Formica debuting VIVIX exterior architectural panels with 3% pre-consumer recycled wood fiber content at AIA 2010 Natural Convention and Design Exposition on June 10-12 in Miami

Pauline Vu

CINCINNATI , June 10, 2010 (press release) – The inventor of laminate is taking its expertise outside ... literally. Formica Corporation is previewing VIVIX™ exterior architectural panels June 10-12 at the AIA 2010 National Convention and Design Exposition in Miami. The company will be the only major branded North American supplier of a solid phenolic exterior grade product.

VIVIX is a rigid homogenous flat panel manufactured for vertical application with a rainscreen attachment system. The VIVIX panels, manufactured to ISO standards and used with the attachment system, meet all relevant building codes in the United States and Canada in accordance with the International Code Council (ICC).

"Formica Group, parent company of Formica Corporation, has extended 15 years of technical expertise in manufacturing exterior facade panels to plants in North America," shares Gavin Todd, Development Manager Formica Group. "The North American market is becoming more familiar with the rainscreen system of construction, and solid phenolic facade panels are the fastest growing rainscreen cladding material today."

Formica Corporation partnered with W. J. Higgins and Associates, a preeminent source for rainscreen technology, and Larson Engineering, an international expert in building engineering and load calculations, to design the attachment system for VIVIX. The panels will be available in a variety of designs, including wood grain patterns, and will have integrated, decorative surfaces on both sides.

Todd adds: "We have a reputation for delivering quality product; we possess the sales, customer service and technical support to assist architects with a systems solution; we identified the route to market by establishing a network of manufacturer's representatives, partnering with key fabricators and mapping out logistics to smoothly deliver material; and we're committed to growing the solid phenolic facade panel category of exterior cladding in North America."

VIVIX panels are manufactured in Formica Corporation's facility in St. Jean, Quebec, Canada, and may contribute toward LEED credits, such as optimized energy performance, sustainable materials and resources and moisture regulation. VIVIX contains 3 percent pre-consumer recycled wood fiber content as determined in accordance with ISO Standard 14021. In addition, VIVIX exterior solid phenolic facade panels are not imported from overseas and will have a reduced transportation emission carbon footprint.

VIVIX exterior architectural panels by Formica Group will launch in October 2010.

About Formica Corporation

Founded in 1913, Formica Corporation, part of the Formica Group of companies, is a leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of innovative surfacing products for commercial and residential applications. For more information about Formica Corporation, its products, special programs and promotions, go to www.formica.com or call 1-800-FORMICA.

About Formica Group

Formica Group is a global group of companies consisting of Formica Canada, Inc., Formica Corporation, Formica de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Formica IKI Oy, Formica Limited, Formica S.A., Formica S.A.S., Formica Taiwan Corporation, Formica (Thailand) Co., Ltd., and Formica (Asia) Ltd., among others.

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