Pratt & Whitney, a subsidiary of RTX, is significantly bolstering its manufacturing capabilities in Columbus, Georgia, with a substantial $200 million investment. This strategic expansion targets both commercial and military engine programs, signaling a ramp-up in production for critical components. The centerpiece of this investment is the addition of a seventh isothermal forging press at the Columbus Forge facility, a move projected to increase the output of essential parts like rotating compressor and turbine disks by 30%. These components are vital for Pratt & Whitney’s popular Geared Turbofan (GTF) engines, the advanced F135 engine powering the F-35 fighter jet, and other key engine programs. The new forging press is slated to be operational in 2028.
This latest capital injection follows closely on the heels of an 81,000-square-foot expansion at Pratt & Whitney’s Columbus Engine Center, dedicated to the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of GTF engines. That $70 million project integrated advanced Industry 4.0 technologies and increased the facility’s annual capacity by over 25%, enhancing its ability to support the growing global fleet of GTF-powered aircraft.
Pratt & Whitney President Shane Eddy highlighted the company’s long-standing commitment to its Columbus operations, stating, “Over the past four decades and with the support of the Columbus community, state and Governor, Pratt & Whitney’s presence in Georgia has grown from a small manufacturing facility to a state-of-the-art manufacturing and overhaul center, employing over 2,600 dedicated people focused on our mission: to connect and protect our world.” Eddy further emphasized the scale of investment, noting, “Since 2008, we have invested more than $1 billion to continue expanding the footprint and capabilities of our Columbus facility. This latest investment will increase output of critical parts for our growing military and commercial engine programs and underscores our ongoing commitment to ramp industrial capacity to support our customers.”
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp lauded the decision, remarking, “Pratt & Whitney’s decision to invest in Georgia immediately after just completing another major expansion is an incredible testament to how companies that operate in our state find reliable, ongoing and long-term success.” He added, “Throughout its more than forty years in Columbus, Pratt & Whitney has been a valued partner and driver of the impact our aerospace industry is delivering statewide. We’re grateful that this partnership will only continue to grow and flourish, benefiting this cutting-edge job creator, the people of Columbus and all of Georgia.”
The Columbus, Georgia, campus is a significant hub for Pratt & Whitney, comprising both the Columbus Engine Center and Columbus Forge. The Engine Center is responsible for the MRO of Pratt & Whitney GTF engines powering aircraft such as the Airbus A320neo family, Airbus A220, and Embraer E-Jets E2, alongside military engines like the F117 and F100. Columbus Forge specializes in producing critical engine components, including compressor airfoils and disks for both commercial and military applications, notably the GTF and the F135 engine.
The GTF engine is recognized as the most fuel-efficient option for the single-aisle aircraft market, with over 2,600 GTF-powered aircraft delivered to more than 90 customers globally. The F135 engine, a cornerstone of the F-35 Lightning II program, is considered the safest, most capable, and reliable fighter engine, with over 1,300 production engines delivered to a global network that includes 20 allied nations.
**About Pratt & Whitney**
Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, stands as a global leader in the design, manufacturing, and servicing of aircraft engines and auxiliary power units for military, commercial, and civil aviation. With a legacy of innovation dating back to 1925, the company’s engineers have consistently pushed the boundaries of aerospace propulsion technology. Today, Pratt & Whitney provides comprehensive support for over 90,000 in-service engines through its extensive worldwide network of maintenance, repair, and overhaul facilities.
**About RTX**
RTX is a leading force in the aerospace and defense industry, employing over 180,000 individuals worldwide. The company is dedicated to advancing technology and science to redefine how the world connects and is protected. RTX leverages its industry-leading capabilities to drive advancements in aviation, engineer integrated defense systems for enhanced operational success, and develop next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing processes. With projected 2025 sales exceeding $88 billion, RTX is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.
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