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General Electric to add 120 jobs at West Burlington plant

General Electric plans to add 120 jobs and a new product line with a $7.4 million investment at its plant in West Burlington. 350 employees got the good news fr...

General Electric plans to add 120 jobs and a new product line with a $7.4 million investment at its plant in West Burlington.

350 employees got the good news from company officials on Wednesday, November 4, 2015.

"What you guys have done over the last few quarters is truly remarkable," said Stuart Thompson, general manager for GE's Power Equipment.

After nearly closing for good five years ago, the West Burlington plant is expanding and adding jobs.

"I think it's a great thing," said Pat Mathews, who started working at the plant in 1989.

For Mathews, it represents a real survival story.

"Their job security is unbelievable now," he added.

GE will spend $7.4 million to create a new product line.

State and local sources are providing about $1 million in loan incentives.

In return, the new jobs will pay about $19 per hour.

Click here to see GE's plans for investing and launching jobs in the Quad Cities area.

"I know a lot of people here who struggle from paycheck to paycheck, having more than one job," said Julie Harlan, completing her first year at the plant.  "It will be nice to have one position where you get paid."

"It's very exciting to know I might get to retire here," added Keli Cline, who started in 2000.

There's an amazing turnaround at the plant. Just this year, GE expanded its low voltage line by adding 50 jobs.

Workers responded by boosting output 50% from a year ago.

As Iowa Governor Terry Branstad salutes the staff, it represents how hard work and a caring community can pay off.

"The state of Iowa stands ready and willing to partner with you," he said.

For these workers, it's a triumph over tough times.

"Now, I think these people know they're going to be around for a while," Mathews concluded.

Those determined faces are now ready for a bright future with GE in West Burlington.

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