nora® Holds Annual Sales Meeting in New Orleans
Mayor Recognizes nora with Day of Honor Proclamation

Lawrence, MA - February 21, 2008. nora systems, Inc., manufacturer of nora® flooring, held its 2008 annual sales meeting in New Orleans, La.

The company's decision to support the New Orleans economy and rebuilding efforts brought almost 100 people to the Royal Sonesta Hotel, located in the heart of the city's French Quarter. "We selected New Orleans as the site of our annual sales meeting, because we wanted to support the city and its residents as they work to bring about a full recovery from the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina," said Dennis Schmick, president, North America, nora systems, Inc. "We couldn't have been more pleased with our choice of cities or more impressed by the warm welcome we received and the tremendous spirit of the people who live and work in New Orleans."

In recognition of the company's commitment to the city, New Orleans Mayor C. Ray Nagin proclaimed January 19, 2008, a special day of honor for nora systems, Inc. and presented Andreas Mueller, vice president of sales at nora, with a plaque that expresses the city's appreciation. "Companies like nora are playing an important role in the recovery and rebuilding of New Orleans," said Mayor Nagin. "By meeting here, you have demonstrated your confidence in our city and have proven again that New Orleans, one of the most historic, culturally significant and distinctive cities in the country, is open for business. 2008 will be the tipping point in our recovery and we thank you for helping us to rebuild."

In addition to attending work-related activities, meeting participants toured the French Quarter, where they learned about the history and customs of the city and spent time shopping. One of the highlights of the trip was the company-sponsored parade through the streets of New Orleans, beginning at the Royal Sonesta Hotel and ending at the world-renowned Brennan's restaurant. nora employees were escorted by representatives of the New Orleans police department and a local marching band.

nora® Technical Academy Teaches Latest Installation Techniques
Training Program Hones Skills of Seasoned Installers

Lawrence, MA - February 11, 2008. nora® Technical Academy recently opened its doors to floor covering installers seeking the latest installation techniques and updates to industry standards.

During intensive training sessions, Academy attendees received a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on training that focused on several aspects of installation specific to nora® rubber flooring. Josh Hogeboom, an installer with Spectra Contract Flooring in Orlando, Fla., was among the first technicians to complete the program.

"I've been installing nora® products for about five years," said Hogeboom. "I attended the nora® training program thinking it would repeat all the things I already knew. When I actually got there, saw the new products and went through the program, I realized that I had learned a lot and came away with new skills to help me do things better. We weren't necessarily doing things wrong before, but we were definitely making things harder on ourselves. Now we know for sure how the product is supposed to go down so that it performs the best long term."

Veteran installer John Antonacci, with M. Frank Higgins & Company, Newington, Conn., attended the Academy with Hogeboom and echoed many of the same sentiments as he reflected on his experience. "I've been installing floors for 20 years, but I still found things to learn. The sessions were very good, very informative and shared a lot of useful information on new techniques and products, like the cold weld process and the new nora dryfix installation tape. The videos demonstrating the right and the wrong way to do things were especially helpful, and throughout the session, instructors were always open to questions and suggestions from the installers in attendance."

nora® Technical Academy is specifically geared toward experienced flooring installers like Hogeboom and Antonacci who are working in the field. The program is designed to better prepare these craftsman to provide the most professional, skilled flooring installation services to their customers.

"We're looking for seasoned technicians who would like to hone their skills," said Marc Ilgenfritz, nora® technical specialist and an Academy instructor. "Our slogan - where exceptional performance begins - captures what we see as the significance of the program," he continued. "Any floor covering is only as good as the technician that installs it. If the flooring contractor is equipped with the right skills, the project is a success, meeting and exceeding performance requirements and bringing to life the design of architects and interior designers."

Installers who attend the training sessions learn about everything from sub-floor preparation to the latest industry standards related to new moisture testing methods and equipment. Those who successfully complete the program and demonstrate an understanding of nora products and correct installation techniques are given a nora approved installer status. Depending on ability, they may also be awarded the master or elite status.

Both Hogeboom and Antonacci achieved master installer status. "The master installer status means a lot to me and goes a long way in our field," said Hogeboom. "It allows you to be at the top of the list for any job that comes up. You also have the opportunity to help other installers when they encounter problems with a job."

"Training nora approved and master installers like Josh and John requires a significant investment of time and resources," said Dennis Schmick, president, North America, nora systems, Inc. "But it's an investment that pays dividends with every installation. By going the extra mile and providing instruction in the latest installation techniques and industry standards, we create opportunities for inspired design and ensure the exceptional performance of our floors."

New classes at nora® Technical Academy are forming in February and will run throughout the spring. For more information about the program or to receive scheduling and registration details for upcoming classes, call 800-332-NORA or visit www.norarubber.com.

Seasoned floor covering installers learn latest techniques and earn "nora® approved" and "master installer" certification at nora® Technical Academy

nora® Rubber Flooring Steps Up noraplan® environcare^TM Product Line

LAWRENCE, MA - Freudenberg Building Systems, Inc., manufacturer of nora rubber flooring, announces the enhancement of its noraplan environcare^TM product line to include noraplan® environcare^TM al and noraplan® environcare^TM acoustic floor coverings, specifically designed for healthcare facilities.

"There are diverse flooring needs throughout hospitals and other healthcare facilities. We have a wide range of flooring solutions that meet those needs whether for waiting rooms, corridors, patient rooms, nursing stations, surgical suites, emergency rooms, laboratories or stairwells," said Dennis Schmick, president, North America, Freudenberg Building Systems, Inc. "We are constantly expanding our product offering to make our flooring solutions even better. noraplan® environcare al is ideal for use in rooms with electronic devices and equipment because of its static dissipative qualities, while noraplan® environcare acoustic is great for areas like NICU/PICU units because of its comfort underfoot and sound absorption qualities."

Available in a variety of earth tone and harmoniously soothing designer colors like Emerald Forest and Sandbar Willow, noraplan® environcare acoustic can also be found in areas like corridors, providing comfort as well as a high footfall sound absorption of up to 20 dB.

noraplan® environcare al keeps static generation consistently lower than 10 V (ESD STM 97.2) so it is perfect for use in rooms with electronic devices and equipment that must be protected from static discharge. Extremely durable, noraplan® environcare al is resistant to most oils and grease and can also withstand the heavy rolling loads of carts and portable machines. In addition, it is easy to maintain and there is no need for conductive wax.

The noraplan® environcare line of nora® rubber flooring products is ideal for healthcare facilities because it is environmentally friendly and features excellent wear resistance as well as slip resistance in compliance with OSHA requirements. nora® flooring is PVC-free and made of high quality rubber, mineral fillers and environmentally compatible color pigments.

noraplan® environcare products also feature 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, never needs waxing or sealing. As a result, noraplan® environcare products ensure easy, inexpensive cleaning with low 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.

nora® Rubber Flooring Introduces nora® dryfix

LAWRENCE, MA - Freudenberg Building Systems, Inc., manufacturer of nora® rubber flooring, is pleased to introduce nora® dryfix, a quick, easy, environmentally-friendly flooring installation tape system. nora® dryfix allows business to continue as usual while flooring is being installed, resulting in significant operational savings.

"nora® dryfix makes the entire installation process easier," said Greg Harubin, director of facilities at Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam, CT. "It changes everything. There is no smell, no downtime, no need for separate staging areas while the floor is being spread, and no waiting for the glue to cure. It saves us thousands of dollars in downtime."

Flooring installation is quick and easy with nora® dryfix because it does not require adhesive mixing or waiting for glue to set up or cure. Flooring and welding can be done in the same day, resulting in significantly reduced labor. And, with the exception of the actual installation time, the installation areas are kept fully operational. The areas surrounding the installation can continue to operate normally throughout the entire installation because there are no harmful toxins and odors emitted. nora® dryfix is GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified®, making it perfect for use in a variety of settings, like the healthcare market.

nora® dryfix can also result in additional savings depending on the type of installation. For example, installation over smooth surface flooring saves removal costs; installation over non-porous sub floors saves the expense of mechanical preparation.

"We are continually challenged to create flooring solutions that meet the diverse needs of the healthcare market," said Dennis Schmick, president, North America, Freudenberg Building Systems, Inc. "nora® dryfix provides a quick, easy, environmentally-friendly alternative to conventional adhesives and saves time and money."

noraplan® environcare^TM from nora® Rubber Flooring Creates Healthy Interiors

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.

nora® Quality Noticed

LAWRENCE, MA - In a survey of leading U.S. commercial flooring contractors, the flooring trade magazine Floor Focus listed 11 flooring manufacturers perceived as industry best in product quality. At number three is nora® rubber flooring, below only industry giants Armstrong and Mannington, and ahead of all other rubber flooring manufacturers.

"It's gratifying to see that professional flooring contractors recognize the high quality of nora rubber flooring systems," noted Dennis Schmick, president of Freudenberg Buildings Systems, Inc., maker of nora rubber flooring. "This was an objective survey, and nora ranks right up there with some of the industry's largest and best-known suppliers."

Nature Inspires New Product from nora® Rubber Flooring

LAWRENCE, MA - Freudenberg Building Systems, Inc., manufacturer of nora rubber flooring, is pleased to introduce noraplan® fossil, a new high performance product line that is inspired by nature.

The striking color granules that characterize noraplan fossil resemble fossil inclusions found in nature. The multi-colored granules are embedded in one of 16 base colors, each a blend of three harmoniously matched colors that supplement the existing noraplan range. The floor's smooth, nonglare finish reinforces the natural look of the line, making noraplan fossil the perfect compliment to wood, stone and other natural design elements.

Excellent wear and slip resistance, in compliance with ADA guidelines, make noraplan fossil the appropriate choice for institutional, commercial, retail and light industrial applications. Like all nora products, noraplan fossil is PVC-free. The product is made of high quality rubber, mineral fillers and environmentally compatible color pigments. noraplan fossil also features the exclusive "nora cleanguard®" manufacturing process, which eliminates the need for waxing or sealing and contributes to healthier indoor air and easy, inexpensive cleaning with lower maintenance costs.