Bradenton, Fla. – Nov. 10, 2008 – GE Security, a business of GE Enterprise Solutions, today announced its Fire Detection Research Center, a one-of-a-kind laboratory for the development and testing of advanced fire detection technologies, at its global headquarters in Bradenton, Fla., has conducted more than 75 potentially safety-enhancing fire and life safety research "burns" since the lab’s opening this summer.
The state-of-the-art facility is being used by GE Security and the GE Global Research Center, to examine and improve its existing portfolio of industry-leading fire and life safety products while more quickly delivering new products to help customers better serve and protect their end user customers and grow their businesses. Research to date has focused on the development of new fire detection technologies that it’s hoped will deliver earlier fire detection warnings.
"The fire research center allows us to efficiently develop the best fire detection products for both the residential and commercial markets," said Dean Seavers, president and CEO, GE Security. "The progress we have made in the center in its first three months is testament to GE Security’s commitment to delivering the products and technologies our customers need to adapt to the ever changing security and life safety challenges they face."
GE Security invested more than $500,000 in the new Fire Detection Research Center, which complies with all local, state, national and EPA requirements, is fully automated and meets requirements for most regulatory testing.
The laboratory supports more efficient development of advanced technology fire detection products and technologies by co-locating test facilities with research and development activities. Prior to opening the Fire Detection Research Center in Bradenton, GE Security engineers used laboratories in Chicago or London to conduct such testing. Now, testing can be conducted where the products and technologies are being developed, saving time and money, and potentially accelerating times to market.
