US-based United Technologies subsidiary Pratt & Whitney is planning to invest $386m in its aircraft engine production facility in Columbus, Georgia, US.

The proposed investment is aimed at increasing the production of parts and maintenance services, as well as reducing the costs for Pratt & Whitney’s new and existing engine programmes.

As part of the investment, the company will build a 200,000ft² geared turbofan (GTF) engines overhaul facility at its Georgia plant.

A 20,000ft² specialised manufacturing facility and related infrastructure will also be constructed for a new isothermal forge press, which will be used to produce turbine disks and compressor rotors for Pratt & Whitney engines.

“The tremendous support we receive from the community and state have contributed to our success in Georgia.”

Pratt & Whitney is also planning to upgrade the equipment of its Georgia facility.

The planned expansion is expected to add more than 500 new employees.

Pratt & Whitney commercial engines president Chris Calio said: “We're investing heavily in our Columbus facility to support the increased production and services planned for our F135 and GTF engines.

“This investment will help ensure that we have the appropriate infrastructure, tooling and trained workforce in place to provide the best products and services to our customers worldwide.

“The tremendous support we receive from the community and state have contributed to our success in Georgia.”

The company is also planning to offer training programmes in aerospace mechanics and advanced manufacturing technologies for the new and existing employees of Columbus Technical College, Georgia.

Apart from Georgia, Pratt & Whitney currently operates plants in Connecticut, Texas, Florida, Maine and West Virginia.