(FirstEnergy rendering)

American Transmission Systems Inc. (ATSI), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., recently broke ground on a new operations service center in North Jackson, Mahoning County, to help streamline operations and maximize efficiencies along the local high-voltage power system.

The nearly 20,000-sq.-ft. facility, located within Ohio Edison's service area, will provide company personnel with direct access to heavy-duty transmission equipment and materials to help enhance electric service reliability and minimize the impact of service disruptions for customers in the area.

"This facility will benefit customers by providing quicker access to resources for our transmission personnel in the event of a service-related issue," said Jim Gatto, manager of Ohio's transmission operations of FirstEnergy. "Transmission personnel were previously scattered at various service centers across our entire northeast Ohio service area, causing a slower response to issues in the North Jackson area since crews were coming from work sites in Kinsman, Alliance and Massillon."

When finished, the building will serve as a central location for nearly a dozen transmission line workers based in the Mahoning Valley area. The new center, situated on 10 acres along Bailey Court East, also will include offices and storage space for other utility personnel.

In addition to the service center, the project includes construction of a 15,000-sq.-ft. storage facility next to the service center that will be used to house large transmission equipment, including transformers, power lines, insulators and more. Construction of both facilities are on track to be completed in the late spring.

ATSI provides transmission services in Ohio and in the western portion of Pennsylvania and owns or maintains more than 8,100 mi. of transmission lines, substations and other facilities.

FirstEnergy is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its 10 electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company's transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24,000 mi. of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions.

For more information, visit firstenergycorp.com.

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