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General Electric logoIsrael news photo: GE

General Electric is pumping another $3-5 million into Israel with its eighth research and development center in the country, this time focusing on medical devices, water and CleanTech.

The new center will be built near its GE Healthcare subsidiary in  Haifa, The company, once known for its large home appliances and now an international conglomerate, said the new facility will provide work for 12 researchers when it opens, bringing to well over 450 the number of GE workers in Israel.

Unlike its other R&D centers in Israel, the new complex will be oriented towards general research on renewable energy, energy storage, smart grid and energy efficiency technologies, rather than on developing specific products.

Areas of research will include water treatment, sea water desalination technology, non-invasive medical devices and guidance systems.

GE previously has worked with Israeli companies, ranging from the Better Place electric car initiative to companies dealing with medical devices, water technology and CleanTech.

"Israel has a rich history of innovation and scientific discovery,” said GE Global Research VP for Advanced Technologies, Michael Idelchik, quoted in Globes. "With the establishment of the new R&D center, we will be in a better position to build a close relationship with the Israeli technology community and identify new technologies that could become part of our portfolio."