GE Aviation

To meet current demands and anticipated growth, GE Aviation, one of the world’s leading aircraft engine suppliers, is investing $14.5 million in its west Michigan subsidiary, Johnson Technology. The investment, which includes an $800,000 performance-based grant from the MEDC and a local property tax abatement, will be used to convert a warehouse into a new facility to produce components for the new Leap engine. "The MEDC and the City of Norton Shores made the process simple and streamlined from start to finish and helped us get approval to put the work and the jobs in Muskegon," said Kevin Prindable, plant leader. Acquired by GE Aviation in 1997, this will be Johnson Technology’s third Muskegon-area aviation engine manufacturing facility. The company plans to add 100 jobs to its 700-person workforce.

Kalitta Air

Inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1992, Connie Kalitta has been synonymous with speed. Starting a career in transport aviation nearly 50 years ago, Kalitta has always been about delivering. With a $2 million grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Kalitta Air built an 80,000-square-foot hangar to maintain a growing fleet of aircraft and added 150 jobs. “It’s an exciting project and a good multiplier,” said former MEDC President and CEO Steve Arwood. Perfect for companies that have a need for speed in Pure Michigan.

SkySpecs, Inc.

Safer. Faster. That is the promise of the autonomous drone technology from Ann Arbor-based SkySpecs Inc. Used initially to enable drones to safely inspect wind turbines, use for cell towers and bridges is not far behind. And with help from the state to increase their online visibility in Europe, there’s no telling what heights SkySpecs will reach. It’s the type of support you’d expect from a state whose aerospace industry generates nearly $1 billion in annual sales. The kind of promise that’s Pure Michigan.