KBC.L Regulatory News (KBC)

25 Oct 2007 07:01

KBC Advanced Technologies plc25 October 2007 Embargoed until 7.00am 25 October 2007 KBC Advanced Technologies plc ("KBC") Contract Award KBC, a leading independent consultant to the oil industry, is pleased to announce a significant new US$2.77 million software contract with Valero EnergyCorporation ("Valero") for an enterprise-wide licence for the KBC SIM(TM) Suitesoftware at all sixteen of its North American refining sites and the corporateheadquarters. Valero has been a licensee of FCC-SIM, KBC's kinetic catalytic cracking reactormodel, for over ten years. This new agreement builds on the prior success ofKBC's software at Valero with the follow-on licensing of other rigorous KBC SIMmodels - HCR-SIM for hydrocracking, multiple HTR-SIM models for hydrotreating,REF-SIM for reforming, and DC-SIM for delayed coking. In addition, the agreementincludes Petro-SIM and Petro-SIM Express process simulation software. Theagreement gives Valero access to the KBC process optimisation tools throughoutits refineries. The long-term agreement also provides for annual softwareupgrades and technical support. George Bright, Chief Executive of KBC, commented: "We very much look forward toworking with Valero to install and fully leverage its investment in simulationtechnology. At the same time, we will continue to develop this technology andlook forward to further success in the future." - Ends - For further information please contact:KBC Advanced Technologies plc 01932 236314George Bright, Chief ExecutiveNicholas Stone, Operations and Finance Director Weber Shandwick Financial 020 7067 0700Richard Hews / Rachel Martin / Hannah Marwood Notes to Editors: KBC Advanced Technologies plc, a leading independent consulting, processengineering and software group, delivers improved operating performance to theoil refining, petrochemical, and other process industries worldwide. We provideprocess consulting, strategic planning advice, energy price forecasting andmarket analysis, economic studies, capital project services, and training to help clients achieve their business objectives and improve their competitiveposition. The KBC human performance improvement division provides organisationaleffectiveness services, training programmes, operations manuals, and personneldevelopment services. Our consultants recommend changes for material andmeasurable improvements in profitability. To assist clients in realising suchimprovements, KBC provides implementation services and software solutions,including the KBC SIM models and Petro-SIM for process optimisation, and energyoptimisation software packages. Formed in 1979, KBC has offices in the UK, USA,Canada, Singapore, the Netherlands, Russia, China, and Japan. For more information, visit www.kbcat.com. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange