GE Fanuc Announces the Addition of Pepperl + Fuchs as Proficy® Process Systems Technology Partner


Proven Technologies Provide Framework for Contemporary Solution For Hybrid and Continuous Process Control

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA, JULY 26, 2007 GE Fanuc Automation, a unit of GE Industrial, today announced that it has entered into an agreement with Pepperl + Fuchs North America, of Twinsburg, Ohio, to provide interface components that create connections in industrial automation systems including Profibus-based analog signal transfer and digital fieldbus communication. Proficy Process Systems will use Pepperl + Fuchs for Profibus connectivity.

Proficy Process Systems is GE Fanuc's process control system designed to deliver value to hybrid and continuous customers in industries including Life Sciences, Food & Beverage, Consumer Packaged Goods, Ethanol, Oil & Gas, Power & Energy, Milled Products and Water/Wastewater. GE Fanuc currently serves thousands of customers in these process industries, and Proficy Process Systems represents a significant addition to the company's product offering.

"GE Fanuc is providing our customers with the freedom to implement a system that meets their needs today, and grow and expand to meet their needs tomorrow. We are doing that by delivering a contemporary solution based on many of our well-proven technologies, along with technologies from other industry-leading technology partners like Pepperl + Fuchs," said Steve Ryan, GE Fanuc Director of Process Solutions. "One of the key ways we are providing freedom to our customers is to allow them to choose the fieldbus technologies they need for their applications. Pepperl + Fuchs is recognized as an industry expert in Profibus communications, and will provide our customers with the capability to choose that as a fieldbus technology for their system."

"Our relationship with GE Fanuc is a strategic partnership that will allow both companies to highlight their industry leading solutions," said Jim Bolin, Chief Operating Officer, Process Automation Pepperl+Fuchs Inc. "Together as a team, P+F and GE Fanuc will provide the necessary hardware, knowledge and support on fieldbus applications. The combination of GE Fanuc's control system and our infrastructure equipment and powerful diagnostic tools will help our mutual customers to take advantage of the powerful features of fieldbus."

Additional information about Proficy Process Systems, as well as a registration form to order an introductory CD about Proficy Process Solutions, are available on the GE Fanuc website at: http://www.gefanuc.com/process.

About Pepperl + Fuchs

Pepperl+Fuchs has over 3,400 employees in more than 30 countries and is a world leader in the design, manufacture, application and support of a broad range of automation solutions. Pepperl+Fuchs is the market leader for intrinsic safety interfaces and hazardous location equipment. Our FieldConnex® fieldbus installation system for Profibus and FOUNDATION fieldbus provides maximum flexibility to modern process automation applications. Additionally, P+F's Bebco EPS® purge & pressurization system provides rugged protection for any type of instrumentation. This comprehensive range of explosion protection systems and interface equipment is complemented by technologies such as Extec visualization & operation systems, as well as on-line corrosion monitoring transmitters and level sensing instruments.

For more information:
pepperl-fuchs.com
or
Pepperl+Fuchs
1600 Enterprise Parkway
Twinsburg
OH 44087
(330) 486-0002
Fax: 330-425-4607
pa-info@us.pepperl-fuchs.com.

About GE Fanuc Automation

GE Fanuc Automation Corporation, a joint venture between General Electric (NYSE:GE) and FANUC LTD of Japan, delivers automation hardware and software designed to help users reduce costs, increase efficiency and enhance profitability. With solutions and services for virtually every industrial segment, GE Fanuc Automation provides a diverse array of capabilities and products, including controllers, embedded systems, advanced software, motion control, CNCs, operator interfaces, industrial computers, and lasers. Headquartered in Charlottesville, VA, GE Fanuc Automation is a part of GE Industrial and combines the diverse global strengths of the GE family with the local presence customers need to design, develop and maintain their automation investments.

For more information:
www.gefanuc.com
or
GE Fanuc Information Center
P.O. Box 8106
Charlottesville
VA 22906
(800) GE FANUC (800-433-2682)
Fax: 434-978-5205
gefanuc@gefanuc.com.

Contact:

Elli Holman
GE Fanuc Automation
508-698-7456
elli.holman@gefanuc.com

David Hohenstein
Pepperl + Fuchs
330-486-0147
dhohenstein@us.pepperl-fuchs.com

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