Inauguration Festivities Powered by
Aggreko
WASHINGTON (January 21, 2009) – Thanks to
Aggreko, a live audience of two million people in Washington and
millions more worldwide witnessed yesterday’s historic inauguration
of the 44th President of the United States. Aggreko, the
leader in rental power, temperature control and oil-free compressed
air solutions, provided the temporary power and heating systems for
nearly all of the Inauguration events, telecasts, and related
security needs. Aggreko has provided power and temperature control
for the last three Presidential Inaugurations.
“It was an honor to be able to help people
around the country, and indeed the world, witness this significant
day,” said George Long, Aggreko Event Services Senior Project
Manager. “This was perhaps one of the biggest events in history
which had to be planned and installed in such a short amount of
time. Aggreko’s team of experienced technicians worked extended
hours in below freezing temperatures, dealt with virtually every
client request and came through with flying colors.”
Aggreko provided the power and heat for
virtually every element of the inauguration and surrounding events,
beginning with the Inaugural Concert at the Lincoln Memorial that
was broadcast by HBO; the press tents, audio delays and security at
the National Mall; and the VIP area at Lafayette Park. In addition,
Aggreko powered the press areas, video and audio components along
the parade route, the Armed Forces Security screening area at the
Pentagon, the ABC and CNN telecasts, and several inaugural
balls.
Literally tons of equipment were necessary for
a series of events of this magnitude. In all, Aggreko provided:
- Enough electricity to power 350,000
medium-sized American homes
- Enough heat for 250,000 medium-sized
homes
- 35 miles of cable, or nearly enough to
stretch from Washington, DC to Baltimore
- More than 30 experienced Aggreko
technicians from across North America
The company sourced equipment from their
nationwide network of service centers, and began installation on
Wednesday, January 7th. Aggreko’s crew has already begun
removing equipment and plans to have all generators and heat
sources out by Saturday, January 24th.
Powering the 2009 Presidential Inauguration
had its share of challenges, but Aggreko’s team of seasoned
professionals was up to the task.
“I’m very proud of our crew and what we’ve been able to achieve
in so little time,” said Daryl Benz, Northeast Region Event
Coordinator. “Certainly the eyes of the world were on us and there
was no room for error. There was a different inaugural team and
government agency for each event, from the Inaugural concert to the
swearing in. Aggreko was able to provide consultation and
coordinate with each venue’s representatives to provide textbook
execution throughout.”
Aggreko was involved in the Presidential
campaign from the beginning of the primary season, having been
responsible for providing rental power and temperature control for
several key events, including election night festivities in
Chicago’s Grant Park, all three presidential debates and the
national conventions. In addition, Aggreko was chosen by the Obama
campaign for several rallies, including three that featured singer
Bruce Springsteen.
Aggreko has a long history of powering the
most high-profile events in the world, including the 2008 Beijing
Olympic Games, the 2008 Ryder Cup, and National Football League’s
Championship games. Aggreko has been chosen to be the exclusive
rental power supplier to the upcoming 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter
Games.
About Aggreko
Aggreko plc is the global leader in the rental of power,
temperature control and oil-free compressed air systems. Aggreko
provides 24/7 availability and service support with approximately
3000 employees operating from over 120 locations. In 2007 we served
customers in 100 countries, and had revenues of approximately USD
$1.4b. Aggreko plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange (AGK.L)
and headquartered in Scotland. For more information, please access
the company website at www.aggreko.com/northamerica.
Media
Contacts:
David Nesmith
Richards/Carlberg
David_Nesmith@RichardsCarlberg.com
713.964.3606
Amy Stine
Aggreko, LLC
Amy.Stine@Aggreko.com
281.985.8286
Simon Lyons
Aggreko Plc
Simon.LyonsATaggreko.co.uk
+44.141.2255900