GE Aerospace to Pump in $53M to Upgrade West Jefferson Facility

GE Aerospace GE recently committed to invest approximately $53 million over a span of three years to expand its North Carolina-based West Jefferson facility by more than 35,000 square feet. This expansion will generate more than 40 additional jobs at the facility.Inside the HeadlinesThe West Jefferson facility currently manufactures components for CFM LEAP engines, including blisks, rotating parts, turbines and spools. With the new project, GE plans to increase the production capacity for narrowbody aircraft engines at the facility as demand continues to rise. To meet higher production needs, the company plans to hire machinists, inspectors and engineers.It Is worth noting that the state of North Carolina will provide funding of $100,000 through the One North Carolina Fund grant to support the expansion of West Jefferson facility. Ashe County, Ashe County Job Development Inc. and the Town of West Jefferson will also provide $1 million to support the project. The investment will strengthen GE Aerospace’s presence in advanced manufacturing and aerospace industry.GE’s Zacks Rank & Price PerformanceGE Aerospace is benefiting from strength in its businesses, driven by robust demand for commercial engines, propulsion and additive technologies. Rising U.S. & international defense budgets, geopolitical tensions, positive airline and airframer dynamics and robust demand for commercial air travel augur well for the company.The company currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). In the past six months, GE’s shares have gained 26.3% compared with the industry’s 8.3% growth.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchHowever, GE Aerospace has been dealing with high costs and expenses related to certain projects and restructuring activities, which are likely to affect its margins and profitability. Supply-chain disruptions may also result in delays and increased costs.Stocks to ConsiderSome better-ranked companies are discussed below:Crane Company CR currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.CR delivered a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 9.3%. In the past 60 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Crane’s 2025 earnings has increased 2.9%.Ferguson Enterprises Inc. FERG currently carries a Zacks Rank of 2. FERG delivered a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 7.7%.In the past 60 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Ferguson’s fiscal 2026 earnings has increased 1.3%.Parker-Hannifin Corporation PH presently carries a Zacks Rank of 2. PH delivered a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 6.2%.In the past 60 days, the consensus estimate for Parker-Hannifin’s fiscal 2026 earnings has increased 4%.Beyond Nvidia: AI's Second Wave Is HereThe AI revolution has already minted millionaires. But the stocks everyone knows about aren't likely to keep delivering the biggest profits. Little-known AI firms tackling the world's biggest problems may be more lucrative in the coming months and years.See "2nd Wave" AI stocks now >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report GE Aerospace (GE): Free Stock Analysis Report Parker-Hannifin Corporation (PH): Free Stock Analysis Report Crane Company (CR): Free Stock Analysis Report Ferguson plc (FERG): Free Stock Analysis ReportThis article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).Zacks Investment ResearchWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks