GE to Enhance Presence in China with New Silicones Plant Coming on Stream
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WILTON, CONN. - Mar. 16, 2006 - GE Toshiba Silicones, a joint venture of GE's Advanced Materials business and Toshiba, have signed an agreement for the establishment of a new silicones manufacturing facility in Nantong, Jiangsu province in China. With a total investment of US $78 million (RMB 647.4 million) by the two parent companies, the new facility is scheduled for completion at the end of 2007 and will be the largest GE Toshiba Silicones factory in China. This new plant will enable GE Toshiba Silicones to supply advanced silicone technologies to China via a shortened supply chain.
The new GE Toshiba Silicones plant is located in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD), taking advantage of the location as a distribution center to help ramp up the development of the silicones industry in China, where world-class silicones technologies and products are in high demand. The new investment will not only enhance the role of the Chinese silicones industry as a driving force for regional economic development, but also will meet the demand for silicones products from other parts of the Asia Pacific region.
"GE Toshiba Silicones has always envisaged China as one of the most important markets in the world," said Eddy Wu, president and CEO of GE Toshiba Silicones. "In order to capitalize on the strategic position of the Chinese market in the Asia-Pacific region, we have been increasing our investment in China. A global R&D center has been set up in Shanghai alongside its counterparts in the United States, India, and Germany, as well as four silicones manufacturing facilities, leveraging its global business network and world-class R&D capabilities. We are committed to introducing the latest silicones technologies to China based on profiles of local demands, aiming to convert R&D results in advanced technologies into cutting-edge products that meet the requirements of our customers."
The choice of Nantong as the location for its new facility by GE Toshiba Silicones is most welcome by the Nantong authorities because the company is well known for its commitment to health, safety, and environmental protection. GE Toshiba Silicones' Shanghai and Ohta (Japan) plants have recently been certified Global Star, GE's unique measurement to certify manufacturing facilities for the highest standard of health and safety for efficient operation.
"The rich resources in world-class technologies and profound understanding of the market of GE Toshiba Silicones will combine well with Nantong's geographic advantage as an industrial center in the YRD to provide a major driver to regional economic development," said Chen De Xin, director of Nantong Economic & Technology Development Zone.
With outstanding properties in electrical insulation, resistance to radiation, burning, corrosion, and extremities in temperature, as well as biological compatibility, silicones are used in a wide range of daily applications and industries such as electrical-electronics, construction, textiles, light industries, healthcare, mechanics, transportation, and plastic/rubber products.
About GE - Advanced Materials
The Advanced Materials business of General Electric Company is part of the Industrial business group and is headquartered in Wilton, Conn. Comprised of Silicones and Quartz, GE - Advanced Materials is a global leader in providing a range of high-technology materials solutions. The GE - Advanced Materials, Silicones' portfolio includes silicone-based products and technology platforms, silanes, sealants and adhesives. The Quartz portfolio includes high-purity fused quartz and ceramics materials. These materials solutions are used as springboards for innovation in hundreds of consumer and industrial applications ranging from car engines and integrated circuits to biomedical devices and cosmetics. Industries served include aerospace, agriculture, appliances, automotive, construction, electronics, furniture and furnishings, healthcare, home care, industrial, lighting, packaging, personal care, plastics, semiconductor, telecommunications, tire, transportation, and water purification. As a Worldwide Partner of the Olympic Games, GE is the exclusive provider of a wide range of innovative products and services that are integral to a successful Games. Experience more at http://www.ge.com/advancedmaterials.
Contacts
The Americas
Amelia Burkhart
GE - Advanced Materials, Silicones,
Wilton, Conn.
Tel: +1-203-761-1934
E-Mail: amelia.burkhart@ge.com
Europe
Robert Scheib
GE Bayer Silicones, Leverkusen, Germany
Tel: +49 2143040532
E-Mail: Robert.Scheib@ge.com
Asia
Junko Tsuda
GE Toshiba Silicones, Tokyo, Japan
Tel: +81 3 5772 5345
E-Mail: junko.tsuda@ge.com
Greater China
Joyce Sun
GE Toshiba Silicones, Shanghai, China
Tel: +86 21 6288 1088 * 149
E-Mail: joyce.sun@ge.com
Agency Contacts
The Americas
Jim Allison
AH&M Marketing Communications,
Pittsfield, Mass.
Tel: +1-413-448-2260, Ext. 25
E-Mail: jallison@ahminc.com
Japan
Mitsu Sugino
Tokyo PR Inc., Tokyo, Japan
Tel: +81 3-3273-2731
E-Mail: sugino@tokyopr.co.jp
