Media Contact:
Alicia Bowers
GE Fanuc Automation
410-242-0300, alicia.bowers@gefanuc.com

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.-May 24, 2002 - GE Fanuc Automation announces new modules for its popular VersaPoint distributed I/O system, a compact, cost-effective solution that connects easily to a variety of PLC, DCS, and PC-based control systems and allows users to tailor the amount of I/O for each application. With these new modules, VersaPoint combines the cost-per-point benefits of a higher density I/O system with the flexibility and reduction of spare points offered by low-density systems.

The new snap-on modules offer higher density discrete input and output capabilities, negative logic discretes, additional analog input and output options, a high-speed counter input, and new power and segment terminals with built-in fusing and diagnostics. 

Because of its flexibility, modular construction, and compatibility with a range of open communications standards, including DeviceNet™, Profibus-DP™, and Ethernet, the VersaPoint system can be used in nearly any control application. Eliminating the need for interposing terminals, VersaPoint's compact design can yield space savings of up to 50 percent over traditional systems. Additionally, thanks to its integrated I/O terminals and internal power bus, VersaPoint can reduce wiring by as much as 80 percent.

About GE Fanuc Automation
GE Fanuc Automation North America, Inc., is a leading global supplier of automation solutions and is a joint venture between GE and FANUC, Ltd. of Japan. GE Fanuc products and services include CIMPLICITY(r) collaborative production management software, nano to high-end PLCs, a wide range of CNCs, motion control, operator interfaces, industrial computers, lasers, and a wide range of integration and customer support services. Headquartered in Charlottesville, Va., GE Fanuc is part of GE Industrial Systems.

About GE Industrial Systems
GE Industrial Systems spans the globe as an industry leader in integrated industrial equipment, systems and services. The business brings to customers the latest technological products used to distribute, protect and control electrical power and equipment, and provides innovative product and service solutions for commercial, industrial, residential and utility applications. Headquartered in Plainville, Connecticut, USA, GE Industrial Systems is one of the major businesses of the General Electric Company.

For more information, visit www.gefanuc.com or contact:
GE Fanuc Information Center
P.O. Box 8106
Charlottesville, VA 22906

Phone: (800) 648-2001
Fax: 434-978-5205
e-mail: gefanuc@gefanuc.com

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CIMPLICITY is a registered trademark of GE Fanuc Automation North America, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.