GE Selects Welland, Ontario as site for new Multi-Modal "Brilliant Factory"

MISSISSAUGA, ON, June 1, 2016 /CNW/ - GE (NYSE:GE) – GE Canada has announced the selection of Welland, Ontario as the location for its new multi-modal "Brilliant Factory". The facility will initially manufacture GE Power's world-class reciprocating engines, components for compression, mechanical drive, and power generation, and manufacture components for GE transportation diesel engines. This first–of-its-kind facility in Canada will combine decades of experience building innovative industrial machines with cutting-edge data science and analytics expertise to enhance efficiency and streamline production.  The facility will create 150 jobs in phase one and begin production in early 2018. 

In September 2015 GE Power announced plans to move the manufacturing location of Waukesha brand gas engines to a new facility in Canada as a result of the lapse of charter for the US export credit agency – the Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im). 

GE will build its new "brilliant" facility in Canada to access support from the country's export credit agency, Export Development Canada (EDC). The agency has a strong record of export financing. GE has a solid, long-standing relationship with EDC under which the company has participated in a number of global transactions. EDC joins a growing list of export credit agencies interested in supporting GE's global business operations and customer base.

Quotes:

Elyse Allan, President and CEO, GE Canada
"We are delighted to be building this new facility in Canada. The Province of Ontario and Niagara Region collaborated throughout the process, providing exceptional service and support in our site location efforts. In particular, they helped us with key requirements such as proximity to the Canada-US border, access to talent, and transportation considerations. We also appreciate the ongoing support of EDC and the Federal government.  I look forward to continuing our joint efforts to create jobs and economic growth."

Heiner Markhoff, President and CEO of GE Power's Water and Distributed Power Business "Welland offers an excellent solution for the business and provides a collaborative community environment that will attract talented employees.  The new 'brilliant factory' we build there will be the foundation on which we grow our reciprocating gas engines business for decades to come."

Frank Campion, Mayor of Welland
"Welland welcomes today's announcement and anticipates working closely with GE as they begin construction of their new facility in our city.  Welland sees GE's announcement as a direct result of the innovation and flexibility outlined in our 2013 Manufacturing Attraction Strategy, and the Welland/Niagara Region's Gateway Incentive Program.  We are excited about the employment and business opportunities GE's announcement will create for Welland residents."

Alan Caslin, Chair Niagara Region
"GE's significant investment in Niagara will create 150 direct private sector jobs in the first phase, and build on our region's legacy as a provincial leader in industrial manufacturing. GE's announcement highlights the transportation and economic benefits of doing business in our region and confirms that Niagara is open for business".

Hon. Brad Duguid, Minister Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure
"Our government is thrilled that GE Canada has chosen Welland, Ontario as the location for its new cutting-edge facility. GE Canada is hugely important to Ontario's manufacturing sector, and this significant investment is a true vote of confidence for the region as it creates jobs and stimulates economic growth. Our government has worked hard to create the right climate to allow businesses to thrive, and we are pleased to see companies like GE Canada continue investing in our province."

Hon. Chrystia Freeland, M.P., Minister of International Trade
"Canada is a leader in global innovation and historic commitments like this one from GE are an investment in jobs, our communities, and our future. I was very pleased last month to speak about Canada's longstanding partnership with GE at its Leading and Learning Forum and with CEO Jeff Immelt. This investment is also a reflection of the tremendous opportunities offered by partnering with Export Development Canada."

About GE

GE (NYSE: GE) is the world's Digital Industrial Company, transforming industry with software-defined machines and solutions that are connected, responsive and predictive. GE is organized around a global exchange of knowledge, the "GE Store," through which each business shares and accesses the same technology, markets, structure and intellect. Each invention further fuels innovation and application across our industrial sectors. With people, services, technology and scale, GE delivers better outcomes for customers by speaking the language of industry. www.ge.com

About GE's Distributed Power Business

GE's Distributed Power business is a leading provider of engines, power equipment and services focused on power generation and gas compression at or near the point of use. Distributed Power offers a diverse product portfolio that includes highly efficient, fuel- flexible, industrial gas engines generating 200 kW to 10 MW each of power for numerous industries globally. In addition, the business provides life cycle support for more than 36,000 gas engines worldwide to help you meet your business challenges and success metrics – anywhere and anytime. Backed by our authorized service providers in more than 170 countries, GE's global service network connects with you locally for rapid response to your service needs. GE's Distributed Power business is head quartered in Jenbach, Austria.

SOURCE General Electric Canada Inc.

Media Contacts: Kim Warburton, GE Canada, [email protected], 416-561-8316; Susanne Reichelt, GE Distributed Power, [email protected], [phone]