Grupo Imsa has inaugurated a new insulated steel panel production facility in North Las Vegas. The US$8.5 million dollar investment increases the production capacity for Metl-Span, ImsaTec's U.S. subsidiary, by 30%. With the acquisition, Metl-Span now has production facilities in Texas, Virginia and Nevada, positioning it to better serve the entire U.S. market.

Benjamin Clariond, President of ImsaTec, stated, "With plants in Mexico, the United States and Chile, ImsaTec is the largest insulated steel panel manufacturer in the Americas. Our leadership consolidation initiatives recognize the enormous market potential in the western United States and the new facility confirms our commitment to serve this region more effectively. Moreover, our production facilities in the west, east and central region of the United States position us to serve the country's largest markets rapidly and efficiently."

Karl Hielscher, President of Metl-Span, said, "As energy costs continue to rise, it becomes ever more important to be close to the customer in order to minimize lead times and delivery costs. We are committed to providing the best products and services in the insulated steel panel industry." Mr. Hielscher added, "This investment opens doors to new market opportunities and represents a springboard for even greater growth in our current and related lines of business."

Grupo Imsa holds a leadership position in the insulated steel panel markets in the United States through Metl-Span, in Mexico through Multypanel and in Chile through Imsa Chile.

Grupo Imsa, a holding company, dates back to 1936 and is today one of Mexico's leading diversified industrial companies, operating in three core businesses: steel processed products; steel and plastic construction products; and aluminum and related products. With manufacturing and distribution facilities in Mexico, the United States, Europe, and throughout Central and South America, Grupo Imsa currently exports to all continents. In 2004 the company's sales reached 3.3 billion dollars, of which close to 50% was generated outside Mexico. Grupo Imsa's subsidiaries have an important presence in the United States with approximately 3,000 employees and 2004 combined sales of 1.3 billion dollars.