GE Aviation will invest $27 million to expand its Newark, Delaware, manufacturing plant to include a LEAN laboratory that will support increased production of ceramic matrix composites, which are used to make advanced aircraft engine components.

The firm plans to add 70 jobs at its 110,000 square foot facility off Bellevue Road in the Diamond State Industrial Park in Newark. According to the Delaware Economic Development Office the company is committed to staffing 151 people at the Newark site by the end of 2016.

“GE Aviation hits many of the targets that we are aiming for, including global reach, new economy jobs and the growth of companies that specialize in products and services at the forefront of innovation,” Gov. Jack Markell said. “This expansion at GE Aviation’s Newark plant, and its creation of well paying jobs, will strengthen our state and local economy.”

GE Aviation currently has 11 laboratories that are LEAN, which allow for collaboration between engineering and manufacturing, setting up teams that work together to demonstrate a component’s manufacturing readiness before going to full rate production, economic development officials said. As such, production technologies for CMCs will be developed and proven out in Newark prior to transitioning to manufacturing facilities for mass production. CMCs are game changers for GE Aviation, allowing the company’s next generation aircraft engines to run hotter and therefore achieve higher fuel efficiency, lower emissions and improved environmental performance.

“This investment is a testament to GE’s commitment to this advanced technology,” said Jeff Wessels, plant leader at Newark. “The Newark team will play a vital role in the next generation of aircraft engines, and we’re proud to be a part of it.”

As an incentive, the Delaware Economic Development Office invested in the project through the Delaware Strategic Fund, providing GE Aviation with a $304,833 performance based grant based on the creation of 70 jobs and a $810,000 capital expenditure grant.