GE on May 3 announced that it has expanded its previous commitment of 1,100 new jobs in the state of Michigan by 220 people – bringing the company’s future total of new high-value jobs created to more than 1,300 over the next five years.
“While we are in the early days of our partnership with Michigan, we love what we’ve seen and want to accelerate our growth,” said GE vice chairman John Rice. “The exceptional number of talented, experienced professionals – coupled with the state’s strong advanced technology manufacturing capabilities – makes putting additional jobs here an easy decision. Growing jobs in Michigan means growth for GE.” Rice was joined at a ribbon cutting for the new facility by Governor Jennifer Granholm, Senator Carl Levin, Senator Debbie Stabenow and Congressman Sandy Levin.
“GE’s growing presence in Michigan and its plans for future expansion demonstrate we have the workforce and competitive business climate that companies need to compete in the 21st century,” Governor Jennifer M. Granholm said. “We appreciate GE’s commitment to Michigan and are delighted to be in the running for additional investment and high-tech jobs.”
“This is a significant event not just for GE and for Wayne County, but for Michigan and the nation,” Senator Carl Levin said. “The workers at this facility will help bring innovation from the research lab to the manufacturing floor, and that helps keep manufacturing competitive. And it’s no surprise that GE has come to the place with the best manufacturing and engineering workforce on earth: Michigan.”
GE Aviation is making a significant investment in aerospace technology infrastructure in Michigan, supporting the development and manufacturing of advanced jet engines and avionics systems. “We are creating 220 additional high-tech manufacturing jobs to support growth in next generation technologies that improve the fuel efficiency of current and future jet engines that will power commercial and military aircraft. Of the 220 new jobs, 90 will be added to our Johnson Technology facility in Muskegon and 130 will be added to a facility near Van Buren Township,” said Rice. “The Company is also investing in its Engineering Center of Excellence in Grand Rapids to develop integrated avionics systems for commercial aircraft customers around the globe.”
GE currently employs approximately 2,400 people in Michigan. With the expanded jobs commitment, GE will bring its total Michigan employment to 3,500 across several facilities including those in Van Buren Township, Muskegon and Grand Rapids with incremental investments based upon state and local incentives. The Advanced Manufacturing and Software Technology Center in Van Buren Township is the focal point for GE’s efforts and currently employs more than 200 experienced information technology professionals. Hiring at this site is ahead of schedule and progressing at a rate of two people per day.
“The information technologists and engineers that will work at this center will help GE develop innovative new software, processes and technologies to drive excellence in manufacturing for GE and its customers,” said Charlene Begley, president and CEO of GE Home & Business Solutions and Senior Vice President and CIO for GE. “The center will be GE’s single largest global population of IT talent.”
Senator Debbie Stabenow said, “It is great news to have such a world leader in innovation as GE continuing to expand in Michigan. When I met with GE chairman and CEO Jeffrey Immelt last year, it didn’t take much to sell him on coming to Michigan.” “He understood the opportunities for GE in a state with world-class educational institutions, a concentration of highly trained engineers unsurpassed by any other state, a unique quality of life and unrivaled water resources. Personally, today’s announcement is very exciting for me to see how that meeting has evolved into the opening of this world-class technology center.”
Congressman Sandy Levin said, “GE has realized that Michigan is perfectly suited and ready to grow in aerospace and other forms of advanced manufacturing. To catalyze this growth we need to continue a strong public-private partnership that encourages research and ensures access to credit. Michigan already has the workforce and manufacturing capacity in place to lead the world in advanced manufacturing. We just need smart policy at the right time to get the ball rolling.”
Congressman John Dingell said, “It is no surprise that GE announced they were opening their new research and development facility in Michigan on the very same day the House passed the American Clean Energy and Security, which will help us bring more green jobs to the US. I am pleased to welcome GE to Southeast Michigan and glad they have cut the ribbon on what will be a wonderful facility. This exciting development means jobs for some of the most talented, innovative and hard-working folks around and a world-class workforce for GE. I look forward to this long and prosperous relationship and congratulate GE on their fine choice.”
The center will also include a research facility where GE will develop future manufacturing technologies focusing on components for next generation aircraft engines. It will also bring together experts in software development, data architecture, networking, business intelligence, and program management to further the development of advanced solutions.
