Chattanooga, TN, May 15, 2012

Recently Volkswagen’s Chattanooga manufacturing plant received platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) green building certification program. The facility is the first and only automotive manufacturing plant in the world to receive the Platinum certification.

Representatives from both SSOE and Volkswagen accepted the honor at the 25th annual Edison Awards Gala in New York City on April 26.

Edison Award nominees were judged by a panel of more than 3,000 individuals, including members of the Marketing Executives Networking Group (MENG), an organization comprising America’s top marketing professionals and academics. The panel also included professionals from the fields of product development and design, engineering, science and education.   Award nominees were judged against evaluation criteria that included concept, value, impact, and delivery.

Prior to receiving the 2012 award, Volkswagen Chattanooga’s paint shop was named a finalist for the 2011 Edison Green Award. Paint shops are particularly difficult to design sustainably due to the complexity of the manufacturing process. In 2011, the factory also received the Tennessee Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Award.

For more information regarding the Edison Awards visit www.edisonawards.com.

About Volkswagen Chattanooga
Volkswagen will invest $1 billion in the local economy for the Chattanooga plant and create more than 2,000 direct jobs in the region. According to independent studies, the new Volkswagen plant is expected to generate $12 billion in income growth and an additional 9,500 jobs related to the project. The Chattanooga manufacturing facility builds the all-new 2012 Passat sedan, specially designed for the North American market and winner of the Motor Trend magazine 2012 Car of the Year award.

Midland, Michigan, May 07, 2012

Fosgitt will lead the implementation of Net Zero Energy (NZE) initiatives for Federal Government clients. In this role, Richard will work closely with SSOE’s Director of Federal Programs, Mike Duffey and SSOE’s energy consulting group. Duffey stated, “SSOE is focused on delivering comprehensive, value-added services in support of the DoD and other Federal Agencies’ energy objectives. Richard’s solid program management and energy expertise along with his leadership will further enhance our team’s capability and contribute to an overall mission accomplishment for our clients.” SSOE has a GSA contract schedule (Contract Number: GS-21F-0078X) to provide Facilities Maintenance and Management Services including smart building consulting, commissioning, energy audits, and water conservation services. In addition, SSOE provides energy master planning, project programming, detailed engineering, construction management and implementation support.

Fosgitt brings with him 20 years of professional engineering experience. His expertise includes design and development of energy and industrial projects, project permitting, feasibility studies, conceptual estimating, and funding / grant assistance. He holds a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Michigan and is a registered professional engineer (PE). In addition, Fosgitt serves as an advisory board member for the Civil Engineering Enterprise Program at Michigan Tech.

TOLEDO, Ohio, April 30, 2012

Dr. De La Torre has over 17 years of experience in management consulting around the world. His expertise includes management consulting, leadership development and coaching, teambuilding, and personality assessment. He comes to SSOE from Watterson & Associates, Inc., a consulting firm in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. There he served as a Senior Organizational Development and Leadership Coach.

Tony Damon, President and CEO of SSOE remarked “We are excited to have Phil join SSOE and welcome him as the newest addition to our leadership team. His unique skill set will play an important role in achieving our growth objectives. This is a new position for our company and we are very optimistic that Phil’s significant experience worldwide will allow him to further assist SSOE with training and organizational development on a global scale.”

Dr. De La Torre’s past corporate assignments include: Manager, Organizational Development and Human Resources at Marathon Petroleum Company in Findlay, Ohio; Senior Organizational Development Leader at Owens Corning in Toledo, Ohio; Management Consultant and Training Specialist with Personnel Decisions International in Detroit, Michigan; and Change Management Leader and Team Facilitator at Centrex Corporation, Inc.

Dr. De La Torre holds a bachelor’s degree in business psychology from Florida State University and a master’s and doctorate degree in industrial-organizational psychology from Bowling Green State University (BGSU). Additionally, he has completed coursework at BGSU on organizational development and leadership. Dr. De La Torre has co-authored three articles pertaining to organizational climate / culture, transfer of training success, change management, and job analysis. He is fluent in both English and Spanish and has conducted training workshops and leadership coaching in the U.S., Asia, South America, and Mexico. Dr. De La Torre is a member of the American Society of Training Development and the Society of Industrial and Organizational Psychology.

TOLEDO, OH, April 20, 2012

SSOE’s safety manager, Tony Geise explained, “at SSOE we believe that safety is not something that you only practice at work – but also in everyday activities. Our goal is to raise awareness about safety on a broader scale through the blog, which will serve to keep safety at the forefront of everything we do.” Since taking the role of Safety Manger in 2010, Geise has implemented expanded training for staff along with weekly safety tips to engage learning on safe practices and hazard recognition at construction sites as well as in everyday activities. The insight gained from this training and experience allows SSOE personnel to assist clients in making safe decisions during the engineering and design of a project as well as during construction and commissioning activities.

SSOE’s safety initiative has become an integral part of the company’s culture. In fact, SSOE has a continuous corporate goal in place to achieve zero lost time accidents. In support of this goal, employees are provided OSHA 10-hour and 30-hour construction outreach training and project specific safety training to ensure projects are completed incident free. In addition, SSOE provides specialized in-house and client safety training that includes several levels of arc flash training.

This commitment to safety has translated into impeccable safety records, most recently recognized at two project sites where SSOE is performing construction management.  In late 2011 SSOE reached the milestone of seven million hours worked with no recordable incidents on Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company’s newest tire plant located in Puladian, China.  In March of this year GM and SSOE celebrated one million safe working hours during construction of the General Motors China Advanced Training Center in Shanghai. In addition, SSOE was awarded the 2011 Contractor Safety & Environmental Excellence Award from Marathon Petroleum LP Marketing & Transportation Engineering. The award recognizes SSOE as a top safety performer for work performed on Marathon projects. SSOE was chosen as a recipient for this award based on their established safety program and their continued safety training for employees.

To visit SSOE’s Safety Blog, please click blog.ssoe.com/safety

Las Vegas, Nevada, April 19, 2012

SSOE’s Rick Fox, PMP and Chris Ackerman, PMI-SP are scheduled to present: “Scheduling: Minimizing the Input While Maximizing the Output” at 3:45 p.m. on April 23, 2012. This presentation will educate Primavera 6 (P6) users on how to save time and effort when using the program. Best practices for utilizing software components such as user-defined fields, activity steps, high level resources with custom resource curves, and work breakdown structure (WBS) summary activities will be covered. Fox and Ackerman plan to showcase how these tools have benefitted SSOE and its clients – creating a schedule deliverable that is user-friendly, more efficient to update, and capable of producing customizable reports to meet client needs.

In addition to this speaking engagement, Fox presented at the 2008 Primavera Annual Conference where he showcased his experience with Primavera as well as discussed how SSOE’s project controls group successfully executed planning for the largest project in the company’s 60+ year history using Primavera.

To register to attend this session, please visit:

http://www.primaverasig.com/

For more information on the Oracle Collaborate Technology and Applications Forum, please visit:

http://collaborate12.com/registration

Toledo, Ohio,

SSOE formally adopted Lean Six Sigma (LSS) as a problem solving methodology in 2010 and is deploying its use on continuous improvements initiatives company-wide. In his presentation, Mast outlines the continuous improvement (CI) metrics SSOE put in place and how these efforts have supported the company’s goal of 5% efficiency improvements annually. Best practices for standardization of work instructions and processes will be highlighted along with SSOE’s long-term goals for its LSS program and practices. Mast will outline the organizational structure for LSS roles within the company and how this strategy has translated to growth and a higher level of staff involvement in the program. As the leader of SSOE’s LSS program, Mast currently serves as the overall mentor for all SSOE LSS projects and is currently working toward his “black belt” certification.

Representatives from Ford Motor Company, Lima/Allen County Paramedics, Marathon Petroleum, PRO-TEC Coating Company, SSOE, and St. Rita’s Hospital will be in attendance for the NOLSSC’s second quarter meeting which is open to the public.

For additional information on NOLSSC’s quarterly meetings please visit: http://www.linkedin.com/groups/Northwest-Ohio-Lean-Six-Sigma-4107646

TOLEDO, Ohio, April 13, 2012 –

Jennifer Earwood, RA, LEED AP BD+C, recently earned her architectural license. Jennifer was required to pass the Architect Registration Exam, have a professional degree from an NAAB-accredited program, and complete the Intern Development Program (IDP). The IDP is approximately three years of on-the-job experience consisting of training units in 16 different categories. The Architect Registration Exam evaluates a candidate’s knowledge, skills, and ability to provide the various services required in the practice of architecture. Earwood is a graduate of the University of Tennessee with a bachelor’s degree in architecture. Currently, she is an architect in SSOE’s Nashville, Tennessee office and has seven years of experience.

Michael Heilman, PE; Matthew Wagner, PE; and Joseph Kiumu, PE recently received their professional engineering licenses. All three individuals successfully completed the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam that measures a candidate’s academic and practical knowledge of technical engineering. Candidates are eligible to take the exam after meeting statutory requirements including a minimum of four years of acceptable work experience. Heilman received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Florida and is a mechanical engineer in SSOE’s Birmingham, Alabama office with seven years of experience. Matthew Wagner, a graduate of Auburn University, holds a bachelor’s degree in wireless engineering. Joseph Kiumu received a bachelor’s degree in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Alabama. Wagner and Kiumu are electrical engineers in SSOE’s Birmingham, Alabama office, both with five years of experience.

Chris Ackerman, PMI-SP recently earned his certification as a Scheduling Professional from the Project Management Institute (PMI). This credential recognizes the individual’s unique expertise and competence in developing and maintaining project schedules, while possessing skills in all areas of project management. Ackerman is a graduate of the University of Toledo with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He is a project controller in SSOE’s Toledo, Ohio office and has nine years of experience.

Jeff Bodway, PE, PMP, LEED AP BD+C and Jens Ebert, PE, PMP earned their certification as Project Management Professionals (PMP’s). Awarded by the Project Management Institute (PMI), this certification indicates that the individual possesses the knowledge and skills necessary to lead and direct project teams and deliver project results within the constraints of schedule, budget, and resources. Bodway received a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Michigan Technological University and a master’s degree in business administration from Oakland University. Bodway serves as a project manager in SSOE’s Troy, Michigan office and has 18 years of experience. Ebert holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Minnesota and a master’s degree in project management from Pennsylvania State University. Ebert is a senior project manager in SSOE’s St. Paul, Minnesota office and has 22 years of experience.

Shanghai, China, April 10, 2012

SSOE and GM were both represented during the celebration. President and Managing Director of the GM China Group, Kevin Wale, applauded the group noting, “This is truly a remarkable achievement – made possible only through the conscious effort each person put forth day in and day out to continuously review surroundings and look out for hazards on the job site before starting work. Safety is not just about numbers. It’s about protecting workers from injury. I want to congratulate the SSOE construction team and contractors on-site for managing the success of this project and for working with GM to support our safety program.”

Bob Howell, Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chairman of the Board at SSOE added, “One million safe working hours is an accomplishment we take enormous pride in. Safety is ingrained in the cultures of both GM and SSOE. This milestone that we achieved could not have been possible without the superior dedication and teamwork demonstrated by the group of people here today. We must continue with our safe working awareness as safety has no end. Today’s celebration is both for recognition of past achievement and for a new start for the future.”

The facility sits on a 16.3 acre campus and work performed there will focus on advanced design, vehicle engineering, advanced powertrain development, urban mobility and manufacturing processes, and testing. Upon completion, the nearly 355,000 SF Advanced Training Center will consist of 62 testing labs and 9 research labs. SSOE’s services include programming, conceptual design, master planning, detail design, and construction management. SSOE and GM are anticipating completion of Phase 2 construction to be in the second half of 2012.

About General Motors
General Motors has 11 joint ventures, two wholly owned foreign enterprises and more than 35,000 employees in China. GM and its joint ventures offer the broadest lineup of vehicles and brands among automakers in China. Passenger cars and commercial vehicles are sold under the Baojun, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Jiefang, Opel and Wuling brands. In 2011, GM sold more than 2.5 million vehicles in China. It has been the sales leader among global automakers in the market for seven consecutive years. More information on General Motors in China can be found at GM Media Online.

Toledo, Ohio, April 5, 2012

BRAZIL

SSOE recently established an office in Sao Paulo, Brazil to respond to the growth and high demand its clients are experiencing in the region. To enhance its services in Brazil, they have established partnerships with a number of well-established local firms. These partnerships allow SSOE to be well positioned to execute large-scale projects.

In June 2011, SSOE welcomed David Obergefell as its new International Operations Regional Manager responsible for stimulating SSOE’s growth and coordinating business development opportunities in Mexico and South America. David has more than 30 years of experience managing industrial facilities. Craig Bowie, SSOE’s Senior Vice President of International Operations said “David’s efforts have been instrumental in the opening of our Brazilian office and the development of local partnerships. His broad international experience is a valuable asset in both Brazil and Mexico and will continue to support SSOE’s growth strategies in Latin America.”

SSOE’s Sao Paulo office is located at:

SSOE Group
Av. Paulista, 1079, 7^th and 8^th floor
Sao Paulo – SP Brazil
CEP:01311-200
T: 55 (11) 2787.6444

CANADA

SSOE’s new office in Toronto is in keeping with SSOE’s strategy of supporting our clients locally. That said, SSOE has been serving clients in the region for over a decade. SSOE has extensive experience working in Canada with clients such as Owens Corning, Owens-Illinois, Toyota, Ford, Graftech International Holdings Inc, Campbell’s Soup Supply Company and General Motors.

“Our SSOE Toronto office opened in February and we are focusing on building and developing our local capabilities and staff in the region. One key new hire is International Account Manager, Zeal  Lewis, PMP.” said John Marrow, Vice President, International Operations. “Zeal has extensive international experience managing multidiscipline teams and has successfully completed projects in India, Australia, and Canada. In his new role, Zeal serves our clients as the primary lead in Canada. With our clients’ growth in Canada continuing, we envision adding more employees and projects from all of our sectors” stated Marrow.

SSOE’s Toronto office is located at:

SSOE Group
Suite 206, 2150 Winston Park Drive
Oakville, Ontario, L6H 5V1, Canada
T: (905) 901.2464

With 26 offices in 5 countries, SSOE has served clients in more than 30 countries across North America, South America, the Asia-Pacific region, and Europe.

TOLEDO, Ohio, April 2, 2012

CRS has been in business for over 36 years and is a multi-discipline engineering and design-consulting firm specializing in healthcare, government, higher education, and other institutional facilities. CRS offers services in electrical engineering, plumbing engineering, fire protection engineering, mechanical and HVAC engineering, lighting design, telecommunication design, and security system design.

SSOE and CRS have a history of partnering together for clients such as National Nuclear Security Agency (NNSA), ZF Transmission, and Nissan. Tony Damon, CEO of SSOE stated, “Both companies have served common clients for many years. While working together, we both recognized common cultures of delivering value, great client service, and commitment to employees. This acquisition will avail more resources to support both SSOE’s and CRS’s clients by expanding the range of services offered and our geographic reach.” The addition of CRS’s two Alabama locations will bring SSOE’s total number of offices to 26.

Although this acquisition expands SSOE’s local presence, they are no stranger to the Southeastern region. Currently, SSOE has 84 active projects in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee. In fact, SSOE has had an office in Nashville, Tennessee for nearly 25 years and has served many of their Southeast U.S. clients from this location. Most recently, SSOE performed full EPCM services for Volkswagen’s $1 billion assembly plant in Chattanooga. Additional Southeastern region clients include Nissan Mississippi and Toyota Mississippi.

Please visit www.ssoe.com/crs for more information.