Formica Corporation to Open New Western Region Distribution Center at the International Trade and Transportation Center near Bakersfield

– Formica is Leasing 98,000 Square Feet of Space –
– Up to 40 Jobs to be Created by New Facility –

SAN DIEGO, CA (August 22, 2006) — The Allen Group, a major developer of office and industrial properties in the western United States, announced today that the Formica Corporation has signed a long-term lease to occupy 98,000 square feet of industrial space at the International Trade and Transportation Center (ITTC) in Shafter, California near Bakersfield. The facility will serve as Formica’s Western Region distribution center. Formica is relocating from its current facility in Rocklin, Calif.

Up to 40 new jobs are expected to be created by the new Kern County facility.

“We welcome Formica Corporation to Shafter and the ITTC,” said Richard S. Allen, Chief Executive Officer, The Allen Group. “Being in the right place to implement a regional distribution strategy is important in today’s time-sensitive markets. Formica Corporation will now be able to reach a greater number of customers, improve their service capabilities and enjoy the strategic advantage of being located in the San Joaquin Valley.”

Shafter City Manager John Guinn expressed excitement about the impact Formica will have in Kern County: “We’re excited about another company moving into the region and all the benefits that will follow with 40 new jobs in the county!”

Based in Cincinnati, Formica Corporation is a leading surfacing industry innovator that designs, manufactures and distributes a full range of surfacing products for commercial and residential applications.

According to Formica, the ITTC location will allow the company to reach 25 percent more of its Western Region customers within one day, and 99 percent of its customer volume within two days. Additionally, a new footprint for the 98,000 square foot building was designed to enhance the company’s overall logistics operations; the layout will serve as a model for Formica’s other distribution centers.

“Earlier this year, we announced our plans to invest up to $25 million in new equipment and facilities upgrades in North America as part of an ongoing commitment to enhance our manufacturing, distribution and service capabilities worldwide,” said Mike Fischer, President, Formica Corporation North America. “By shifting the [western] distribution center from Rocklin to Shafter, we are achieving an operations and service model that will improve flexibility, lead time and service capabilities, all designed to meet our customers’ future needs for surfacing solutions.”