Pratt & Whitney invests $100M to expand Rzeszów facility by 2028

This article is based on an official press release from Pratt & Whitney (RTX).

Pratt & Whitney, a subsidiary of RTX, has announced a $100 million investment to expand its manufacturing facility in Rzeszów, Poland. According to the company’s press release, the funding will be directed toward increasing production capacity and adding advanced manufacturing capabilities to meet the surging global demand for both commercial aircraft and military aircraft engines.

The expansion will specifically support the production of the Pratt & Whitney GTF™, F135, and F100 engines. By bolstering its European footprint, the aerospace manufacturer aims to alleviate supply chain pressures and accelerate the delivery of critical engine components to its global customer base.

This strategic move in Poland is part of a broader capital expenditure plan by RTX to enhance its global manufacturing network. The new capabilities are expected to be fully operational by 2028, marking a significant milestone in the company’s long-term production strategy.

Expanding Capabilities in Rzeszów

Specialized Processing for Forged Parts

The core of the $100 million investment involves the construction of a new facility at the existing Rzeszów site. Based on the official announcement, this new building will house specialized equipment dedicated to processing isothermally forged parts.

Key operations within the new facility will include advanced heat treatment, sonic machining, and rigorous inspection processes. These capabilities are essential for manufacturing high-stress engine components, ensuring they meet the stringent safety and performance standards required for modern aviation.

Global Production Network and Output Goals

Synergies with U.S. Investments

The Rzeszów expansion does not exist in a vacuum. The press release notes that this European investment directly follows and supports a recently announced $200 million capital injection at Pratt & Whitney’s Columbus Forge facility in Georgia, United States. That U.S.-based project centers on the installation of a seventh isothermal forging press.

Together, these synchronized capital projects are projected to yield a 30 percent increase in the output of critical engine parts, specifically rotating compressor and turbine disks. The company anticipates that both the U.S. and Polish expansions will be fully operational by 2028.

“This investment reflects our continued commitment to increase production capacity for our customers and deliver more, faster,” stated Piotr Owsicki, general manager of Pratt & Whitney in Rzeszów, in the company’s release. “Expanding our presence in Poland allows us to build the strategic capabilities needed to produce key technologies for advanced commercial and military aircraft engines across both current and future platforms.”

RTX’s Strategic Footprint in Poland

A Major Hub Outside the United States

Poland has emerged as a critical operational hub for RTX. According to the company’s figures, Poland represents RTX’s largest investment and employee base outside of the United States. The aerospace and defense conglomerate currently employs more than 9,400 people across its Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon divisions within the country.

Pratt & Whitney’s Polish sites are integral to the company’s advanced manufacturing and technology development. The facilities are responsible for producing critical components such as the GTF fan drive gear system, F100 static structures, and essential parts for the F135 engine, alongside work on turboprops and auxiliary power units.

AirPro News analysis

We view this $100 million investment as a necessary step for Pratt & Whitney to address ongoing industry-wide supply chain bottlenecks. By pairing the $200 million forging press investment in Georgia with this $100 million processing facility in Poland, RTX is creating a streamlined, transatlantic pipeline for critical engine components. The targeted 30 percent increase in compressor and turbine disk output by 2028 should provide much-needed relief to both commercial airlines waiting on GTF engines and military operators relying on the F135 and F100 platforms. Furthermore, leveraging the existing, highly skilled workforce of 9,400 RTX employees in Poland minimizes the friction typically associated with standing up new advanced manufacturing capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is Pratt & Whitney investing in the Rzeszów facility?

According to the company’s announcement, Pratt & Whitney is investing $100 million in the Rzeszów, Poland site.

When will the new facility be fully operational?

The new capabilities in Poland, along with the related expansion in the U.S., are expected to be fully operational by 2028.

What engines will benefit from this expansion?

The expansion will support the production of the Pratt & Whitney GTF™, F135, and F100 engines.

Sources: Pratt & Whitney (RTX) Press Release