HARRISBURG, Pa., March 9, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Worldwide industrial services and products company Harsco Corporation (NYSE:HSC) announced today that its Patent Construction Systems division, one of North America's leading providers of rental scaffolding, concrete forming, shoring and other access services to the non-residential construction industry, has been awarded contracts totaling close to $2 million to support the construction of three major new buildings in the U.S., including two new high-rise hotels and the new 18-story federal office building in downtown San Francisco.
The San Francisco federal office project draws upon Patent's comprehensive access engineering and equipment resources to involve seven different rental shoring, forming and scaffolding equipment lines during construction. This innovative, energy-efficient office building, scheduled for completion later this year, will use natural ventilation rather than air conditioning to provide cooling. Movable elements in the building's glass facade will open in the evening to release warm air and bring in cooler air to reduce the building temperature. Patent's specialized shoring and forming equipment is being used in the construction of the exposed concrete ceilings, columns, and walls inside the building that will help regulate temperatures throughout the day. The seismically reinforced structure also features a cast-in-place floor system, constructed with specially designed forms that include a fluted underside to enhance natural air flow.
Patent is also supporting construction of the new Residences at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, a 38-story, three-tower condominium-hotel being built next to the MGM Grand Casino, as well as the new Harrah's 26-story hotel tower under construction for 2006 opening adjacent to the Harrah's Casino in New Orleans' famed French Quarter. Both hotels capitalize on Patent's extensive access engineering and equipment leadership supporting major high-rise projects. According to industry projections, hotel construction is expected to be one of the fastest-growing sectors in the U.S. non-residential construction industry this year, with forecasts of up to 13 percent growth in square footage over 2004.
Together with the international SGB Group division, Patent Construction Systems is part of Harsco's global Access Services business segment, the world's largest specialized access equipment rental and services organization.
Harsco Corporation is a diversified, worldwide industrial services and products company with annual sales in excess of $2.5 billion. Harsco's market-leading businesses provide mill services, access services, gas containment and control technologies, and engineered products and services to customers worldwide. The company employs 18,500 people at over 400 locations in more than 40 countries of operation. Additional information about Harsco, including its Access Services segment businesses, can be found at www.harsco.com.