Employment Will reach 1,000 Over The Next Year

Middle River Aircraft Systems says that it is expanding its employment by 200 new jobs in the state of Maryland - bringing the company's employment at its Middle River facility in Baltimore to more than 1,000 over the next year.

"We have an 80-year lineage in Baltimore and have a great partnership with Maryland. We want to accelerate our growth in the State," said Sagar Patel, president, Mechanical Systems for GE Aviation, Middle River Aircraft System's parent company, in annuncing the plan Tuesday. "There are a number of talented, experienced professionals in the Maryland workforce and recent college graduates with strong advanced technology and manufacturing capabilities. Growth in Maryland means growth for GE and this growth also flows out to local suppliers who support our business." Patel was joined at the event announcing the jobs by U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski, Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown and Gene Hans, president, UAW local 738.

"Today's (Tuesday's) announcement was about jobs, jobs, jobs. Jobs here in Maryland, where they mean economic security for more Maryland families," Senator Mikulski said. "The old saying goes, a country that doesn't make something, can't make something of itself. In order to return to a strong economy that creates jobs, we have to have more manufacturing like the kind we saw today at the Middle River Aircraft Systems plant. I am so proud of the GE workers and leaders who worked hard to make this expansion possible."

"It is great news to have such a world leader in innovation as GE and Middle River Aircraft Systems, who are hiring up to 200 new employees, continue to expand in Maryland," Governor Martin O'Malley said. "It's businesses like Middle River Aircraft Systems that help in our efforts to create jobs, protect jobs, empower small businesses, and defend the hard-won progress of Maryland's hard-working families."

In the last five years, GE has invested more than $200 million in the Middle River facility and new program investments. The 200 new jobs will support the development and manufacturing of the GEnx-2B engine thrust reverser for the Boeing 747-8 commercial aircraft. "We are creating 200 additional high-tech manufacturing jobs to support growth in next generation technologies that improve the fuel efficiency of current and future jet engines that will power commercial aircraft," continued Patel.

"I join Governor O'Malley and Senator Mikulski to salute GE and Middle River Aircraft Systems for investing in Maryland's human capital and creating new jobs in our state," Lt. Governor Brown said. "We are proud of the partnerships we have forged with the private sector and look forward to continuing our work with GE and Middle River Aircraft Systems to strengthen and grow our middle class."

GE currently employs more than 1,700 people in Maryland at eight facilities. With the expanded jobs, GE will bring its total Maryland employment to approximately 2,000 employees across several facilities including those in Baltimore, Bethesda, Germantown, Glen Burnie, Hanover, Hunt Valley, Laurel and Silver Spring. The Middle River Aircraft Systems facility in Baltimore is the focal point for GE Aviation's efforts and currently employs more than 800 experienced engineering, manufacturing and operations professionals.

"Here in Maryland, we pride ourselves in having an exceptionally educated workforce. It is great to see GE and Middle River Aircraft Systems, a well respected technology company, tapping into this resource and choosing to grow in Maryland especially in these tough times. Jobs provide the gasoline that runs our country's economic engine. When you have a job, you can support your family and your community," said Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger.

"The new jobs at Middle River Aircraft Systems send a strong signal that aviation and defense design, engineering and manufacturing continue to be a vital, growing force in our County and State economy," stated Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith.

FMI: www.mras-usa.com/jobs/index.html