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GE Aviation May Expand In Pinellas

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By MICHAEL SASSO

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 6, 2008

TAMPA - General Electric's aviation unit is looking to expand operations in Pinellas County, a move that could bring new jobs to the area.

GE spokeswoman Jennifer Villarreal confirmed Friday that the company has been seeking a location for expansion in Pinellas County and expects to make a decision on a site within a month. She declined to be specific about potential location sites in the county or job creation.

The company is evaluating whether it will relocate employees from other aviation operations to the Tampa Bay area, she said.

GE Aviation employs about 460 employees in Clearwater. They work in the company's manufacturing and customer service operations, and previously worked for Smiths Group, a U.K.-based company with operations in Clearwater. GE bought Smiths' aviation division last year.

GE bought Smiths, a supplier of integrated systems for aircraft manufacturers and components for engine builders, for $4.8 billion. The acquisition broadened GE's aviation business by adding flight management systems, electrical power management, mechanical actuation systems and airborne platform computing systems to GE's commercial and military aircraft engine line. The combined GE and Smiths Aerospace revenue in 2006 was $15.6 billion.

GE Aviation has operations in more than 50 locations worldwide, including a manufacturing facility in Jacksonville.

Reporter Michael Sasso can be reached at msasso@tampatrib.com or (813) 259-7865.

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