Portuguese manufacturer locates first U.S. plant in Effingham County

ATLANTA, November 5, 2007 — Today Governor Sonny Perdue announced that Portuguese manufacturer EFACEC Group plans to build its first U.S. plant in Effingham County, creating 600 jobs and $100 million in investment.

'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 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.'

EFACEC Group, based in Porto, Portugal, manufactures power substations. The new facility will make core form, shell form and mobile substations for the U.S. market. The building will be located at the Effingham County Industrial Park near Rincon. EFACEC officials expect to break ground this winter on the plant.

'This investment is a landmark for EFACEC and an essential step in our growth strategy in the key United States market,' said Luís Filipe Pereira, EFACEC CEO. '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.'

Chris Pumphrey was project manager for the Georgia Department of Economic Development.

'We are extremely excited to have been chosen as the best location by such a distinguished company,' said Martin Wilkins, Chairman of the Effingham County Industrial Development Authority. 'A project of this magnitude will have long lasting positive implications for our community and the entire region for years to come. Having EFACEC's base of U.S. operations here is certainly a testament to the viability and allure of our industrial market.'

Formed in 1948 in Porto, Portugal, EFACEC employs approximately 3,000 in 60 countries all over the world. EFACEC has more than 150 people exclusively dedicated to research and development, with more than 90% of its revenues derived from its own technology. EFACEC has earnings of nearly 500 million euros and exports almost half of its production.

EFACEC's business activities include Energy Products and Solutions (power transformers, medium voltage equipment, substations, automation, servicing), Transport and Logistics (transport systems, integrated solutions for transport, automated material handling, airport and industrial logistics) and Engineering Solutions and Services. EFACEC's strategy of an international market focus, investment in new technologies and reliance on traditional strengths has brought the company to the forefront of its industry.