ERIE, Pa. & ESKISEHIR, Turkey--(BUSINESS WIRE)--During a ceremony today at TÜLOMSAŞ headquarters in Eskisehir, Turkey, GE Transportation and TÜLOMSAŞ celebrated the introduction of the first GE PowerHaul Locomotive assembled in Turkey from components manufactured at GE’s plant in Erie, Pennsylvania, USA.

Representing GE Transportation's entry to the UK and Continental European marketplace as well as strengthening GE’s locomotive portfolio for the Northern Africa and Middle East regions, the PowerHaul Series locomotive is GE’s most technologically advanced, fuel-efficient and low-emissions diesel-electric freight locomotive to date.

“GE is honored to participate in this event to celebrate the introduction of the first GE PowerHaul locomotive assembled in Turkey,” said Lorenzo Simonelli, President and CEO of GE Transportation. “This first locomotive is not just an achievement that proves the high-level of local manufacturing capability. This locomotive also is the first of hopefully many more that will ultimately serve rail customers in the region and beyond, sustain or create jobs and drive infrastructure growth.”

"We are very proud today to unveil the first PowerHaul Locomotive assembled by our own TÜLOMSAŞ team,” said Hayri Avci, General Director and Chairman of Board of Directors of TÜLOMSAŞ. “This locomotive represents the next important step in our partnership. We look forward to future opportunities for both our organizations. This partnership combines the advanced locomotive technology from GE with TÜLOMSAŞ’s extensive manufacturing experience and expertise in the region.”

Celebrating a Milestone

In 2008 TÜLOMSAŞ and GE signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a strategic relationship in which GE Transportation and TÜLOMSAŞ agreed to collaborate to supply the market with GE’s PowerHaul locomotives. Under the terms of the agreement, GE will supply TÜLOMSAŞ with leading technology and material to assemble GE’s PowerHaul series locomotives in Turkey for the European, Middle East and North African markets.

GE Transportation is committed to growth by focusing on technical leadership, deep enduring customer relationships and global competitiveness. Because of TÜLOMSAŞ’s strategic proximity to regional customers as well as its advanced technology and manufacturing skills, partnering with TÜLOMSAŞ is a natural step along the path to regional localization of GE’s capabilities. In conjunction with global growth through regional capability, GE also shares its longstanding expertise and global reach as a true partner in the economic development of the host country.

This first locomotive demonstrates the valuable technology and knowledge transfer from GE as well as the manufacturing capabilities, knowledge, skills and manufacturing quality of TÜLOMSAŞ. The locomotive is scheduled for a year-long testing program in Turkey in preparation for expanded operations as well as demonstrations for potential customers.

To further advance the partnership, in December 2009 GE and TÜLOMSAŞ signed a license agreement, and in July 2010 GE placed an order with TÜLOMSAŞ to build PowerHaul locomotives for the European market starting in 2012.

GE’s PowerHaul Locomotive: Proven Performance

In 2009, Freightliner added GE’s PowerHaul Series to its fleet and introduced GE’s advanced technology to the UK market. This UK Class 70 locomotive has provided significant haulage benefits that can be used on many routes compared to other diesel locomotives in its fleet. For example, Freightliner’s PowerHaul locomotives can haul a 1,900-ton trailing load compared to the 1,200 ton limit of other locomotives in its fleet. Freightliner also has deployed the PowerHaul Series to extend train lengths in intermodal services by up to 25%. In 2010 Freightliner won several national awards for its PowerHaul locomotives.

GE’s PowerHaul Series Leading Technology

The 129-ton PowerHaul Series locomotive is designed to generate more horsepower and tractive effort while lowering fuel consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to locomotives currently in use. The locomotive features several leading technologies to achieve this performance including the new V16-cylinder, twin-turbo PowerHaul Series engine – a product of ecomagination^SM. Ecomagination is a GE-wide initiative to help meet customer demand for more energy-efficient products. This 3,700-horsepower engine is EU Stage IIIa emissions certified. Combined with other technologies the engine is projected to reduce PowerHaul locomotive fuel use by approximately 9% compared to current operating fleet averages. This fuel savings also will reduce GHG emissions over a typical duty cycle and overall operating costs.

GE’s unique AC individual-axle traction-control technology enables the PowerHaul Series to haul heavier loads by significantly reducing slippage on start-ups, inclines and suboptimal track conditions. The PowerHaul Series also features dynamic braking in addition to air brakes to provide smoother handling when hauling heavier loads. The dual air-conditioned, low-noise operator cabs were designed with input from the operators for comfort and maximum efficiency. The cabs embody a well-organized, clean-and-neat European style featuring easy-to-read gauges and an unobstructed front-windshield for a clear track view.

Globalization and International Trade

Approximately 17,000 GE locomotives are in use in more than 50 countries around the world. GE Transportation’s success story serves as a powerful reminder that free trade and open markets worldwide sustain businesses and employment opportunities in North America and beyond.

About TÜLOMSAŞ

TÜLOMSAŞ, the only locomotive supplier in Turkey, has a longstanding and vast experience in manufacturing and maintenance. The facility opened in 1894 as a maintenance and repair workshop for locomotives. As an affiliated company of the Turkish Railways, TÜLOMSAŞ has been responding to all the locomotive and wagon needs of Turkey for more than a century.

Throughout the years it has developed into a heavy industrial player as well as the biggest and most modern locomotive and freight car manufacturer in the Middle East and the Balkans. TÜLOMSAŞ gained a new identity in 1986 as the Turkish Locomotive and Engine Industry Inc. Today, TÜLOMSAŞ fulfills the locomotive and freight car needs of TCDD, the Turkish State Railways, and other organizations in Turkey, while increasing its competitiveness in the global market through exports.

As of today, TÜLOMSAŞ has manufactured 850 locomotives, 650 diesel engines, and 9,000 freight cars. With an annual production capacity of more than100 locomotives, 1,500 bogie freight cars, and 100 various types of diesel engines, TÜLOMSAŞ can be regarded as the locomotive of the Turkish heavy industry. Based in Eskisehir, TÜLOMSAŞ employs 1,700 people. For more information visit: http://www.tulomsas.com.

About GE Transportation

Established more than 100 years ago, GE Transportation, a unit of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is a global technology leader and supplier to the railroad, marine, drilling, mining and wind power industries. GE Transportation provides freight and passenger locomotives, signaling and communications systems, information technology solutions, marine engines, motorized drive systems for mining trucks and drills, high-quality replacement parts and value added services. GE Transportation is headquartered in Erie, Penn., and employs approximately 9,000 employees worldwide. For more information visit: www.getransportation.com.

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