Structural Group Announces Formation of ElectroTech CP.

BALTIMORE -- Structural Group -- a Baltimore-based specialty-contracting firm that delivers services, systems and technologies that build, repair, protect, strengthen and reinforce concrete, steel, masonry, timber and soils - has announced the formation of Electro Tech CP -- a new business focused on providing services and technologies for corrosion control in the United States, Europe and Middle East.

The new company merges two Structural Group companies:

* Corrosion Restoration Technologies, Inc. (CRT): a firm known for corrosion diagnosis, design and protection services in the United States. CRT was acquired by Structural Group in 2005.

* Electro Tech CP Limited: a U.K.-based specialist in the cathodic protection of reinforced concrete and masonry clad steel-framed buildings. ElectroTech CP Limited was acquired in April 2008.

"This merger combines unique expertise, knowledge and experience for corrosion control of structures in the commercial, public, industrial and energy markets," said Jorge Costa, president of CRT and the newly named president of Electro Tech CP. "The new venture is a continuation of CRT's commitment to provide state-of-the-art solutions for corrosion control and mitigation projects."

According to Costa, Electro Tech CP will offer investigation and diagnosis, implementation of solutions for corrosion and water-intrusion problems as well as material improvements to rehabilitate and strengthen concrete.

"Electro Tech CP will provide a one-stop solution that includes investigation, engineering, products, construction, technology, and valuation - all of which will extend the useful life of assets and capital investments," said Costa. "With offices around the country and experience on projects around the world, the Electro Tech CP multi-disciplined professional team -- comprised of corrosion engineers and metallurgists - will provide cost-effective, customized solutions."

A key differentiator, according to Paul Noyce, former owner of Electro-Tech CP UK and the newly appointed vice president of Electro Tech CP, is the breadth of expertise and wide variety of technology solutions.

"ElectroTech CP has the potential to reshape the market for cathodic protection by offering a unique, yet broad array of services and systems," said Noyce. "We don't have a one size fits all solution, rather, proven and innovative solutions, backed by years of expertise and a wide variety of patented technologies."

With headquarter operations in Tequesta, Fla., the new joint venture will operate out of offices in Jersey City, N.J.; Birmingham, Ala.; St. Louis, Mo.; Los Angeles, Calif.; Chicago, Ill.; Houston, Texas; and the UK. Terms of the venture were not disclosed.

Founded in 1993, CRT's services include corrosion engineering, cathodic protection, thermal spray (metalized) coatings and concrete evaluation testing. CRT also has pioneered a unique technology for the application of metalized coatings on reinforced concrete and steel structures - high production rate wire arc metalizing equipment. The custom thermal spray is used for the installation of surface conforming anodes on concrete structures and corrosion protection coatings on steel components.

Applications include zinc and aluminum anodes for sacrificial and impressed current cathodic protection of reinforced concrete structures, as well as the application of metalized coatings of zinc and aluminum alloys for corrosion protection of steel exposed to marine, industrial and high temperature environments. CRT has played a leading role in the development of this technology in the United States.

Electro Tech CP offers full corrosion consulting and design services for cathodic protection and electro-chemical rehabilitation techniques. Electro Tech CP also manufactures cathodic protection control systems and corrosion monitoring systems. The work performed by Electro Tech CP covers all areas of corrosion control and in particular specializes in the treatment of corrosion problems, which occur in historic buildings, monuments and artifacts. The directors of Electro Tech CP Limited, Paul Noyce and Peter Gibbs, were pivotal in the development of Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP) applications to historic steel-framed buildings. The most significant benefit of the system is that the masonry cladding remains largely undisturbed during installation and treatment. ETCP UK has worked on a significant number of historic structures through out the UK, resulting in long-term protection of these structures, while preserving their historic heritage. For more information on the new entity, please visit www.electrotechcp.com.