Aristech Acrylics LLC Donates Avonite Surfaces Countertop Materials to Rebuild Gulf Coast Region Battered by Katrina

Business Wire, Sept 13, 2005

FLORENCE, Ky. -- Aristech Acrylics LLC, the manufacturer of Avonite Surfaces(TM) countertop materials, will make their surplus solid surface materials available to contractors and fabricators to assist in the rebuilding efforts of homes and businesses in the Gulf Coast areas battered by Hurricane Katrina.

"Although reconstruction is still a few months away, we wanted planners and contractors to know that these materials were available at no charge for their use," said David Knowles, President and CEO of Aristech Acrylics LLC. The International Solid Surface Fabricators Association (ISSFA) members have agreed to donate their labor where they can.

The donations are intended only for flood victims and will be coordinated by Louis W. Howat & Sons, Inc., distributor of Avonite Surfaces(TM) products based in Harahan, Louisiana. Louis W. Howat & Sons, Inc. has been a vibrant part of the New Orleans business scene for close to 50 years. Their business operations were damaged like many others in the city. "We love this city and the people who make it what it is. We are totally committed to continuing our business in New Orleans and will do our part to rebuild the city, as well as the other impacted areas in the Gulf Coast region," said Gerald Howat the co-owner and president of Louis W. Howat & Sons, Inc.

About Avonite Surfaces(TM)

Founded in 1983, the Avonite Surfaces(TM) product line is the innovation leader for countertop and vertical surfacing applications. Avonite Surfaces(TM) is a solid surface product line of Aristech Acrylics LLC, a leading manufacturer and marketer of thermoformable and general purpose acrylic sheet and solid surface products. For further information, please visit www.avonitesurfaces.com.

About International Solid Surface Fabricators Association (ISSFA)

Founded in 1997, the International Solid Surface Fabricators Association (ISSFA) is a not-for-profit trade association established to further the interests of the solid surface fabricators. For further information, please visit www.issfa.net.