Pratt & Whitney, a business of RTX, has announced a $200 million expansion of its operations in Columbus, Georgia. The investment is expected to create 15 new jobs initially, with additional positions anticipated in the future. Governor Brian P. Kemp joined Pratt & Whitney President Shane Eddy, Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson, and other officials to mark both the new investment and the completion of a previous expansion that was announced in 2023. That earlier project added nearly 400 jobs and expanded the Columbus Engine Center by 81,000 square feet.
“Pratt & Whitney’s decision to invest in Georgia immediately after just completing another major expansion is an incredible testament to how companies that operate in our state find reliable, ongoing, and long-term success,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “Throughout its more than forty years in Columbus, Pratt & Whitney has been a valued partner and driver of the impact our aerospace industry is delivering statewide. We’re grateful that this partnership will only continue to grow and flourish, benefiting this cutting-edge job creator, the people of Columbus, and all of Georgia.”
The Pratt & Whitney facility in Columbus opened in 1984 and includes both the Columbus Engine Center and Columbus Forge on one campus. The Engine Center maintains GTF engines for Airbus A320neo aircraft family, Airbus A220, Embraer E-Jets E2 as well as supporting F117 engines for Boeing C-17 Globemaster III and F100 engines for McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle and Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft. The Forge produces components such as compressor airfoils along with compressor and turbine disks for commercial and military engines including those used on the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighter.
“Over the past four decades and with the support of the Columbus community, state, and Governor, Pratt & Whitney’s presence in Georgia has grown from a small manufacturing facility to a state-of-the-art manufacturing and overhaul center, employing 2,600 dedicated people focused on our mission: to connect and protect our world,” said Pratt & Whitney President Shane Eddy. “Since 2008, we have invested more than $1 billion to continue expanding the footprint and capabilities of our Columbus facility. This latest investment will increase output of critical parts for our growing military and commercial engine programs and underscores our ongoing commitment to ramp industrial capacity to support our customers.”
The two facilities are located at 8987 Macon Road (Engine Center) and 8801 Macon Road (Forge), with construction on this latest expansion expected to finish by 2028.
Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson expressed gratitude toward Pratt & Whitney’s continued commitment: “We want to thank Pratt & Whitney for their continued faith in the Columbus community and the Valley region,” he said. “We appreciate Governor Kemp, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, and Choose Columbus’ help in getting this across the finish line. Pratt & Whitney has been such an outstanding community partner, and we look forward to continuing to grow that relationship.”
Chairman Selvin Hollingsworth from Development Authority of Columbus highlighted regional benefits: “We are excited to celebrate Pratt & Whitney’s additional capital investment and the creation of high-quality jobs,” he said. “This project underscores the strength of our region’s advanced manufacturing sector and the power of partnership in driving economic growth. Together we are building a stronger future for Columbus GA.”
Regional Project Manager Christy Bozeman represented Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Global Commerce team during this competitive project alongside partners like Development Authority of Columbus; Georgia Power; Georgia Quick Start.
“Pratt & Whitney’s continued growth in Columbus proves that investing in workforce initiatives is the most important factor for long-term success of companies in Georgia,” stated GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Pratt & Whitney was an early beneficiary of Georgia Quick Start—a partner they have engaged with for nearly every expansion or major investment over their decades-long relationship. By working with education partners—and local communities such as Columbus Technical College—Georgia offers solutions that support decades’ worth accomplishments milestones like today.”
According to information from the official website, Georgia State Executive leads government operations within Atlanta at locations such as Governor’s Mansion while providing public services throughout state administration as part executive branch responsibilities.The Government also supports international economic development through representation offices abroad.
For career opportunities at Pratt & Whitney visit www.prattwhitney.com/en/careers/careers-hub.
About Pratt & Whitney:
Pratt & Whitney designs manufactures services aircraft engines auxiliary power units serving military commercial civil aviation since 1925 supporting over ninety thousand active engines globally through maintenance repair overhaul network.
