General Tool Company has announced an $8.5 million investment to expand its manufacturing operations in Cincinnati, reinforcing its role as a key supplier to critical defense and industrial programs while creating 47 new jobs in the region. The expansion will significantly increase the company’s production capabilities and strengthen support for major naval programs that play an important role in the modernization of the United States defense infrastructure. The investment underscores General Tool’s long-term commitment to advanced manufacturing, engineering excellence and domestic supply chain resilience.
A major focus of the project is increasing production capacity for the Rolls-Royce AG9160RF gas turbine generator set, a vital onboard power-generation system used on Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers operated by the US Navy. These vessels represent one of the most important components of the Navy’s surface fleet and are deployed globally for missions involving air defense, missile defense, anti-submarine warfare and maritime security operations.
Through the facility expansion, General Tool expects to increase production output supporting the construction of these vessels from two ships annually to three ships per year. The enhanced capability will help meet growing demand for advanced naval systems while supporting broader defense readiness objectives.
The AG9160RF generator system provides essential electrical power for mission-critical equipment aboard the destroyers, including radar arrays, communication systems, weapons platforms, navigation technology and command-and-control infrastructure. Reliable power generation remains fundamental to the operational effectiveness of modern naval vessels.
The investment will also expand the company’s capabilities in precision machining, fabrication, assembly, integration and engineering services. These specialized competencies are increasingly important as aerospace and defense programs require highly engineered components capable of meeting stringent performance and reliability standards.
In addition to strengthening production capacity, the project is expected to create 47 new positions across manufacturing, engineering, quality assurance and technical support functions. The expansion will contribute to regional economic development while helping cultivate a highly skilled workforce equipped to support advanced manufacturing operations.
General Tool has built a strong reputation for delivering complex manufacturing solutions to customers operating in demanding sectors such as defense, aerospace, energy and industrial technology. The company’s expertise enables it to produce components and assemblies that perform reliably in mission-critical environments where quality and precision are essential.
The expansion reflects growing investment across America’s defense industrial base as organizations work to strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities and improve supply chain resilience. By expanding its infrastructure and workforce, General Tool is positioning itself to meet future demand while continuing to support some of the nation’s most strategically important defense programs.
