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  FORMICA BRAND LAMINATE
Apr 7, 2004 Formica Corporation Creates New Dimensions
CONTACT:
For more information or product samples:
Bill Roush
Formica Corporation
(513) 786-3400
bill.roush@formica.com



Formica Corporation Creates New Dimensions With Exclusive Laminate Finishes
Looks like real stone - feels like real stone - priced nothing like real stone

CHICAGO (April 2, 2004) - With today's consumers demanding upscale design at mass-market prices, the popularity of laminate countertops that mimic the look of natural materials is on the rise. Formica Corporation, an innovative leader in design trends, has responded to consumers' demands with new, exclusive design elements that are sophisticated and realistic, yet easy to care for.

Formica Corporation brings dimension to high-pressure laminate (HPL) by introducing the new Honed Finish Collection and expanding the Etchings Finish Collection for 2004. Exclusive to Formica Corporation, the Honed and Etchings Finish Collections allow consumers to do more with their projects by offering the realism of natural stone at a fraction of the cost. While consumers still have a taste for natural stone, its high cost, maintenance needs and lack of flexibility can be limiting. Formica® Brand Laminate is a trouble-free and cost-effective alternative to granite or stone.

"With Formica brand surfacing materials, homeowners get the most popular, trendy colors and textures to fulfill their design dreams and achieve the look of natural stone, as well as the flexibility and ease-of-use that grant them the freedom to do more," says Reneé Hytry, vice president of design, Formica Corporation. "HPL can be replaced easily and less expensively than natural stone surfaces to frequently update the look of any room. Likewise if a consumer desires to invest more money to include higher-end products in their home, they can mix and match and still have the look of natural stone while staying on budget with Formica Brand Laminate."

The Honed Finish Collection
The new Honed Finish Collection is a soft and natural finish imparting warmth and character. It perfectly enhances Travertine, Slate and river washed Granite. The low-sheen satin finish with subtle surface clefts and crevices mimics softly brushed stone, giving an informal, subdued appearance. The difference is plain to see and feel. The collection includes seven patterns: Autumn Indian Slate, Madras Indian Slate, Himalayan Slate and Basalt Slate, Labrador Granite and Travertine.

The Etchings Finish Collection
Imagine the strength and warmth of natural granite, coupled with the carefree ease of laminate. The Etchings Finish captures the tiny fractures, fissures and sheen reminiscent of real granite or stone. The collection continues to be a popular choice for consumers looking to replicate the rich look and texture of natural granite but desire the characteristics of HPL. The Etchings Finish is an optional design feature, now available on 14 patterns in the collection. New designs for 2004 include Baltic Granite and Labrador Granite.

"According to dealers, the Etchings finish is one of their best-selling products," says Jola Spring, senior product manager, Formica Corporation. "The popularity of Etchings just keeps growing, and we don't see it slowing down."

Unmatched Versatility
The Honed and Etchings finishes combine the essence of natural material with the durability, ease of care and maintenance of HPL. Formica Brand Laminate is designed to be tough and, unlike natural stone, does not require special cleaning products, polishing or sealing. Formica Brand Laminate is an ideal choice for high-traffic areas that require a hard-wearing surface. Its versatility makes it adaptable to a wide variety of applications, whether horizontal or vertical, curved, straight or multidimensional where we ig ht, malleability or cost may be an issue.

"We're excited to offer an even broader range of sophisticated high-pressure laminate designs with our new exclusive finishes, all of which bring a level of authenticity that is unmatched in man-made materials," says Mario Gonzalez, vice president of marketing, Formica Corporation.

About Formica Corporation
Founded in 1913, Formica Corporation is a leading surfacing industry innovator that designs, manufactures and distributes a full range of surfacing products for commercial and residential applications. To request information on all Formica brand products, consumer and trade representatives should call 1-800-FORMICA (1-800-367-6422) or visit formica.com.