Move Would Appear To Express Company Confidence In F136 Engine Program

The state of Alabama has landed a commitment from Ohio-based GE to build a military engines coating plant somewhere in the state, though the list of prospective sites has not been revealed. Governor Bob Riley, GE Aviation President & CEO David Joyce, and Alabama Development Office (ADO) officials made the announcement Wednesday during a ceremony in the Alabama State Capital.

Alabama Governor Bob Riley (R)

While the plant is being built specifically to support the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter alternate engine program, the fate of the F136 engine is still uncertain. There is no commitment from the Pentagon to purchase any of the engines, and bills containing funding for the F136 have faced consistent veto threats from President Obama. But as recently as August 1st, a U.S. House committee voted to continue funding development of the engine.

Against that backdrop, ADO officials and GE Aviation are in the final stages of selecting a location for creating an Environmental Coatings Center of Excellence. It will enhance components for the GE Rolls-Royce F136 jet engine for the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) F-35 program. The JSF F-35, the largest military procurement in U.S. history, is a multi-role aircraft to replace numerous tactical fighter aircraft flying today. Potential F-35 production for the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marines and international customers is expected to reach more than 5,000 aircraft over 30 years.

GE and Rolls-Royce say the F136 engine, currently in development test and preparing for flight test next year, is among the most advanced jet engines ever created. Environmental coatings are key to enhancing the performance and durability of its components. They protect the base metal on components from harsh thermal and corrosive environments.

F136 Test Engine

GE Aviation says the new Alabama facility, which will be approximately 200,000 square feet, is expected to open in the 2011-2012 timeframe to support an initial F136 production beginning in 2013. The facility is expected to employ 300-400 people when the engine ramps up to full rate production later this decade. "We are deeply gratified by the tremendous support received from Gov. Bob Riley and his whole team at the ADO,” said David Joyce, president & CEO of GE Aviation. “The F136 engine is a very long-term program, with production anticipated for decades. We are thrilled to make Alabama part of our advanced technology network, and to commit to high-technology jobs for the state."

“Alabama welcomes GE Aviation and the high-tech jobs it is bringing to our state with this new facility,” said Governor Riley. “This is a project we have aggressively pursued and we’re proud this prestigious international company is coming to Alabama. Our state is seeing amazing growth in aviation and aerospace jobs and it’s great to see this progress is continuing.”

Due to anticipated F136 production volume, GE’s need for developing environmental coatings and associated manufacturing processes continues to grow. The technology requires a highly skilled and flexible workforce, and it will create meaningful collaborative opportunities for Alabama’s university system. Given the long-term potential for the F136 program, GE Aviation will host a supplier symposium in late September to assist small companies in Alabama desiring to do business with GE.

FMI: www.ge.com, www.alabama.gov