Jessica Soule / The Citizen

Making good on last year's promise, GE Inspection Technologies announced it will build a larger facility instead of moving the plant to another town.

The Fairfield, Conn.-based company is planning to build a 60,000 square-foot building on Vision Drive in Skaneateles Falls, company spokesman Cliff Jones said.

The planned expansion will create 50 new jobs in the high-technology sector while retaining the 153 current employees.

GE purchased Welch Allyn's Everest VIT subsidiary in July 2005 for an undisclosed amount. Since then, the two manufacturers have been occupying the same building. Welch Allyn owns the structure and will make the determination as to what to do with it, Jones said.

"Welch Allyn has people in there now, and as far as I know they may keep that facility active," he said.

The proposed facility will center on remote visual imaging in industrial applications. For example, a small camera scope viewer can penetrate crevices in aircrafts that are too small for human hands to reach.

State and federal agencies have to approve environmental assessments for the proposed site plan before GE can break ground for the manufacturing facility. GE officials have planned the new facility since they moved into the Welch Allyn plant a year ago, Jones said.

GE aims to invest $6 million to construct the plant, including furniture, fixtures and building costs.

The technologies manufacturer is eligible to apply to Empire State Development for a capital grant of up to $500,000 for equipment because of its intention to remain in the state.

"This is a great opportunity for Central New York workers," said Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Onondaga, in a press release. "GE has made a significant investment in our community, demonstrating that our region -- with the strength of its workforce can compete in this global economy."

Staff writer Jessica Soule can be contacted at 253-5311, ext 267 or jessica.soule@lee.net