First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones was on hand to help mark the 75th anniversary of aircraft engine overhaul company, GE Aviation Wales.
The celebrations took place at the Nantgarw facility, with notable guests including president and CEO of GE Aviation Services, Kevin McAllister.
The event was designed to recognise past and present employees, interns, support staff and apprentices who dedicated themselves to the aviation industry.
The company originated in London back in 1924 when Imperial Airways set up an engine overhaul shop. The firm moved to South Wales in 1940 after the British Overseas Airways corporation re-deployed the business.
Since then the company has gone on to refurbish most types of aircraft engines including the GE90, the world’s most powerful aircraft enginem and the CFM56 range of engines, considered the most popular engines in aircraft.
The facility is one of the longest running of its kind in the world.
GE Aviation Wales site leader, La-Chun Lindsay commented: “Celebrating the site’s 75 year in Wales is a huge milestone and a true testament to the company’s highly skilled and dedicated employees, and the company’s dynamic approach to innovation and business growth.
“As we celebrate our accomplishment, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has worked for the business over the past 75 years. As a site, we are extremely proud of what we have achieved and look forward to continuing our journey for many years to come.”
First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones said: “My heartfelt congratulations to GE Aviation on celebrating 75 years in Wales.
“Their Anchor status is recognition of both their world class operation and their importance to the local and national economy. I am sure that through continuing to work together we will see the company’s Welsh success continue for many years to come.”
GE Aviation Wales occupies more than 1.2m sqft and has two advanced engine test facilities.
Employing a highly skilled workforce of over 1,200 people, the facility provides customer support for a range of global companies including Emirates, United and British Airways.
