GE Aviation has announced the creation of 105 new jobs and a capital investment of $60 million at its Ashe County facility. The expansion will transition machining work at the plant from a “roughing” to a “finishing” operation, which will also require retraining for incumbent workers. The purpose of this grant is to provide funding to Wilkes Community College to upgrade its training capabilities in machining. Both new hires and incumbents will train in high-tech machining of rotating parts for jet engines. Training for both groups will include CNC concepts, projects on lathes and mills, and metrology. The training is relevant to GE and other local industries, including AEV and Leviton Manufacturing and will be incorporated into other educational programs at the college. Golden LEAF funds will be used for equipment and installation.
