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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