GE Aerospace is dropping $53M over three years to supercharge its North Carolina plant—adding 35,000+ sq ft and 40+ jobs. The West Jefferson facility churns out CFM LEAP engine components (blisks, turbines, spools), and this expansion is basically betting on narrowbody aircraft demand staying hot.

The state's chipping in $100K, plus local govt throwing in another $1M. GE's riding strong commercial engine demand + defense budget tailwinds, though supply chain headaches and cost pressures are keeping margins under pressure.

Zacks rates GE as Hold (#3), but the stock's up 26.3% in six months—crushing the 8.3% industry average. Play: advanced manufacturing staying in demand as geopolitical tensions keep defense spending elevated.