Employment Will reach 1,000 Over The Next Year
Middle River Aircraft Systems says that it is expanding its
employment by 200 new jobs in the state of Maryland - bringing the
company's employment at its Middle River facility in Baltimore to
more than 1,000 over the next year.
"We have an 80-year lineage in Baltimore and have a great
partnership with Maryland. We want to accelerate our growth in the
State," said Sagar Patel, president, Mechanical Systems for GE
Aviation, Middle River Aircraft System's parent company, in
annuncing the plan Tuesday. "There are a number of talented,
experienced professionals in the Maryland workforce and recent
college graduates with strong advanced technology and manufacturing
capabilities. Growth in Maryland means growth for GE and this
growth also flows out to local suppliers who support our business."
Patel was joined at the event announcing the jobs by U.S. Senator
Barbara Mikulski, Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown and Gene Hans,
president, UAW local 738.
"Today's (Tuesday's) announcement was about jobs, jobs, jobs.
Jobs here in Maryland, where they mean economic security for more
Maryland families," Senator Mikulski said. "The old saying goes, a
country that doesn't make something, can't make something of
itself. In order to return to a strong economy that creates jobs,
we have to have more manufacturing like the kind we saw today at
the Middle River Aircraft Systems plant. I am so proud of the GE
workers and leaders who worked hard to make this expansion
possible."
"It is great news to have such a world leader in innovation as
GE and Middle River Aircraft Systems, who are hiring up to 200 new
employees, continue to expand in Maryland," Governor Martin
O'Malley said. "It's businesses like Middle River Aircraft Systems
that help in our efforts to create jobs, protect jobs, empower
small businesses, and defend the hard-won progress of Maryland's
hard-working families."
In the last five years, GE has invested more than $200 million
in the Middle River facility and new program investments. The 200
new jobs will support the development and manufacturing of the
GEnx-2B engine thrust reverser for the Boeing 747-8 commercial
aircraft. "We are creating 200 additional high-tech manufacturing
jobs to support growth in next generation technologies that improve
the fuel efficiency of current and future jet engines that will
power commercial aircraft," continued Patel.
"I join Governor O'Malley and Senator Mikulski to salute GE and
Middle River Aircraft Systems for investing in Maryland's human
capital and creating new jobs in our state," Lt. Governor Brown
said. "We are proud of the partnerships we have forged with the
private sector and look forward to continuing our work with GE and
Middle River Aircraft Systems to strengthen and grow our middle
class."
GE currently employs more than 1,700 people in Maryland at eight
facilities. With the expanded jobs, GE will bring its total
Maryland employment to approximately 2,000 employees across several
facilities including those in Baltimore, Bethesda, Germantown, Glen
Burnie, Hanover, Hunt Valley, Laurel and Silver Spring. The Middle
River Aircraft Systems facility in Baltimore is the focal point for
GE Aviation's efforts and currently employs more than 800
experienced engineering, manufacturing and operations
professionals.
"Here in Maryland, we pride ourselves in having an exceptionally
educated workforce. It is great to see GE and Middle River Aircraft
Systems, a well respected technology company, tapping into this
resource and choosing to grow in Maryland especially in these tough
times. Jobs provide the gasoline that runs our country's economic
engine. When you have a job, you can support your family and your
community," said Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger.
"The new jobs at Middle River Aircraft Systems send a strong
signal that aviation and defense design, engineering and
manufacturing continue to be a vital, growing force in our County
and State economy," stated Baltimore County Executive Jim
Smith.