GE Aviation, Praxair Open Jet Engine Coatings Facility in Mississippi

GE Aviation and Praxair have opened a new facility in Ellisville, Mississippi, for their PG Technologies business, which specializes in producing advanced coatings that enable jet engines to withstand higher temperatures and stresses.

PG Technologies is a joint venture between Praxair Surface Technologies Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Praxair Inc., and GE Aviation. The new 300,000-square-foot facility is expected to employ at least 250 people to meet demand for the latest generation of jet engines, including the GE9X and the CFM LEAP.

“We are pleased to open a world-class coatings facility in Ellisville that will house the next generation of coating technologies and applications for the aviation industry,” says Praxair chairman and CEO Steve Angel. “PG Technologies is a direct result of the long-standing and highly successful commercial relationship we have enjoyed with GE for over 20 years, and we look forward to driving steady growth in the business while supporting GE Aviation’s needs.”

Derek Hileman, PG Technologies managing director, adds: “We are excited to enter this next phase of our strategic plan. Our new facility in Ellisville will provide exceptional products, technology and service to GE Aviation with PG Technologies’ advanced coating capabilities.”

Tony Aiello, vice president and general manager for GE Aviation’s global supply chain, notes that “the coating technology at this new facility is vital to enabling us to meet the demands of our customers, who expect industry-leading performance from GE Aviation. The engine components delivered from this plant will be in service for decades to come with our more than 400 airline customers all around the world.”

CFM is a 50/50 joint venture between GE Aviation and France’s SAFRAN.