GEA-Ohio gets DoD investment

The Pentagon announced June 10 that five Defense Production Act Title 3 actions designed to sustain defense-critical workforce capabilities in the areas of aircraft and shipbuilding manufacturing, and body armor, according to spokesperson, Lt. Col. Mike Andrews. The actions will assist in retaining critical workforce capabilities disrupted by COVID-19, and to restore some jobs lost because of the pandemic. Among the five actions, DoD has provided a $20M contract investment in support of the Propulsion Defense Industrial Base with GE Aviation. GEA is one of two U.S. suppliers capable of producing large advanced combat engines. This agreement will allow GE Aviation will maintain capability and capacity to mature technologies critical to multiple current and future combat applications. GE Aviation will expand development in advanced manufacturing techniques, including additive manufacturing, promoting advanced material development, and improving digital engineering proficiencies. This will enable GEA to retain critical workforce capabilities and to sustain engineering positions put at risk during the pandemic. The GEA plant in Evendale, Ohio, will be able to preserve more than 100 design and mechanical engineers, representing numerous critical engineering skillsets and emerging technology expertise. The DPA Title III investment will strengthen a vital, domestic supplier of defense articles and a critical workforce in Evendale. (Source: DoD 06/10/20) MISSISSIPPI NOTE: Although not specifically named as a part of this action, GEA has two plants in Mississippi at Batesville and Ellisville; and in Auburn, Ala. At Batesville, the GEA plant produce composite components for military engines, including components for the F136 engine for the Joint Strike Fighter program. Ellisville produces composite parts for two new engine programs: LEAP™ jet and Passport™ engines. https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Releases/Release/Article/2214497/dod-announces-135-million-in-defense-production-act-title-3-covid-19-actions/source/GovDelivery/