GE Fanuc Automation Named “Hot Company” by Start Magazine for Second Consecutive Year 
Designation Recognizes Ability to Improve Manufacturers’ Profitability and Efficiency

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.  -- July 21, 2003--  Start magazine has named GE Fanuc Automation, an affiliate of GE Industrial Systems, as one of the Hottest Companies of 2003. Each year, the Start Hottest Companies list seeks to identify and honor companies that can help improve the overall profitability and efficiency of manufacturers and this is the second consecutive year that GE Fanuc has received this designation. 

“GE Fanuc was one of only 30 companies that the editors believe is consistently striving to change the manufacturing landscape with the highest level of technological innovation, the broadest array of products and services, and a continued commitment to placing the customer first and foremost,” said Peggy Smedley, editorial director of Start. “GE Fanuc has proven even with an overall decline in information-technology spending, it can move forward overcoming industry barriers and a fiercely competitive landscape.”

According to the magazine, the Start editorial team selected GE Fanuc because it has demonstrated its commitment to helping manufacturers prosper during these challenging and turbulent times. Additionally, GE Fanuc continues to provide its customers with solutions-based offerings enabled by advanced technology. 

"We at GE Fanuc like to think of ourselves as a 'Hot Company' so it is terrific to be recognized as ‘Hot’ by a highly respected industry journal,” said CEO Jeff Garwood. “This has been a challenging but energizing year for GE Fanuc and particularly our customers. We have complemented some great acquisitions with major investment in advanced technology. The results are already delivering in these demanding times and making a difference in factories and industrial environments all over the globe. We exist to help our customers increase their competitiveness. We take this responsibility very personally and are excited to be in a position to contribute. The best is yet to come and we are ready to keep the heat turned up."

About GE Fanuc Automation
GE Fanuc Automation Americas, Inc., is a leading global supplier of automation solutions and is a joint venture between GE and FANUC LTD of Japan. GE Fanuc products and services include collaborative production management, HMI/SCADA and plant intelligence software; nano to high-end controllers; embedded systems; a wide range of CNCs; motion control; operator interfaces; industrial computers; lasers and a wide range of integration and customer support services. Headquartered in Charlottesville, Va., GE Fanuc is part of GE Industrial Systems. For more information, visit www.gefanuc.com. 

About GE Industrial Systems
GE Industrial Systems, a division of the General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), spans the globe as an industry leader in integrated industrial, electrical and security equipment, systems and services. The business brings to customers the latest technologies that are used to distribute, protect and control energy and equipment, and to provide premise management. GE provides innovative product and service solutions for commercial, industrial, residential and utility customers. For more information visit the website at: www.geindustrial.com.

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