GE Aerospace commits €110 million to European expansion
Engine maker targets five countries with production upgrades and plans to hire more than 1,000 workers in 2026
GE Aerospace has outlined plans to invest more than €110 million ($126.6m) across its European manufacturing sites in 2026, targeting production capacity expansion, advanced manufacturing acceleration, and stronger customer delivery across five countries.
A substantial portion of the capital will go toward state-of-the-art engine test cells, advanced machining equipment, additive manufacturing expansion, and building and infrastructure upgrades. The investments will support multiple commercial narrow- and widebody engine programs, as well as military fighter jet and helicopter engines.
The news comes off the back of last week’s announcement of a $1 billion investment in its US operations for 2026, and almost exactly one year on from another $1bn investment Stateside.
European expansion: budget breakdown
Italy will receive the largest allocation at €77m ($88.6m), covering new and upgraded test cells, advanced machining equipment, additive manufacturing expansion, and building improvements across multiple sites. Poland will see €15m ($17.2m) directed toward advanced grinding and machining equipment, welding and inspection tooling, and building improvements.
The UK has been assigned €10m ($11.5m) for test and manufacturing equipment upgrades and expanded electronics and component manufacturing capabilities, Czechia €8m ($9.2m) for precision machining and grinding systems, quality inspection technology, and assembly tooling, and Romania €3m ($3.4m) for metal-cutting machines, tooling, and building upgrades.
“This significant investment reflects our long-term commitment to the European aerospace industry, a crucial market for many of our key customers,” stated Riccardo Procacci, President and Chief Executive Officer, Propulsion & Additive Technologies at GE Aerospace.
“By expanding advanced manufacturing and testing capabilities across Europe, we are better positioned to meet growing customer demand while supporting the communities and economies where we operate.”
In addition to the manufacturing investment, GE Aerospace also plans to invest approximately €40m ($46m) across its European Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) and component repair facilities this year, as part of a global $1bn MRO investment program first outlined in 2024.
Workforce and skills investment
Parallel to its capital programs, GE Aerospace stated it is addressing skills shortages in high-tech industries through workforce training grants to vocational schools in the UK and Italy, with the aim of reaching more than 800 students in 2026. The company is also expanding its Next Engineers program in Warsaw, Poland, which is projected to ultimately reach more than 4,000 students. More than 1,000 new hires are targeted across Europe this year.
“Our commitment extends beyond facilities and equipment; it is equally focused on our people. In an evolving industry, investing in skills, training, and talent pipelines across Europe is not just a tactical necessity but a strategic imperative,” commented Christian Meisner, Chief Human Resources Officer at GE Aerospace.
“We are dedicated to ensuring that the European aerospace sector has the skilled workforce required to innovate, grow, and deliver exceptional value to our customers for decades to come.”
Europe represents GE Aerospace’s largest global footprint outside the US, with operations across 18 countries and approximately 13,000 engineers, innovators, and manufacturers.
