Date: October, 2007

Nichiha Introduces New NichiBoard™ Classic Lap Siding
Available in Smooth or Cedar Texture

ATLANTA (October 2007) – Nichiha USA announces the launch of NichiBoard™ lap siding, part of the new NichiProducts™ family of fiber cement products. Available exclusively in the Southeast, NichiBoard siding offers significant advantages over typical fiber cement siding including a more distinctive texture, greater workability and no added crystalline silica for a more environmentally conscious choice.

“We are committed to providing builders and homeowners with price competitive, high-quality options in fiber cement,” comments Darrin Haugan, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Nichiha. “With the opening of Nichiha’s first U.S. manufacturing plant in Macon, Ga., we are thrilled to introduce NichiProducts, a complete line of siding and trim products now available in the U.S. market.”

NichiProducts are produced utilizing advanced technology that provides exemplary performance. Manufactured without additional crystalline silica sand, NichiProducts are stronger, easier to work with and better for the environment - as silica dust may create harmful conditions during the cutting stages. During the manufacturing process, Nichiha applies the cedar texture with heat and over one million pounds of pressure creating deeper, more authentic texture and crisp, clean edges. NichiProducts are then cured using two high heat processes that assure that the boards are hardened and strengthened to exacting standards.

Backed by a lifetime warranty, NichiBoard panels are designed to replicate the texture of authentic cedar or traditional smooth siding for beautiful, low maintenance exteriors. Ideal for the Southern climate, NichiBoard panels are moisture, rot and termite resistant and available factory primed and sealed to ensure long lasting curb appeal. Lap siding panels are available in

six widths, ranging from 5.25 inches to twelve inches, and twelve foot length boards making NichiBoard easy to handle and install. For more information visit www.Nichiha.com or call 1.86 NICHIHA 1.

Company Background
In 1998, Nichiha U.S.A., Inc. was established in Norcross, Ga., as a joint venture of the Nichiha Corporation of Japan and the Sumitomo Corporations of Japan and North America. Nichiha, an international leader in fiber cement technology for more than 30 years, markets distinct patterns of fiber cement siding products in the U.S. In 2007, Nichiha opened its first U.S. manufacturing plant in Macon, Ga., responding to an increase in demand for fiber cement products in the Southeast market.


Media Contact: Jana Puckett / 770.855.8137 / jjpuckett@aol.com