Clarion Laminates Plant Open for Business

Clarion, PA, April 25, 2008— Public officials and company representatives toured the new Clarion Laminates manufacturing plant Thursday during a special open house and inauguration ceremony.

The new plant is located next to the Clarion Boards Inc. fiberboard plant in Paint Township and was under construction over the last year.

Clarion Industries chief executive officer Jose Kofman said the facility represents an investment of more than $60 million and is one of the most advanced laminate plants in the world.

“We are fortunate to be located here in Clarion,” said Kofman.

The plant currently operates two shifts six days a week with about 105 employees.

Officials say they are producing a sophisticated flooring product in a highly competitive market because of the optimism and enthusiasm from top company leaders.

Jeff Buttita, president for Tarkett North America, said there are five laminate manufacturing plants in the country with most located in the southern states. Clarion Boards is the partnership between Aconcagua Timber and Tarkett Flooring.

“We have a foundation here for great success,” he said after noting many jobs are going overseas or to other parts of the country.