1. How has General Electric Plastics evolved since the North American multinational decided to invest in La Aljorra (Cartagena)?

Since 1990 General Electric Company has built two fully functioning plants for Compounding and Lexan 1.  In addition, we are wrapping up construction and testing for a third plant, Lexan 2.

2. What motivated G.E.’s decision to build the polycarbonate plant in Cartagena?

General Electric chose Cartagena as the facility’s site for many reasons:

•  Availability of qualified human resources

• Proximity to a port for exporting merchandise

•  Regional Incentives and policies at the Central and Local Administrations.

3. What does the plant currently produce and which markets are its products directed towards?  What are they used for?

The Cartagena plants currently produce over 200,000 tons/year of engineered plastics.  More than 90% of the products manufactured in Cartagena are sent to international markets (Europe and Asia).  Our plastics are used for making products such as “Multimedia Goods” (CDs and DVDs…), automotive components, telecommunications terminals, computers, and other applications.

4. Since a large part of production at the La Aljorra polycarbonate plant is sent to external markets, the Cartagena Port plays a large role in carrying out your export activities.  What opportunities does the Escombreras port offer GE, especially with its recent expansion?

The Cartagena Port is essential to the activities of GE Plastics in the area.  It is the main channel for transporting primary materials and exporting final products.

5. Recently, we received confirmation that General Electric's second polycarbonate plant would be completed.  How is the work on this project going?  When is the new plant expected to open?

The construction work for the second polycarbonate plant (Lexan 2) is nearly finished.  Right now, they are beginning the testing phases for each of the plant's units and their operating systems.  We are hoping to have the plant operative by the end of 2004 or the beginning of 2005.

6. Another project GE has planned in Cartagena is the instalment of a technological development center.  When do you foresee implementation of this project and what benefits will it offer the Region of Murcia?

Currently, GE has an important Technology Department in Cartagena, which is composed of over 25 workers.  The company is also increasing staff in the Pilot Plant, which will convert Cartagena into an important Center of Excellence and Technological Development within GE Plastics.

7. A few weeks ago, GE announced that Cartagena would be the new headquarters for ULTEM®, the most advanced plastic your company makes. What are the plastic’s uses?  What will this mean for the factory in La Aljorra?

ULTEM® is the most innovative product of the engineered plastics family, with various applications in the automobile, health services, and electrical industries, among others.  One of the main features of this innovative product is its high temperature resistance.  GE has recently announced that it plans to build an ULTEM® plant in Cartagena.  At this time, the basic engineering for the project is being developed.

8. Up to now, General Electric has had a strong presence in this port city.  What are the firm’s long-term expectations?

Our medium and long-term expectations work along the following objectives:

• Getting Lexan 2 running

• Developing the ULTEM® project

• Consolidating our technological and production activities.

9. What role will the La Aljorra complex play within your corporation?

The complex in Cartagena is one of the largest projects undertaken by GE in the last 20 years. It is a key position within GE Plastics because it is our most modern facility, incorporating the latest advances in technology.

 

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