12-04-2025
Pratt and Whitney celebrate 100-year anniversary
COLUMBUS, Ga. () — Pratt and Whitney are flying high as they celebrate their centennial anniversary.
For 100 years, Pratt and Whitney – an aircraft engine manufacturer has been transforming military and commercial aviation with the R-1340 Wasp engine that is still in use today.
The company was founded in 1925 and kicked off their centennial anniversary in Columbus where they've been for 41 years.
In 1981, the company broke ground on the Columbus location. Congressman Sanford Bishop was in attendance.
'I was just recalling that i'm perhaps one of the dinosaurs around, but it means a great deal to be able to watch the growth and development to have a part in it as a member of Congress now.' Bishop says.
'It's a sense of pride, a pride for the people here, but also our country that we have such innovative and creative people that are doing such important and significant work for our country.'
The Georgia Congressman presented a congressional recognition to the company for their outstanding achievement, service, and public distinctions.
Pratt and Whittney did not only receive gifts but gave them.
The company has had a 17 yearlong partnership with Columbus Technical College. They pledged $250,000 for the school's capital campaign.
Jay Kosmas is the General Manager for the Columbus Engine Center.
Kosmas says, 'They've helped us fill critical engineering roles as well as shop floor mechanic roles. And we couldn't do it without our local, local technical schools.'
State and local dignitaries cut the ribbon on the company's 100 year anniversary exhibit. The exhibit showcases the R-1340 Wasp Engine and the original shovels and ribbon used for the groundbreaking of the Columbus location.
Columbus was the first stop on the tour. There are plans to visit Quebec, Poland, Oklahoma, North Carolina, and Connecticut.
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