FeedsOfficials welcome GE to Van Buren
A new research and development facility proposed for Van Buren Township may be a sign of things to come.
U.S. Sen. John Dingell (D-Michigan) said news that General Electric (GE) would house the new facility in Michigan spelled good news for efforts to get the ‘airport city’ concept off the ground, as well as prepare the way for renewable energy and green jobs.
“Governor Granholm and the Michigan Congressional Delegation have made a major commitment to attracting these kinds of opportunities into Michigan and this is just the beginning,” he said. “GE’s high-tech, advanced manufacturing jobs are the kind of opportunities we envisioned during the writing of the American Clean Energy and Security Act.”
Representatives from the company made the announcement Friday.
The Advanced Manufacturing and Software Technology Center will include a GE research and development facility that will be part of GE’s Global Research network, they said. Scientists and engineers there will develop next generation manufacturing technologies for renewable energy, aircraft engine, gas turbine and other high-technology products.
“The burgeoning green economy holds incredible promise for both a better environment and a better economy and we in Michigan are poised to capitalize on this opportunity,” said Dingell. “We have the skilled workforce. We have wonderful institutes of higher education that produce quality people like those General Electric and other companies need. We have the factories and complexes ready and built just waiting for companies to fill them. We are ready to lead the transformation of what some people call the ‘rust belt’ into a ‘green zone.’
The new facility will eventually bring up to 1,100 jobs to the community, too. Congressman Thad McCotter said he appreciated that aspect of the proposal.
“(This) is a heartening ray of hope amidst our community and Michigan’s dire economic straits,” said McCotter. “This new technology center will help some of our working families find precious job opportunities; and show the rest of the nation and the world we remain resilient in the face of tremendous adversity.”
The center, which is expected to open later this year, will be located at the Visteon Village site. The research and development facility will be housed in a new $100 million, 100,000-square-foot building that GE will construct there. The software and IT employees will be located in existing office space.
The state is providing more than $60 million in incentives during the next 12 years to bring the new GE facility to Michigan.
“This facility will help to turn the communities around Wayne County’s airports into a major economic development magnet to attract innovative, high-tech businesses to the region,” said State Rep. Doug Geiss (D-Taylor) . “I applaud GE for recognizing Michigan’s talented workforce, and helping to secure Michigan’s place as a leader in advanced technologies.”
