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Uniboard Aligns its Thermofused Melamine Production

Laval, Québec (May 11, 2010) — Mr. James N. Hogg, President and Chief Executive Officer of Uniboard, a leading manufacturer of engineered wood products in North America, announced today the alignment of its thermofused melamine capacity to more efficiently serve its North American customers. This involves the progressive transfer of business and closure of its Fostoria plant, located in Fostoria, Ohio, following the investments made in Uniboard’s thermofused melamine lamination facilities in Moncure, North Carolina, and Val d’Or, Quebec.

“Closing a plant is never an easy decision, however, the closure of our Fostoria facility will allow Uniboard to take advantage of cost synergies and improved efficiency, and will increase the overall competitiveness of the Group,” stated Mr. Hogg. “Fostoria’s manufacturing volume will progressively be transferred to one of Uniboard’s three other thermofused melamine lamination plants. This measure is in line with Uniboard’s business strategy of manufacturing products in vertically integrated facilities, which allows synergies in manufacturing and logistics, and supports our ‘one-stop shop’ concept. This decision will allow Uniboard as the North American leader in TFM to service our customers in a more efficient and competitive manner, both today and in the future.”

Uniboard will continue to operate the Fostoria plant until October 1, 2010 to ensure the orderly transition of its customers to its other facilities. 

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 €1.4 billion and EBITDA after restructuring costs of approximately €100 million. More information at: www.pfleiderer.com

Contact:  Don Raymond, Vice President Marketing, Uniboard (450) 682-5240 (450) 682-5240, ext. 12299