* 38,000 sq m facility in largest purpose-built water plant regionally * Focus on water treatment, laboratory testing, and desalination and waste water equipment * In-house training for clients; services for commercial, industrial and municipal needs * Plant will supply solutions to 14 countries
For Immediate Release:
DUBAI, UAE; November 29, 2006 - Underscoring the company's commitment to delivering efficient resource use technologies to the Middle East and Africa region GE Water & Process Technologies, a unit of General Electric Company (NYSE:GE), today inaugurated its regional Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Dubai at the Jebel Ali Free Zone "Jafza".
The 38,000 sq m facility is the largest purpose-built water plant in the Middle East. The facility, which produces cost-effective water treatment technologies and solutions designed to address the Gulf region's burgeoning water issues, is estimated to attract nearly US$50 billion in public-private partnerships over the next ten years.
The CoE will serve as the regional hub for GE's water business, catering to 14 countries throughout the Middle East and Africa. The facility will also share best practices related to water treatment, technologies and solutions aimed at increasing customers' efficiency while decreasing burdens that are often spawned by water scarcity. The GE CoE will also augment similar plants located in China and South America.
Steve Fludder, VP Global Sales, and Jeff Connelly, VP Global Operations, GE Water & Process Technologies; Nabil Habayeb, GE president and CEO for the Middle East and Africa Region; and Nick Powell, GE's General Manager for Water & Process Technologies, joined GE's customers from around the region for the opening ceremony held at the plant in Jebel Ali.
"As water consumption continues to grow, GE's water technologies and solutions will help provide our region with reliable and cost-effective sources of water," said Nabil Habayeb. "GE is committed to the region and through constant research and development, will continue to build technologies and solutions that best suit the region's needs."
GE's Water & Process Technologies, is a global leader in offering water, wastewater and process systems solutions. "GE has played an integral role in the development of the region's infrastructure for more than 70 years," added Mr Habayeb. "With the opening of the CoE, we can now provide reliable and sustainable fresh water solutions at the lowest total cost of ownership and quickest deployment. The CoE also builds-on our continued commitment to sharing technologies critical to the region's sustainable infrastructure development."
The GE facility, which was constructed in a record nine months, will serve as a training facility for industrial and municipal customers interested in expanding their knowledge of water scarcity issues and the technologies that help to best address issues at hand. "The CoE makes it easier for us to share knowledge and best practices that can help increase the operational and water use efficiency of our clients," said Mr Habayeb.
Nick Powell added: "The region can now access state-of-the-art technology without time and logistics delays. This will improve productivity and enhance efficiency of our customers' operations. This facility marks the first time that our manufacturing, sales and technical expertise are operating in the Middle East under one roof."
A technology and people-centric operation, GE's new facility within Jafza has over 40 core team members of experts, many of them hand-picked from the region and trained by the company. As part of the facility, GE Water & Process Technologies will also house a fleet of mobile water trailers, which will be available for rapid response for a full range of reverse osmosis, filtration, demineralization, softening, and deoxygenation treatment on demand.
GE's Mobile water treatment is available in the region for emergency, supplemental, or extended term service.
"Jebel Ali is an ideal fit for GE's expansion plans in the region," said Mr Powell. "The advanced infrastructure, eco-friendly environment, easy government procedures and access to a large pool of skilled workforce complement our aspiration of providing the best of services from GE to the region."
GE's CoE is also in line with GE's company-wide ecomagination initiative - a commitment to develop innovative solutions that benefit the customers and the society at large. "The Gulf countries spend billions of dollars annually to develop efficient power and water desalination projects. Through our CoE, we are strengthening their hands by developing environmentally advanced technologies that reduce the cost burden on the government and give the public efficient water solutions," added Mr Powell. "GE has proven expertise in membrane and filtration technology - critical components in major regional projects. The new plant will focus on continuing to develop environmentally-friendly technologies and solutions that best serve our customers and society at large."
A one-stop shop for enterprises to set base and grow, Jafza is the first in the world to hold an ISO9001: 2000 quality certification and has more than 5,500 businesses from over 120 countries. "The opening of the Center of Excellence in Jebel Ali Fee Zone builds on the long-standing association we share with GE," said Salma Hareb, CEO Jafza and Economic Zones World. "The new facility also has a societal role to play, which reiterates our own commitment to serve the society by hosting enterprises that add to the nation's welfare."
GE Water & Process Technologies already has 800 patents and over 500 more pending on research and development accomplishments in water, wastewater and process systems solutions. It serves industries such as beverages, chemical processing, commercial and institutional, food, general industries, hydrocarbon processing, life sciences, medical dialysis,
microelectronics, mining and mineral processing, pharmaceutical, municipal, power, primary metals, residential and transport. The division's work philosophy encompasses optimizing operational performance, safeguarding operational assets and protecting the environment.
Notes for Editors
About GE:
GE (NYSE: GE) is Imagination at Work -- a diversified technology, media and financial services company focused on solving some of the world's toughest problems. With products and services ranging from aircraft engines, power generation, water processing and security technology to medical imaging, business and consumer financing, media content and advanced materials, GE serves customers in more than 100 countries and employs more than 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.ge.com.
GE has been active in the Gulf since 1933. Its activities in the region are conducted through direct presence, joint ventures, strategic alliances, and a wide network of distributors. GE has completed strategic projects in various hi-tech industrial sectors, defence-related contracts and major infrastructure developments.
About GE Infrastructure, Water & Process Technologies:
GE Infrastructure, Water & Process Technologies, a unit of General Electric Company, is an industry leader in solving the world's most pressing water reuse, industrial, irrigation, municipal, and drinking water needs. Through desalination, advanced membrane, separation solutions, and water reuse and wastewater management and process technologies, GE delivers added value to its customers. By improving performance and product quality, reducing operating costs, and extending equipment life through a broad range of products and services that are designed to optimize total performance; protect customers' assets; prevent fouling and scaling; and safeguard the environment through water conservation and energy reduction. For more information on GE Infrastructure, Water & Process Technologies, visit www.gewater.com.
For further information, please contact:
Rania Rostom Kelly Home / Nedal Alasaad
Communications Manager ASDA'A Public Relations
GE Middle East & Africa Exclusive A
ffiliate of Edelman PR Worldwide
Dubai, UAE in Middle East and North Africa
Tel: (+971 4) 313 1807 Dubai, UAE
Fax: (+971 4) 313 1907 Tel: (+971 4) 335 5969
Email: [email protected] Email:
[email protected], n.alasaad@asdaa.com