COLUMBIA, S.C. — General Electric has broken ground for an advanced manufacturing facility in Greenville, South Carolina.
GE Power & Water President and CEO Steve Bolze on Tuesday announced the construction of the $73 million facility that will create more than 80 high tech jobs. The plant is expected to open late next year.
GE also plans to invest $400 million over the next 10 years in Greenville to expand its manufacturing. The multinational conglomerate has operated in Greenville since 1968 and employs more than 3,000.
Jeff Connelly, vice president of Global Supply Chain for GE Power and Water, said the new space will help in the development of new technology and help get products such as wind turbines and gas engines to the market quicker.
Connelly said the facility’s combined use of high-tech software and hardware will specifically allow GE to send engineering designs and information instantaneously to their factory floor and suppliers.
Gov. Nikki Haley and Sens. Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott also spoke at the ceremonial groundbreaking.
Haley said Greenville has a long standing relationship with GE and welcomes the new facility.
“Manufacturing innovation is integral to economic progression,” Haley said. “I am delighted that South Carolina has the infrastructure and skilled workforce that enables GE to shape the future of work.”
Sen. Scott also welcomed the announcement.
“The Upstate continues to be at the epicenter of South Carolina’s manufacturing renaissance, as our state is home to a well-trained workforce that is eager to produce world-class products,” Scott said. “GE’s commitment is a great sign for the future of our state’s economy.”
