ROCKFORD, IL — GE Aerospace announced will invest $1 billion in its U.S. manufacturing sites and suppliers in 2026, including $2 million into its Rockford-area location and $9 million in Illinois.
The investment at its Loves Park location where GE Aerospace produces components for military and commercial aircraft will upgrade its capabilities and make building improvements, according to a news release.
“Whether it’s fighter jets, helicopters or commercial aircraft, the work we do keeps them mission-ready,” said Greg Cobb, site leader for GE Aerospace in Rockford. “We are all in on US manufacturing, Rockford and our customers.”
The investments are part its plans for upgrades in 30 communities in 17 states, the release said.
GE Aerospace also plans to hire 5,000 U.S. workers for both manufacturing and engineering roles this year. Those hires will come after the company added 5,000 employees last year.
Since 2024, GE Aerospace has announced $2.5 billion worth of investments across its U.S. manufacturing sites and supplier base, including about $600 million in sites producing defense engines.
“Maintaining U.S. aerospace leadership requires sustained investment in our people, our facilities, and the technologies that will define the future of flight,” GE Aerospace Chairman and CEO H. Lawrence Culp, Jr. said in the release. “This investment is for our customers, our communities, and our country.”
Jeff Kolkey writes about government, economic development and other issues for the Rockford Register Star. He can be reached via email at jkolkey@rrstar.com and on X @jeffkolkey.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: GE Aerospace to invest $2 million in Rockford-area plant
Reporting by Jeff Kolkey, Rockford Register Star / Rockford Register Star
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