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Granholm Lauds GE Aviation Growth

Michigan Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm Monday visited GE Aviation's offices in Cascade Township following the company's announcement last week that 200 new engineers will be hired to create high-tech electronics for the Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China Ltd. joint venture with China-based Aviation Industry Corp.

The governor said the combined experience and skills of the GE Aviation engineers represent one of Michigan's greatest strengths in the competition for growth in global markets.

"This further commitment to Michigan by GE Aviation Systems supports the development of a growing sector in Michigan's economy and opens a door to the world's fastest-growing aviation market," Granholm said. "We are proud that our Michigan workforce has the talent to move a company forward in the global economy."

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. Under the COMAC joint venture, the Cascade Township plant will produce electronic controls for the 150-seat C919 airplane to be built as modular units, designed to replace dozens of stand-alone computers currently in use on the planes. The C919 is expected to use up to 15 percent less fuel, but one of its biggest advances is expected to be the modular electronics under development.

GE's aviation business continues to expand in West Michigan. Last month on the recommendation of the Michigan Economic Development Corp., the Michigan Economic Growth Authority approved an amendment to Johnson Technology's existing MEGA award to secure an investment of $50 million in the company's Norton Shores facility, creating 90 new jobs over five years. Johnson Technology, a subsidiary of GE, specializes in precision vanes, shrouds, and hangers that are used in the "hot" section of the aircraft engine.

GE currently employs approximately 2,400 people in Michigan. The Advanced Manufacturing and Software Technology Center in Van Buren Township will be GE's single largest global center of IT talent.

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