GE to Open Information Security Technology Center in Virginia

Company to add 200 IT experts to focus on future of cyber security, network design and application development

FAIRFIELD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--General Electric Company (NYSE: GE) today announced that it will open an Information Security Technology Center in Glen Allen, Virginia – north of Richmond. The new Center will house high-tech teams specializing in cyber security, as well as network design, architecture, data management, and application development. Employment for the Center is expected to grow to roughly 200 employees over the next few years.

“GE is placing big bets on critical sectors like IT and is adding new jobs to prove it”

Information technology (IT) experts working at the facility will focus on security management strategies to prevent, detect, and remediate risks to GE’s data, assets, and intellectual property. Hiring will commence immediately and the facility, which will be located in Innsbrook Office Park, is expected to open later this year.

“Ensuring the security of GE’s and our customers’ data is, and always will be, a top priority,” said Charlene Begley, President and CEO of GE Home & Business Solutions and Senior Vice President and CIO for GE. “The information technologists working at this Center will help GE develop and deploy innovative technologies to make our businesses even more productive and secure.”

“We’re excited to expand GE’s presence in Virginia,” Begley added. “Virginia has a wealth of technical talent and strong educational facilities which will be key in filling these IT security jobs.”

Congressman Eric Cantor said, “Virginia continues to lead the way by encouraging the type of private sector job growth we need across the country to get more people back to work. As a global business leader, GE will be a welcome addition to Innsbrook and I thank them for the confidence they have placed in our community. The cyber security industry is critically important and will continue to create jobs and stimulate future economic growth in the Commonwealth.”

Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell said, “It is great testament to Virginia’s business environment that an internationally known company like GE chose Henrico County for its new Center of Excellence. In addition to the advantage of an available high-tech workforce, GE will benefit from a partnership with our world-class colleges and universities. The Commonwealth’s outstanding institutions of higher education are committed to helping the company grow and succeed in the Commonwealth, and look forward to collaborating on cyber security interests.”

This is just one of several examples of GE investing in new jobs. Since early 2009, GE has announced the creation of 6,300 new jobs in the U.S.

“GE is placing big bets on critical sectors like IT and is adding new jobs to prove it,” said Begley. “At our Advanced Manufacturing and Software Technology Center in Michigan, we have hired roughly 600 professionals since October 2009 and are expected to grow to over 1,100 employees by 2013. This announcement is just another example of GE’s commitment to IT and job creation.”

GE expects to partner with local Virginia universities on training programs for its employees at the Center.

For more information on GE’s Information Security Technology Center, visit ge.com/infosec.

About GE

GE (NYSE: GE) is an advanced technology, services and finance company taking on the world’s toughest challenges. Dedicated to innovation in energy, health, transportation and infrastructure, GE operates in more than 100 countries and employs about 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company's Web site at ge.com.