Tech Valley News
GE Breaks Ground on Healthcare Facility
A groundbreaking was held for the $135 million GE Healthcare Digital X-Ray Manufacturing Facility at Rensselaer Technology Park. The facility will produce state-of-the-art digital X-ray mammography machines based on technology that was developed at the GE Global Research Center in Niskayuna.
Officials say this is another example of how thriving research and development activity can fuel economic growth.
“GE's digital X-ray technology was born right here at the GE Research Center, right here in Tech Valley, was brought to maturity right here, and by the year 2009 will be producing high-tech equipment, right here in Tech Valley,” GE Global Research Senior Vice President and Director Mark Little said.
Digital X-rays have been more effective in detecting breast cancer than film X-rays.
The 150,000-square-foot facility will feature 60,000 square feet of clean room space and have an annual payroll budget of around $10 million. GE is spending $65 million to construct the building, $40 million on new equipment and $20 million in new investments over the next 10 years.
One hundred positions will be created and the business is expected to grow at double-digit rates. Fifty scientists from GE Global Research will transfer to the new plant when it’s completed sometime in early 2009.
“Today's groundbreaking is the next step in our efforts to continue making Tech Valley a global leader in high-tech economic development," Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno said. The state committed a $10 million grant to the project.
“GE could've built this facility anywhere in the world. Building it here demonstrates their continuing commitment to Tech Valley,” said Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute president Shirley Ann Jackson. RPI owns the tech park where the facility will be built.
Bruno said GE selected the Tech Valley location over sites in Texas, Oregon and overseas.
“We're on everybody's radar screen,” Bruno said.
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