Elk Technologies Introduces VersaShield FC; A Robust, Non-Toxic Fire B

    Business Editors

    DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 11, 2005--ElkCorp (NYSE:ELK) subsidiary Elk Technologies, Inc., (Elk), introduced today VersaShield(R) FC, an all-natural nonwoven fabric with a non-toxic fire barrier coating for use in mattresses, upholstery and bedding materials.
    Elk's proprietary VersaShield coating formula utilizes no hazardous fire-resistant chemicals, relying instead on the product design characteristics to achieve the desired level of open flame protection.
    The combination of the toxic-free fire retardant coating and the lightweight nonwoven fabric base, gives VersaShield FC the softness of cotton without the weight, an ideal solution for the mattress fill cloth area. The nonwoven fabric's softness allows it to be used near mattress sleep areas, as well as in bed clothing, but is lighter and more flexible to use than cotton. The fabric can be manufactured at wide widths to accommodate the needs of the mattress fill cloth area.
    The new nonwoven VersaShield FC lessens heat transfer, providing a thermal protection layer on the mattress surface limiting the potential for auto-ignition of the mattress interior.
    "Our nonwoven fire barrier fabric is the next generation of innovation in our VersaShield fabrics family of products," said Bob Pine, executive vice president for Elk Specialty Fabric Technologies, the company's product platform responsible for marketing the VersaShield line. "The ongoing development of new fabric solutions for our customers solidifies our commitment to the mattress industry, providing fire barrier solutions that evolve to satisfy our customers' needs. As the fire barrier fabric requirements grow in the mattress, bed clothes and upholstery businesses, Elk is dedicated to continually improving our technology and our fabrics to meet those needs."
    He continued, "We are pleased our mattress customers continue to choose Elk's safe, non-toxic barrier solution to comply with new regulations, ensuring no release of harmful toxic fumes from their fire barrier choice."
    In addition to VersaShield FC, the company is developing another nonwoven fire barrier fabric for use in mattress borders and panels with an expected product launch Summer 2005.
    Elk also continues to manufacture VersaShield II, a cotton-based, all-natural fire barrier fabric solution with universal fire retardant applications throughout the mattress construction including the borders, panels and fill cloth area.
    The VersaShield line of fire barrier fabrics has successfully tested in dozens of different styles of mattress construction, making it one of the most thoroughly documented fire barrier solutions available today.
    For complete details on independent laboratory testing or further information on Elk VersaShield fire barrier technology, contact Frank Kelly, Elk Technologies director of sales, at 404-338-0639.

    About Elk Technologies:

    Elk Technologies, Inc. is a subsidiary of ElkCorp. A company-wide history of breaking industry traditions with leading-edge technologies for various industrial applications is a solid foundation for Elk as it applies its product development expertise to new markets.

    About ElkCorp:

    ElkCorp, through its subsidiaries, manufactures Elk brand premium roofing and building products (over 90% of consolidated revenue) and provides technologically advanced products and services to other industries. Each of ElkCorp's principal operating subsidiaries is a leader within its particular market. Its common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:ELK). See www.elkcorp.com for more information.
    (C) 2005. Elk Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. All trademarks, (R), and all marks, (TM), are marks pending registration of Elk Premium Building Products, Inc., an ElkCorp company.

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CONTACT: Elk Group, Inc. Nancy Brown, 972-851-0421

KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA TEXAS INDUSTRY KEYWORD: GOVERNMENT LEGAL/LAW APPAREL/TEXTILES CONSUMER/HOUSEHOLD RETAIL PRODUCT SOURCE: ElkCorp

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