OREANDA-NEWS. July 10, 2012. GE (NYSE: GE) announced today that it will expand its new, advanced manufacturing battery factory here, which is part of the company’s new Energy Storage business. The new Durathon battery products, which are half the size of conventional lead acid batteries but last ten times longer, are the result of GE’s USD 100 million initial investment in battery technology developed at GE’s Global Research Center in nearby Niskayuna, NY. The breakthrough technology will provide reliable and cost-effective energy storage options for a broad range of GE customers globally, including telecom and utility operators.

 GE announced today that it will invest an additional USD 70 million to expand the Schenectady plant, effectively doubling production and adding 100 new jobs, which will bring the total factory workforce to 450 when at full capacity.

 GE Chairman & CEO Jeff Immelt said, “Just a few years ago, researchers in our labs invented a new battery, one that was simple in its ingredients but advanced in its design and science, containing more than 30 patents. It soon became obvious that we weren’t just making a new battery; we were building a new business, so GE teams went to work designing an advanced manufacturing process to build the battery efficiently and a go-to-market strategy to ensure it can reach customers where they work.

 “This is how GE does ‘startups’ – putting our researchers, manufacturing talent and commercial teams to work to create technology that serves customer needs around the world,” Immelt said. “GE Energy Storage was born in New York’s Capital Region from an idea that we turned into an advanced manufacturing plant and a global business that we expect will generate more than USD 1 billion in revenue annually in just a few years. We’ll continue to expand the business into new areas beyond telecommunications to build the next generation of energy-efficient buses, locomotives and mining vehicles around the world.”

 Megatron Federal, an engineering company with products and services in power generation, transmission, distribution, construction and telecommunications based in Johannesburg, South Africa, has signed a purchase agreement for 6,000 batteries, which will be delivered in 2013. These batteries will ensure the continuous operation of telecom installations in Nigeria, and enable the customer to lower fuel consumption and emissions of the diesel generator powered telecom towers by up to 50 percent.

 Brandon Harcus, division manager telecommunications, Megatron Federal said, “The breakthrough batteries from GE – a next-generation energy storage system - will ensure uninterrupted service of telecoms installations in Nigeria and for our customers in emerging markets.”

 The battery plant has received support from state and local government in New York, where GE has done business for 130 years. New York State committed USD 15 million when the new plant was announced in May 2009, and USD 5 million was committed by Schenectady County’s Metroplex Development Authority.

 New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo said, "This is another exciting, job creating innovation come to life right here in the Capital Region. New York's tech sector has become an international leader in research and development of the technologies of the future and this administration is committed to keeping New York's tech sector working and growing. I applaud GE for this momentous investment in New York and look forward to continuing to work with them to create jobs and grow our economy."

 U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer (D–NY) said, “The Capital Region has the expertise, research facilities, and the tools to revolutionize the commercial battery market, and now GE will turn this expertise into a reality. This investment will create a hundred good-paying jobs in the Capital Region, and the growth of new Durathon battery products could lead to more job creation in upstate New York’s industries suited for high-tech advancement, like manufacturing, mining and rail. This battery plant expansion is great news for the Capital Region and will help charge up the local economy.”

 U.S. Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-21) said, "I am pleased to welcome General Electric's Chairman and CEO Jeff Immelt back to the Capital Region to announce the expansion of GE's advanced battery manufacturing facility. I've always said research equals jobs, and today's news proves the point. GE and other companies in the Capital Region are proof positive that America can compete and win the global race on clean energy. But it will require cooperation and planning at all levels of government and across the private sector. I will continue to promote policies in Congress that create jobs, grow the economy, support the middle class and invest in the future of our region and our country."