Hatch and MEK Engenharia Join Forces to Deliver Full Range of Engineering Service to the Brazilian and Latin American Power Market

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil and MISSISSAUGA, Canada, April 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - MEK Engenharia announced today that it has joined forces with the Hatch Group—one of the world's leading engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) firms—to serve Brazil and Latin America's dynamic power sector. MEK Engenharia becomes a member of the Hatch Group of companies.

"The link with Hatch is a perfect match for our company and will enhance our ability to deliver high-quality engineering services to Brazil's power industry," says Mohy Kamel, CEO of MEK Engenharia.  "For more than 20 years, our company has worked with some of our country's leading power companies. Now, working with Hatch, we will be able to leverage the skills, experience, methods and tools of one of the world's leading EPCM firms as we continue to deliver on our promise to clients."

"Hatch has been working with Brazilian companies—both inside and outside the country—for decades, and our partnership with MEK Engenharia is the latest step in our strategy to participate in the ongoing development of the Brazil's vibrant economy," says John Pearson, Hatch's Global Managing Director, Power and Oil & Gas.  "As Brazil further develops its infrastructure and its rich natural resources, the need for reliable power in the country will only increase. The combination of Hatch's 80-plus years of hydropower experience—the heart of our power business—with the experience and reputation of MEK in Brazil, will help us deliver a comprehensive technical consulting, engineering and design service to the country's power market."

Based in Rio de Janeiro, and with offices in Belo Horizonte and Porto Alegre, MEK will bring approximately 120 professionals into the Hatch organization. MEK's capabilities are focused on all disciplines and phases involved in energy projects. The company was established 22 years ago and has completed the design of nearly 70 hydropower stations delivering over 6,000 MW of installed capacity.  MEK has also invested in the wind power market for more than five years, participating in approximately 25 projects.

Brazil is by far the largest electricity market in South America, consuming as much as all other South American countries combined. In addition, approximately 70% of the country's electricity is generated through hydropower, and Brazil has 58% of the total  South American hydropower installed capacity. In 2011, 50% of all newly installed wind power in Central and South America was in Brazil.

About Hatch

Hatch is an employee-owned, multidisciplinary professional services firm that delivers an array of technical and strategic services, including consulting, information technology, engineering, process development, and project and construction management to the Mining, Metallurgical, Energy, and Infrastructure sectors. Hatch has served clients for over 80 years and has project experience in more than 150 countries around the world. With over 11,000 people in over 65 offices, the firm has more than $35 billion in projects currently under management.   For more information, visit www.hatch.ca

SOURCE Hatch