GE Aviation Selects Kansas State for New University Development Center

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Dec 17, 2007 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- GE | charts | news | PowerRating -- GE Aviation today announces the selection of Kansas State University for a University Development Center to be located in Manhattan, Kansas. The new facility is projected to include about 43 engineering jobs within two years.

"GE has a long standing tradition of incorporating college interns into our work force so we have a great appreciation for what engineering students can contribute," commented Stuart Mullan, president of the digital systems business of GE Aviation. "We're pleased to be able to invest in our youth through collaboration with Kansas State. This center will create a strong pool of emerging engineers to provide design and development work for our aerospace programs."

The engineering staff at GE's University Development Center will perform various engineering services including software development, verification and validation, mechanical design and hardware design. GE is currently reviewing location options and plans on occupying the Center in the second quarter of 2008.

K-State President Jon Wefald said, "We are excited about GE Aviation selecting K-State because it is a tribute to the quality of our faculty and students."

The Kansas Department of Commerce, the City of Manhattan and K-State collaborated to bring a GE Aviation University Development Center to K-State and Manhattan. The incentive package from the city (pending approval by the Manhattan City Commission) totals $348,000. With the forgivable loan and tax credits, the Department of Commerce offered $240,000 in total incentives.

"The GE Aviation project has been a perfect example of cooperation between K-State, the K-State Foundation, the City of Manhattan, the State of Kansas, and the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce," said Chamber President and CEO Lyle Butler.

GE plans to actively recruit Kansas State University students for internships, co-ops and entry level positions for May 2008. Applicants can view positions and apply at www.soaringcareers.com

"GE Aviation will be a great asset to the community and the campus," said John English, dean of K-State's College of Engineering. "The company's investment in Manhattan is a credit to the quality of our students and faculty in engineering and speaks volumes about the strength of our engineering programs. We are looking forward to this innovative partnership."

This project is administered through the Systems division of GE Aviation in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

GE Aviation, an operating unit of General Electric Company (NYSE:GE), 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. GE Aviation also has a global service network to support these offerings. For more information, visit us at www.ge.com/aviation.

SOURCE: GE Aviation

GE Aviation Jennifer Villarreal, 616-241-8643 m. 616-617-7755 jennifer.villarreal3@ge.com or Kansas State University Cheryl May, 785-532-6415 m. 785-313-1810 may@k-state.edu or Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce John Pagen, 785-776-8829 johnp@manhattan.org

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