ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WBTV) – A manufacturing plant expansion is set to create 325 new jobs in Helene-struck Buncombe County.

North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein announced on Tuesday, Jan. 28, that Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, will expand its turbine airfoil manufacturing plant in Asheville.

Officials said the expansion will create over 300 jobs with an average salary of $62,413 for those new positions.

The project is a $285 million investment.

“Western North Carolina’s economy took it on the chin after Hurricane Helene, yet still it remains an incredible place to work and do business,” said Stein. “Pratt & Whitney clearly sees the opportunities in North Carolina and the strength of our highly skilled workforce. We look forward to welcoming them here.”

–> Related: Homeless after Hurricane Helene, families battle delays and frustration with federal aid

Pratt & Whitney‘s Asheville facility, first announced in October 2020, produces high-tech turbine airfoils, an important component in aircraft jet engines. The company’s expansion aims to bulk its production capacity to meet growing consumer demand.

Helene recovery

Since the late September 2024 storm, recovery efforts have been underway across the region.

Hundreds of people died across multiple states — including at least 104 people in N.C. alone. Western N.C. was among the regions hardest hit by heavy rains, strong winds, and disastrous flooding.

More than three months after the storm’s devastation, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services released a comprehensive list of the people killed in the storm. That can be found by clicking here.

–> Related: FEMA, North Carolina gov. say more temporary homes coming to Helene survivors in 2025

President visits Asheville

President Donald Trump visited western N.C. on Friday, Jan. 24, for his first trip since returning to the White House to focus on Helene’s recovery efforts.

During his inaugural address, he mentioned the Tar Heel state.

“Our country can no longer deliver basic services in times of emergency, as recently shown by the wonderful people of North Carolina, who’ve been treated so badly, and other states that are still suffering from a hurricane that took place many months ago,” Trump said during his speech.

During his visit to N.C., Trump spoke with families in Swannanoa and toured the storm’s damage.

–> Related: Trump proposes ‘getting rid of FEMA’ while touring disaster areas

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