™) engines used on the Airbus A320neo family, Airbus A220, and Embraer E-Jets E2 aircraft.
The facility also supports several critical military propulsion systems, including:
- The F117 engine powering the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III
- The F100 engine used in the F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft
Meanwhile, the Columbus Forge manufactures compressor airfoils and turbine components for both commercial and defense engines, including parts for the F135 engine, which powers all variants of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighter jet.
Company leaders said the latest investment will increase production capacity for key engine programs as global demand for both commercial aviation and defense readiness continues to grow.
Decades of Investment and Workforce Growth
Since 2008, Pratt & Whitney has invested more than $1 billion in expanding its Columbus operations, transforming the site into a state-of-the-art manufacturing and overhaul center employing approximately 2,600 workers.
Pratt & Whitney President Shane Eddy said the expansion reflects the company’s long-term commitment to scaling industrial capacity to meet customer demand.
“This latest investment will increase output of critical parts for our growing military and commercial engine programs and underscores our commitment to supporting customers worldwide,” Eddy said.
The new expansion is expected to be completed by 2028, further enhancing the facility’s manufacturing and maintenance capabilities.
Workforce Development and Regional Partnerships
State and local officials credited workforce development partnerships as a key factor in Pratt & Whitney’s continued growth in Georgia. The company has worked closely with Georgia Quick Start, the state’s customized workforce training program, as well as regional education partners including Columbus Technical College.
Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson noted that long-term workforce investment has played a central role in retaining aerospace employers.
“Georgia’s focus on workforce solutions helps companies like Pratt & Whitney continue expanding and achieving new milestones,” Wilson said.
The project was supported through collaboration between the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Development Authority of Columbus, Georgia Power, and local community partners.
Long-Term Economic Impact for Columbus
Local leaders emphasized Pratt & Whitney’s role as a major employer and community partner in the Columbus region.
Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson said the expansion strengthens the city’s advanced manufacturing base while reinforcing its aerospace identity.
The continued growth of the facility is expected to support regional suppliers, generate additional economic activity, and sustain high-skilled manufacturing employment across the Valley region.
About Pratt & Whitney
Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, designs, manufactures, and services aircraft engines and auxiliary power units for commercial, military, and civil aviation customers worldwide. Since 1925, the company has pioneered aircraft propulsion technologies and today supports more than 90,000 engines in service through a global network of maintenance, repair, and overhaul facilities.
