Pratt & Whitney, a division of Raytheon Technologies, said it plans to invest around US$650 million until 2027 for a turbine airfoil production facility in Asheville, North Carolina, as the manufacturer aims to modernise and transform its operations with cutting-edge technologies. 

Also read: Pratt & Whitney unveils intelligent factory strategy

The 1,000,000-square-foot facility will house an advanced casting foundry for the production of turbine airfoils, including machining, coating and finishing onsite. 

“Turbine airfoils are a critical component across our engine portfolio and demand will increase significantly as the market recovers over the next several years. We need to invest today to ensure that we have the infrastructure, production capabilities and workforce in place to meet future market demand and provide the best products to our customers worldwide,” said Chris Calio, president of Pratt & Whitney. 

Pratt & Whitney said the state-of-the-art facility will implement technologies and processes using industry 4.0 manufacturing principles and should complement the same turbine airfoil work done across other facilities. More than 800 new jobs are expected through 2027 for the people of Buncombe County. 

“Manufacturers know they can count on our strong workforce, our innovation and our leadership in uncertain times,” said North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper. 

“North Carolina’s leadership in aerospace may have started with the Wright Brothers, but make no mistake, this industry is a vibrant part of our state’s modern economy, as today’s announcement proves,” added North Carolina Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland.