By bringing the Metem capabilities in house, GE says it expects to realise supply chain efficiencies and reduce costs.

The precise drilling of intricate cooling holes is a key requirement in the manufacture of high efficiency gas turbines, such as GE’s HA, which has proved itself capable of achieving over 62% efficiency in combined cycle (see p12).

GE says it and Metem “have had a very strong relationship since the 1970s”, and at the time of the acquisition close, GE was Metem’s largest customer. Metem’s headquarters in Parsippany, New Jersey, will be transformed into a Center of Excellence, says GE.