General Electric's power division last week officially opened its first advanced manufacturing plant.
The 125,000-square-foot facility will serve as an incubator for advanced manufacturing and rapid prototyping processes, including 3D printing, advanced materials, software platforms and automation and robotics.
GE officials said that the plant will overhaul and accelerate development of wind turbines, gas engines, water processing equipment, nuclear power systems and other products for the company’s energy businesses.
The announcement accompanies at least 80 new engineering and manufacturing jobs at GE's campus in Greenville, S.C.
GE invested $73 million at its Greenville complex to date and plans to spend another $327 million in coming years.
“The opening of the [Advanced Manufacturing Works] is a pivotal moment for us," GE Power President and CEO Steve Bolze said in a statement. "We’re building a skilled workforce and culture that’s devoted to delivering breakthrough innovations that deliver better, faster outcomes for our customers and unlock new productivity and growth.”
The ceremony follows the opening of GE's first 3D printing facility in Pittsburgh earlier this month.