Fabcon

SAVAGE, Minn. – Oct. 29, 2009 – The Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA), in partnership with Enterprise Minnesota and LifeScience Alley, has named Fabcon as the recipient of the 2009 Tekne Award in the “Innovative Collaboration of the Year” award category. Held Oct. 22 at the Minneapolis Convention Center, the Tekne Awards honor companies and individuals who have demonstrated superior technology advancement and leadership in Minnesota.

The Tekne Award recognized the innovative effort between Fabcon, one of America’s leading manufacturers of precast concrete wall panels, and VAST Enterprises LLC, a material science research and manufacturing company. Earlier this year, the two companies worked together to develop composite thin bricks that are made from up to 95 percent post-consumer/post-industrial materials. These composite bricks come in a variety of colors, and are available only in Fabcon’s precast wall panels. The Fabcon panels significantly reduce construction and maintenance costs compared to other construction methods, and offer an attractive, unique finish option for builders seeking sustainable building materials.

According to the Minnesota State Building and Construction Trades Council, construction represents 9 to 11 percent of the state’s overall economy. “The cost-effective and environmentally sound building material launched by Fabcon and VAST will help spur this price-sensitive construction market, appealing to a wide variety of building owners, architects and contractors,” said Mike Le Jeune, president and CEO of Fabcon.

Playing a significant role in bringing new technology to life, the 2009 Tekne Award recipients represent large global companies, as well as small startup ventures, that have positively impacted the quality of life in Minnesota and throughout the world. Judges selected one recipient out of the three finalists in each of the 14 Tekne Award categories, recognizing the best and brightest in development, education, commercialization and management of technology. Company awards included separate categories for small and growing businesses (with annual revenues under $50 million), and established businesses (with annual revenues of $50 million or more).

“Over the past 10 years, we have seen the quality and originality of each entry improve. This year’s winners are no exception in setting outstanding examples of innovation and leadership,” said Kate Rubin, president, MHTA. “Fabcon impressed the judges in how it is helping to secure Minnesota’s place as a center of innovation in the global economy.”

This year’s Tekne Awards ceremony was emceed by John Sweeney, author of “Innovation at the Speed of Laughter,” and owner of the Brave New Workshop, the nation’s oldest satirical comedy theatre. A list of 2009 Tekne Award recipients and finalists is available online at www.tekneawards.org.

About Fabcon

Fabcon, an ISO 9001 registered manufacturer, produces and installs precast concrete wall panels and other precast products, including highway barriers, concrete columns and sound walls. Fabcon operates production facilities in Minnesota, Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania, and serves customers throughout the Midwestern and Eastern United States and Canada. Since 1971, Fabcon has manufactured, delivered and installed precast wall panels for more than 9,000 projects and virtually every type of structure. Fabcon’s experience helping customers accomplish their building goals ranges from small additions to existing structures, to 50,000-square-foot retail stores, to million-square-foot distribution centers and multi-story housing facilities.

About Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA)

The Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA) accelerates the growth, sustainability and global competitiveness of Minnesota’s technology-based economy through public policy advocacy, member collaboration and education, and community outreach. MHTA is the only membership organization that represents Minnesota?s entire technology-based economy. MHTA members include organizations of every size − involved in virtually every aspect of technology creation, production, application and education in Minnesota. MHTA works in partnership with TechAmerica, which represents Minnesota’s technology organizations nationally. Find out more online at www.mhta.org or follow MHTA on Twitter at twitter.com/MHTA.

For Further Information

Alan Krane: 952-882-5381; alan.krane@fabcon-usa.com

Madeline Riggs: 612-455-1755; mriggs@psbpr.com