GE Breaks Ground on $400 Million Power & Water Advanced Manufacturing Facility in Greenville, SC

GREENVILLE, S.C. - June 10, 2014 - PRLog -- In a move to strengthen GE’s Power & Water technical capabilities for customers across the globe, General Electric today broke ground on a new state-of-the-art Power & Water Advanced Manufacturing Facility in Greenville, South Carolina, announcing plans to invest $400 million over the next ten years in Greenville to expand the company’s advanced manufacturing capabilities.

This first-of-its-kind facility will serve as an incubator for innovative advanced manufacturing process development and rapid prototyping. By developing new techniques and production processes in close proximity to Power & Water’s established manufacturing operation on the Greenville campus, GE will be able to design, test, iterate and bring its products to market quicker than ever.

GE Power & Water President and CEO Steve Bolze, South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, Senator Lindsey Graham, Senator Tim Scott and County Council Chairman Bob Taylor attended a ribbon cutting ceremony at the site of the facility, which will open in 2015 and create more than 80 jobs.

“The Advanced Manufacturing Facility represents another major GE investment in expanding our Power & Water technologies and our ongoing investment in South Carolina, which began in 1968,” said GE Power & Water President and CEO Steve Bolze.  “The facility will serve as a cornerstone for generating prototypes of new components that will enable GE to launch new products and technologies that drive technical innovation to compete in high-growth markets. The advanced manufacturing techniques that are developed in South Carolina will increase product speed to market, benefiting our global customer base. GE’s innovation will power the world.”

GE has more than 3000 employees in Greenville, and in the past five years alone has invested more than $500 million to bolster critical manufacturing activities housed in the Greenville County Power & Water campus.  The company has established valuable relationships with local community schools, universities and technical programs to develop new technologies and create a system to support those who are passionate about growing with the industry.

South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley said, “The Greenville community has a long standing relationship with GE, and it welcomes the new Power & Water Advanced Manufacturing Facility. Manufacturing innovation is integral to economic progression and I am delighted that South Carolina has the infrastructure and skilled workforce that enables GE to shape the future of work.”

“An investment of this size in our state is a reminder that South Carolina’s skilled workforce and business-friendly atmosphere are keys to our economic success. The opening of this new facility also reflects our on-going partnership with GE as they continue to grow and add jobs within our state. They had the opportunity to expand anywhere in the world and they chose South Carolina – for that we are honored and we look forward to their continued growth with us for years to come,” noted Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.

GE began its Greenville County operations in 1968 with the creation of a 340,000 square foot manufacturing site.  Today, Greenville County is home to GE Power & Water’s Power Generation Products Engineering, Renewables Engineering and Chief Engineer’s Office, and has grown to more than one million square feet of factory and offices creating products that serve GE customers worldwide.

“GE’s decision to locate this state-of-the-art advanced manufacturing center here is a direct result of having national caliber talent available for growth, an attractive and pro-business community, and the commitment of state and local officials who embrace their vision,” said Dr. Bob Taylor, Board Member of the Greenville Area Development Corporation and Chairman of Greenville County Council. “We celebrate their brilliant decision to grow and prosper here in Greenville County.”

“GE is a leader in the global manufacturing community and a major contributor to our region’s reputation as a hub for innovation, technology and advanced manufacturing as well,” said Dick Wilkerson, Chairman of the Greenville Area Development Corporation. “We salute their commitment to growing and advancing their presence here in Greenville County.”