General Electric Company (GE) – Transportation Division
Measuring a Century of Economic Impact in Northwestern Pennsylvania
The Challenge
For more than a century, GE Transportation has served as a cornerstone of innovation and economic vitality in Northwestern Pennsylvania. With a presence spanning Erie, Grove City, and surrounding regions, GE sought to quantify the full scope of its economic, employment, and community impact—highlighting its contributions not only to the local economy but also to the broader Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
How We Helped
In 2014, Tripp Umbach partnered with GE to conduct a comprehensive economic impact study assessing the transportation division’s influence on regional and state economies. The study measured direct, indirect, and induced business activity; employment and wage generation; and tax revenue contributions. It also captured GE’s role in advancing community development, environmental innovation, and workforce training through initiatives like the GE Foundation’s Developing Futures in Education grants, internships, and apprenticeships.
Tripp Umbach’s analysis revealed that GE Transportation generated a total annual economic impact of $4.7 billion across Northwestern Pennsylvania—comprised of $3.6 billion in direct spending and $1.1 billion in indirect and induced effects. Beyond its significant economic contribution, GE’s leadership in emissions technology, including Tier 4 standards, saved customers more than $1.5 billion in infrastructure and operational costs.
Following the study, GE Transportation merged with Wabtec, continuing its legacy of innovation and regional impact under a new banner—further strengthening Pennsylvania’s position as a hub for advanced manufacturing and transportation technology.