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Ann Arbor Spark Supports FAAC Inc Expansion, Jobs Creation

ANN ARBOR -- The economic development agency Ann Arbor Spark is assisting the expansion of FAAC Inc. in Pittsfield Township.

As part of the expansion, FAAC, part of the Training and Simulation Division of Arotech Corp. (Nasdaq: ARTX), has acquired a 40,000 square foot building and is expected to immediately add 10 jobs.

With the support of Ann Arbor Spark, FAAC was awarded a multi-year Industrial Facilities Tax incentive. The incentive helps FAAC expand into its new building and add revenue to the local community's tax base.

"Ann Arbor Spark's business retention and expansion team worked with Pittsfield Township to help FAAC secure a tax incentive," said Paul Krutko, president and CEO of Ann Arbor Spark. "The jobs that the company will create are exactly the high tech jobs that attract and retain talent in our region.  It's exciting to see FAAC choose to expand and create jobs here in the Ann Arbor area."

Added Kurt Flosky, FAAC executive vice president: "The opportunity to expand operations within a short drive from our current campus made Pittsfield Township the obvious choice. Ann Arbor Spark provided insight into the assistance programs available and helped with the Industrial Facilities Tax incentive application process, including making the proper introductions with township personnel and supporting us at the public hearing which approved our request."

FAAC's recent expansion was spurred by the company's $64 million project award from the U.S. Army. The contract is for the design, development, production and delivery of 28 of the company's Virtual Clearance Training Suites. The VCTS will simulate a wide array of technical devices, including purpose-built mine-protection and clearing vehicles used by the U.S. Army to combat improvised explosive devices.

FAAC will begin the expansion in November and expects the expansion to be complete in early 2012.

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