GE Fanuc Introduces Proven Information Portal to Improve Life Sciences Plant Profitability, Efficiency and Compliance

NEW YORK - March 16, 2004 - GE Fanuc Automation Americas, Inc., a unit of GE Infrastructure, has introduced a new Information Portal solution for life sciences manufacturers - which helps companies capture, analyze and act on plant production data to dramatically improve profitability, efficiency and compliance. The Information Portal solution provides web-based batch reporting, captures and maintains proof of compliance, facilitates real-time quality analysis, and decreases product manufacturing cycle times. GE Fanuc showcased the Information Portal solution at INTERPHEX 2004, March 16-18, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York.

"To unlock the full potential of a manufacturing operation, life sciences companies must have a real-time understanding of what is actually happening on the plant floor and be able to improve the operation based on the data being collected in a compliant fashion," said Bob Honor, manager of life sciences for GE Fanuc Automation. "With this new Information Portal solution, they can not only gain critical production information but can then securely share it with other decision makers and take action to improve their bottom line - all the time recording in a compliant repository the changes that could affect their operation."

Designed for 21 CFR Part 11 and cGMP regulations, the Information Portal solution features a powerful suite of plant intelligence software applications that are active and proven in pharmaceutical companies today. Based upon these successful implementations, the solution provides scalability, speed and precision for data collection and batch record analysis to improve consistency of operations, boost capacity, lower inventory levels, optimize manufacturing scheduling, and reduce waste, rejects and recalls.

"GE Fanuc has helped life sciences companies reduce the costs and risks of meeting government regulations specifically aimed at production record keeping," Honor explained. "With this software toolset, the production management team can improve quality control and assurance, and gain product genealogy reporting for traceability."

The web-enabled Information Portal integrates a full range of easy-to-use applications and services to continuously improve productivity. It has been developed to build intelligence into processes - gathering, analyzing, and transforming data into information and enabling companies to act in real-time to optimize results. With an open architecture, the software applications connect production equipment, business systems and decision makers. This closed-loop experience ensures that production runs smoothly, efficiently and with greater profitability.

About GE Infrastructure
GE Infrastructure is a high-technology platform comprised of some of the fastest-growing businesses within GE (NYSE: GE). With 2004 revenues expected to approach $3.5 billion, they represent a set of advanced protection and productivity solutions to some of the most pressing issues that industries face - pure water, safe facilities, plant automation and detecting changes in the operating environment. GE Infrastructure is headquartered in Wilton, CT.

About GE Fanuc Automation
GE Fanuc Automation, a joint venture between 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 catering to 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 Infrastructure 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, visit www.gefanuc.com or contact: GE Fanuc Information Center, P.O. Box 8106, Charlottesville, VA 22906, Phone: (800) GE FANUC, Fax: 434-978-5205, e-mail: gefanuc@gefanuc.com.

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