FAIRFIELD, CT-The General Electric Co. (GE) has announced that it will open an advanced manufacturing technology and software center in Michigan. The center is expected to grow to more than 1,100 GE employees during the next few years.

The Advanced Manufacturing and Software Technology Center will include a GE research and development facility that will be part of the company’s global research network. It will house scientists and engineers who will develop next generation manufacturing technologies for GE’s leading renewable energy, aircraft engine, gas turbine and other high-technology products. Such work will include development of composites, machining, inspection, casting and coating technologies for GE’s Aviation and Energy businesses.

The site also will house experts in software development, data architecture, networking, business intelligence and program management. They will develop software to support the company’s business operations for several advanced technologies, such as the smart grid. The site also will serve as a training hub for information technology professionals.

The center, which is expected to open later this year, will be located at the Visteon Village site in Van Buren Township, Wayne County, about 25 miles from Detroit. The research and development facility will be housed in a new $100 million, 100,000-square-foot building that the company will construct on the site. The software and IT employees will be located in existing office space.

“To lead in manufacturing and create high-value jobs in the U.S., we must invest in technology and in people,” says GE Chairman and chief executive officer Jeff Immelt “The scientists, engineers and technologists that will work and learn at this center will help GE develop innovative new software, processes and technologies to make our manufacturing businesses even more productive and competitive.

“Michigan is a great location for a technology center because of its world-class engineering, technical talent and public officials who understand that investing now will create tomorrow’s leading positions in information technology, clean energy and transportation.”

The state of Michigan is providing more than $60 million in incentives during the next 12 years to support the center.