$400 million investment is expected to create more than 80 jobs
COLUMBIA, S.C. - General Electric (GE) today broke ground on a new, state-of-the-art Power & Water advanced manufacturing facility, announcing plans to invest $400 million and create more than 80 new jobs over the next 10 years in Greenville County to expand the company's advanced manufacturing capabilities.
In 1968, GE established its corporate presence in Greenville County with the creation of a 340,000-square-foot facility. Today, that same facility employs more than 3,000 associates and has grown into more than one million square feet of factory and offices, manufacturing products to support customers on a global level.
GE Power & Water Greenville Advanced Manufacturing Works facility, the first-of-its-kind, will serve as an incubator for innovative advanced manufacturing process development and rapid prototyping. By developing new techniques and production processes in close proximity to Power & Water's established manufacturing operation on the Greenville campus, GE will be able to design, test, iterate and rapidly bring its products to market.
The new facility is expected to be operational in 2015.
QUOTES
"The advanced manufacturing facility represents another major GE investment in expanding our Power & Water technologies and our ongoing investment in South Carolina, which began in 1968. The advanced manufacturing techniques that are developed in South Carolina will increase product speed to market, benefiting our global customer base. GE's innovation will power the world." -GE Power & Water President and CEO Steve Bolze
"The Greenville community has a long-standing relationship with GE, and we welcome the new Power & Water advanced manufacturing facility. Manufacturing innovation is integral to economic progress, and I am delighted that South Carolina will provide the infrastructure and skilled workforce that enables GE's continued success." - Governor Nikki Haley
"Today's Advanced Manufacturing Works facility groundbreaking is an exciting day for South Carolina and Greenville. GE's continued development in the state demonstrates that South Carolina is a great place for business and we will continue to lead in the development of innovative solutions that solve today's toughest challenges." -Senator Lindsey Graham
"Today's announcement builds on a well-established relationship between Greenville and General Electric. The Upstate continues to be at the epicenter of South Carolina's manufacturing renaissance, as our state is home to a well-trained workforce that is eager to produce world-class products. GE's commitment is a great sign for the future of our state's economy." -Senator Tim Scott
"An investment of this size in our state is a reminder that South Carolina's skilled workforce and business-friendly atmosphere are keys to our economic success. The opening of this new facility also reflects our on-going partnership with GE as they continue to grow and add jobs within our state. They had the opportunity to expand anywhere in the world and they chose South Carolina - for that we are honored and we look forward to their continued growth with us for years to come." -Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt
"GE's decision to locate this state-of-the-art advanced manufacturing center here is a direct result of having national caliber talent to grow with, an attractive and pro-business community, and the commitment of state and local officials who embrace their vision. We celebrate their brilliant decision to grow and prosper here in Greenville County." -Dr. Bob Taylor, board member of the Greenville Area Development Corporation and chairman of Greenville County Council
"GE is a leader in the global manufacturing community and a major contributor to our region's reputation as a hub for innovation, technology and advanced manufacturing as well. We salute their commitment to growing and advancing their presence here in Greenville County." -Dick Wilkerson, chairman of the Greenville Area Development Corporation
FIVE FAST FACTS
- General Electric (GE) today broke ground on a new state-of-the-art Power & Water Advanced Manufacturing Facility.
- The $400 million investment will create more than 80 new jobs over the next ten years in Greenville County to expand the company's advanced manufacturing capabilities.
- In 1968, GE established its corporate presence in Greenville County with the creation of a 340,000-square-foot facility.
- The GE Greenville facility now employs more than 3,000 associates and has grown the original facility into more than one million square feet of factory and offices, manufacturing products to support customers on a global level.
- The Power & Water Advanced Manufacturing Facility is expected to be operational by 2015.
About GE
GE (NYSE: GE) Facility on things that matter. The best people and the best technologies taking on the toughest challenges. Finding solutions in energy, health and home, transportation and finance. Building, powering, moving and curing the world. Not just imagining. Doing. GE Facility. For more information, visit the company's website at www.ge.com.
About GE Power & Water
GE Power & Water provides customers with a broad array of power generation, energy delivery and water process technologies to solve their challenges locally. Power & Water Facility in all areas of the energy industry including renewable resources such as wind and solar; biogas and alternative fuels; and coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear energy. The business also develops advanced technologies to help solve the world's most complex challenges related to water availability and quality. Power & Water's six business units include Distributed Power, Nuclear Energy, Power Generation Products, Power Generation Services, Renewable Energy and Water & Process Technologies. Headquartered in Schenectady, N.Y., Power & Water is GE's largest industrial business. Follow GE Oil & Gas on Twitter @GE_PowerWater