LAWRENCE, MA - Freudenberg Building Systems, Inc., manufacturer of nora rubber flooring, is pleased to introduce noraplan environcare^TM, a new commercial rubber floor covering the company unveiled to U.S. audiences in November at the 2006 Healthcare Design show. nora worked closely with architects, designers and representatives of Kaiser Permanente, the nation's largest nonprofit healthcare system, to create this high performance product that also meets the specific needs of today's healthcare design.

"Healthcare design is moving away from an institutional look, toward more natural-looking interiors," said Dennis Schmick, president, North America, Freudenberg Building Systems, Inc. "To address this trend, nora sought insight and input from top professionals in both the design and healthcare communities. Our challenge was to create a floor covering product that meets the diverse demands of a healthcare environment while offering a broad color range that encourages and supports an emotionally refreshing and welcoming interior design. noraplan environcare, the result of this unique collaboration, achieves all of our objectives in one extraordinary flooring product that can be applied to all key areas in a healthcare setting."

Available in 48 soothing, nature-inspired colors, noraplan environcare provides a distinctive palette of colors that break new ground in design flexibility. With rich colors, subtle harmonies and accents, it's helping to redefine how inviting spaces can be designed.

A host of performance characteristics promises easy maintenance and long-lasting wear. noraplan environcare features excellent wear resistance and slip resistance in compliance with ASTM D 2047 guidelines. The floor covering is PVC-free and made of high quality rubber, mineral fillers and environmentally compatible color pigments.

noraplan environcare also features the exclusive "nora cleanguard® plus," which provides a ready-to-use surface that is extremely dirt and stain resistant, and, like other nora floor coverings, it never needs waxing or sealing. As a result, noraplan environcare ensures easy, inexpensive cleaning with lower maintenance costs. The floor covering is also GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified® and meets the standard for GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certification for Children and Schools^TM, contributing to healthier indoor air.

Freudenberg Building Systems, Inc. has been located in the United States for more than 30 years. It is the U.S. headquarters of the German-based Freudenberg Building Systems/KG, the world's largest manufacturer of commercial rubber floor covering systems. The company has been designing and manufacturing nora rubber flooring for more than 50 years, meeting a wide range of functional performance requirements while paying close attention to the aesthetic aspects of interior design. Freudenberg Building Systems, Inc. is a member of the multinational Freudenberg Group. For additional information, contact Freudenberg Building Systems, Inc. at 1-800-332-NORA or visit the company's Web site at www.norarubber.com.

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nora worked closely with architects, designers and representatives of Kaiser Permanente, the nation's largest nonprofit healthcare system, to create noraplan environcareTM.

Please Direct Reader Inquiries to:
Carol Fudge
Marketing Manager
Freudenberg Building Systems
nora Rubber Flooring
94 Glenn Street
Lawrence, MA 01843