[Avionics Today 01-22-2016] GE Aviation and Praxair Surface Technologies have entered into a definitive agreement to form a joint venture for the development, support and application of specialized coatings tailored for GE Aviation’s and CFM International’s current and future engine models, including the GE9X and LEAP engines.
When created, the joint-venture company will expand its footprint with a new coatings plant in the southeast United States, which will supplement the services provided to GE from Praxair’s Indianapolis facility and other global operations. Additionally, under the agreement, Praxair Surface Technologies’ current scope of services provided to GE Aviation will be expanded. GE Aviation production volume will continue to grow due to a large backlog of commercial engine orders.
Praxair Surface Technologies will be the majority owner of the venture and will consolidate the results. GE Aviation will hold the remaining membership interests. The parties plan to begin operations during the second quarter of 2016, once regulatory approvals are obtained.