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Briggs & Stratton Corporation introduces an innovative new line of energy-efficient automatic standby generator systems under the GE brand

Briggs & Stratton Corporation introduces an innovative new line of energy-efficient automatic standby generator systems under the GE brand.

A recognized leader in energy management solutions and North America’s top manufacturer of residential generators join forces to transform the automatic backup power market.

MILWAUKEE (Jan. 20, 2009) — Briggs & Stratton Corporation, the exclusive licensee for GE-branded standby generator systems, launched its highly anticipated energy-efficient automatic standby generator systems today at the 2009 International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas.

Marking the first time GE has bestowed its brand on a residential generator line, the launch offers a timely and relevant response to record setting hurricanes and ice storms, a challenged national power grid, and wildly fluctuating fuel prices experienced in 2008.

According to Harold Redman, president of Briggs & Stratton Home Power Products, “Power outages have forced more than 13 million people to leave their homes this past year, costing them more than $10.6 billion during hurricane season alone. GE standby generator system’s patented design offers consumers a better standby power solution – a more energy-efficient and affordable whole house system for virtually every size home.”
Although rapid growth has occurred in the standby category, recent research confirms that consumers still have a high degree of purchase interest (80 percent) in standby generators that are more energy-efficient. In a recent Better Homes & Gardens study, half of the consumers surveyed have paid more money for an energy-efficient product in the past 12 months.

“For consumers, generator efficiency definitely does matter, and the patented new controls and space saving design offer a compact yet powerful response to utility failure,” states Michael Betker, marketing manager for Briggs & Stratton Corporation.
How does it work? Certain appliances in a home – like a central air conditioner, stove, hot water heater, clothes dryer and hot tub – typically require large amounts of initial ‘start up’ power, forcing standby customers to either purchase a large, expensive and fuel-hungry generator, or go without certain comforts in the home when the power goes out.

“With GE standby generator systems, whole house power is elegantly achieved through the maximum operating efficiency of its advanced power management capabilities,” states Redman. “Designed for an easy, low cost installation to the home’s electrical panel, the patented Symphony™ power controls act like an electricity ‘traffic cop’ for high watt appliances, automatically prioritizing and managing the home’s excess power demand, allowing for a more compact and fuel efficient standby generator.”

“Our relationship with GE has been expressly focused on the application of consumer research, resulting in several additional breakthroughs that address requests for cleaner, quieter, more reliable standby power,” added Redman.
Additional features include:

• The Synergy™ Powertrain which is covered by a five year limited warranty and combines a commercial Vanguard™ V-Twin engine with a premium alternator for smoother, computer-friendly standby power.
• SoundVault™ Enclosure design features patented airflow and sound enhancements for a pleasant and ultra quiet 65dB under load bearing operation.
• Remote System Status Panel for convenient reporting of eight different weekly test diagnostics to a safe location inside the home.
• Additionally, the systems feature a permanent connection to natural gas or propane, which delivers a continuous fuel supply without gasoline storage and refueling.

“Backed by the full support of Briggs & Stratton Corporation’s legendary service and installation network, comprehensive support will be a cornerstone of the GE program, and the five year limited warranty speaks directly to the quality and performance of these new systems,” Redman said.
About Briggs & Stratton Corporation
The Briggs & Stratton Corporation (NYSE: BGG) is the world’s largest designer, manufacturer and marketer of small engines. Its wholly owned subsidiary, Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group, LLC is North America’s number one manufacturer of generators and pressure washers. All products are covered by the industry’s most extensive support network of over 30,000 authorized servicing dealers worldwide. For more information, visit: www.ge.com/generatorsystems or www.briggsandstratton.com.

About GE
GE (NYSE: GE) is a diversified global infrastructure, finance and media company that is built to meet essential world needs. From energy, water, transportation and health, to access to money and information, GE serves customers in more than 100 countries and employs more than 300,000 people worldwide. GE is Imagination at Work. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.ge.com.

Contact:
Holly Werblow
(414) 247-3809
hwerblow@bvk.com

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