Efacec Group's U.S. Power Transformer Plant Receives Historic Order

NORCROSS, GA--(Marketwire - Mar 20, 2012) - Efacec Group's U.S. Operations has received an order for its largest electrical transformer to date. The Efacec Power Transformer, Inc. facility in Rincon, Ga. will manufacture a 900 MVA Generator Step-Up (GSU) shell transformer. The unit is not just the biggest one Efacec's U.S. plant has made -- it's also the largest to be manufactured in the United States in the last 20 years. It was ordered by one of the largest investor-owned electric utilities in the South for delivery in March 2013.

"There are just a few manufacturers in the world capable of designing and manufacturing a transformer of this magnitude," stated Jorge Guerra, Efacec U.S. Operations Chief Operating Officer. "The order given to Efacec Power Transformers marks a historic milestone, placing our U.S. facility in a very special, select group of top-level transformer manufacturers worldwide."

GSU transformers are used to increase the voltage of electricity that generators produce to the appropriate levels for transmission to areas serving consumers. The 900 MVA unit is capable of supplying power to about 18,000 households.

"We feel very proud that our plant is capable of manufacturing a product of this scale," Guerra added. "We are here to stay -- and to deliver the best transformers in the world."

Since opening less than two years ago, Efacec's state-of-the-art plant in Rincon, Ga. has established a record of unparalleled accomplishments:

• In June 2011, it delivered the first U.S.-made shell power transformer in more than 20 years.
• Late last year, it delivered the first "disassociated phases" transformer; this means it was able to be transported in four pieces to overcome transportation restrictions. The 700 MVA shell unit was the largest made in the U.S. until this most recent order.
• The factory is the only manufacturing plant in the U.S. to fully design and manufacture transformers using both core and shell technologies.

Over the years, Efacec has made huge investments in technology to become an industry world leader, not only in the power transformer sector but also in electric mobility, smart grid applications, switchgear, engineering, transportation and renewable energy. Efacec's capability to provide technology integration sets it apart as a reliable partner of choice, offering solutions to face the new energy infrastructure that is now being shaped.

About Efacec Power Transformers
Group Efacec, formed in 1948, is a leader in the field of electricity. Based in Portugal, it has a presence in more than 65 countries worldwide, employs around 4,800 people and has a volume of orders exceeding $1.4 billion. The Group has been serving US customers since 1998. In 2007, it established its U.S. headquarters in Norcross, GA. More information is available at www.efacecusa.com.