Martinez International Helps Green U.S. Mission in Geneva, Switzerland

Colorado Contractor Led Installation of Innovative Cooling System That Helped Transform the U.S. Mission Into America's Greenest Diplomatic Post


PARKER, CO--(Marketwire - April 16, 2009) - Martinez International Corp., a leading government contractor in the international market, today announced its participation in a project that helps the United States Mission in Geneva expand its legacy as the U.S. State Department's greenest diplomatic building.

Martinez International led construction and installation of an innovative chiller system based on magnetic levitation technology that promises to cut costs and reduce carbon emissions at the U.S. Mission. The system will be brought on line on Earth Day 2009 and will enhance several existing green features at the U.S. Mission, including a major solar electric system, building-wide installation of high efficiency lighting and installation of a low emission, high efficiency, heating boiler.

"We are thrilled to have helped make a lasting, measurable and positive influence on the U.S. Mission to the United Nations, Geneva, by improving its energy conservation and environmental performance," said Vern Martinez, Founder and CEO of Martinez International. "This project is a showcase of American innovation and leadership in energy conservation and environmental sustainability, and we are proud to be part of the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) team that made this happen."

Martinez International has worked extensively with OBO, leading design, construction, renovation and maintenance of State Department facilities in more than 32 countries. The company has worked with OBO for more than a decade and has long-standing contractual relations with the U.S. Department of Defense and other agencies around the world.

MagLev™ Breakthrough

The MagLev™ chiller is the first sustainable compressor design in the air conditioning industry. It runs on a virtually friction-free compressor, which eliminates heat and reduces energy consumption. Designed and manufactured by Multistack LLC of Sparta, Wisconsin, the 225-ton air-cooled, magnetic levitation-bearing chiller represents the long-awaited commercial application of a scientific breakthrough in physics and electronics. The mechanical engineering profession has heralded frictionless, oil-free motors and compressors based on active magnetic bearings since the 1940s. It is only recently that the emergence of nanosecond fast semiconductors at last provided the fine-tuned electronic control needed to maintain a motor shaft within microscopic tolerances, and opened the way to exciting new applications. The chiller is expected to reduce the energy required to air-condition the U.S. Mission's assembly halls, computer rooms, and offices by up to 30 percent. This should in turn reduce the Mission's carbon dioxide output by over 25 metric tons annually.

In 2008, Martinez International led installation of a Dedicated Heat Recovery Chiller in the U.S. Embassy Santiago, Chile. In its first six months of operation, the Santiago system slashed building operation costs by $47,000. Following installation of the Dedicated Heat Recovery Chiller the U.S. Embassy Santiago required no fuel oil in winter 2008 and reduced CO2 emissions by an estimated 82 metric tons.

"With the leadership and commitment of the U.S. Department of State and its Overseas Building Operations, we are making a difference around the world," said Martinez. "These projects provide an ideal platform to highlight cutting-edge U.S. green technology and demonstrate a true commitment to making U.S. Embassies worldwide greener and more efficient. It's a fantastic legacy and we believe it represents the future of the construction industry."

For more information on the United States Mission in Geneva and its green initiatives, visit http://geneva.usmission.gov/Press2009/0402MagLev.html

About Martinez International

Founded by Vern Martinez in 1976, Martinez International Corporation is a leading general contractor focused on delivering outstanding projects to customers around the world. Based in Parker, Colorado, Martinez International specializes in security upgrades, new additions and renovation projects for the U.S. Department of State, Department of Defense and other federal government agencies. Martinez International is dedicated to providing the best construction services to keep U.S. diplomats, troops and Foreign Service workers warmer, cooler and safer.

With the growing importance of high-performance buildings and green construction, Martinez International is focused on delivering customers the best cutting-edge U.S. green construction and technology products and services through Martinez International Verdant, a new division launched in 2009. Verdant will make a lasting, measurable impact by improving the environmental performance of buildings and projects through green construction, energy efficiency and renewable energy services. Verdant will also provide green-collar job training and energy tax credit consulting services.

As a premier construction management firm with more than 30 yeas of experience in domestic and international projects, Martinez International has operated as a successful Small Business Administration-certified 8 (a) firm that graduated in 2003. For more information, contact Martinez International at 303-327-7400

Contact Information: Contact: Morrison Shafroth CSG|PR (720) 470-3653