GE 2005 Annual Report Download - page 15

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We manufacture certain products, and also source finished product and component parts from third-party
global manufacturers. A large portion of our appliances sales are through a variety of retail outlets for replacement
of installed units. Residential building contractors installing units in new construction are our second major U.S.
channel. We offer the largest manufacturer’ s service organization in the appliances industry, providing in-home
repair, extended service plans, warranty administration and risk management services. We also manufacture and sell
approximately 6,000 different lamp products for commercial, industrial and consumer markets, including full lines
of incandescent, halogen, fluorescent, high-intensity discharge, light-emitting diode, automotive and miniature
products.
Consumer & Industrial also provides integrated electrical equipment and systems used to distribute, protect
and control energy and equipment. We manufacture and distribute electrical distribution and control products
including transformers, meters, relays, circuit breakers, panel boards and general purpose controls that are used to
distribute and manage power in a variety of residential, commercial, consumer and industrial applications. In
addition, we design and manufacture motors and control systems used in end-industrial and consumer products such
as heating, ventilation and air conditioning, dishwashers, and clothes washers and dryers. We also provide customer-
focused solutions centered on the delivery and control of electric power, and market a wide variety of commercial
lighting systems and lighting for aircraft, automotive and other transportation applications, front and rear video
projection, medical, architectural, fiber optic, stage, studio, nightclub and theater applications.
The aggregate level of economic activity in markets for such products and services generally lags overall
economic slowdowns as well as subsequent recoveries. In the United States, industrial markets are undergoing
significant structural changes reflecting, among other factors, increased international competition and pressures to
modernize productive capacity.
We also have a network of electrical product supply houses selling electrical products and parts, fasteners,
voice and datacom parts, lighting equipment and supplies from GE and other leading manufacturers. Our business
serves electrical contractors, industrial and commercial users, engineer constructors, original equipment
manufacturers, utilities and the aerospace industry.
Equipment Services
Equipment Services helps customers manage, finance and operate a wide variety of business equipment worldwide.
We provide rentals, leases, sales and asset management services of commercial and transportation equipment,
including tractors, trailers, railroad rolling stock, modular space units, intermodal shipping containers and, primarily
through an associated company, marine containers. Our operations are conducted in highly competitive markets.
Economic conditions, geographic location, pricing and equipment availability are important factors in this business.
Future success will depend upon our ability to maintain a large and diverse customer portfolio, optimize asset mix,
maximize asset utilization and manage credit risk. In addition, we seek to understand our customers and to meet
their needs with unique, efficient and cost effective product and service offerings.
Plastics
Plastics manufactures and sells high-performance plastics used by compounders, molders, and major original
equipment manufacturers for use in a variety of applications, including fabrication of automotive parts, computer
enclosures, compact disks and optical-quality media, major appliance parts, telecommunications equipment and
construction materials. Our business has a significant operating presence around the world and we participate in
numerous manufacturing and distribution joint ventures.