Skip to main content

GE is one of the world's biggest aircraft makers and has operations in finance, technology and many other industries.

Industrial giant General Electric Co. has opened a new $50-million aircraft engine testing, research and development centre in Winnipeg that could eventually create up to 50 jobs.

The U.S. company said Wednesday the centre will be run by joint venture partner StandardAero and will perform icing certification testing and develop other tests and equipment for GE Aviation's aircraft engines.

The new centre will employ 10 people initially and could expand to 50 jobs.

"This is a terrific example of how research and partnerships are driving new, innovative technology that can be applied within the aviation industry to drive productivity in Canada and also internationally," said Elyse Allan, president and chief executive officer of GE Canada.

The new centre is at the James A. Richardson International Airport in Winnipeg and will be maintained and run by StandardAero, a Winnipeg company that has long worked with GE.

The Winnipeg-based aircraft repair and services company employs about 4,000 people around the world and is owned by Dubai Aerospace Enterprise .

It has many Canadian customers, including WestJet Airlines Ltd.

"Winnipeg is a great location for our new facility," Ms. Allan said. "Winnipeg's climate is a natural choice for icing certification testing, there is a secure site location, and we have access to StandardAero's skilled work force who are trained and familiar with GE's engine testing and test cell design."

GE is one of the world's biggest aircraft makers and has operations in finance, technology and many other industries. In Canada, the company has major manufacturing, sales and service businesses and employs about 7,000 employees.

Interact with The Globe