From the earliest days of the incandescent lamp electrical insulating materials were required on lamps as well as the sockets. Wood, fiber materials, plaster of Paris and bonsilate were some of the early materials used. It was desirable to utilize a material that would not be affected by acids, alkalies or gases. Porcelain was a good candidate but it was found that high standards could not be maintained by buying from outside vendors. The General Electric Company decided to establish their own plant, which they did about 1892. It was part of the manufacturing complex in Schenectady, New York.

Crude kaolin or china clay was used as starting materials. The treatments received in the firing kilns depended on the intended use. Porcelain was desired for switch bases, insulators, cut-outs, lamp bases and sockets. Porcelain was desired in high voltage lamps and sockets to avoid electrical breakdown.