ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Pratt & Whitney, a global aerospace manufacturer, is expanding its manufacturing operations in Asheville, according to a release from North Carolina Governor Josh Stein.

On Tuesday, Gov. Stein announced that the company will add 325 new jobs in Buncombe County by expanding its turbine airfoil manufacturing plant.

This expansion project will include an additional investment of $285 million in Asheville.

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Gov. Stein released the following statement via a release from his office:

“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. Pratt & Whitney clearly sees the opportunities in North Carolina and the strength of our highly skilled workforce. We look forward to welcoming them here.”

Clark Duncan, senior vice president of economic development with the Asheville Chamber of Commerce, said this is a tremendous boost of confidence for the ongoing economic recovery in the region.

“This is economic mobility for 1,100 families in our community. But more importantly, it’s a side of optimism for our community from a Fortune 500 organization that’s committed to a bright future here,” Duncan said.

Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines and auxiliary power units.

The company’s Asheville facility was first announced back in October 2020 to produce high-tech turbine airfoils, which is an important component in aircraft jet engines. The facility opened in the fall of 2022 and since that point, Duncan said Pratt & Whitney hired over 800 local residents.

This new project will expand its production capacity to meet growing customer demand.

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Asheville General Manager Dan Field stated the following via release:

“We would like to thank the state, Buncombe County and Governor Stein for their support on this project. This latest round of investment allows us to add critical process elements for the manufacture of turbine airfoils and increase the overall delivery output of this facility, enabling us to deliver on our customer commitments while creating hundreds of new jobs in the Asheville community.

The average salary for the new positions will be $62,413, compared to the average wage in Buncombe County of $55,416. These new positions will bring an annual payroll impact to the community of more than $20 million per year.

To learn more about the career opportunities at Pratt & Whitney, visit their website.