GE Supports New Organization to Set Worldwide Container Security Standards

June 29, 2006
GE joins joins Siemens, Mitsubishi, J.P. Morgan Chase, Unisys and other companies in foundation of ICSO

BRADENTON, FLA. – June 29, 2006 – General Electric Company (NYSE: GE) today joined Siemens, Mitsubishi, J.P. Morgan Chase, Unisys and other global companies in supporting the creation of a new container security standards organization announced today in Brussels. The new organization, the International Container Standards Organization (ICSO), will be based in Brussels, and will work to accelerate the approval of international security standards for ocean-going cargo containers.

“GE is proud to be a founding member of ICSO,” said Louis Parker, president & Chief Executive Officer of GE’s security business. “ICSO will help to protect not only GE’s business, but also our employees, our customers and the vital international transportation networks on which we all depend.”

ICSO will be led by Dr. Christoph Seidelmann, who for more than 25 years, has served in leadership positions at the International Standards Organisation, the Bureau International des Containers et du Transport Intermodal and other international organizations. Dr. Seidelmann is recognized throughout the world for his leadership in container security standards.

“It’s critical that new, promising container security technologies are put into action as rapidly as possible,” said Parker. “ICSO is structured to quickly develop and create standards that will be based on current, proven technologies, yet are designed to evolve in the future.”

About ICSO

ICSO is an independent, not-for-profit, standards-setting organization based in Brussels and founded by leading international companies. This business-led standards organization, on the order of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and Memory sticks, develops standards that will ensure interoperability of container security devices and promote common protocols to maximize their potential for use in ports and terminals around the world.