Gov. Walker Joins GE to Unveil High Tech Engineering Center in Waukesha

Joined by Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker and local economic development leaders, GE (NYSE: GE) today publicly unveiled a $3.1 million innovative engineering center at GE’s Waukesha gas engines facility and announced the hiring of 115 employees in Waukesha in the last 18 months. Renovation of the 22,000 square-foot engineering center is GE’s largest investment in the Waukesha facility since its acquisition of the Waukesha gas engines business in February 2011.

Joined by Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker and local economic development leaders, GE today publicly unveiled a $3.1 million innovative engineering center at GE's Waukesha gas engines facility and announced the hiring of 115 employees in Waukesha in the last 18 months.

After helping cut the ribbon on the modernized engineering center, Gov. Walker met with employees and toured the Waukesha gas engines manufacturing operation. The tour included a 4,800 horsepower engine destined for an oversea oilfield and a Waukesha engine that provided standby electrical power to the World Trade Center in the midst of the tragedy on September 11, 2001.

“Developing best-in-class products requires a very creative approach to technology,” said Brian White, president of GE’s Waukesha gas engines. “We need to attract and retain the best and brightest talent to have a competitive advantage, and we believe that our work environment should encourage the creativity and collaboration that is part of the product development process.”

Engines produced by GE’s Waukesha facility are used in all stages of natural gas production, helping to meet the global need for cleaner, lower-carbon fuels. The Waukesha gas engines business, which has been in Waukesha, Wis., for more than 100 years, was acquired by GE to complement the company’s high-efficiency Jenbacher gas engines that are used for power generation.

At present, GE’s Waukesha facility employs about 680 people—about 100 of them in engineering. Since the acquisition, GE also has invested approximately $1.8 million in employee health and safety projects at Waukesha.

“The future of Wisconsin depends on the strength of its businesses, small and large alike,” said Gov. Walker. “GE’s Waukesha gas engines facility epitomizes both Wisconsin’s robust manufacturing heritage and a growing spirit of innovation—making us more nimble and competitive on the global stage. We are delighted that GE is continuing to invest in this business, in Waukesha and in our state.”

Backed by more than a century of innovation and engine-building expertise, GE’s Waukesha gas engines are designed and built to perform reliably in isolated, mission-critical and demanding applications in oil and gas fields, factories and utilities worldwide. Waukesha gas engines, from 160 to 4,835 horsepower, drive compressors used in natural gas production, transmission and storage; electrical generators that provide oilfield power; and air compressors, cooling systems, blowers and pumps that are used in a wide range of industrial and utility applications. Waukesha gas engines feature extended maintenance intervals, fuel flexibility and rich-burn as well as lean-burn alternatives for optimal fuel efficiency at varying emissions-compliance levels.

As part of a national GE Works series of events, today’s announcement exemplifies GE’s continuing commitment to and impact on Wisconsin. With more than 7,000 employees statewide at GE Healthcare, Energy and Capital, GE has an overall economic impact annually of more than $3.8 billion on the state, according to a recent third party analysis.

About GE

GE (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter. The best people and the best technologies taking on the toughest challenges. Finding solutions in energy, health and home, transportation and finance. Building, powering, moving and curing the world. Not just imagining. Doing. GE works. For more information, visit the company's website at www.ge.com.

About GE Power & Water

GE Power & Water provides customers with a broad array of power generation, energy delivery and water process technologies to solve their challenges locally. Power & Water works in all areas of the energy industry including renewable resources such as wind and solar; biogas and alternative fuels; and coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear energy. The business also develops advanced technologies to help solve the world’s most complex challenges related to water availability and quality. Numerous products are qualified under ecomagination, GE’s commitment to providing innovative solutions that maximize resources, drive efficiencies and help make the world work better. Power & Water’s seven business units include Aeroderivative Gas Turbines; Gas Engines; Nuclear Energy; Power Generation Services; Renewable Energy; Thermal Products and Water & Process Technologies. Headquartered in Schenectady, N.Y., Power & Water is GE’s largest industrial business.

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