GE Infrastructure (www.geinfrastructure.com), which GE calls one of its "newest growth engines," has introduced four new technology solutions to the Chinese market. Company officials made the announcement during an event held in Shanghai called the Futurescape of Technology. Overall, the event showcased more than 30 new products that can support the growth of China, especially in the critical infrastructure sector.

Among the new products is the UltraTemp family of medical patient temperature probes from its sensor division, GE Infrastructure Sensing (www.gesensing.com. UltraTemp probes promise accurate core body temperature monitoring and address the key issue of cleaning after use: They are able to withstand Steam Autoclave Sterilization temperatures up to 134°C.

The other products announced were Merlin, which GE says is the world's first continuous-flow, reverse- osmosis water filtration system designed for the home; and Proficy, integrated software applications and services that control and optimize industrial processes. Also, GE announced that it has begun negotiating a strategic partnership with China Telecom that will allow Chinese residents to communicate with their homes through the Internet and mobile phones. GE, a player in China since 1906, has invested more than $1.5 billion there and employs more than 12,000 Chinese people.

Specialty Coating Systems (SCS), a business unit of Cookson Electronics (www.scscookson.com), has opened SCS Shanghai, a full-service Parylene conformal coating facility. The expansion coincides with SCS's purchase of its former service partner, Cycad Specialty Coatings Technology, Co., Ltd. SCS Sr. VP and general manager, John Fry, says, "With the continued growth of the electronics industry in China, the new SCS operation will support the electronics, medical device, and other growing markets with custom Parylene coating services." Parylene (learn more at www.vp-scientific.com/parylene_properties.htm) is applied via a vapor deposition polymerization process, which results in a thin, pinhole-free conformal coating. SCS Parylene is biocompatible and offers moisture, chemical, and dielectric barrier properties. Applications include circuit boards, ferrite cores, MEMS, electronic components, medical devices, medical device components, and rubber parts.

Endevco isn't growing by acquisition alone. The subsidiary of international aerospace, defense, and electronic sensors group Meggitt PLC achieved a landmark in its 50-year history with the opening of Meggitt Sensors and Controls Xiamen Ltd. (Meggitt Xiamen), its first manufacturing facility in Asia. The facility employs 100 people in manufacturing, operations, engineering, technical, and administration. Meggitt says the Xiamen operation will enable shorter lead times and reduced cost of ownership for Asian customers, and that it will use the base to expand its Asian operations throughout the coming year. The facility will support local production of other Meggitt divisions besides Endevco, as well.

The opening ceremony included local government officials and aircraft industry leaders. Endevco develops sensors for the measurement of acceleration, vibration, and pressure in extreme environments such as aerospace, automotive, and medical systems.