Major announcement from Governor Granhom, MEDC and General Electric this morning:

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced that General Electric Company (NYSE: GE) has chosen Michigan for a new advanced technology and training center to be located at Visteon Village in Van Buren Twp. (Wayne County). The company plans to make a significant financial investment in the new center that is expected to create 1,200 direct jobs and more than 1,600 indirect and spin-off jobs, according to an economic analysis conducted by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).

Joining the governor in today’s announcement was GE Chairman and CEO Jeff Immelt, U.S. Senators Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow, President Obama’s Director of Recovery for Auto Communities and Workers Ed Montgomery, Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano, Lt. Governor John D. Cherry, Jr., and other state and local officials.

“No state is working harder than Michigan to diversify its economy and create new jobs,” Granholm said. “GE’s decision to invest and grow in Michigan demonstrates that we have the high-tech workforce and competitive business climate necessary for global giants like GE to thrive in the 21st century.”

The center will focus on the development of advanced manufacturing technology and software and information technology and will consolidate GE’s experts in software development, data architecture, networking, business intelligence and program management. They will develop software to support GE’s business operations for several advanced technologies. The site also will serve as a training hub for GE information technology professionals.

“To lead in manufacturing, grow our exports and create high-value jobs in the U.S., we must invest in technology and in people,” GE Chairman and CEO Jeff Immelt said. “The scientists, engineers and technologists that will work and learn at this center will help GE develop innovative new software, processes and technologies to make our manufacturing businesses even more productive and competitive. Michigan is a great location for a technology center because of its world-class engineering, technical talent and public officials who understand that investing now will create tomorrow’s leading positions in information technology, clean energy and transportation.”

GE also will establish a research and development center at the site that will be part of GE’s Global Research network. It will house scientists and engineers who will develop next generation manufacturing technologies for GE’s leading aircraft engines, gas turbines, renewable energy and other high technology products. Such work will include development of composites, machining, inspection, casting and coating technologies for GE’s Aviation and Energy businesses.

Watch the video from GE Reports:

Learn more about GE at http://www.ge.com, and GE’s Global Research at http://www.ge.com/research.

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