GE Aerospace has announced a £30 million investment to expand and modernise its Prestwick site in Scotland, “strengthening capacity and operational flow to better support customers across its commercial engine Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) network.”
The investment is supported by £27 million from the Ayrshire Growth Deal along with a planned £6 million investment from Scottish Enterprise.
“Together, the planned £57 million investment will support site development, enabling works and fit-out, helping prepare Prestwick for future growth, long-term customer demand and the creation of around 150 jobs at the site,” said GE Aerospace.
“This investment reflects GE Aerospace’s commitment to our customers and to the future of our Prestwick site,” said Andy Prow, Site Leader, GE Aerospace in Prestwick.
“By expanding and modernising the facility with the help of government partners, we are improving capacity, operational flow and readiness for future demand, while helping hire and train additional workers from the area …
“A central part of the expansion is a new 55,000 sq. ft building. The investment will help improve site layout, logistics, access and operational flow, creating the capacity needed to support future demand. The project is being delivered on an accelerated schedule, with full operations targeted for Q1 2028 …
“Public sector support reflects the importance of aerospace to Scotland’s economy and confidence in the future of the Prestwick site. The £27 million in public funding will support site development, enabling works and facility fit-out.”
South Ayrshire Council leader Brian Connolly said: “This is a major milestone for the Ayrshire Growth Deal, which will significantly benefit South Ayrshire and the wider Scottish economy.
“The investment will retain high value skilled jobs, attract talent to the sector and reinforce Prestwick’s position as a leading UK aerospace location, while creating attractive career opportunities for future generations in local STEM industries.”
The Scottish Government’s Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth said: “This major expansion of GE Aerospace’s operations at Prestwick is a real boost for the local economy, helping to create almost new 150 jobs.
“It is also a vote of confidence in Scotland’s workforce, and our support for this expansion clearly demonstrates our commitment to build on the strengths of our advanced manufacturing and engineering sectors, as well as stressing the importance of the aerospace sector.
“Through our £103 million commitment to the Ayrshire Growth Deal, we will continue to work with partners to help transform and strengthen regional economic activity, creating good jobs and supporting growth in Scotland.”
Reuben Aitken, Managing Director, Investment & International at Scottish Enterprise, said: “GE Aerospace’s investment builds on decades of engineering expertise at Prestwick and the site’s role within its global operations.
“By expanding capacity and enhancing productivity, it will strengthen the site’s competitiveness, increase its already significant contribution to Scotland’s exports and create new opportunities for skilled workers.
“It’s a strong endorsement of the people, skills and capabilities that exist in Ayrshire, while reinforcing Scotland’s reputation as an attractive destination for international investment in aerospace.”
Of the Ayrshire Growth Deal investment, £18 million is from the UK Government, £8 million from the Scottish Government and £1 million from South Ayrshire Council.
UK Government Minister for Scotland Melanie Ward said: “With more than £18 million of UK Government funding we are unlocking private sector investment, boosting skilled jobs and helping drive good growth in every Scottish postcode.
“In total the UK Government is investing £32 million through the Ayrshire Growth Deal into the Prestwick Aerospace Cluster. This will help deliver a long-term future for Prestwick Airport, ensure the region is a leading UK hub for the sector and provide the next generation of Scottish engineers with a world-class career path right on their doorstep.”