HOUGHTON, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GE Aviation today announces an expansion for the University Development Center facility located in Houghton, Michigan. The new facility will add 50 new jobs and expands GE's workforce in Michigan to nearly 1,700, with the main facility in Grand Rapids.
"We are pleased to grow our business in Michigan as a result of our strong integration capabilities and advanced technology for military and commercial aircraft," commented Stuart Mullan, president of the digital systems business of GE Aviation. "Through our collaboration with Michigan Technological University and community and state officials, this center creates a strong pool of emerging engineers to provide design and development services for our aerospace programs."
As part of this announcement, GE signed a five-year lease with the Michigan Tech Enterprise Corporation SmartZone for the existing 14,000 square foot Powerhouse building located at 101 W Lakeshore Drive in Houghton. A $1 million grant provided by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and announced by Governor Jennifer M. Granholm on May 18, helped the city of Houghton renovate and expand the Powerhouse building and encouraged GE to select Houghton.
"Through initiatives like the 21st Century Jobs Fund and the state's network of SmartZones, we are helping high-tech companies like GE Aviation grow and thrive in Michigan," Granholm said. "The company's collaboration with Michigan Tech and the jobs expansion will help Houghton continue to be a center of entrepreneurial growth in Michigan."
"GE's decision to come to Houghton is very good news and is a positive reflection on their confidence in the University's engineering program and ability to provide quality engineers for the competitive aerospace market," commented Steve Stackhouse, director of corporate development for Michigan Technological University.
The engineering staff at GE's University Development Center will perform various engineering services including software development, verification and validation, mechanical design and hardware design. GE plans on occupying the Center in January 2008.
"We are proud that GE has chosen Houghton, MI for their university development center - a model that provides high-tech jobs for the community, satisfying technical opportunities for technical students, and a valuable workforce for the company," commented Carlton Crothers CEO of the MTEC SmartZone, one of 12 SmartZones in Michigan created to stimulate the growth of technology-based businesses and jobs. "It's a win-win for everyone - the students, the university, and the community. This center will have a positive impact in attracting other companies to set up such corporate operations in the Upper Peninsula."
"The new jobs are welcome additions to the Houghton community," said Kim Stoker, planning director for the Western Upper Peninsula Planning & Development Region. "We are working closely with the University and GE so we remain a viable location to meet their needs."
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation, a partnership between the state and local communities, promotes smart economic growth by developing strategies and providing services to create and retain good jobs and a high quality of life. For more information on the Michigan Economic Development Corporation's initiatives and programs, visit www.michigan.org.
This project is administered through the Systems division of GE Aviation, formerly Smiths Aerospace.
GE Aviation, an operating unit of General Electric Company (NYSE:GE), is a world-leading provider of commercial and military jet engines and components as well as integrated digital, electric power, and mechanical systems for aircraft. GE Aviation also has a global service network to support these offerings. For more information, visit us at www.ge.com/aviation.
Contacts GE Aviation
Jennifer Villarreal
t. 616-241-8643
m. 616-617-7755
[email protected]
or
Michigan Technological University
Jennifer Donovan
t. 906-487-4521
m. 906-281-7530
[email protected]
Rick Kennedy
GE Aviation
[email protected]
+1 513 243 3372
+1 513 607 0609