WASHINGTON, D.C. – HPI LLC, Houston, Texas, a rapidly growing technology leader in the supply of gas and steam turbine generator services and turn key power plant solutions, has been

approved for membership in the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC), the USUBC executive committee announced today on behalf of the entire USUBC membership of over 185 companies and organizations who have business operations, investments or other development programs in Ukraine or whose business links Ukraine and the U.S.

The HPI executive leadership, project management and engineering staff have deep experience in turbine generator systems, including control systems. The company provides a full range of services that extend from dedicated PLC-based control systems through turnkey design and construction of complete power generating plants.

HPI also designs fuel regulators, lube oil and electrical systems for power generation facilities, ensuring better integration between systems while increasing overall plant reliability and safety. Starting with industrial frame gas turbine packages, HPI has expanded capabilities to include the more sophisticated aeroderivative turbine units. HPI was founded in 2002. HPI also performs advance diagnostic, root cause analysis, and a variety emissions and regulator controls and compliance services.

In 2005, HPI launched its mechanical group to offer turbine field services which enables the company to offer a full complement of inspection and repair services, providing the ability to support activities ranging from initial FEED studies to ongoing maintenance of systems in the field.

POWER PLANT PROJECTS IN KUWAIT AND GHANA

In 2006, HPI was selected to provide emergency power to the sovereign nation of Kuwait through the Kuwait Ministry of Energy (MOE) for the Shuwaikh power plant facility. The company has subsequently won several other turn-key power plant projects, the most recent of which is the Takoradi T3 expansion in Ghana.

Additionally, HPI has expanded its Mechanical Group to offer non-destructive testing, on site rotor and component repair, and mechanical turbine major overhaul and repair (MRO) services, which enables the company to offer a support a large variety of installed base units through their entire lifecycle.

HPI remains a technological leader in providing full service turbine solutions. HPI’s range of products and services including turbine and plant control packages, DLE/DLN mapping, mechanical inspection/overhaul services, as well as full turnkey Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) of power plants ensures HPI continues to provide custom solutions to meet each client’s specific project requirement. By utilizing in-house talent experienced in project management, engineering, and design, HPI continues to improve overall plant reliability and safety for its customer base.

UKRAINE: ZORYA-MASHPROEKT STATE ENTERPRISE GAS TURBINE SCIENTIFIC PRODUCTION COMPLEX

HPI has purchased a number of gas turbine engines for the electrical generation plants they have built in South America and Africa from the Gas Turbine Research & Production Complex Zorya-Mashproekt, a State Enterprise in Nikolaev, Ukraine, Zorya-Mashproekt is one of the world leaders in gas turbine construction, http://eng.zmturbines.com/.

Zorya-Mashproekt designs and constructs gas turbines for sea-going merchant fleet and navy, for power industry and gas transport mains opening up new possibilities for the world. Their products are provided to Russia, Byelorussia, India, China, Vietnam, Singapore, South Korea, and other Middle Eastern countries. The quality and reliability of their products are the keys for international companies who purchase their products.

HPI PROVIDES MULTIPLE SERVICES

(1) Services For The Power Generation Market, http://www.hpi-llc.com/power-generation.html.
(2) Turbines for Power Generation & Turbine Control Solutions For The Oil & Gas Industry, http://www.hpi-llc.com/oil-and-gas.html
(3) Turbomachinery Control System Services, http://www.hpi-llc.com/control-services.html
(4) Plant wide Control System Services, http://www.hpi-llc.com/plant-wide-control-balance-of-plant.html

(5) Mechanical Services and Support for Turbomachinery, http://www.hpi-llc.com/mechanical-services.html
(6) Turbine Control Solutions For The Marine Industry, http://www.hpi-llc.com/marine.html
(7) Turbine Control Services For Bio Fuel Power, http://www.hpi-llc.com/biofuel.html

HAL PONTEZ - OWNER & FOUNDER OF HPI, LLC
Hal Pontez is owner and founder of HPI, LLC. The company was launched in 2002 when Mr. Pontez recognized the need for additional capacity and the need for new technology in turbine controls and turn-key power plant design and construction. Since its founding, HPI has grown at a dramatic 200% annually. Formerly an executive with Vosper Thornycroft, Mr. Pontez gained extensive experience and industry insight through various leadership roles in the turbo machinery industry.

Upon graduating from Syracuse University with a Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Mr. Pontez began to apply his strong academic training, keen business development skills, and natural business acumen to the demanding world of industrial controls. He later obtained a Masters of Business Administration degree from Marquette University. The globalization trend of private sector companies in the 1980’s and 90’s provided Mr. Pontez opportunities for extensive international business and technical experience.

He was an early pioneer in doing business with former Soviet bloc countries where he integrated hybrid marketing approaches, allowing newly privatized companies in Eastern Europe to significantly update their products with western technology. Mr. Pontez later joined Vosper Thornycroft, where he successfully managed several high risk endeavors, until the formation of HPI, LLC. The strong pedigree and immediate success of the newly formed team instilled confidence among customers and industry analyst, ensuring HPI a strong foundation and solid start.

In 2006, HPI was selected to provide emergency power to the sovereign nation of Kuwait through the Kuwait Ministry of Energy (MOE) for the Shuwaikh power plant facility. The company has subsequently won several other turn-key power plant projects, the most recent of which is the Takoradi T3 expansion in Ghana. Additionally, HPI has expanded its Mechanical Group to offer non-destructive testing and mechanical turbine overhaul services, which enables the company to offer a full lifecycle of services, from initial FEED studies to on-going maintenance of systems in the field.

HPI LLC AND USUBC
HPI founder, owner and president Hal Pontez has attended several USUBC meetings in Houston, Texas. "USUBC is very pleased to be working with HIP LLC," said Morgan Williams, President, U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC), "USUBC looks forward to working with HPI President Hal Pontez and his colleagues as they expand their work as a rapidly growing technology leader in the supply of gas and steam turbine generator services and turnkey power plant solutions. Hal said he plans to continue to purchase gas turbine engines in Ukraine."

REFERENCE
For additional information about HPI LLC, Houston, Texas visit their website www.hpi-llc.com.

USUBC MEMBERSHIP REACHES 185

USUBC membership has grown rapidly during the past six years. Membership now stands at 185. In January 2005 membership was eight; two years later it had grown to 22; in January 2009 it reached 100; and in January of 2011 topped 150. A complete list of USUBC members can be found at: http://www.usubc.org/members.php. For a list of the USUBC board of directors go to: http://www.usubc.org/site/u-s-ukraine-business-council-board-of-directors.