Manufacturing Renaissance: Building the Biggest Turbines in America
“There’s a legacy here of innovation, creativity, world-changing technologies.”
Gary R. McCarthy – Mayor of Schenectady, NY
General Electric has a long history in New York.
After Thomas Edison unveiled the modern lightbulb, he moved his Edison Electric Company—now General Electric—to Schenectady, New York in 1886.
“Schenectady is famous for inventing the ability to generate and transmit electricity, which made modern civilization possible.”
Ray Gillen – Chair, Schenectady Metroplex Development Authority
Like other manufacturing cities in upstate New York, Schenectady—once dubbed “The City that Lights and Hauls the World” because of its ties to General Electric and a prominent locomotive manufacturer—encountered substantial job losses and economic hardship in the late 20th century.
But in the 21st century, GE has played a part in revitalizing the city, bringing pride back to its century-old hometown through clean energy manufacturing.
In May 2023, GE Vernova announced a $50 million expansion of its turbine manufacturing facility in the city, hiring 200 jobs that included skilled union operators, manufacturing engineers, and frontline leadership.
“I’m third generation GE-Schenectady. There’s been a Carlson here since 1952. And I work down the hall from someone who is a fifth generation GE-Schenectady.
“So there’s a lot of pride in the area, and to see a big reinvestment into the site and know that we’re gonna be here another hundred years is really exciting for a lifelong Schenectady GE employee.”
Brian Carlson – Schenectady Plant Manager, GE Vernova
GE Vernova’s Schenectady facility now produces the largest land-based turbine in the U.S. A single turbine generates the energy equivalent needed to power 2,000 homes.
And it’s taller than the Statue of Liberty.
“Something that is new, exciting, and what our customers want in this future energy transition, that is exciting.”
Morgan Terrill – Global Supply Chain Development Leader, GE Vernova
The company said that passage of clean energy tax credits that incentivize domestic manufacturing played an important role in the decision to expand the facility while revitalizing the market, increasing demand for renewable energy, and enabling energy security and competitiveness.
“Increasing clean energy demand, coupled with policy advancements, has created intensity in the U.S. market and a demand for this machine.
“This is our biggest onshore wind turbine in the world, and we’re bringing that here to the United States.”
Gary Weisner – Onshore Wind Manufacturing & Lean Leader, GE Vernova
GE’s investment in manufacturing in Schenectady preserves and expands GE’s 130-year legacy, giving the community pride and hope for the future of the city, and the future of our world.
“We know that this generational build out cycle, this idea of building more wind, and deploying more clean energy, we know we’re doing it for our customers, our communities, for our friends and our family, our kids, their kids, and all the generations to come.”
Morgan Terrill – Global Supply Chain Development Leader, GE Vernova