Our History

At GE we ask, Why predict the future when you can create it? From our earliest days, our company has used the tools of research, combined with a little inspiration, to create the world of tomorrow. The legacy of GE s ingenuity offers a rich history we are proud to share with the world

Formation
By 1890, Thomas Edison had brought together several of his business interests under one corporation to form Edison General Electric. At about the same time, Thomson-Houston Electric Company, under the leadership of Charles Coffin, gained access to a number of key patents through the acquisition of a number of competitors. Subsequently, General Electric was formed by the 1892 merger of Edison General Electric of Schenectady, New York and Thomson-Houston Electric Company of Lynn, Massachusetts and both plants remain in operation under the GE banner to this day. The company was incorporated in New York, with the Schenectady plant as headquarters for many years thereafter. Around the same time, General Electric's Canadian counterpart, Canadian General Electric, was formed.

Thomas Edison & GE

Thomas Edison is heralded for his genius as an inventor. Less known is his brilliance as a business pioneer. By aligning multiple businesses to bring innovation to the marketplace, he laid the path for today's GE. Learn more about the inspiration - and the perspiration - of the man who started it all.

Heritage of Research
It began in a small barn in the year 1900. Thousands of patents and even two Nobel prizes later, the GE Global Research lab has continued to bring new technologies to our lives. Read about the first GE research lab and how it evolved into a worldwide entity.

Past Leaders

For over 125 years GE has been a managerial leader, establishing its strength with the disciplined oversight of some of the world's most effective business people. Get to know GE's past leaders and how each contributed to making GE the worldclass company it is today.

Leadership We have always believed that building strong leaders is a strategic imperative. When times are easy, leadership can be taken for granted. When the world is turbulent, you appreciate great people. Jeff Immelt, Chairman and CEO
Jeff Immelt, CEO

CEO Jeffrey R. Immelt is GE's Chairman and CEO. Since beginning his tenure in 2001, he has worked to transform GE into a leader in essential themes tied to world development, such as emerging markets, environmental solutions, demographics and digital connections. Mr. Immelt also laid the vision for GE's ambitious ecomagination initiative and has been named one of the "World's Best CEOs" three times by Barron's.

Research & Development At GE, research has been the cornerstone of innovation for over a century. Today, GE has approximately 36,000 technologists working across our businesses and global research centers at the intersection of technology and industry to solve some of the worlds toughest Problems.

Products & Services

The reach of GEs businesses is reflected in our expansive line of products and services that span many industries and customers worldwide. GE businesses all share one important trait: each harnesses the power of imagination to make life better for our customers and consumers all around the world. Products & Services A ZAppliances GE is one of the largest manufacturers of major appliances in the world, producing Monogram, GE Profile and many more brands. Discover how GE appliances deliver their remarkable efficiency. Aviation GE is the world's leading provider of aviation services and the leading producer of jet engines. We supply the world with engines for commercial, corporate, military and marine industries. Consumer Electronics Built with reliability and usability in mind, GE products use the best of technology making life easier every room of the house. Electrical Distribution GE provides a wide assortment of integrated equipment and systems to ensure safe and reliable power delivery. Electrical distribution and control solutions manage power in a variety of residential, commercial and industrial applications. Energy GE electrifies the world by providing energy products and services to more than 120 countries. With our coal, oil, natural gas, nuclear energy, water and wind technologies we can deliver solid productivity returns and significant environmental benefits. Finance Business GE Commercial Finance serves clients in over 35 countries by providing loans, operating leases, financing programs, commercial insurance and equipment leasing to help global business grow. Finance Consumer GE Money is a leading provider of credit services, offering credit, loans, mortgages and more. We serve consumers, retailers, auto dealers and mortgage lenders worldwide.Healthcare GE provides medical technologies and services that are shaping a new age of patient care. From medical imaging and information technologies to diagnostics and drug discovery, we help clinicians around the world re-imagine new ways to help their patients live longer fuller lives. Lighting

Since the day Thomas Edison discovered a better filament for the incandescent lamp, GE has been lighting up the world. 128 years later, we still provide a range of innovative products for consumer, commercial and industrial markets. Oil & Gas GE provides global technology-based products, services and complete solutions to the oil and gas industry. Rail GE is the leading supplier to the world's railroads, pioneering locomotive and railroad management technologies that are economically advantageous and ecologically sound. Software & Services GE is a global provider of software, hardware, services, and expertise in manufacturing; remote monitoring and diagnostics; and customer vertical solutions. Water For over 100 years, GE has been a leading global supplier of water treatment, wastewater treatment and efficient process systems solutions.

APPLIANCES AppliancesGE is one of the largest manufacturers of major appliances in the world. Since 1907, we have been introducing advanced appliances to improve peoples lives. Were continuing that legacy today with energy conserving innovations like the Advantium oven, the Harmony clothes care system, and more.

Selected Appliances Products

ADA-Compliant Appliances Compactors & Garbage Disposals Cooktops Dehumidifiers Dishwashers ENERGY STAR Qualified Appliances Filters, Dispensers & Softeners Freezers

Microwaves Ranges and Stoves Refrigerators Room Air Conditioners Speedcooking Ovens Stainless Steel Appliances Venting Systems & Range Hoods Wall Ovens Warming Drawers Washers & Dryers Water Heaters Wine Refrigerators & Beverage Centers

Consumer Products For over 100 years, GE has used its global presence and new technologies to create and better the consumer products we depend on. From telephones to computer accessories to audio/video solutions and beyond, GE is making life easier and more enjoyable for people around the world. Digital Cameras
With innovative features like high megapixels, pan-capture panorama, auto scene detection, and smile, face and blink detection, GE digital cameras capture the finest details to preserve your memories. Discover what GE and General Imaging have put together to stand apart from the competition.

Generator Systems
Protect your home's power from extreme weather or blackouts with GE's Home Standby Generator Systems by Briggs & Stratton. A continuous fuel supply to either propane or natural gas means fully automatic, hassle-free backup power for years to come.

Telephones
No matter your lifestyle, GE has a phone for you. With an exciting lineup of home and small office phones, CCT brings years of design and manufacturing experience to your fingertips.

Healthcare GE is changing healthcare delivery in more than 100 countries with its vision for an early health model, focusing on early diagnosis, intervention, and prevention. And, as the world moves toward the digital hospital, we are leading the way with technology for patient monitoring, imaging, information delivery, and more. Revolution in Women's Healthcare
Our Magnetic Resonance guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) offers an alternative to invasive surgical procedures commonly used to treat uterine fibroids. Explore this revolutionary treatment capable of reducing recovery time to help woman return to their lives sooner.

State-of-the-Art X-Rays
Since 1896, GE has been at the forefront of X-ray technology. Today we provide advanced imaging technology in Mammography, Fluoroscopy, Digital Radiography and much more. Explore our X-ray solutions.

Molecular Imaging
Molecular Imaging will dominate and influence the daily practice of medicine in years to come. Discover how GE is working to advance healthcare breakthroughs by working at the molecular level.

Energy How we manage energy today will determine the kind of world we live in tomorrow. Whether it is solar power in rural India, wind power in Europe, or cleaner coal in the U.S., GEs diverse portfolio of power generation products and services is changing the way we think about

Cleaner Coal

GE is cleaning up coal. Our new system the Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle uses less water, increases fuel diversity and produces a cleaner fuel with fewer emissions. Read about this clean, economical, coal-to-power solution.

U.S. Climate Action Partnership

Through our partnership with USCAP, we're urging the U.S. government to enact strong legislation to reduce greenhouse gases. Learn about USCAP and how GE is addressing the challenge of climate change.

Winds of Change
GE's wind turbines prevent as much as 18.3 million tons of greenhouse gases annually, an amount roughly equal to keeping over three million cars off the road. Learn about this attractive energy solution.

Service & Support

A Day in the Life of an Innovator

Exactly what does an aero technologist or bioscientist work on from nine to five? 20 GE innovators share their day.

Turning X-rays into Light

Building upon the natural properties of a garnet gemstone, scientists at GE have created the first new CT scintillator material in 20 years making the world's first HDCT scanner possible.

Global Research Locations

Global Research Headquarters, New York
On the banks of the Mohawk River in Niskayuna, NY, the Global Research Center has been the world headquarters for GE technology development for more than 100 years.

John F. Welch Technology Centre, Bangalore

GE's first and largest global lab outside the United States is located in Bangalore, India. The John F. Welch Technology Centre (JFWTC) houses close to 3,000 GE technologists from Global Research and other GE businesses.

China Technology Center, Shanghai

Located in Shanghai, China, the GE China Technology Center conducts research and engineering development for GE businesses around the world.

Global Research Europe, Munich

Located in Germany on the campus of the Technical University of Munich, Global Research Europe brings technology development closer to our key customers across Europe.

Brazil Global Research Center, Rio de Janeiro

Global Research is investing $100 million (USD) into a multi-disciplinary Brazil Global Research Center that will be located on the Iha do Bom Jesus peninsula of Rio de Janeiro.

Worldwide Activities

Good Things Come in Small Packages

Every year, physicians from the University of Ottawa Heart Institute travel to Canada's remote Arctic with GE's Vivid i cardiovascular ultrasound system to help heal the hearts of the local Inuit population

Developing Health Globally

At GE, we are bringing our people, expertise and technologies together to help improve access to healthcare in rural Africa and around the world

Appliances

GE is one of the largest manufacturers of major appliances in the world. Since 1907, we have been introducing advanced appliances to improve peoples lives. Were continuing that legacy today with energy conserving innovations like the Advantium oven, the Harmony clothes care system, and more.

Leading with Energy Efficient Appliances

Today, GE offers nearly 400 products from refrigerators to cooking appliances to dryers that meet standards for ENERGY STAR appliances.

Professional Quality Appliances

Our GE Monogram line of professional ranges, electric and gas cooktops and built-in appliances bring a new level of style and performance to any kitchen.

More Efficient Clean

Less energy. Less water. Better results. Discover a whole new approach to laundry with GEs frontload washers and dryers.

History of Appliance Innovation

GEs tradition of innovation has brought many good appliances to life. Learn which appliances we pioneered, and how we continue to improve home sweet home along with the work that comes with it.

Our Brands

GE Cafe GE Monogram GE Profile GE

Selected Products

ADA-Compliant Appliances Compactors & Garbage Disposals Cooktops Dehumidifiers Dishwashers ENERGY STAR Qualified Appliances Filters, Dispensers & Softeners Freezers Microwaves Ranges and Stoves Refrigerators Room Air Conditioners Speedcooking Ovens Stainless Steel Appliances Venting Systems & Range Hoods Wall Ovens

Warming Drawers Washers & Dryers Water Heaters Wine Refrigerators & Beverage Centers

Oil & Gas GE is helping to meet the world's increasing demand for oil and gas while also developing the technologies that will be needed to address tomorrow's energy challenges. Our innovations are many, from extracting oil from tar sands to deep-sea exploration and production. Such technologies are ensuring responsible energy access for generations to come.

GEs Oil & Gas Web SiteDriving Power Through a Delicate Balance

Building on over 15 years of proven technologies, GE's Integrated Compressor Line (ICL) technology is helping compression plant operators achieve an optimal balance between power demands and space limitations, and between productivity and the environment.

Using Ultrasound to Stop Leaks Keeping pipes in good shape ensures the safe movement of oil from the fields to market. Discover GE's UltraScan Duo -the first pipeline inspection tool to utilize ultrasound technology for comprehensive inspections in a single run.

Selected Products

Air-Cooled Heat Exchangers Capital Drilling Equipment Centrifugal Pumps Compressors Gas Turbines Reactors and Steam Condensers Reducing & Metering Systems Steam Turbines Subsea Drilling Systems Subsea Production Systems Surface Systems TLP/Spar Turboexpanders Valves - Control and Safety

Brands

A-C Compressors Gemini Hydril Pressure Control Nuovo Pignone Odessa

Thermodyn VetcoGray

Electric Flight Takes Off at Oshkosh

While still in its early stages, the use of electric power in general aviation holds great promise. It is both cleaner and quieter than conventional planes, and its cost efficiencies could bring personal air travel to a broader base in the years ahead. Already a leader in aviation electric power systems, GE is investing research and development resources to innovate in this new space. Advanced battery technology and advanced materials are two programs related to this field.

GEs new R&D agreement with the University of Dayton will continue working on the technology behind electric flight. In the meantime, attendees in Oshkosh can marvel at early efforts in this place of dreams.

A real-time look inside the body

A powerful new tool is now available to help physicians see what they can only feel and hear in a traditional exam. Vscan gives doctors a quick look inside the body at the point-of-care, using a device thats small enough to fit in the palm of their hand.

Vscan has the potential to help improve patient care by enabling a more rapid diagnosis. And as a pocket-sized device, it offers the possibility of bringing diagnostic capabilities to more places around the world.

Think of the Future

GE is working with Norways electric car manufacturer Th!nk and A123, one of the world's leading suppliers of high-power lithium-ion batteries, to commercialize electric transportation technology making it more practical and affordable, bringing us the car of the future faster and cheaper. The eco-friendly Th!nk venture draws on many of GEs areas of expertise and is poised to deliver tomorrows favorite car.

The Next Generation of Aircraft Engines

The GEnx aircraft engine received flight certification this year and is poised to become the next industry workhorse on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. GE is the worlds leading producer of large and small jet engines for commercial and military aircraft. In fact, engines from GE and its partners carry 3.5 million commercial passengers every day.

Charging ahead
For every 10,000 drivers currently operating gas-powered cars that switch to electric, CO2 emissions would be reduced by 33,000 metric tons per year equivalent to the annual CO2 emissions of 6,500 traditional cars on U.S. roads. Electric vehicles have the potential to revolutionize transportation. However in order to see widespread adoption, the power grid must be modernized and charging stations must be accessible, quick and easy. GEs new electric vehicle charger, the GE WattStation, is designed to help address these challenges.

Combining functionality with a beautiful form by renowned industrial designer Yves Behar, the GE WattStation significantly decreases time needed for vehicle charging and, using smart grid technology, allows utility companies to manage the impact of electric vehicles on the local and regional power grids.

A New Way to Watch TV

NBC Universal officially launched hulu.com, an online video service that offers hit TV shows, movies and clips, anytime, online anywhere, to critical and popular acclaim. With a focus on convenience, ease of use and first-class content that is both free and legal, Hulu is the new way to watch TV.

BATTERY
A different kind of battery Scientists at GEs Global Research Center are continuously working to find cleaner, more efficient sources of energy. Their recent discoveries will challenge us to rethink the potential of the simple battery. See how GE technologies are changing how we power our roads, railways, waterways and beyond. Cleaner mobility on city streets

GE is developing innovative battery technologies and hybrid systems that will help hybrid and electric vehicles travel farther, perform better and release fewer emissions into the atmosphere.

Whats missing? Since fully electric cars produce zero emissions while driving they dont need a tailpipe.

More reliability, better fuel efficiency

Our work with lithium-ion battery manufacturer A123 Systems is producing high-power batteries well-suited to the speed and range needs of urban electric cars, such as the Think City electric vehicle from Norway.

The Think City can reach a top speed of 100km/h (62mph) and drive up to 185km (115 miles) under city driving conditions.

The technology under the hood

We are also working with the U.S. Department of Energy to achieve a unique dual battery hybrid vehicle with an electric driving range of at least 40 miles (63km) well above the average daily commute for motorists.

Whats unique about a dual battery? It leverages two different battery chemistries one for power and one for energy storage. So imagine a car that can accelerate with the power of a sprint runnerand also travel long distances like a marathon runner.

Its estimated half of all cars must be hybrid by 2020 to meet new fuel economy standards set by U.S. Congress.

A hybrid transportation network

Heavy vehicles, such as trains, buses and off-highway trucks, make up a tenth of all vehicles in the U.S. but account for half of all fuel consumption. GE is applying our battery technologies to this sector to help lessen its environmental impact.

GEs hybrid locomotive will provide 15 percent fuel savings and 50 percent emissions reduction.

On and off the road

Regenerative braking is a sustainable way to increase the fuel efficiency of heavy vehicles. GE is currently working on projects that take advantage of this process, including a hybrid mine haul truck, hybrid fuel cell bus and hybrid marine tugboat.

How does regenerative braking work? Similar to how a toy yo-yo uses gravity to store potential energy, heavy hybrid vehicles can capture the energy thats normally lost when slowing down. An electric drive transfers this energy to a battery, where it is stored and later used in acceleration.

GE created the worlds first hybrid mine haul truck by modifying it with a 600 horsepower battery pack.

Ready to power the future

In addition to transportation, GE is studying batteries for potential long-term energy storage solutions. From wind farms and the grid, to power plants and oil and gas pumping stations, we see exciting possibilities for battery technologies ahead.

GEs battery and hybrid projects are all part of our ecomagination initiative.

A First for India, GEs Compact ECG Device

Small enough to fit in a physicians backpack and operate for up to a week on a single charge, the GE MAC 400 is the first compact electrocardiogram (ECG) device to be designed, developed and manufactured in India for India, giving more people in more places access to better healthcare.

The Fruits of Our Labor

All around the world, GE's Jenbacher engines are providing cleaner solutions to energy needs. In the Netherlands, a group of greenhouse operators who produce 180 million pounds of vine tomatoes annually is using 28 Jenbacher cogeneration systems to provide power for assimilation lighting, heat and CO2 at various greenhouses. This year they began producing their first fruit grown with the help of Jenbacher.

VISION OF LIFE

Despite the great leaps that have been made in modern medicine, there are still a lot of unanswered questions surrounding our health. Watch how GE is exploring unchartered territory in medical imaging and visualization techniques to solve many of these age-old problems. MANUFACTURING

Technology has transformed both big and little areas of the industrial world: building gigantic factories, expanding global networks, and creating smaller, more precise machining. This episode will explore the big and small ways GE is innovating on both ends of the scale spectrum, reconnecting us with our childlike curiosity of how things are made.
FUTURE FLIGHT

Domestic air traffic is expected to double over the next twenty years, creating new challenges for both the industry and passengers. Watch and learn how GE is turning to new ideas and technology to prepare for the future of flight. ELECTRIC VEHICLES From economy compacts to super high-performance sports machines, the electric car is here to stay. You might think it's the latest thing, but electric cars were first built in the 1890's. Today's electrics have come far, and are ready to go farther. Learn about the future of power storage and charging stations and see how they'll fit in your life. We won't leave you stranded; promise.