GE Aviation opens new manufacturing facility in Alabama AUBURN, Ala., April 30 (UPI) -- A new factory for the manufacture of super alloy parts for commercial and military engines has been opened in Alabama by GE Aviation. An opening ceremony for the 300,000-square-foot plant in Auburn, Ala., was Monday at attended by company, city and state officials. "GE Aviation is thrilled to locate an advanced manufacturing operation in Auburn," said David Joyce, president and chief executive officer of GE Aviation. The facility will be involved in highly sophisticated manufacturing processes. We are very grateful to the Alabama leadership in supporting GE on this important economic development project. The plant will produce high-pressure turbine airfoils. The first unit will be delivered this year. The plant will also support GE jet engines already in service. When completed, the facility will represent a $75 million investment by the company, which foresees 50 new employee hires by the end of the year and 300-400 more by the end of the decade.