By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
On Monday GE Aviation opened its new Auburn facility creating 100s of new jobs for people in East Alabama.
Alabama Governor Robert Bentley (R) said on Facebook, “It was exciting to be in Auburn today for the ribbon cutting and grand opening of the GE Aviation Factory. We worked with GE Aviation on the state and local levels, and the end result is that more people will be able to find good, well-pay…ing jobs. In Alabama, we work hard to make a good product and we take pride in what we do. We must never lose sight of the fact that our goal is to help everyone out there who’s looking for a good job to support their family. It’s always a privilege to celebrate more new jobs.”
The Speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives Mike Hubbard (R)f from Auburn said in a written statement, “Yet again, we’re proving that Alabama is THE place to do business. More specifically, Auburn, AL with the opening of the GE Aviation facility today. Our pro-business, pro-private sector focus makes our great state an attractive place for companies to locate.”
Alabama State Senator Gerald Dial (R) said on Facebook, “Great day in Lee Co., as the City of Auburn celebrates the ribbon cutting at the new GE Aviation facility! Great to see Dorris Loveless as a member of the team he is a Clay Co., boy. This will mean jobs for Ala., thanks to Gov. Bentley, a check and thanks to Speaker Hubbard for all your work on this project.”
Representative Hubbard said, “The Auburn GE Aviation facility brings with it a $75M investment and hundreds of jobs. Not to mention, 36% of their current workforce are veterans. I’m proud to have been a part of the opening and look forward to hearing more about the great things GE has in store for HD 79.”
GE Aviation’s 300,000-square-foot manufacturing plant in Auburn’s West Technology Park will produce jet engine parts for both military and commercial aircraft. The plant will hire 50 employees before the end of 2013 and is expected to ramp up to 300 or more by 2020.
Since his election in 2010, Alabama Governor Robert Bentley has made finding more private sector jobs a priority of his administration. Aviation is one area where the state has been successful despite the generally sluggish economy. Alabama landed the Airbus Assembly plant last year and is working hard to lure Airbus suppliers to the state. Commercial Jet recently located a facility in Dothan.
