Pratt & Whitney, a business under RTX, announced a $200 million investment to expand its operations in Columbus, Georgia. The expansion will create an initial 15 new jobs, with the potential for more positions in the future. Governor Brian P. Kemp was joined by Pratt & Whitney President Shane Eddy, Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson, and other officials to mark both this new investment and the completion of a previous expansion that began in 2023. That earlier project added almost 400 jobs and expanded the facility 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 company’s Columbus site includes both the Engine Center and Forge facilities on one campus. The Engine Center services GTF engines used on several aircraft models including Airbus A320neo family jets as well as military engines such as those powering the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III and F-15 Eagle. The Forge produces parts like compressor airfoils for various commercial and military engines.
“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 separate addresses on Macon Road in Columbus. The current expansion is expected to be completed by 2028.
Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson thanked all involved parties for supporting economic development efforts: “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 the Development Authority of Columbus highlighted regional growth: “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’s Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) Global Commerce team during this project along with other partners such as Georgia Power.
“Pratt & Whitney’s continued growth in Columbus proves that investing in workforce initiatives is the most important factor for the long-term success of companies in Georgia,” said 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 our education partners and local communities such as Columbus Technical College and Columbus-Muscogee County, Georgia offers solutions that support decades of accomplishments and milestones like today.”
The Georgia State Executive leads government operations within its executive branch based out of Atlanta at locations including the Governor’s Mansion. It also maintains international offices such as one established in Japan since 1973 aimed at economic development abroad (source). Through these efforts—providing governance oversight as detailed on their official website—the administration supports public services throughout Georgia.
For career opportunities at Pratt & Whitney’s expanding operation visit www.prattwhitney.com/en/careers/careers-hub.
About Pratt & Whitney:
Pratt & Whitney is recognized globally for designing aircraft engines serving military as well as civil aviation markets since its founding nearly a century ago.
