General Electric

In 1878, Thomas Edison forms the Thomas Edison Light Company with the main focus on making lightbulbs. The company's name was later changed.

GE developed the incandescent light bulb in 1879, which was one of the notable innovations in the company's history.

In 1882, GE established the nation's first commercial power station, marking a significant milestone in the history of electrical power.

In 1889, Thomas A. Edison's company joined with two others to create Edison General Electric, marking the beginning of one of the most renowned conglomerates in the United States.

General Electric was originally founded in 1890 as the 'Edison General Electric Company'.

On January 1, 1892, the Edison Electric Light Company merges with Thompson-Houston Company to establish General Electric.

By 1896, General Electric became one of the original 12 companies listed on the Dow Jones Industrial Average.

In 1900, General Electric established the first laboratory in the United States solely dedicated to scientific research.

In 1902, General Electric invented the first electrical fan.

In 1905, The Electric Bond and Share Co. was established as the precursor to GE Commercial Finance, aiming to offer financial support to small utility firms.

In 1905, General Electric acquired 51% of Tokyo Denki, a Japanese company. This acquisition was a significant step in introducing Western technology into Japan.

On Christmas Eve in 1906, RCA, a child company of General Electric, made history by conducting the first voice radio broadcast. This event marked a significant milestone in the history of communication technology.

In 1909, the ductile tungsten filament was developed, improving Edison's incandescent lamp design and increasing efficiency. This innovation is still utilized in modern light bulbs.

In 1910, General Electric acquired 24% of Shibaura Seisakusho, another Japanese company. This strategic move further strengthened the connection between the companies and facilitated the introduction of Western technology in Japan.

In 1912, a radical branching of GE's activities occurred when Ernst Alexanderson, a GE employee, was approached by a radio pioneer looking to expand the range of wireless sets into higher frequencies.

In 1917, GE began production of the first hermetically sealed home refrigerators. This design innovation revolutionized food preservation in households.

In 1918, GE's Albert Hull invents the Magnetron, a revolutionary vacuum tube that played a crucial role in the development of radar systems during World War II and later became essential in microwave technology.

In 1919, the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) is established through a collaboration between General Electric and American Telephone and Telegraph. This partnership marked a significant milestone in the history of communication and broadcasting.

In 1930, General Electric initiated the process of developing technology for the general public, such as the first electric toaster for the average American. Additionally, GE pioneered radio broadcasting, enabling faster information sharing among people.

In 1938, General Electric (GE) invented the fluorescent lamp, adding to their long history of innovations in lighting technology and design.

In 1939, General Electric (GE) developed 'invisible' glass, a non-reflecting glass that has since been used in camera lenses and optical devices.

In 1940, General Electric (GE) began its silicone business by creating new silicone chemistry, which is still utilized in a diverse range of products and applications today.

General Electric engineered the first American jet engine, marking a significant advancement in aviation technology.

In 1943, engineers at General Electric (GE) created the autopilot, a mechanism intended to maintain an aircraft on a set course continuously.

In 1945, General Electric showcased the first commercial application of radar technology, enabling ships to safely navigate in the dark and detect potential dangers up to 20 miles away.

General Electric creates the first jet engine which later becomes the most produced jet engine in history.

In 1961, General Electric pleaded guilty to price fixing on electrical equipment and was fined nearly half a million dollars.

Neil Armstrong takes his first step on the moon wearing GE rubber silicon boots.

Jack Welch became the youngest chair and CEO of GE in 1981, initiating a transformative era for the company.

In December 1985, GE reacquired the RCA Corporation to gain ownership of the NBC television network, making it the largest non-oil merger in world business history.

Under Welch's leadership in 1986, GE acquired the RCA Corporation, including the NBC television network, expanding its media presence.

Between 2001 and 2019, GE experienced significant growth and subsequent decline, facing challenges in various business sectors.

Jeff Immelt became the CEO of General Electric in 2001.

The 2008 financial crisis had a substantial impact on GE, leading to a significant decrease in share price and restructuring efforts.

On December 3, 2009, NBCUniversal became a joint venture between GE and Comcast, with Comcast holding a controlling interest.

In 2010, General Electric introduced LED bulbs that were significantly more energy-efficient, consuming 77 percent less energy and boasting a lifespan of 22 years.

On March 19, 2013, Comcast bought GE's shares in NBCUniversal for $16.7 billion, ending GE's stake in television and film media.

At the end of October 2016, GE was under negotiations for a $30 billion deal to combine GE Oil & Gas with Baker Hughes, creating a publicly traded entity controlled by GE.

On July 3, 2017, the merger between GE Oil & Gas and Baker Hughes was completed, forming Baker Hughes, a GE Company (BHGE).

On August 15, 2019, Harry Markopolos, known for uncovering the Bernie Madoff Ponzi Scheme, accused General Electric of a $38 billion accounting fraud, comparing it to Enron. GE denied the allegations.

On November 9, 2021, General Electric (GE) announced its decision to divide itself into three public companies, focusing on aerospace, healthcare, and energy sectors.