Portuguese transformer manufacturer building $100 million facility in Georgia

Group EFACEC(www.efacec.pt), a Portuguese manufacturer of automation systems and infrastructure solutions to thee global energy and transport industries, will build a new $100 million, state-of-the-art, transformer manufacturing facility in Effingham County, Georgia near the town of Rincon. This news comes just two weeks after EFACEC acquired Atlanta-based Advanced Control Systems (www.acsatlanta.com). The EFACEC plant, which will create more than 600 jobs, is slated to deliver large transformers to U.S. utilities by the end of 2009.

Founded in Portugal in 1948, EFACEC employs more than 3,000 people and services customers in 60 countries with an annual revenue of more than $600 million.

"EFACEC is Portugal’s leader in electronics and electro mechanics, and we’re proud that they have chosen Effingham County and the state of Georgia as the site of their first U.S. plant," said Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue. "These jobs are high-skilled, high-pay positions and I know that EFACEC will be thrilled with the talented workforce they will employ."

"Along with the acquisition of ACS, this plant investment is a landmark for EFACEC and an essential step in our growth strategy in the key United States market," said Lus Filipe Pereira, EFACEC chief executive officer. "It also bolsters EFACEC’s plans for expansion and globalization. With this investment, EFACEC hopes to strengthen its connection with current customers, including major U.S. utility companies, and to reach new clients as well."

In addition to Southern Company, Group EFACEC counts several other leading North American investor-owned utilities among its customers including Florida Power and Light, Pacific Gas & Electric Company, Nevada Power, NSTAR and Duke Energy. With the acquisition of Advanced Control Systems, EFACEC now serves utility customers in nearly every state in the USA.