A-B Tech will create a composites training center of excellence for GE Aviation on the College’s Asheville campus that through the state’s customized training program, will further enhance the skills of GE Aviation’s existing workforce and train new GE employees. The composite materials will be one-third of the weight of the existing super alloy component they replace in the engine’s hot section and are much more heat resistant. It is estimated that the lighter components will create fuel savings of $1 million per airplane. The training will start by establishing a technical foundation for individuals going through the program, according to Michael Meguiar, Asheville Plant Leader for GE Aviation. “It will cover how to read and follow technical documents, quality procedures, use of precision gauges and other measuring devices,” he said.
environment with state-of-the-art machinery. Facilities will include 5,000 square feet for training floor/lab spaces to accommodate 20 participants and an adjacent classroom. There will also be a dedicated lead instructor to facilitate the training, with adjuncts and state trainers on the faculty. The college has received a $200,000 grant from the Golden Leaf Foundation to assist with purchasing and installing equipment in the center and to support the development of the training program. Andy McNeal, who has 43 years of aerocraft experience, will be the lead instructor for the training center. He first started working with airplane composites in 1974 when he was in the Air Force at Langley.
Michael Meguiar, Asheville Plant Leader for GE Aviation, Micki Turner, Human Resources Manager for GE Aviation, Kevin Kimrey, Director of Workforce Development at A-B Tech and Andy McNeal, Lead Instructor for the composites training center.
The training will then address specific skills in creating composite materials using different operations. “To complement the technical skills, we also want to grow them in other areas such as Lean Manufacturing, business management, financials, and other areas that support our Teaming environment we have at GE Aviation,” Meguiar said. “Together with GE Aviation, we are going to bring cuttingedge technology to Buncombe County,” said Kevin Kimrey, Director of Workforce Development at A-B Tech. “The advanced material known as CMCs will mandate new manufacturing processes and thus new training programs. We look forward to teaming with GE in this effort.” The training program at the College will allow current and prospective GE Aviation employees to train in a hands-on
“A-B Tech has a good foundation of technical knowledge, but does not have the specific experience with composites and ceramics. We can partner with them to create the technical program specific to GE Aviation, which will be given to current and future employees,” said Meguiar.
The Asheville plant’s initial component slated for CMCs is the high-pressure turbine shroud, which is a stationary component that directs exhaust gas through the hot section of the LEAP engine. The LEAP engine, which will enter airline service in 2016, will power the new Airbus A320neo, Boeing 737 MAX and COMAC (China) C919 aircraft. “A-B Tech will train GE’s existing employees who transition to the new technology, as well as new hires for the expansion of the new facility. Between incumbent employees and new hires, we plan on training at least 300 people,” Kimrey said. “The goal is to begin the first training of current employees by end of second quarter of 2014.”
Kevin Kimrey, Director of Workforce Development at A-B Tech, left, and Michael Meguiar, Asheville Plant Leader for GE Aviation, speak with a GE employee at the plant on Sweeten Creek Road.
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