Reichhold Named ''Best of the Best'' as Official Vinyl Ester Resin Supplier for Velocity Powerboats' 100+ mph Concept Boat

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C.--Feb. 2, 20060, 2006--Reichhold, Inc. has been named by Velocity Powerboats as "The Best of the Best" as the official vinyl ester resin supplier for the 100 2007 Velocity 410 Super Sport Cruiser concept boat.

The Velocity 410 Super Sport Cruiser is a concept boat with a composite construction comprised entirely of Reichhold's HYDREX(R) 100 (33350) 100% vinyl ester resin.

Velocity named Reichhold and other key suppliers as "The Best of the Best" during a press conference at the Miami International Boat Show in Miami, Florida on February 16.

Reichhold's HYDREX 100 vinyl ester was chosen by Velocity in conjunction with carbon fiber and Kevlar reinforcements to provide the forty-one-foot Velocity Super Sport with both the strength and beauty required for a boat capable of speeds up to 100 m.p.h.

"Reichhold is honored to have our HYDREX 100 vinyl ester resin selected for such a key component of the Velocity 410 Super Sport concept boat," said Reichhold Open Mold Business Manager Phil Bridges. "This is an incredible boat, and we're extremely pleased that HYDREX 100 was used for the entire laminate, giving it both strength and beauty.

"Reichhold's HYDREX 100 resin provides the Velocity Super Sport with unparalleled resistance to osmotic blistering, ensuring long-term beauty for owners," Bridges explained. "The 100% vinyl ester chemistry of HYDREX 100 further ensures strength and toughness required for runs of 100 m.p.h. on the open sea," he concluded.

Boat builders find that HYDREX 100 resins are optimal for both complete marine laminates (as with the Velocity concept boat) and skin coats. HYDREX 100 exhibits a low water absorption rate which provides superior blister resistance in final marine laminates. The toughness of HYDREX 100 gives boat builders high strength and toughness with excellent resistance to impact, thermal and de-molding cracks.

A high heat distortion temperature ensures that laminates composed of HYDREX 100 retain their physical properties at elevated levels. Minimized print-through of reinforcements gives boat builders improved profiles and smooth surfaces.

Reichhhold has also recently introduced a low-styrene, 100% vinyl ester resin in HYDREX 100-LV (33600) to help boat builders comply with new environmental regulations on styrene emissions.

Reichhold is the world's largest supplier of unsaturated polyester resins with manufacturing throughout North America, Brazil, Europe and the Middle East.