Meridian Energy Group announced that it has finalized its selection of Vepica USA, Inc. (“Vepica”) to perform the Engineering Definition for the Davis Refinery. Now that the Davis Refinery has obtained its rezoning and conditional use permit from Billings County, and the Air Quality Permit to Construct application is being finalized for submittal to the North Dakota Department of Health, Meridian is moving into the engineering phase of the Davis project. Vepica will be undertaking more detailed process optimization and design on behalf of Meridian in preparation for the onset of construction once the Permit to Construct is awarded.

The selection of Vepica is based upon the exceptional performance of Vepica to-date in engineering and permitting support for the Davis Refinery, and the experience of key Vepica personnel with the Davis Refinery. In December, 2015, Meridian announced the selection of Vepica to assist Meridian in performing a series of engineering studies to define the design basis, costs and schedule for Davis Refinery.

“We are honored and pleased to have been selected by Meridian to perform the Engineering Definition for the Davis Refinery,” said Franklin Espiga, VP of International Business Development at Vepica. “Our team is fully committed and aligned with the Meridian Team focusing in achieving our client’s objectives and goals. We are looking forward to ensuring the highest level of quality and effectiveness in our performance for this endeavor.”

Additionally, Meridian will be entering into an engineering services agreement with Trailhead Engineering Inc. (Houston and Salt Lake City) (“Trailhead”), under which Trailhead will act as the Owner’s Engineer to Meridian during the Definition phase, and beyond.

“Trailhead Engineering appreciates the opportunity to bring its proven experience in North Dakota to assist Meridian in the design/build of a world-class grassroots refinery,” said Brian Maddox, Trailhead CEO. “We are excited to deploy our resources and experience to help drive an efficient project. North Dakota presents many design challenges and we shall meet these to ensure the greatest safety and quality for all impacted by the project.”

About Meridian

The Mission of Meridian Energy Group, Inc. is to provide long-term shareholder value through the development and operation of the cleanest, most efficient and environmentally compliant crude oil refineries in the world, benefiting the community and its investors. Established in 2013, Meridian is led by energy industry experts with a combined 50 years of world-class expertise in energy & hydrocarbon processing, project development, finance, and large capital project management. Meridian Energy Group, Inc. headquarters is located in Irvine, CA.

About Vepica

Founded in 1972, Vepica is a multinational company with more than 40 years of experience in engineering, procurement, construction, and management projects (EPC/EPCM). For the past three consecutive years (2013, 2014, 2015), Vepica was ranked amongst the first 225 international design companies, by the Engineering News Record (ENR).