GE Aerospace bets big on Ohio's aviation future
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A photo of the Boeing 747 Flying Test Bed, which GE Aerospace uses to test its newest engines. The aircraft came to CVG earlier this year. Photo: Courtesy of GE Aerospace
Cincinnati-based GE Aerospace is calling its massive acquisition of a fellow Ohio aerospace and defense manufacturer a "strong signal for the local aviation industry."
Why it matters: It's a $11.75 billion bet on booming demand for aircraft engines and the specialized parts needed to build them.
- Pending regulatory approval, the acquisition of Cleveland's Consolidated Precision Products will bring two major Ohio aerospace companies under one roof — and give GE greater control over a critical part of its supply chain.
State of play: CPP makes highly engineered castings for commercial and military aircraft, defense systems and industrial gas turbines.
- GE needs more of what CPP makes, as castings and forgings have become a major supply-chain constraint for engine makers.
- GE expects demand for airfoils, including turbine blades and vanes, to grow more than 30% by 2030.
- Buying CPP would give GE more control over that capacity as it ramps up production.
Zoom in: It would also further deepen GE's manufacturing footprint in its home state.
- CPP employs about 6,600 people across more than 20 facilities, including operations in Cleveland and several of its suburbs.
- GE says it has invested more than $160 million in Ohio in 2026, including $115 million in Cincinnati alone.
- The company plans to invest in CPP, expand production and likely add jobs, though it hasn't said how many or where.
What they're saying: "This (transaction) represents an investment in our customers, a strong signal for the local aviation industry," GE spokesperson Chelsey Levingston says.
- "We're continuing to invest in our manufacturing base here in Cincinnati and greater Ohio and this is the latest example of that. "
- CPP CEO James Stewart noted in a statement that "GE Aerospace has expressed strong enthusiasm for supporting our continued growth and expanded vision."
What's next: The deal is expected to close in the second half of 2027, pending regulatory approval.
Zoom out: This marks the latest major investment strengthening Ohio's long-held ties to the aviation industry.
- Defense manufacturer Beehive Industries announced a $70 million Southwest Ohio investment that will add more than 200 jobs.
- Electra, a hybrid-electric aircraft maker, is investing $850 million in Springfield and creating 1,975 jobs at its first production facility.