Mitsubishi Power Systems Americas selects Gray to design and build its Arkansas Wind Turbine Nacelle Manufacturing Facility

(Fort Smith, Arkansas) – Mitsubishi Power Systems Americas, Inc. (MPSA) today announced that Gray Construction, a top U.S manufacturing facility contractor, has been selected to design and construct Mitsubishi’s new wind turbine nacelle facility in Fort Smith, Arkansas, a $100 million investment, which is expected to be completed in the fall of 2011 and employ some 330 people.

Company spokeswoman Sonia Williams said construction of the new 200,000 s.f. plant will begin this fall and will fabricate nacelles, a core component of wind turbines. The new plant will be the company’s first nacelle production plant located in the United States.

Mitsubishi has engaged in the development, manufacture and marketing of wind turbines for three decades, and is one of the leading wind turbine manufacturers in the world. The Fort Smith plant will be an essential part of America’s commitment to create alternative sources of energy by harnessing wind power.The nacelles that will be manufactured in this new facility are located at the top of the wind turbine tower and its internal components function to convert wind energy to electric power.

Since 2001, MPSA has led the way in introducing earth-friendly, renewable energy options to help power economies throughout the Americas. The company’s investment in a state-of-the-art Fort Smith wind turbine manufacturing facility underscores its continuing determination to design and build “green” alternatives for an energy dependent world. For more information visit www.mpshq.com

National Reputation and Local Jobs

“Gray Construction enjoys an outstanding reputation for working on time, on budget and with a commitment to excellence,” stated Ms. Williams. “We are pleased to be able to award this contract so that we move forward towards ground breaking and construction. In addition, we expect to see a positive impact on the local economy as Gray has a philosophy of utilizing as many qualified local vendors and subcontractors as possible when working in any community.”

“We are proud to be part of the Mitsubishi Power System team that will be creating a facility designed to strategically strengthen America’s ability to harness the wind as an alternative energy source,” stated Stephen Gray, President & Chief Operating Officer of Gray Construction. “Couple Mitsubishi’s turbine technology, the region’s work ethic and our proven ability to build large, complex structures on time and on budget there is no question we have the means to make a difference in our nation’s quest for energy independence.”

In addition to being nationally recognized for manufacturing plant construction, Gray Construction has overseen construction of more than 450 manufacturing facilities across the U.S., totaling more than 52 million square feet. Gray is headquartered in Lexington, KY with offices in Alabama, California, Kentucky, and Tokyo, Japan. Gray provides customers with programming, planning, site selection, engineering, design and construction and equipment installation services. Gray’s experience includes projects for the automotive, distribution, food and beverage and manufacturing markets.