XIAMEN, FUJIAN PROVINCE, PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA - GE Engine Services (Xiamen) Co., Ltd. today held groundbreaking ceremonies for its new, state-of-the-art jet engine overhaul facility.
GE Engine Services (Xiamen) is a jet engine overhaul joint venture whose shareholders include Xiamen Aviation Industry Co., Ltd. (XAICO) and Taikoo (Xiamen) Aircraft Engineering Co., Ltd., (TAECO), both Xiamen-based companies. XAICO is a high technology, export-oriented company focused on the development of the aerospace industry, aircraft maintenance, and related industries in Xiamen. TAECO is a leading international aircraft maintenance company providing service to airlines throughout Asia as well as the People's Republic of China. The joint venture agreement also provides for the possible future addition of other shareholders, including airlines.
Located in Xiamen, a special economic zone within Fujian Province of the People's Republic of China, GE Engine Services (Xiamen) will perform overhaul and repair of engines produced by GE Aircraft Engines and by CFM International, a 50/50 joint company of Snecma of France and General Electric Company of the United States.
"Today's groundbreaking is an important milestone for GE Engine Services (Xiamen)," said Rick Turner, managing director and general manager of the joint venture. "This facility will be the hub of GE's engine service support structure for airlines in China, and will be key in helping customers manage costs, increase engine time on wing, and lower overall cost of ownership."
The facility, expected to be operational by mid-2001, joins the global network of GE Engine Services "Centers of Excellence," which include overhaul and repair facilities located in Nantgarw, Wales; Singapore; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Ontario, California; Strother Field, near Arkansas City, Kansas; Miami, Florida; Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas; Prestwick, Scotland; Petropolis, Brazil; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and Cincinnati, Ohio; plus Garrett Aviation Services' Six Total Aircraft Service SM Centers.
Founded by Thomas Edison in 1878, GE is a leading provider of products and services that enhance the quality of life for people all over the world. GE began to develop trade with China as early as 1910, and was considered then as one of the most active and influential foreign enterprises in China. Today, all of GE's major businesses are active in China, and have established more than 20 joint ventures or wholly owned enterprises in the country, employing more than 6,000 people. GE investments in China amount to more than US$1 billion.