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

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.-June 20, 2002 - GE Fanuc Automation has launched the new Online Institute for automation training at http://onlineinstitute.gefanuc.com. The Online Institute offers visually engaging, interactive courses with 24/7 availability and self-paced learning modules for users of GE Fanuc automation software and hardware.

With the same content as instructor-led courses and available via the web, the Online Institute features the depth of traditional training but without any travel expense. Each course is geared toward performance-based objectives and provides users with both guided and independent practice of concepts as well as interactive assessments with immediate feedback. Help and support are available "real-time." 

According to new Online Institute user Paul Paxson, O&M site mobilization manager for Kinder Morgan Power, the web-based training offered time and cost benefits while meeting his technical requirements. "I didn't have the time to attend a traditional classroom-based training program, and [the GE Fanuc Online Institute] filled the gap in my technical knowledge level," Paxson said. "Without a doubt, I was given the knowledge necessary to complete the scope of our project in a timely manner."

Paxson added, "One of the best features of the training is that it could be conducted at anytime and in any geographical location. All I needed was an internet connection and my laptop."

The Online Institute opens with Introduction to CIMPLICITY^®HMI Plant Edition, and PLC Basics and Introduction to CIMPLICITY Machine Edition - PLC Logic Developer to follow. Additionally, users can explore online a free course demonstration.

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®collaborative production management software, nano to high-end PLCs, a wide range of CNCs, motion control, operator interfaces, industrial computers, critical control and safety systems, lasers, and a wide range of integration and customer support services. Headquartered in Charlottesville, Va., GE Fanuc is part of GE Industrial Systems. For more information, visit www.gefanuc.com. 

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 (www.geindustrial.com) is one of the major businesses of the General Electric Company.

For more information, visit www.gefanuc.com or contact:
GE Fanuc Information Center Phone: (800) 648-2001
P.O. Box 8106 Fax: 434-978-5205
Charlottesville, VA 22906 e-mail: gefanuc@gefanuc.com