Johnson Technology Inc. is pumping more than $5.58 million
into its facility at 2034 Latimer in Muskegon, an investment
that is expected to result in 25 new jobs over the next
year.
The aerospace manufacturer is putting in nearly $4.6 million
worth of new equipment in addition to plant improvements
totaling more than $993,000.
It currently has 287 employees working in its plant in
Muskegon's Port City Industrial Park, plus another 200
in a facility at 6060 Norton Center Drive in Norton Shores.
"And we continue to grow," said company President
David Yacavone.
Johnson Technology, a wholly-owned subsidiary of General
Electric Co. since 1997, makes parts for military and
commercial jet engines.
Yacavone said equipment now starting to arrive will be used
in a new metal coating process, and also to build engine
parts for Boeing's 747-8 aircraft and a new plane still
in development, the Boeing Dreamliner.
Its 116,000-square-foot Latimer Drive plant is undergoing
"substantial upgrades," he said.
The company will be looking to hire 25 equipment operators
over the next nine to 12 months.
Yacavone said Johnson Technology typically looks for people
with a high school diploma or GED equivalent, and trains
them on the job.
On Tuesday, the Muskegon City Commission voted to abate 50
percent of the new property taxes generated by the
investment for nine years on the equipment and 12 years on
the building, under Michigan's Public Act 198.
"It's always good to see one of our industries
expanding," said Cathy Brubaker-Clarke, the city's
director of community and economic development.
