GE Aerospace to create 150 jobs with £30m Prestwick expansion

GE Aerospace will create around 150 jobs at its Prestwick maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility as part of a £30 million investment designed to expand capacity and meet growing customer demand.

The project, which forms part of a £57 million partnership with the Ayrshire Growth Deal, will see a new 55,000 sq ft building constructed alongside wider upgrades to improve operational flow, logistics and access across the site.

GE Aerospace also has plans to hire around 150 workers over the next five years. The project will improve site layout, operational flow and capacity to support future demand, with full operations expected in Q1 2028.

How the investment will benefit the regional economy and create jobs in the aerospace sector

The investment reflects the strategic importance of the Prestwick site to both the regional economy and the wider aerospace sector. It is supported by £27 million from the Ayrshire Growth Deal along with a planned £6 million investment from Scottish Enterprise. Together, the planned £57 million investment will support site development, enabling works and fit-out, helping prepare Prestwick for future growth, long-term customer demand and the creation of around 150 jobs at the site.

Andy Prow, Site Leader, GE Aerospace in Prestwick said: “This investment reflects GE Aerospace’s commitment to our customers and to the future of our Prestwick site.

“By expanding and modernising the facility with the help of government partners, we are improving capacity, operational flow and readiness for future demand, while helping hire and train additional workers from the area.”

Reuben Aitken, Managing Director, Investment & International at Scottish Enterprise said: “GE Aerospace’s investment builds on decades of engineering expertise at Prestwick and the site’s role within its global operations. By expanding capacity and enhancing productivity, it will strengthen the site’s competitiveness, increase its already significant contribution to Scotland’s exports and create new opportunities for skilled workers.

“It’s a strong endorsement of the people, skills and capabilities that exist in Ayrshire, while reinforcing Scotland’s reputation as an attractive destination for international investment in aerospace.”

Accelerating capability expansion to meet future demand

The project builds on more than two years of analysis and planning, informed by collaboration across GE Aerospace with the Ayrshire Growth Deal and regional stakeholders.

UK Government Minister for Scotland Melanie Ward said, “With more than £18 million of UK Government funding we are unlocking private sector investment, boosting skilled jobs and helping drive good growth in every Scottish postcode. In total the UK Government is investing £32 million through the Ayrshire Growth Deal into the Prestwick Aerospace Cluster. This will help deliver a long-term future for Prestwick Airport, ensure the region is a leading UK hub for the sector and provide the next generation of Scottish engineers with a world-class career path right on their doorstep.”

A central part of the expansion is a new 55,000 sq. ft building. The investment will help improve site layout, logistics, access and operational flow, creating the capacity needed to support future demand. The project is being delivered on an accelerated schedule, with full operations targeted for Q1 2028.

A partnership with public sector support for long-term growth

Public sector support reflects the importance of aerospace to Scotland’s economy and confidence in the future of the Prestwick site. The £27 million in public funding will support site development, enabling works and facility fit-out.

Brian Connolly, Leader of South Ayrshire Council said: “This is a major milestone for the Ayrshire Growth Deal, which will significantly benefit South Ayrshire and the wider Scottish economy.

“The investment will retain high value skilled jobs, attract talent to the sector and reinforce Prestwick’s position as a leading UK aerospace location, while creating attractive career opportunities for future generations in local STEM industries.”

As an important employer in the region, the Prestwick site supports highly skilled aerospace jobs and capabilities. The UK team is currently made up of 4,100 employees and GE Aerospace has invested over £7 million in manufacturing and £19 million in MRO in the UK in 2026. This expansion will help strengthen long-term capacity, support future skills needs and reinforce the site’s role in the broader aerospace supply chain.

Greater investment in the next generation of aerospace skills

Alongside its expansion investment, GE Aerospace is addressing the critical skills shortage in high-tech industries by investing in the development of local aerospace skills to help create pathways into skilled employment.

Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth said: “This major expansion of GE Aerospace’s operations at Prestwick is a real boost for the local economy, helping to create almost 150 jobs. It is also a vote of confidence in Scotland’s workforce and our support for this expansion clearly demonstrates our commitment to build on the strengths of our advanced manufacturing and engineering sectors, as well as stressing the importance of the aerospace sector.

“Through our £103 million commitment to the Ayrshire Growth Deal, we will continue to work with partners to help transform and strengthen regional economic activity, creating good jobs and supporting growth in Scotland.” ​ ​

A donation of £75,000 to Ayrshire College was announced yesterday to support new training equipment for students and apprentices, as well as the delivery of a course designed to prepare students for careers in the wider aerospace industry. The donation will support around 150 apprentices and full-time students.