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Pilgrim International 2008 New Technology Feature Release: First All-Composite Recreational Vehicle to Be Introduced by Pilgrim International at RVIA Show in Louisville, Kentucky November 27-29, 2007

Business Wire, Nov 19, 2007

Pilgrim Partners with TekModo to Eliminate Wood Products from RV Construction Resulting in a Lighter, Stronger, More Environmentally Friendly RV

MIDDLEBURY, Ind. -- Pilgrim International Inc. of Middlebury, Indiana, will introduce the RV industry's first all-composite recreational vehicle in its 2008 product display booth 1060 at the annual Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) show in Louisville, Kentucky at the Kentucky Exposition Center, November 27-29, 2007. Working closely with TekModo LLC, Pilgrim International will debut a display unit with floors, walls, roof and end caps completely Luan and plywood free and comprised entirely of CosmoLite, a thermoplastic fiber-reinforced composite. Additionally, Pilgrim International and TekModo will introduce the revolutionary exterior surface SpectraLite enhanced with Dupont[TM] Surlyn[R]--the same extraordinarily impact resistant coating found on golf balls. Pilgrim's all composite RV is also completely formaldehyde free.

"We are adhering to our vision of continuous improvement to remain the forerunners in innovation of new technologies that will change the recreational vehicle industry." Stated Pilgrim International Co-founder and Chairman Dave Hoefer.

ADD ONE/FIRST ALL-COMPOSITE RECREATIONAL VEHICLE

The all composite Pilgrim International travel trailer debuting at the 2007 Louisville RVIA show is the first of its kind to utilize all composite construction with absolutely zero wood. This new technology enables Pilgrim International to manufacture completely seamless substrate floors, sidewalls, roofs and end-caps resulting in true uni-body strength for long lasting durability. In addition, the all-composite unit is fully water resistant and is impervious to rot, mildew and mold.

"The all-composite prototype unit displayed at this year's RVIA show features a dramatic weight reduction over conventionally manufactured recreational vehicles," stated Hoefer, "We are aspiring to build units weighing 15-to-20 percent less. This will improve fuel efficiency and will enable families to take more equipment. But more significantly, this dramatic weigh reduction will allow almost any vehicle to become a tow vehicle--from the family sedan, to the millions of mini vans on the road today. What was formerly towed by a one-ton truck will be towed by a three quarter ton truck, three quarter ton truck to a half ton--and so on. This technology opens up significant opportunities and markets for Pilgrim International dealers," stated Hoefer.

Introducing TekModo SpectraLite Enhanced with Dupont[TM] Surlyn[R]

Pilgrim International Invites You to Take Your Best Shot In Louisville!

The Pilgrim International all-composite unit introduced at the Louisville show will also showcase the new high-impact, extremely lightweight, high-gloss TekModo SpectraLite Enhanced with Dupont[TM] Surlyn[R] exterior coating. Marc LaCounte, co-founder of TekModo, elaborated on this phenomenal new RV technology.

"Golf balls throughout the world incorporate Surlyn[R] as a protective coating. Surlyn[R] is an extremely high-impact protective coating that overlays golf balls to protect them from marring and scratching. This advanced technology is now being used as the protective layer on the exterior of recreational vehicles," he said.

ADD TWO/FIRST ALL-COMPOSITE RECREATIONAL VEHICLE

"The introduction of SpectraLite to the marketplace represents a true advancement for Pilgrim International and their consumers," stated TekModo co-founder Mary Wetzel. "Consumers today expect consistency in product and high levels of quality that will keep their units looking and performing as showroom new for years to come. Wetzel further stated, "Consumers will have a choice of color with all the benefits of higher quality, high-impact, lighter weight, and a superior finish. Eventually, we foresee TekModo SpectraLite Enhanced with Dupont[TM] Surlyn[R] as a colorable choice to enable consumers to customize their RV. Matching your RV with the color of your tow vehicle is now a reality. We are extremely pleased to partner closely with Pilgrim International to bring all of these innovative technologies to market just in time for the Louisville RVIA show," concluded Wetzel.

A Greener, Leaner Recreational Vehicle

Utilizing the new CosmoLite thermoplastic fiber-reinforced composite, introduced by the company in October of 2007, the new Pilgrim all-composite travel trailers and fifth wheels will be completely formaldehyde free with no out-gassing of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In addition, the new Pilgrim International trailers manufactured with CosmoLite are completely recyclable. CosmoLite can be ground up, and reused like many plastic composites. High-density Styrofoam insulation within the vacuum laminated walls can be pulverized and recycled as blown-in insulation. Aluminum framing can also be re-melted and reused.

The new Pilgrim all-composite trailers engineered with CosmoLite conserve trees by eliminating Luan and plywood products, resulting in more environmentally friendly manufacturing for the entire RV industry.


 

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