This impressive result was despite a 7% drop in orders in 2011 to $US 4.6bn due to the signing of a multi-year contract in 2010.

"In 2011 we invested heavily in leading transportation products that drive sustainable infrastructure development in the rail, mining and other industries around the globe," says GE Transportation's president and CEO, Mr Lorenzo Simonelli. "We staffed for growth and expanded our manufacturing capabilities worldwide. We are well-positioned to capitalise on growth opportunities in 2012."