GE Aviation recently announced the expansion of its University Development Center located in the Michigan Tech Enterprise Corporation SmartZoneSM in Houghton, Mich. The expansion will result in 50 new high-tech jobs and $1 million in capital investment by GE, with an additional $3.7 million annually to operate the facility.

GE has signed a five-year lease for the current 14,000 square foot Powerhouse business incubator at 101 W Lakeshore Drive. A $1 million grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corp. with funds provided by the federal Community Development Block Grant program helped the city of Houghton finance the renovation and expansion of the Powerhouse business incubator and win GE’s investment.

“We are pleased to grow our business in Michigan as a result of our strong integration capabilities and advanced technology for military and commercial aircraft,” said Stuart Mullan, president of the digital systems business of GE Aviation. “Through our collaboration with Michigan Technological University and community and state officials, this center creates a strong pool of emerging engineers to provide design and development services for our aerospace programs.”

The new facility will increase GE’s workforce in Michigan to nearly 1,700, with the main facility in Grand Rapids. GE plans on occupying the Center in January, 2008. The project will be administered through the Systems division of GE Aviation, formerly Smiths Aerospace.

“Hands-on, working partnerships like this between Michigan Technological University and industry are a key factor in the success of our graduates and the future prosperity of Michigan,” said Michigan Technological University President Glenn D. Mroz.

Michigan’s 12 SmartZones provide distinct geographical locations where technology-based firms, entrepreneurs and researchers locate in close proximity to all of the community assets that assist in their endeavors. The technology clusters promote resource collaborations between universities, industry, research organizations, government and other community institutions, growing technology-based businesses and jobs. To date, the SmartZone network has helped launch more than 540 entrepreneurial ventures statewide.

GE Aviation, an operating unit of General Electric Co., is a world-leading provider of commercial and military jet engines and components, as well as integrated digital, electric power, and mechanical systems for aircraft.

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