From: Whipple, Deb (GOV)
Sent: Monday, May 03, 2010 5:10
PM
Subject: What the governor is talking about today
What the Governor’s Talking about
Today
Monday, May 3, 2010
Governor Speaks at GE Ribbon Cutting;
Company Announces 220 More Michigan Jobs
The governor today spoke at a ribbon cutting for
General Electric’s new advanced manufacturing and software technology center in
Van Buren Township where GE announced that it has increased its commitment of
new jobs in Michigan by 220, bringing the company’s future total of new
high-value jobs created to more than 1,300 over the next five years.
“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,” the governor said.
“We appreciate GE’s commitment to Michigan and are delighted to be in the
running for additional investment and high-tech jobs.”
The governor was joined at the ribbon cutting by GE
Vice Chairman John Rice, Senator Carl Levin, Senator Debbie Stabenow and
Congressman Sandy Levin.
“While we are in the early days of our partnership
with Michigan, we love what we’ve seen and want to accelerate our growth,” Rice
said. “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.”
GE said the 220 additional high-tech manufacturing
jobs will 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 GE’s Johnson
Technology facility in Muskegon and 130 will be added to a GE facility near Van
Buren Township. GE is also investing in its engineering center in Grand
Rapids to develop integrated avionics systems for commercial aircraft customers
around the globe.
GE currently employs about 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 finalization of state and local incentives.
Key messages:
• It’s great news to have a world leader in
innovation like GE continuing to expand in Michigan.
• 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.
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