GE Aviation opened its new $56 million, 344,000-square-foot, composites manufacturing facility in Ellisville, Mississippi. The Jones County plant, officially known as GE Ellisville Composites, is expected to create 250 new jobs.

GE Aviation opened its first Mississippi composites manufacturing facility in Batesville in 2008. GE Aviation said it chose to create the Ellisville operation to meet an increase in global demand. Employees at the Ellisville facility will be engaged in the production of advanced composite components for aircraft engines and systems.

“GE Aviation’s growing partnership with the state of Mississippi is creating long-term economic growth,” said David Joyce, president and chief executive officer of GE Aviation. “We couldn’t be happier with our Batesville operation, and we look forward to the growth of our new Ellisville operation.”

“Today is an exciting day for Ellisville, Jones County and the entire state as GE Aviation opens the doors to its second Mississippi facility,” Gov. Phil Bryant said. “I appreciate the contributions this exemplary corporate citizen has made to our state, and I thank GE Aviation officials for continuing to invest in Mississippi.”

“I am confident GE Aviation will enjoy the same success in Ellisville that it has in Batesville,” said Mississippi Development Authority Executive Director Brent Christensen. “I am glad the Mississippi Development Authority was able to assist GE Aviation in expanding into Jones County, and we appreciate our partners in Ellisville and Jones County who have worked so hard to help make this new facility a reality.”