General Electric Co. Maintains Key Manufacturing and R Facilities in Cleveland

What's Happening?

General Electric Co., a major manufacturer of electrical appliances and a leader in electrical lighting development, has maintained significant manufacturing and research-and-development facilities in Cleveland since 1901. GE was established on June 1, 1892, acquiring Cleveland's Brush Electric Co., formed by lighting pioneer Charles F. Brush. The Brush Electric facilities became the home of the National Electric Lamp Association (NELA), organized in May 1901 to pool research and development activities. GE absorbed NELA as its National Quality Lamp Works Division following a federal antitrust action in 1911, building a complex of seven buildings in the nation's first industrial park. By 1937, GE had made NELA Park the headquarters of its incandescent lamp department, with research and development producing innovations like high- and low-beam headlights, camera flashbulbs, and fluorescent lamps.

Why It's Important?

GE's longstanding presence in Cleveland highlights its historical role in advancing electrical technology and manufacturing. The company's research and development efforts have contributed significantly to innovations in lighting and electrical appliances, impacting industries such as automotive and photography. GE's facilities in Cleveland have been pivotal in maintaining its competitive edge in the electrical manufacturing sector, supporting local employment and economic growth. The company's ability to adapt and innovate over decades underscores its influence on American industrial development.