Smiths Aerospace Powers Up Engine Components Business in North Carolina

ASHEVILLE, N.C. - Smiths Aerospace, part of the global technology business Smiths Group, has announced a $16 million investment to expand their turbine engine components facility in Asheville, North Carolina. The investment is underpinned by long range contracts and growth opportunities from key customers. The additional facility will expand Smiths workforce in Asheville to more than 500 within five years. In addition to Asheville, which currently employs 312 people, Smiths has a second aerospace engine components business in West Jefferson, N.C., with 75 employees.

“We are pleased to grow our business in North Carolina for the second time in 18 months based upon a skilled and competitive work force with excellent community college training programs,” said Dale Collins, General Manager of Smiths Aerospace Components - Asheville/West Jefferson. "This new facility is adjacent to our existing site in Asheville and provides for the consistent flow of processes and best practices between the two operations.”

The new 90,000 square foot facility is located at 601 Sweeten Creek Industrial Park in Asheville and will support employees who manufacture precision engine components, with first shipments anticipated in June 2007. The expansion facility is being acquired to accommodate the growing demand from Smiths’ customers and an increased need for precision manufactured turbine engine components for all major military and civil aircraft and engine manufacturers.

Smiths Group is a global technology company, listed on the London Stock Exchange. Smiths Group is a world leader in the practical application of advanced technologies. Its products and services make the world safer, healthier and more productive. Smiths Group has four divisions: Aerospace, Detection, Medical and Specialty Engineering. It employs 32,000 people and has over 250 major facilities in 50 countries. On 15 January 2007 Smiths Group announced the sale of Smiths Aerospace to General Electric Company (GE), which remains subject to regulatory approvals. For more information visit www.smiths.com

Smiths Aerospace, a part of Smiths Group plc, is a leading transatlantic aerospace systems and equipment company, with more than 11,500 employees and $2.4 billion revenues globally. The company holds key positions in the supply chains of all major military and civil aircraft and engine manufacturers and is a world-leader in electrical power, digital and mechanical systems, engine components and customer services