GE celebrates 74 years in the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines - Propelled by public trust in its diverse portfolio of products, services and innovative solutions, GE (General Electric) continues to perform impressively as a partner for growth in the Philippines and the rest of ASEAN.

“GE’s leadership in driving major Philippine industries underlines its important role as one of the country’s reliable partners in achieving economic goals and hastening business developments in industries and areas where GE has a strong presence,” says Colin Low, president of GE Philippines, Singapore and Cambodia and regional executive for GE Growth Initiatives South East Asia. “We remain true to our vision of turning imaginative ideas into sound businesses.”

As GE Philippines marks its 74th anniversary this October, the company reinforces its commitment to its overall growth objective to uphold the trust of its stakeholders and the general public. “In the midst of today’s economic uncertainties, GE remains strong and stable. We draw our strength not only from our diverse businesses but also from our greatest assets — our people, who drive GE’s growth,” Low explained.

GE’s strength over the years lies in its investment in human resources, cultivating a corporate culture that puts a premium on employee training and empowerment.   Globally, it has developed and implemented one of the most admirable employment development programs aimed at improving competitiveness, especially in the technological skills and capability of its workforce, building effective future 21st-century business leaders.

A Rich History in the Philippines

GE’s presence in the country started in 1890 when GE’S predecessor, the Thomas Houston Electric Company, installed the first electric streetlights on Real Street in Manila. From then on, GE steadily increased its commitment to the country, and in October 1935, incorporated GE Philippines, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary, to engage in a broad range of manufacturing, trading and service businesses.

Today, all of GE’s businesses present in the Philippines are aimed at expanding the company’s growth capability and positioning the company for sustained growth. With almost 1,000 employees and a diverse collection of products and services, GE in the Philippines can expedite some of the country’s priorities in terms of economic and business development as well as value and care for the environment and the Filipino people.

In the Philippines, GE Infrastructure is a leading presence in the areas of energy (power generation, transmission and distribution), transport (aircraft engines), and water and process technologies. GE powers 100 percent of the Philippine Airline aircraft fleet and 100 percent of the Cebu Pacific Airbus A320 family of aircraft. In the meantime, the GE Consumer and Industrial segment is a trusted leader in lighting , components and appliances cutting across residential, commercial, industrial and government customers. Likewise, GE Healthcare is making an impressive imprint on health technology by providing modern and innovative diagnostic equipment that benefits healthcare institutions and professionals.

“As it marks its 74 ‘imaginative’ years in the Philippines this October, GE takes pride in never losing sight of its ultimate focus on customer well-being and responsible stakeholder relations,” Low said. “It continues to grow its competitive advantage by executing on technology and innovation, demonstrating partnership success and strengthening its positions in fast-growing regions.”

Over the next few years, GE is assured of sustained growth by pursuing its various initiatives, notably the groundbreaking Ecomagination, which offers innovative solutions to pressing environmental concerns by developing and marketing products, services and solutions that benefit businesses as well as consumers. It is currently in collaboration with leading real estate developer Ayala Land, Inc. for one of its latest land development projects, Nuvali, a 1,700-hectare eco-polis development in Laguna.

Another growth pillar is the recently launched Healthymagination initiative — GE’s answer to the urgent call for effective healthcare programs.