GE Opens New Pennsylvania Facility to Train in Advanced Manufacturing

Expansion Management

GE Opens New Pennsylvania Facility to Increase Advanced Manufacturing Training

Nov. 12, 2014

“Advanced manufacturing is driving a profound change in industry and at GE,” said Dan Heintzelman, GE vice chairman. “It is how we will compete and win in the future. "

Adrienne Selko

In an effort to drive implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies across its manufacturing footprint, GE (IW 500/7) announced on November 12 that is building a new facility just outside of Pittsburgh.

GE will invest $32 million over three years which will result in the creation of 50 high-tech engineering jobs initially, in disciplines ranging from mechanical and electrical to systems and software engineering. These technologists will join GE’s global network of 50,000 world-class scientists, engineers, and skilled labor personnel.

“Advanced manufacturing is driving a profound change in industry and at GE,” said Dan Heintzelman, GE vice chairman. “It is how we will compete and win in the future. We can more efficiently invent and build products for our customers, while driving better margins for our investors. This new facility is crucial for bringing advanced manufacturing technology to all our businesses.”

The facility will focus on improving capabilities and usage of additive manufacturing across GE while advancing materials sciences and inspection technologies. The site was chosen to “capitalize on the renowned academic institutions and skilled workforce in the area,” the company said. Construction is expected to begin in March 2015 to be completed by September 2015.

Pennsylvania is already home to more than 8,500 GE employees with significant presence from GE’s Transportation, Power & Water, Oil & Gas and Energy Management business.

GE has been investing in the U.S over the past two years establishing new Advanced Manufacturing locations for GE Power & Water in Greenville, SC; GE Aviation in Asheville, N.C. and GE Oil & Gas in Jacksonville, Fla.; while expanding work in GE Aviation in Auburn, Ala. and improving manufacturing at GE Aviation in Rutland, Vermont.

About the Author

Adrienne Selko | Senior Editor

Focus: Workforce, Talent

Follow Me on Twitter: @ASelkoIW

Bio: Adrienne Selko has written about many topics over the 17 years she has been with the publication and currently focuses on workforce development strategies. Previously Adrienne was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck? which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics and EHS Today.

Editorial mission statement: Manufacturing is the enviable position of creating products, processes and policies that solve the world’s problems. When the industry stepped up to manufacture what was necessary to combat the pandemic, it revealed its true nature. My goal is to showcase the sector’s ability to address a broad range of workforce issues including technology, training, diversity & inclusion, with a goal of enticing future generations to join this amazing sector.

Why I find manufacturing interesting: On my first day working for a company that made medical equipment such as MRIs, I toured the plant floor. On every wall was a photo of a person, mostly children. I asked my supervisor why this was the case and he said that the work we do at this company has saved these people’s lives. “We never forget how important our work is and everyone’s contribution to that.” From that moment on I was hooked on manufacturing.

I have talked with many people in this field who have transformed their own career development to assist others. For example, companies are hiring those with disabilities, those previously incarcerated and other talent pools that have been underutilized. I have talked with leaders who have brought out the best in their workforce, as well as employees doing their best work while doing good for the world.