General Tool Company (GTC) has completed a major expansion of its manufacturing operations in Cincinnati, Ohio.
The investment is designed to increase production of the Rolls-Royce AG9160RF gas turbine generator set used on the US Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. The move will allow the company to support the construction of three ships per year instead of two.
The expansion comes as the US Navy continues to modernize its fleet with Flight III variants of the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer. These ships represent the latest version of one of the Navy’s most important surface combatants.
Burke Fleet Needs Power
They are equipped with advanced sensors, radar systems, and combat technologies that require significantly more electrical power than earlier versions.
A key component of the Flight III destroyer is the Rolls-Royce AG9160RF gas turbine generator set. The system generates electricity for major onboard equipment and advanced combat systems. Each Flight III destroyer uses three of these generator sets to support daily operations and mission requirements.
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One of the most important systems powered by the generators is the SPY-6 radar. This next-generation radar provides improved detection and tracking capabilities against air, missile, and surface threats.
As naval warfare becomes more technology-driven, reliable power generation has become increasingly important for modern warships.
Rolls-Royce gas turbine generators have a long history with the US Navy. The company’s systems have powered every Navy destroyer and cruiser since the introduction of the Spruance-class destroyer in 1975. They are also used on the Arleigh Burke-class, Zumwalt-class, and Ticonderoga-class vessels.
Longstanding Partnership Supports Naval Programs
General Tool Company serves as the exclusive manufacturing and integration partner for the AG9160RF product line. The partnership between GTC and Rolls-Royce dates back to the 1980s and the original DDG-51 destroyer program. Over the years, the companies have worked together to support some of the Navy’s most important surface fleet programs.
GTC President Bill Kramer III said the new Evendale Naval Power Generation Facility reflects the company’s continued investment in advanced manufacturing. He also credited cooperation between General Tool Company, Rolls-Royce, and the US Navy for helping bring the project to completion.
The destroyers that use these generator systems are built by two major American shipbuilders. These are General Dynamics subsidiary Bath Iron Works and Huntington Ingalls Industries. Together, they produce the Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class destroyers under long-term naval procurement programs.
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Economic Impact and Industrial Growth
The facility expansion also delivers economic benefits beyond defense production. Support from REDI Cincinnati and JobsOhio helped advance the project. The investment created 47 new jobs and is expected to generate approximately $4.1 million in payroll.
According to Rolls-Royce Defense officials, the project highlights the manufacturing strength of the American Midwest. Increasing production capacity helps ensure that future Flight III destroyers receive the power systems needed for their advanced missions. It also improves supply chain resilience for a critical defense program.
General Tool Company specializes in manufacturing, integrating, and testing complex defense and aerospace systems. As part of Aeron Defense, the company continues to invest in workforce development and production capabilities. These efforts aim to strengthen the domestic defense industrial base and support national security requirements.
Meanwhile, Rolls-Royce Holdings plc remains a major supplier of power and propulsion technologies across aerospace, defense, marine, and industrial sectors. The company operates in 47 countries, serves customers in more than 100 countries, and employs more than 5,000 people in the US.
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The latest expansion reflects growing demand for advanced naval capabilities and the infrastructure needed to support them. As the US Navy continues to expand and modernize its fleet, increased manufacturing capacity for major power systems will be crucial to keeping shipbuilding programs on schedule and ensuring future warships are ready for complex missions.
