Press Releases

FABCON INTRODUCES PREMIUM LINE OF FOAM-CORE CONCRETE WALL PANELS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- August 18, 2004

SAVAGE, Minn. ? August 18, 2004 ? To provide architects, engineers and building owners with a precast wall panel capable of delivering higher thermal efficiency, Fabcon today introduced VersaCore Plus?. Fabcon's VersaCore Plus line consists of three premium panels ? each meeting customer demand for high R Values, structural integrity and design flexibility.

"VersaCore Plus is a truly unique product line, as it provides lightweight panels featuring increased energy efficiency," said Mike Le Jeune, president, CEO, Fabcon. "The new panels provide customers with more options to better meet their energy efficiency requirements."

Energy Efficiency
The new VersaCore Plus line is ideal for customers in more temperate regions. According to the 2003 International Energy Conservation Code, in the Central to Southern United States the VersaCore Plus R-Values range up to 10 for the 8-inch panel, an R-Value of 12 for the 10-inch panel and an R-Value of 14 for the 12-inch panel. "R-Value" is a term used to describe a material's insulating ability; the higher the R-Value, the more energy-efficient the material.

Fabcon's existing VersaCore panels range from an eight-inch option featuring an R-Value up to eight, (which generally provides enough insulation for customers in milder regions), to the highly energy-efficient 12-inch sandwich panel, featuring an R-Value up to 33, which currently fulfills customer needs in harsher climates.

Commercial heating and cooling costs represent approximately 32 percent of a building's total operating budget, and the U.S. Department of Energy reports that nearly half of all energy loss is due to poor insulation. VersaCore Plus panels help customers improve energy efficiency while maintaining the traditional benefits of VersaCore, including high structural integrity, optimum design flexibility and low shipping costs.

Structural Integrity
Standard precast concrete sandwich panels are typically comprised of three inches of concrete, two inches of foam and another three inches of concrete. The VersaCore Plus manufacturing process enables Fabcon to construct a panel using more insulation without affecting the panel's structural integrity. The new process replaces steel spacers with expanded polystyrene spacers, increasing the surface area that is insulated.

Design Flexibility
Like Fabcon's existing VersaCore production process, the new VersaCore Plus production process still accommodates structural design requests, including recessed connections and the ability to cast-in door and window openings. Fabcon can satisfy design requests in the initial stage of panel creation, versus on the job site, which saves time in the construction process, helps contractors control costs and provides architects and engineers with a flexible range of design options and tools.

VersaCore Plus is available from all Fabcon facilities, in Ohio, Minnesota, Indiana and Pennsylvania for construction projects throughout the Midwest and Eastern regions.

Company Background
Fabcon, an ISO 9001 registered manufacturer, which produces and installs precast concrete panels throughout the Midwest and Eastern United States and Canada, operates production facilities in Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio and Pennsylvania. The company has completed more than 8,000 precast projects and is celebrating 35 years as a leader in the precast concrete business. Since 1971, Fabcon has manufactured, delivered and installed precast wall panels for virtually every type of structure. Fabcon's experience helping customers accomplish their building goals includes 10,000 square-foot retail stores, million-square-foot distribution centers, and 16-story housing facilities. Visit www.fabcon-usa.com for more information.

For Further Information
Scott Jenkins:
952-882-7206; scott.jenkins@fabcon-usa.com
Madeline Riggs:
612-455-1755;
mriggs@psbpr.com