Aker Construction Inc. is the primary contractor for the 769-MW coal-fired power station being built for Longview Power, LLC, owned by GenPower Holdings, L.P. More than 60 percent of the work is now complete, and scheduled for operation in early 2011, it will be one of the cleanest coal-fired power plants in the US.

The Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) of the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)  promotes effective worksite-based safety and health, encouraging management, labor, and OSHA to establish cooperative relationships at workplaces that have implemented a comprehensive safety and health management system. Approval into VPP is OSHA's official recognition of the outstanding efforts of employers and employees who have achieved exemplary occupational safety and health. Star certification is the pinnacle classification for VPP participation.

Aker Construction Inc. first initiated VPP Star application in March 2008 to ensure optimal worker safety and establish a partnership with OSHA. The approval process included a review of Aker Construction Inc.'s management commitment and employee involvement with safety programs, a worksite analysis, hazard prevention and control measures, and safety and health training plans. The company submitted documents to support these criteria and hosted a four-day onsite tour by government officials, a detailed document review, and both formal and informal interviews.

"We are extremely proud of this accomplishment," says Bruce Kingsbury, Aker Construction Inc.'s Vice President of HSE. "It signals our people's belief in the highest priority for worker health and safety. Aker Construction Inc. is committed to maintaining this status by keeping average reportable incident rates below the national average and continuing to develop best practices and innovative safety procedures throughout the plant's construction."

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure the safety and health of the U.S.'s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

 

Media:

US: Cathleen Williamson, Calypso Communications. Tel: +1 (603) 431-0816, email: cwilliamson@calypsocom.com

US: Cheryl Zrimm, Aker Solutions. Tel: +1 (724) 416-6853

 

Suppliers:
For further information about sourcing and potential subcontracts for this project, please contact: Rodger Liang, VP Supply Management, Process & Construction, Aker Solutions, Tel:  +86 10 640 966 36

Career opportunities:
Visit http://www.akersolutions.com/Internet/CareerCentre

Aker Solutions ASA, through its subsidiaries and affiliates ("Aker Solutions"), is a leading global provider of engineering and construction services, technology products and integrated solutions. Aker Solutions' business serves several industries, including oil & gas, refining & chemicals, mining & metals and power generation. The Aker Solutions group is organised in a number of separate legal entities. Aker Solutions is used as the common brand/trademark for most of these entities. 

Aker Solutions' parent company is Aker Solutions ASA.  Aker Solutions has aggregated annual revenues of approximately NOK 58 billion and employs approximately 23 000 people in about 30 countries.

Aker Solutions is part of Aker (www.akerasa.com), a group of premier companies with a focus on energy, maritime and marine resource industries. The Aker companies share a common set of values and a long tradition of industrial innovation. Through its majority-owned holding company Aker Holding AS, Aker controls 40.27 percent of the shares in Aker Solutions, and takes an active role in the development of the company.  

 

Aker Construction Inc. is the union construction arm of Aker Solutions, which provides a full range of construction, maintenance and renovation services to the North American industrial sector. Our services are characterized by the highest standards of safety, quality, teamwork, innovation and cooperation, thus enabling us to respond to the needs of our customers and deliver on-time and in-budget performance. Direct hire union construction, maintenance and renovation services are provided to the power, steel, chemical, petro-chemical, and other industrial sectors in North America. In addition, Aker Construction provides construction management and project planning services to the above sectors on an international basis.

GenPower Holdings, L.P. is a joint venture sponsored by First Reserve, a leading global private equity firm. The joint venture was formed in October 2006 to pursue the development, ownership, acquisition and operation of power generation facilities in the United States and abroad. Longview Power is the first major investment by the joint venture. GenPower Holdings' management team includes power industry veterans who have extensive experience in power project development, finance, construction and operations. For more information on GenPower Holdings and Longview Power, please visit our website at www.genpower.net.

GenPower, LLC and First Reserve, a leading global private equity firm, formed GenPower Holdings, L.P. in October 2006 to pursue the development, ownership, acquisition and operation of power generation facilities in the United States and abroad. Longview Power is the first major investment by the joint venture. For more information on GenPower Holdings, L.P. and Longview Power, LLC, please visit our website at www.genpower.net.

First Reserve is the world's leading private equity firm in the energy industry. For more than 25 years, it has invested solely in the global energy industry, and has developed an unparalleled franchise, utilizing its broad base of specialized energy industry knowledge as a competitive advantage. First Reserve invests strategically across a wide range of energy industry sectors, developing a portfolio that is diversified across the energy value chain, backing talented management teams and building value by building companies. Further information is available at www.firstreserve.com

This press release may include forward-looking information or statements and is subject to our disclaimer, see www.akersolutions.com