GE Transportation in Lawrence Park unveiled its newest pride and joy. It's the company's newest locomotive. It was eight years in the making and a $600 million investment. What makes GE employees so proud? The locomotive already meets federal emissions standards that do not go into place until 2015.
"This is exactly what we mean by ecomagination. Eliminating the false choice we were presented with. Pick one. Great economics or great environmental performance. This team delivered both," said Mark Vachon, VP-GE Ecomagination Program.
Eight years ago, everyone in the industry believed the federal guidelines could only be met by using an emissions additive called Urea. That would mean railroads would have had to build fueling stations across America, costing a billion dollars. GE built a locomotive that does not need Urea.
"What you see today is a locomotive that actually meets the requirements without utilizing Urea," which is a huge testament to the engineering team, the supply chain team, and also our customers," said Lorenzo Simonelli, President & CEO-GE Transportation.
When GE Transportation rolls out a unique, new product, naturally, the thoughts of the community turn to jobs. That's what Congressman Mike Kelly talked about during an unveiling ceremony today at the GE plant.
"You talk about not just participating, but dominating in the world market. My goodness. What have you created? I'll tell you what you created. Jobs. Jobs into the future," said Kelly.
Simonelli said the locomotives will be built in Lawrence Park, and in Fort Worth, Texas.
"I can't project what 2015 is going to look like from a volume perspective, but what I can say is we're going to be ready."
The new locomotive unveiled today is a prototype. Only two have been built so far and some testing still needs to be done. Orders are being taken now, and hopefully they'll keep the plant busy for years to come.
The new locomotive will reduce emissions by 70% compared to locomotives built in 2005.
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