GE Aerospace to invest $32 million into Rutland site

RUTLAND, Vt. —

An investment of nearly $32 million will be going to a GE Aerospace facility in Rutland, according to an announcement made this week. The money will be spent on new machines and upgrading others.

Precision equipment and specialized tooling will also be purchased, according to the company. The tooling will produce parts for narrow body, wide body, military helicopter and fighter jet engines. 

GE Aerospace said they are planning to hire 5,000 workers nationally. Currently, there are over 1,000 people employed at Rutland site and 20 positions are open. 

The Chamber and Economic Development for the Rutland Region said the investment is a benefit to the area’s economy.

“We think about two things when we hear about investment: One, that there is demand and two, that they believe that the supply can be met right here in Rutland, which tells us a couple of things,” CEDRR Executive Director Lyle Jepson said. 

The investment goes beyond the company itself, as employees offer business in other parts of Rutland. Hand Carved by Ernie, a sandwich shop in downtown Rutland, said workers from GE are part of their clientele. 

“Everybody works together in some fashion, some manner. We have great support from their company, their employees visit here and patrons at our business,” owner Jennifer Walker said.