General Electric (GE) is the world's leading digital industrial company, creating software-driven machines that are connected, responsive, and predictive, and dedicated to transforming traditional industries.GE has been in business for 138 years, and is the only company to have existed on the Dow Jones Industrial Average since it was established in 1896.GE currently has eight business groups and 10 global GE currently has eight business groups and 10 global R&D centers, with operations in more than 180 countries and regions around the world, total global revenue of $117.4 billion in 2015, and more than 333,000 employees.
GE's businesses fall into two main categories: global infrastructure, including aviation, healthcare, power generation, renewable energy, energy management, oil and gas, transportation, and lighting. The second is the digital and financial verticals across all sectors. Across all regional markets, GE is committed to synergizing and integrating the technology strengths, market advantages, global scale, and expertise and leadership of each business unit to deliver extraordinary products and services to customers.
1878-1904
From the laboratory to industrial civilization
From the laboratory to industrial civilization From the invention of the first incandescent light bulb to the construction of America's first central power plant, scientific discoveries have benefited humanity.
1892
1900
1878
In 1878, GE's predecessor, the Edison Electric Light Company, was founded
1879
Edison invented the first commercial incandescent light bulb at his Menlo Park, New Jersey laboratory, a carbon filament light bulb that successfully completed up to a 40-hour endurance This invention had a profound impact on people's daily lives.
1882
Thomas Edison commercialized electricity, founding the Edison Illuminating Company and building the first centralized power station in the U.S. in New York City, where on September 4, 1882, power was supplied from the Pearl Street Power Station in lower Manhattan. The station had a generator that could power 800 light bulbs. By December of the following year, the Pearl Street Power Station had 508 customers and powered 12,723 light bulbs, ushering in the electrical age.
1892
GE was born.
1895
GE expanded the use of electricity by building what was then the world's largest electric locomotive (weighing 90 tons) and transformer (up to 800 kilowatts)
1896
1896
One year after R?ntgen introduced his new discovery of X-rays, GE was the first to use them. Elihu Thomson of GE designed the X-ray imager. The instrument was able to produce X-rays, show three-dimensional "roentgen" pictures, diagnose bone fractures, and search for foreign objects in the body. Starting with the real-world application of this major scientific discovery, GE has long been a leader in the field of medical imaging.
1905-1912
GE's history in China spans more than a century
In 1906, GE officially began trading with China, and in 1908, GE established its first light bulb factory in Shenyang. And during this time, GE made history with its first audio broadcast, forever changing the speed at which information **** could be enjoyed. Meanwhile, GE's innovative spirit has facilitated modern life with invention after invention, including the first electric oven and the first heat-inducing electric stove. In addition, achievements in the field of vacuum tubes made possible the development of electronic components, while breakthroughs in resin research brought plastics into a new era of diversity.
1905
The first of many devices designed to simplify life in the kitchen, GE's first electric oven, the D-12, was introduced in 1905.
1905
GE ventured into the world of commercial finance, establishing a bond and stock company to finance small businesses.
1906
GE scientists spent two years designing the high-frequency alternator that enabled the world's first audio broadcast.
1908
GE supplied the New York Central Railroad with 34 heavy-duty 94-ton electric locomotives. At the time, two of these locomotives were capable of pulling any weight of freight.
1909
GE improved tungsten filament technology, which greatly improved the utility of the light bulb, a technology that is still used today.
1910
GE invented the Hotpoint, the first heat-inducing electric stove, which ushered in a new era of kitchen life.
1912
How can we live without electronics these days, when GE's achievements in the field of vacuum tubes made it possible to develop electronic components?
1935-1945
A decade of world firsts
This was the decade when GE invented the first fluorescent light, the "invisible glass," and radar with a measuring range of 20 miles. There were also aviation firsts: the turboprop engine, the autopilot, and the first U.S. jet engine.
1935
1942
1935
GE lighting technology illuminated the first American League night game. People could finally go to a sports game after work.
1937
GE technology not only helped airplanes fly higher, it also helped airplanes fly faster, with GE technology setting a record for transcontinental flights at the time of 7 hours, 28 minutes, and 25 seconds.
1938
GE invented the fluorescent lamp. It was the first practical low-voltage discharge bulb capable of emitting white light, and GE continued to be a technology and design leader in lighting.
1939
Blodgett, the inventor of the famous "invisible glass," was the first female scientist to join GE Laboratories. Her invention of non-reflective, "invisible" glass became the prototype for the material used in almost all optical instruments and camera lenses today.
1940
GE began its silicone resin business. It was used in everything from dry cleaning and industrial seals to electronic components and the construction of aquariums.
1940
GE's WRGB-TV became the first television station in New York. This marked the formation of television networks.
1942
GE successfully builds the I-A, the first jet airplane engine in the U.S.
1942
GE's engineers successfully demonstrate to the world the world's first turboprop engine. Based on a design by Sir Frank Whittle, the 1,250-pound-thrust engine fired instantly, ushering America into the jet age. The Bell XP-59 jet airplane with two GE I-A engines went down in history as the first successful American jet airplane in 1942.
1943
GE engineers developed the airplane's automatic navigation system, which allowed the airplane to cruise on a predetermined course.
1945
GE developed the world's first civilian radar, which could measure up to 20 miles.
1946-1956
New materials change lives
During this decade, GE invented desalination, diamond synthesis, artificial rainfall technology, a more practical line of appliances, and a new material called Lexan.
1942
1950
1946
GE began work on the J47 jet engine. This would later become the world's most popular airplane engine.
1947
GE invents the world's first two-door refrigerator.
1953
GE's tradition of innovation continues with the introduction of a new transparent plastic called Lexan.
1954
GE invents the first fully automatic dishwasher.
1955
GE's Research and Development Laboratories announced a landmark success in 1955 with the realization of the world's first repeatable diamond cutting process - solving a problem that had plagued scientists for centuries. This process became the cornerstone of GE's industrial manufactured diamond business. This business unit is today one of the world's largest suppliers of diamond abrasives.
1956
GE invented the world's first toaster.
1957-1970
Dedication to scientific research
While GE developed the diode and laser that made science fiction a reality, more than 6,000 GE employees were working on man's first moon landing. Everything from atoms to planets is scrutinized by science, which reveals more secrets and helps us do business better. From rechargeable electric toothbrushes to the development of nuclear power, science is changing the way we think and live in exciting ways.
1950
1969
1957
GE leads the way in energy development, building the world's first nuclear power plant.
1959
The invention of the halogen lamp, which brought a small beam of fresh, pure white light, continued GE's tradition of lighting innovation.
1962
GE scientist Bob Hall invented the solid-state laser. This small, efficient source of light produces a laser that can be freely controlled. This invention made possible a variety of now popular devices such as compact discs, laser printers, and fiber optic communications.
1968
GE's research and development breakthroughs in the field of X-rays dramatically reduced radiation exposure for patients while improving the quality of X-ray images.
1969
Armstrong takes the first step on the moon in boots made from GE silicone, which provided quality control, tethered engineering support, and satellite delivery systems throughout the lunar landing program.
1971-1985
Continuing the Tradition
GE continues to innovate to meet our increasingly complex needs. To address natural resources, GE developed new materials for a wide range of applications, such as XENOY resin and fiber optics. And in the healthcare industry, GE has developed Sigma magnetic **** vibration imaging technology and body-screening devices that utilize computed tomography to make imaging the human body faster and safer.
1969
1971
Consumer convenience took another step forward with the introduction of the Carry-Cool, the world's first portable air conditioner. This unit brought a touch of coolness to confined spaces and impromptu events.
1973
Dr. Ivan Giaever of GE wins the Nobel Prize in Physics for his achievements in the field of superconductors.
1978
In the kitchen, GE continued to make food preparation faster and easier, reducing it to mere seconds with the introduction of the FP-1 and FP-2 food processors, along with the space-saving SpaceMaker microwave oven.
1978
For over a century, GE has been known for technological innovation. In the past 100 years, GE has been granted a record 865 patents. In addition, GE was the first organization to reach 50,000 patent holdings, which qualifies as a miracle.
1983
GE scientists developed the Magnetic **** Vibration Imaging System. Based on a giant superconducting magnet that creates a magnetic field 3,000 times stronger than the Earth's magnetic field and highly coherent, the system produces cross-sectional images of the human body with unprecedented clarity, especially in soft-tissue imaging, where X-rays can't help.
1986-1997
Ahead of the curve, GE returns to China
From outer space to cyberspace, GE has ventured into exciting new areas, including designing and building the Mars Observer and creating the first corporate Web site for a non-computer Fortune 500 company. NBC to broadcast real-time economic news and MSNBC, the largest cable news network ever. Meanwhile, GE returned to China in the 1990s, establishing its first joint venture in Beijing in 1991, GE Aviation Medical Systems, and in 1994, GE (China) Co.
1986
1992
1989
The CNBC financial channel was established to provide the public with 24-hour financial news, helping the public to understand financial information anytime, anywhere. In its first year, the channel attracted 13 million viewers.
1992
GE set its sights on the Red Planet, helping NASA build the Mars Observer. The observer was carried by the MMT3 launch vehicle and entered Mars orbit in 1993. Its primary mission was to understand the geology and climate of Mars and to map the surface in preparation for a future landing.
1996
GE's global website launched
1998-2000
Emerging Markets
After 100 years of existence, GE R&D centers began to reach out to the world, expanding into new markets, and in 2000, the first global R&D center was opened in Bangalore, India. In 2000, the first global R&D center was established in Bangalore, India. In the same year, the GE China R&D Center took shape in Shanghai, and in 2003, it was oriented as a cross-business group research center in Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park. the newest base for GE to implement cross-sector R&D is located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Together with GE's German R&D Center in Munich, Germany, and GE's Global R&D Center headquarters in Niskayuna, New York, these five R&D centers around the world are working together to develop innovative technologies to solve the world's toughest problems.
1992
1998
The new LightSpeed QX/I CT System, the world's first scanner to allow physicians to view several images at once and at speeds up to six times faster than conventional instruments, was introduced, saving valuable time for critically ill patients, especially those in critical condition.
1999
As technology continued to evolve, GE responded to Boeing's need for a new 115,000-pound thrust GE90 engine to power Boeing's long-haul 777-200LR and 300-ER models. With more than 115,000 pounds of power, the GE90-115B has earned its place as the world's most powerful commercial aircraft engine.
1999
Another major breakthrough in GE imaging technology was functional anatomical localization. This technology helped internists pinpoint the location of disease more precisely. A year later, GE developed a fully digital mammography that again improved clarity.
1999
With the popularization of the Internet, GE entered the e-commerce business. That year, it earned $2 billion in revenue.
1999
GE's R&D moved from the United States to the world. GE established its first global R&D center outside of the United States in Bangalore, India.
2000
GE Global R&D Center (Shanghai) was established. GE China R&D Center (CTC) is one of GE's five global R&D centers, which provides a full range of technical support for GE's global business and the "In China for China" program, as well as basic science research, new product development, engineering development, and sourcing services. It also provides basic scientific research, new product development, engineering development and procurement services.
2001-2004
Breakthrough Discoveries
GE's innovation has accelerated with research breakthroughs in areas such as healthcare, power and lighting. From cancer treatment to fuel-efficient locomotives to the Vivid I cardiovascular ultrasound machine, innovation at GE has gone even further.
1992
2003
2002
GE developed the world's first 4D imaging ultrasound based on 3D imaging.
2002
GE maintains a close partnership with NASA to provide cutting-edge technology for the International Space Station to ensure its safe operation.
2003
As the healthcare industry moves into the electronic age, GE partners with the Indiana Heart Center to help the hospital go electronic with the first application of the GE Centricity TM information system. Doctors can monitor admitted patients' information through the electronic system.
2003
The first tests of the H-System began in Baglan Bay, Wales. GE's H-System is the most advanced hybrid power generation system available today, and the first to break the 60% utilization mark, with an engine that integrates a gas engine, a steam engine, and a heat press, and seamlessly integrates them to enhance the performance of each component.
2003
GE is committed to meeting and exceeding government standards for fuel economy and greenhouse emissions, and the next generation of fuel-efficient GE Evolution Series locomotives, developed to 2005 U.S. environmental standards, began testing in 2003.
2004
The GE Vivid I compact cardiovascular ultrasound machine was introduced. This ultrasound is small, lightweight, has clear image quality, and can be carried around to help more patients around the world
2004
The GEnx aircraft engine is introduced. The aircraft engine, which powers the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Boeing 747, is fuel-efficient, quiet, and has low emissions.
2004
Scientists at GE's Global Research and Development Center introduced the organic light-emitting diode (OLED). This light source, which can be cut into a 24-square-foot square, utilizes today's incandescent bulb technology to harness energy more efficiently, producing up to 1,200 lumens.
2005-2010
Recent Developments
In keeping with GE's commitment to continuous innovation and the broader exploration of objects and matter, GE scientists have used light and other resources to develop information tools such as holographic data storage technology and new organic light-emitting diodes. In China, GE proudly sponsored the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the U.S. Pavilion at the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, and in 2012, the GE China Innovation Center was inaugurated in Chengdu and Xi'an.
2004
2005
GE made another breakthrough in the field of magnetic **** vibration imaging with the development of the first high-precision magnetic **** vibration imager, which provides doctors with unprecedented clarity.
2006
GE The Discovery CT, the world's first 64-row CT, is launched.
2007
GE successfully develops the VIO LED white light, laying the groundwork for the large-scale use of LED lights.
2007
GE achieved a breakthrough in power generation technology with the world's first 24-cylinder gas turbine, the 4 MW J624 GS Yanbach gas turbine.
2008
GE honors its sponsorship of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
2009
Introduced the tablet-sized Venue 40 and the cell phone-sized Vscan ultrasound machines. Making ultrasound more advanced and lighter than ever before to help more patients.
2010
GE introduced the energy smart LED light bulb, the world's first omnidirectional LED light bulb.
2010
The new WattStation, a new Level 2 fast charging station, is designed for charging electric vehicles on the road or at home. The modular design with upgradable features allows customers to easily stay on top of future communication and technological developments. In addition, the WattStation helps commercial property owners achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) ratings and qualifications.