Accsys Tech Regulatory News (AXS)

15 Oct 2009 07:01



North American Distribution Partners

WDMA Hallmark Certification Approved

Accsys Technologies PLC ("Accsys" or "the Company")

Accsys is pleased to announce that it has reached agreement with a number of distribution partners in North America as it continues to focus on its sales network. The list of partners includes Universal Forest Products, Inc., a NASDAQ listed company which had over US$2 billion of sales last year. 

Following initial product certification and introduction, the Company is now effectively scaling its capabilities in key markets. As well as driving sales, distribution partners will provide greater market penetration in existing and new application segments for the Company's product, increasing awareness of the Accoya® brand amongst end users. As use of Accoya® wood becomes more widespread this will, in turn, produce greater licensing opportunities.

The Company is also in discussions with several other distributors in various international geographies as we look to expand our market. 

The Company is also delighted to announce that Titan Wood, a wholly owned subsidiary of Accsys, has been approved by the Window and Door Manufacturers' Association (WDMA) as a Hallmark Certified Supplier. This rating certifies the quality of exterior millwork and gives government and private agencies a method of identifying windows and doors that are manufactured in accordance with the WDMA's highest standards. The WDMA Hallmark® is a mark of excellence among architects, contractors and other specifiers. Products eligible for Hallmark certification are subjected to a rigorous verification process in order to ensure conformance with the requirements of the WDMA. 

Paul Clegg, Chief Executive Officer, of Accsys, stated, "North America is a key market in the wood products industry. The certification from WDMA and commitment from leading distributors provides further validation of the quality of our product and creates greater awareness of the brand. I look forward to announcing additional partners in other territories in the near future."

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Notes to Editors: 

Titan Wood (www.titanwood.com) is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Accsys Technologies PLC (www.accsysplc.com) group of companies. Accsys Technologies PLC is listed on the London Stock Exchange AIM market, and on Euronext Amsterdam by NYSE Euronext, under the symbols 'AXS'.

Wood Acetylation is a process, which increases the amount of naturally present 'acetyl' molecules in wood, thereby changing its physical properties. The process protects wood from rot by making it "inedible" to most micro-organisms and insects, without - unlike conventional treatments - making it toxic. It also greatly reduces the wood's tendency to swell and shrink, making it less prone to cracking and ensuring that when painted it requires dramatically reduced maintenance. 

Accoya® Wood (www.accoya.info) is produced by using a patents-pending non-toxic process that effectively converts sustainably grown softwoods and non-durable hardwoods into what is best described as a "new wood species" via acetylation. Distinguished by its durability, dimensional stability and, perhaps most importantly of all, its reliability (in terms of consistency of both supply and quality), Accoya® wood is particularly suited to exterior applications where performance and appearance are valued. Unlike most woods, its colour does not degrade when exposed to sunlight. Moreover, the Accoya® wood production process does not compromise the wood's strength or machinability. The combination of UV resistance, dimensional stability, increased coatings life, durability and retained strength means that Accoya® wood offers a wealth of new opportunities to architects, designers and specifiers. Leading applications include external doors and windows, shutters/shading, siding and cladding, decking, outdoor furniture/equipment and glulam beams for structural use. 

ACCOYA is a registered trademark owned by Titan Wood Limited