Business Editors

SHANGHAI, China--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 12, 2001

GE Toshiba Silicones, one of the world's major silicone manufacturers, announced that it is holding an official opening ceremony today for its silicones plant in the Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone in Shanghai. The

Its US $25 million plant, which has started full-scale commercial production as of July this year, manufactures a wide range of high quality silicones products including silicone rubber, sealant, oil emulsion, and resins and specialties. The new Shanghai plant is designed to serve local customers in mainland China and Hong Kong in industries such as consumer, personal care, electrical/electronics, appliances and textiles.

"I am delighted to attend the opening ceremony of the GE Toshiba Silicones plant in Shanghai," said Rogers. "This is the second manufacturing facility that GE has opened in 12 months in Waigaoqiao. China presents tremendous opportunities for us as a market. The completion of the state-of-the-art facility to support the growing needs of our customers here is another demonstration of our commitment in this fast-growing market."

"Designed with Six Sigma quality tools, the new plant is built to world-class standards that match the most advanced plants of GE Silicones' operations around the globe," said Victor Grizzle, General Manager of Greater China Operations, GE Toshiba Silicones. "Our Shanghai team is now ready to provide global service levels to our customers through a broad range of products and services. With an Application Development Center within the site, we are confident that our new plant will enable us to offer superior value to our local customers with both speed and quality."

Founded in 1971 and headquartered in Tokyo, GE Toshiba Silicones manufactures and sells a wide range of silicones products for industrial and consumer markets. A joint venture of General Electric (GE) and Toshiba, it currently operates in 13 Asian countries with over 800 employees. Among the markets served are construction, electrical/electronics, personal care and household products, automotive and healthcare equipment. The company also serves as the Pacific base of GE Silicones and provides its products and services to customers not only in Asia Pacific but also globally. To accelerate its service in the China market, GE Toshiba Silicones Shanghai Co., Ltd. was established in January 2000 and is owned 51% by General Electric Company (GE) and 49% by Toshiba Corporation. GE Toshiba Silicones' website address is http://www.getos.co.jp./