Announces New Turbine Components Plant In West Jefferson

Smiths Aerospace says it will invest $44 million in a new turbine engine components facility in West Jefferson, North Carolina. Smiths says the investment is underpinned by long range contracts from key customers. The new facility expands Smiths workforce in North Carolina to nearly 400, with the opportunity to double its growth within five years. In addition to West Jefferson (which will initially employ 100 people), Smiths has a second aerospace engine components business in Asheville, NC, with 295 employees.

The new facility is being built to accommodate the growing demand from Smiths' customers and an increased need for precision manufactured turbine engine components for all major military and civil aircraft and engine manufacturers.

"We are pleased to grow our business in North Carolina which offers a skilled and competitive work force with excellent community college training programs," said Dr. Peter Wright, President of Smiths Aerospace Components. "This new facility will be in close proximity to our existing site in Asheville and provides for the consistent flow of processes and best practices between the two operations." Smiths Aerospace Components - Asheville has earned a global reputation for its excellence in machining complex aircraft engine components and has grown revenue four fold during the past 10 years.

The new 128,000 square foot facility is located at 4 The Professional Drive in West Jefferson and will support employees who manufacture precision engine components, with first shipments anticipated in February 2006.

FMI: www.smiths-aerospace.com