Uniboard's Val-d'Or Facility Recognised as CARB Phase 2 Compliant

LAVAL, QC, April 20 /CNW Telbec/ - Uniboard, a North American leader of manufactured engineered wood products, is pleased to announce that its Val-d'Or manufacturing facility has been certified by the Composite Panel Association (CPA) as meeting California Air Resources Board (CARB) Phase 2 emissions standards.

"The certification of our Val-d'Or plant showcases Uniboard's leadership in the industry and our commitment to our customers," said Lise Plante, Product Manager, Panel Business Unit. "Being CARB Phase 2 compliant sets us apart from our competitors and signals to both builders and manufacturers that they can continue to count on Uniboard to meet their needs once the new regulations come into effect."

The announcement that all products manufactured at Uniboard Val-d'Or site are now compliant with CARB Phase 2 comes well in advance of the enforcement of the new standards, which take effect on January 1, 2011. In 2008 the State of California adopted a resolution to address formaldehyde exposure from composite wood products through the establishment of emissions controls. The new law set upper limits on formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products sold in the state or used to make finished goods offered for sale in the state. The first phase of the regulation, known as CARB Phase 1, took effect on January 1, 2009. All Uniboard products have been in 100% compliance with CARB Phase 1 since November 1, 2008.

Like all Uniboard products, panels produced at the Val-d'Or plant are made using 100% pre-consumer recycled or recovered wood fibre, which saves trees and avoids landfill. The Val-d'Or plant is also FSC certified (Forest Stewardship Council), and EPP certified (Environmentally Preferable Product by the Composite Panel Association (CPA)).

About Uniboard

Uniboard Inc., a subsidiary of Pfleiderer AG, is a leading North American manufacturer of engineered wood products, with installed capacity of over 1.1 billion square feet of raw particleboard, high density and medium density fiberboard, of which over 50% is converted into value added melamine and laminated flooring products. Its products are sold to retailers, distributors and finished goods manufacturers, which cater to the kitchen cabinet industry, the furniture industry, the renovation and construction industries, as well as to the floor covering industry. Uniboard is the largest supplier of thermofused melamine panels in North America. More information at: www.uniboard.com

About Pfleiderer

MDAX-listed Pfleiderer AG (ISIN DE 0006764749) is one of the world's leading producers of engineered wood. The company employs approximately 5,600 people and operates 22 sites in North America, Western and Eastern Europe producing engineered wood, surface finished products and laminate flooring. Pfleiderer is a preferred partner of the furniture industry, specialist and home improvement stores, and interior design suppliers. In fiscal year 2009, the Group generated consolidated revenues of approximately (euro)1.4 billion and EBITDA after restructuring costs of approximately (euro)100 million. More information at: www.pfleiderer.com

For further information: Lise Plante, Product Manager, Panel Business Unit, [phone]