REHAU, an international polymer innovator in construction, automotive and industry, held a formal groundbreaking ceremony yesterday to denote construction of a new "Polymer Solutions Center" on the campus of its North American headquarters in Leesburg, Va. Construction is slated to commence this November, with an anticipated completion in the spring of 2011. Upon opening, the Polymer Solutions Center will serve as an authentic display for the company's complete North American offering of sustainable building and renewable energy products and systems, and will also function as a learning and training facility.

LEESBURG, Va., October 1, 2010 - REHAU, an international polymer innovator in construction, automotive and industry, held a formal groundbreaking ceremony yesterday to denote construction of a new "Polymer Solutions Center" on the campus of its North American headquarters in Leesburg, Va. Construction is slated to commence this November, with an anticipated completion in the spring of 2011. Upon opening, the Polymer Solutions Center will serve as an authentic display for the company's complete North American offering of sustainable building and renewable energy products and systems, and will also function as a learning and training facility.

"As the North American market continues to be focused toward sustainable building practices that deliver on energy efficiency, ecologically minded material use and renewable energy sourcing, we are committed to helping our customers, partners and community members understand how best to proceed in this regard," said Dr. Kathleen Saylor, chief executive officer for REHAU North America. "As part of this goal, we have designed the REHAU Polymer Solutions Center as a structure in which all of our sustainable building technologies can be seen ‘in action,' operating in an integrated fashion as harmonious, whole-building solutions."

The 1,150 square foot building will feature a comprehensive scope of renewable energy and HVAC systems, including geothermal energy collection, solar collection, ground-source ventilation and radiant heating and cooling technologies. The REHAU-Polytec™ 50 hybrid curtain wall system and high-efficiency vinyl window and door designs will contribute to a tight building envelope, and the REHAU ECOAIR™ ground-air heat exchange system will deliver pre-conditioned, ventilated indoor fresh air. Water will be heated by a PV and solar collection array, and a snow and ice melting system will clear surrounding walkways during the winter months. Other innovative features will include the REHAU FIREPEX® fire protection system, RAUPEX® crosslinked polyethylene (PEXa)-based plumbing and water supply, space-saving tambour door systems incorporated into the building's cabinetry and mechanical room, and a web-based building automation system that will control the building's heating, cooling, fresh air intake and lighting systems.

The new Polymer Solutions Center has been designed by architect Sheila Gregg of Frederick, Md.-based sol agua terra and professional engineer of record Bruce Beddow of Leesburg, Va.-based B2E Consulting Engineers. It will also incorporate sustainable building technologies from REHAU partner organizations, such as the AMVIC insulated concrete form (ICF) wall, floor and ceiling systems.

"We're excited about the collaborative aspect of this project, as it will involve partnering companies providing a variety of products and systems that round out the building's sustainability profile," said Saylor. "Also, as some of the construction details remain in a stage of finalization, we are still welcoming additional partnering manufacturers to engage in this innovative construction project."

The REHAU North American headquarters was established in 1979 in Leesburg, Va., and currently oversees activities across 15 sales offices, 7 plants and 1 distribution center throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Central America. It has introduced pioneering products and technologies for construction, automotive and industry, and offers the broadest range of crosslinked polyethylene (PEXa) pipe for applications including municipal water service, residential fire protection, radiant heating and cooling and geothermal energy. Today, REHAU's North American operations are focused on a consistently expanding range of sustainable building technologies, including curtain wall and radiant cooling systems, as well as on providing a line of premium furniture surface and system components for architects and interior designers.

For additional information, contact: REHAU, 1501 Edwards Ferry Rd., N.E., Leesburg, Va., 20176. Phone: 1.800.247.9445. Fax: 1.800.627.3428. Email: rehau.mailbox@rehau.com. Web site: www.rehau.com.

REHAU delivers "Unlimited Polymer Solutions," and is the premium worldwide brand for polymer-based innovations and systems in construction, automotive and industry. The company generates continuous growth through its expertise and innovative capabilities in materials development, systems design and surface technology. Approximately 15,000 employees at more than 170 locations around the world ensure success of the independent, privately held company.
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TO THE EDITOR: Please do not convert REHAU, ECOAIR, FIREPEX or RAUPEX to lowercase. Thank you.