Contact: Bonnie Limbach
(202) 974-5200

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SPI STRUCTURAL PLASTICS DIVISION AWARDS RECOGNIZE INNOVATION IN NEW PRODUCT DESIGN

WASHINGTON (April 16, 2002) - More than 15 products showcasing the latest in design technology were honored at the recent New Product Design Recognition event sponsored by the Structural Plastics Division of The Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc. (SPI). The awards were presented during Structural Plastics 2002, the Division's 30th annual conference and design competition, held April 14-16 in Dearborn, MI.

The Product Design Recognition promotes the development and application of structural plastics technologies and recognizes molders, designers, toolmakers and end-users for design excellence.

Taking top honors was Steelcase, Inc., whose Cachet Chair won the Conference Award, the Furniture category and the People's Choice Award, which is decided through ballots cast by attendees.

The distinguished Judges Award was captured by GI Plastek for its Challenger Tractor Components, and Helix Design, Inc. took home the Industrial Designers Society of America/Plastics News Design Award for its Bearhug Binding System.

Category awards also went to the following companies: Agriculture - Bemis Manufacturing Co. (John Deere 8000 Series Tractor Assembly Project); Automotive - Horizon Plastics (2002 Expedition Spoiler U22); Building and Construction - FGL Precision Works (High-Capacity Envirochamber); Consumer Electronics - Ingersoll-Rand Hussman (Impact Innovator Glass Door); Environmental - GI Plastek (John Deere Harvester Combine Access Door); Industrial - Horizon Plastics (Fuelmaker Natural Gas Refueling Station); Lawn and Garden - Bemis Manufacturing Co. (John Deere Lightning Series Garden Tractor Project); Material Handling - FGL Precision Works (Spectralite Case); Medical and Science - Thieme Corp. (RIM Molded Computer Tomograph Enclosure); Recreation and Leisure - Horizon Plastics (Above Ground Pool Entry System); Retail/Consumer Products - Radio Systems Corp. (Petsafe Electronic Feeder); Single Part - Bemis Manufacturing Co. (8000 Series John Deere Space Frame); Transportation - HiPer Technologies (Carbon Fiber Composite Racing Wheels).

The Conference, which has become an industry mainstay for professionals who want to learn about applications and markets for structural plastics, also includes cutting-edge technical presentations and networking opportunities.

[Note to editors: Photos are available. Contact Bonnie Limbach at the above number or via e-mail at blimbach@socplas.org.]

Members of the SPI Structural Plastics Division represent a cross-section of the U.S. plastics industry. Their principal products are in applications that enclose, support, or bear a load, such as housings for computer equipment, automotive components, recreational products, materials transport, consumer electronics, construction, telecommunications and medical equipment.

Founded in 1937, The Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc., is the trade association representing one of the largest manufacturing industries in the United States. SPI's 1,500 members represent the entire plastics industry supply chain, including processors, machinery and equipment manufacturers and raw material suppliers. For more information, visit SPI on the Web at www.plasticsindustry.org.

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