This article is based on an official press release from RTX.

Pratt & Whitney Invests $200 Million to Expand Georgia Manufacturing Capabilities

Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, has announced a $200 million investment to expand its manufacturing operations in Columbus, Georgia. According to an official company press release issued on February 24, 2026, the investment will fund the addition of a seventh isothermal forging press at the Columbus Forge facility. The expansion is designed to increase the production of critical engine components for both commercial aircraft and military programs.

The aerospace manufacturer stated that the new infrastructure aims to boost the output of rotating compressor and turbine disks by 30%. These components are essential for the Geared Turbofan (GTF) engines used in commercial aviation, as well as the F135 engine that powers the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet. The company expects the new forging press to become operational by 2028.

Strengthening Industrial Capacity

The Columbus Forge facility plays a central role in Pratt & Whitney’s supply chain, producing high-performance parts that must withstand extreme temperatures and stresses. In the press release, Pratt & Whitney President Shane Eddy emphasized the strategic necessity of the expansion.

“This latest investment will increase output of critical parts for our growing military and commercial engine programs and underscores our commitment to supporting customers worldwide.”

The project is expected to initially create 15 new jobs, with further hiring anticipated as operations scale up. This investment builds upon a long-term presence in the region; the company notes it has invested more than $1 billion in its Columbus operations since 2008. The campus currently employs approximately 2,600 workers.

Strategic Context and Recent Growth

This announcement follows a series of recent capital improvements at the Columbus campus. According to RTX, the facility recently completed a $70 million expansion of its GTF Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) center. That project added 81,000 square feet to the facility and increased its annual capacity by more than 25%.

The dual investment in both new manufacturing (forging) and aftermarket services (MRO) highlights the facility’s importance to the broader RTX propulsion portfolio. By locating these capabilities on the same campus, Pratt & Whitney aims to streamline logistics and support the growing global fleet of GTF-powered aircraft and F-35 fighters.

AirPro News Analysis

The decision to add a seventh isothermal forging press signals a focus on resolving supply chain bottlenecks for high-value engine components. Isothermal forging is a specialized process that maintains the workpiece at a constant temperature during shaping, allowing for the production of near-net-shape parts from superalloys. This process is critical for manufacturing the turbine disks that reside at the heart of modern jet engines.

For the aviation industry, this investment addresses a key pinch point. Both the commercial GTF and military F135 programs have faced pressure to ramp up production and sustainment rates. By internalizing more of this specialized forging capacity, RTX appears to be moving to secure its supply of the most difficult-to-manufacture parts, reducing reliance on external factors and potentially improving delivery timelines for airframers and defense customers by the 2028 operational target.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the specific equipment being added?
Pratt & Whitney is adding a seventh isothermal forging press to its Columbus Forge facility.

When will the new capacity be online?
The company expects the new press to be operational in 2028.

Which engine programs benefit from this investment?
The expansion supports the commercial GTF (Geared Turbofan) engine and the military F135 engine, among others.

How much has Pratt & Whitney invested in Columbus recently?
In addition to this $200 million project, the company recently completed a $70 million expansion of its MRO center. Total investment in the site since 2008 exceeds $1 billion.

Sources

• RTX