Ten fun facts about General Electric

1. The History of an Electrifying Company

In 1892, the Edison General Electric Company and the Thomson-Houston Electric Company merged to form the General Electric Company. This merger was a major milestone in the history of electricity, as it brought together two of the most influential companies in the industry at the time. The new company was a powerhouse in the electrical industry, and its name, General Electric, has become synonymous with innovation and progress in the field.

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2. GE Boycott Still a Controversy

In the 1980's and 1990's, General Electric was involved in the production of nuclear weapons, leading to a boycott of their products by those who disapproved of their actions. This boycott was a form of protest against the company's involvement in the production of weapons of mass destruction, and was a way for people to express their disapproval of the company's actions. Despite the boycott, General Electric continued to be a major player in the nuclear weapons industry, and their involvement in the production of nuclear weapons has been a source of controversy ever since.

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3. GE Still a Part of the Dow Jones Industrial Average After 118 Years

General Electric has been a part of the Dow Jones Industrial Average since its inception in 1896, making it one of the 12 original companies on the list. After 118 years, GE is still a part of the index, a testament to its longevity and success in the business world. As one of the longest-running members of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, GE has been a reliable source of growth and stability for investors over the years.

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4. Pioneering Radio Broadcast

In 1906, Ernst Frederick Werner Alexanderson, an engineer from General Electric, made history by becoming the first person to ever broadcast a voice over the radio. This groundbreaking achievement was made possible by Alexanderson's innovative engineering and the resources of General Electric, and it marked the beginning of a new era of communication. Alexanderson's pioneering work paved the way for the development of radio broadcasting, which has since become an integral part of our lives.

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5. General Electric fined $50 million for misleading investors

In 2009, General Electric was hit with a hefty $50 million fine for two separate cases of misleading investors. The company had given the impression that their earnings would exceed expectations, when in fact they were not on track to do so. This deception caused investors to make decisions based on false information, leading to the hefty fine imposed by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fine was a reminder to all companies to be honest and transparent with their investors, and to not make false promises.

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6. GE Recognized for Excellence

In 2013, General Electric was recognized for its excellence in a number of areas, earning the titles of "Most Respected Company," "Most Admired Company," and "Most Ethical Company" from respected organizations. This impressive achievement is a testament to GE's commitment to providing quality products and services, as well as its dedication to ethical business practices.

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7. GE's Healthyimagination Improves Healthcare

General Electric's Healthyimagination program has been a major success, having been funded with at least $6 billion to help develop more affordable healthcare for people around the world. This program has been instrumental in providing access to healthcare for those who may not have been able to afford it otherwise. It has also helped to reduce the cost of healthcare for those who are already receiving it, making it more accessible to everyone. The program has been a major success in helping to improve the quality of healthcare for people everywhere.

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8. 77% energy savings with General Electric's 40W Energy Smart LED bulb

General Electric's 40W Energy Smart LED bulb is a revolutionary product that provides a whopping 77% energy savings compared to the traditional 40W incadescent bulb, while also lasting 25 times as long. This remarkable bulb is a great way to save energy and money, as it can last up to 25,000 hours, or about 22 years when used for 3 hours a day. With this LED bulb, you can enjoy the same amount of light as the incadescent bulb, but with much less energy consumption.

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9. GE's computers helped make the first moon landing a success

In the 1960s, General Electric was a major player in the computer industry, alongside the likes of IBM, Honeywell, and Burroughs. At the time, GE was one of the eight major computer companies, and their computers were used in a variety of applications, from scientific research to business operations. GE's computers were known for their reliability and affordability, and they were used by many universities, government agencies, and businesses. GE's computers were also used in the Apollo 11 mission, helping to make the first moon landing a success.

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10. GE Reports Record Revenues and Net Income

In 2013, General Electric (GE) reported total revenues of approximately $146 billion and net income of $13 billion. This impressive financial performance was driven by GE's diversified portfolio of products and services, which span across multiple industries, including aviation, healthcare, energy, and finance. GE's success is also attributed to its commitment to innovation, which has enabled the company to remain competitive in a rapidly changing global economy.

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