PRESS RELEASE November 29, 2007
MTEC SmartZone Secures GE Aviation as a Tenant in Houghton, Michigan
HOUGHTON, MI Michigan Tech Enterprise Corporation (MTEC) SmartZone® announces today that it has secured GE Aviation as a tenant in the Powerhouse facility located in Houghton, Michigan. It is anticipated that GE will add 50 new jobs in the newly renovated facility. Michigan Technological University is also collaborating in the project.
“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,” commented Stuart Mullan, president of the digital systems business of GE Aviation.
MTEC received a $1 million grant for the second renovation to the historic old Powerhouse building in Houghton. The renovation will add two new floors to the existing structure tripling the square footage. The grant came from Michigan Economic Development Corporation which allowed the city of Houghton to invest the $1 million on the renovation which is due to be completed by Mid-March of 2008.
Carlton Crothers, CEO of MTEC– an organization that manages a state and local partnership established to develop high tech companies and jobs in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan – says this is what the State of Michigan had in mind when it created a network of SmartZones® throughout the state. “We are seeing tremendous growth of high tech companies in the Upper Peninsula and forecast continued growth of new businesses and jobs for the next several years,” he pointed.
“Through initiatives like the 21st Century Jobs Fund and the state's network of SmartZones, we are helping high-tech companies like GE Aviation grow and thrive in Michigan,” Governor Jennifer M. Granholm said. “The company's collaboration with Michigan Tech and the jobs expansion will help Houghton continue to be a center of entrepreneurial growth in Michigan.”
"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 Glenn D. Mroz, president of Michigan Tech.
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation, a partnership between the state and local communities, promotes smart economic growth by developing strategies and providing services to create and retain good jobs and a high quality of life. For more information on the Michigan Economic Development Corporation's initiatives and programs, visit www.michigan.org .
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. SmartZone technology clusters promote resource collaborations between universities, industry, research organizations, government and other community institutions, growing technology-based businesses and jobs. SmartZone® is a service mark of Michigan Economic Development Corporation. More information is available at www.mtecsmart.com .
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For Additional Information:
Jonathan Leinonen
MTEC
SmartZone®
101 W. Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI 49931
jleinonen@mtecssz.com
P
906-487-7004
F 906-487-9523