OREANDA-NEWS. GE’s Wilmington site has earned a Forest Stewardship Certification from the North Carolina Forest Service. The certification was announced today at the site which is home to GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy’s headquarters and a GE Aviation manufacturing operation. 

“This certification with the North Carolina Forest Service reinforces our commitment to the maintenance and enhancement of the health of the forest on our 1,600 acre site,” said Jay Wileman, President and CEO, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy.

Through the forestry stewardship program, the North Carolina Forest Service is providing GE with professional planning and technical assistance to protect local ecosystems, help maintain and improve the forests’ overall health and foster diverse habitats for threatened and endangered wildlife species.

As part of the company’s efforts to advance the site’s forest management plan and encourage regeneration and long-term productivity, several acres of trees were harvested in 2015 to reduce potential wildfires, keep stands open and improve habitat for wildlife. In February 2016, the North Carolina Forest Service hand planted 30,000 Loblolly pine seedlings across 56 acres. The seedlings will grow into mature trees within the next 6 to 10 years.

In addition to the certification, the GE Wilmington site was recognized by the North Carolina Forest Service for its biological diversity and for providing an excellent habitat for many species including whitetail deer, ducks, turkeys, quail and black bears. 

Based in Wilmington, N.C., GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH) is a world-leading provider of advanced reactors and nuclear services. Established in 2007, GEH is a global nuclear alliance created by GE and Hitachi to serve the global nuclear industry. The nuclear alliance executes a single, strategic vision to create a broader portfolio of solutions, expanding its capabilities for new reactor and service opportunities. The alliance offers customers around the world the technological leadership required to effectively enhance reactor performance, power output and safety.