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Dietrich Reports Sublicensing of UltraSTEEL Technology

02/28/2006 -  

Feb. 28, 2006 — Dietrich Metal Framing has signed an exclusive sublicensing agreement with Clark Western for UltraSteel(TM) metal framing products using patented technology of Hadley Industries PLC. Dietrich has a licensing agreement with Hadley for exclusive rights to manufacture and sell metal framing using the UltraSteel technology in North America.

UltraSTEEL is an internationally patented method of altering the characteristics of the base strip steel to provide higher strength material.

Additional benefits have been verified by independent sources and the product has received certification by Underwriters Laboratories.

The product will improve speed and quality of the building process by allowing for faster and better fastening of both the framing products and wallboard.

UltraSTEEL's greater rigidity and smoother edges also make handling easier and safer.

"This new metal framing technology will be a breakthrough product for the industry and we believe the Clark sublicensing will greatly accelerate market acceptance and availability," said Ed Ponko, President of Dietrich Metal Framing. "We explored many alternatives and quickly came to the conclusion that this was clearly an innovative product and process for metal framing," added Bill Courtney, President of Clark Western. "This unique arrangement is a testament to both of our companies' belief in the merits of UltraSteel."

Dietrich has begun making UltraSteel framing products available in Florida, North and South Carolina and Georgia while systematically rolling them out across North America as Dietrich manufacturing facilities convert to the UltraSteel process. Clark Western will employ a similar plan to make the product more readily available in the marketplace.

Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Clark Western has 14 manufacturing locations, and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marubeni-Itochu Steel America.

Dietrich Metal Framing is a Worthington Industries company. Worthington Industries is a leading diversified metal processing company with annual sales of approximately $3 billion. The Columbus, Ohio, based company is a premier North American value-added steel processor and a leader in manufactured metal products such as metal framing, metal ceiling grid systems, pressure cylinders, automotive past model service stamping and laser welded blanks. The company employs more than 7,500 people and operates 64 facilities in 10 countries. Worthington was named this year to FORTUNE'S 100 Best Companies to Work for in America. This is the company's fourth appearance on FORTUNE'S list.