Henkel's OPAAS(TM) Provides Top-Quality, Cost-Efficient Sealing Technology

DETROIT, April 11 -- OPAAS(TM) (Orbseal Preform Automated Application System), Henkel's sealant technology, helps suppliers cut costs while producing fast, accurate and inexpensive products through robotically applied preform seals. The OPAAS(TM) system is an integrated robotic taping applicator that supplies sealant and adhesive tapes during vehicle manufacturing and therefore removes the variability currently associated with manual applications of sealants and adhesives tapes.

The patent-pending OPAAS(TM) is the only system that delivers the inherent benefits of preform sealant technology through automation. OPAAS(TM) provides a highly repeatable and extremely accurate way to create seals, while improving productivity and process control. Through extensive testing, Henkel has found OPAAS(TM) provides its customers savings in multiple areas of manufacturing, operations and materials while reducing quality and warranty costs.

"We are proud to be at the cutting edge of sealant and adhesive process technology, and believe OPAAS(TM) is the future of automated sealant and adhesives manufacturing," said Matthias Hofmann, vice president of marketing and business development, Henkel. "Our sophisticated OPAAS(TM) technology ensures a more consistent, cost-effective and higher quality seal than was available in the past."

The system is upgradeable with Henkel's Auto V Scan(TM), which verifies sealant part number and material manufacturing lot numbers to the robotic program designated, providing full-system traceability. Henkel's Path Verification Vision System(TM), which verifies placement, provides 100 percent sealer part placement and reliability is also offered as optional equipment for OPAAS(TM).

Henkel strengthened its market position in the U.S. automotive sector in October 2004 when it acquired Orbseal LLC. Orbseal LLC's products are used in advanced technology related to noise reduction, structural reinforcement and vibration minimization. With the acquisition of Orbseal LLC, Henkel strengthens its position in the growing world market for automotive acoustic materials and sealants.

Henkel is the market leader in adhesives, sealants and surface treatments to the transportation industry. Backed by extensive design capabilities, a broad product range, specific application knowledge and technical expertise, the company delivers solutions to all segments of automotive development -- automotive body, interior, chassis, electronics and powertrain production. Through powerful brands like Autophoretic(R), Bonderite(R), Frekote(R), Loctite(R) and Multan(TM), Henkel provides significant economic and environmental advantages for today's vehicles, making them safer, more comfortable and extending vehicle value.

The Henkel Group operates in three strategic business areas: Home Care; Personal Care; and Adhesives, Sealants and Surface Treatments. The automotive group is an integral part of the Adhesives, Sealants and Surface Treatments business sector, which also serves the transportation, electronics, aerospace, metal, durable goods, consumer goods, maintenance and repair and packaging industries, and offers a broad range of products for the craftsman and consumer. With brands and advanced technologies, Henkel makes people's lives easier, better, and more beautiful. 50,000 employees work for the Henkel Group worldwide. People in 125 countries around the world trust in brands and technologies from Henkel - "A Brand like a Friend."

NOTE TO EDITORS: For a firsthand look at new innovations from Henkel, please stop by booth number 1135 at the SAE 2005 World Congress in Detroit, April 11-14.