American Standard Americas Announces Decision to Close Tiffin, Ohio, Plant

Pursuant to the federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act, officials of American Standard Americas today issued a formal notice to the GMP Local 7-A, its employees and local government officials that it anticipates that its plant in Tiffin, Ohio, will close, eliminating 165 hourly production jobs and 35 salary jobs. According to the WARN Act, this constitutes a WARN notice.

Exactly when the closing will occur is being discussed with Union officials, however the company anticipates the plant will cease operations within 60 days.

The company is committed to assisting in easing the transition for employees and will fully comply with its obligations. Should job eliminations occur before 60 days, affected employees will receive the wages and benefits they would have earned during that period, to the extent required by WARN. Management will meet with union officials to discuss whether other types of assistance may be provided.

The company appreciates the responsiveness of GMP Local 7-A and the constructive discussions it has had with the Union. "It is regrettable that there are not less painful solutions to the serious economic problems facing the Company," said Juan Cruz, vice president, Business Productivity, American Standard Americas.

Officials of American Standard Americas cited external factors, including the collapse of the new home construction market, excess housing inventory, the decline in consumer spending for home remodeling, negative sales trends at major customers and problems in the financial markets.

"These factors have led to increasing amounts of inventory oversupply and mounting storage costs that have already led the company to make major cutbacks in five other facilities in 2007 affecting plants in Brazil, Canada and Mexico," said Mr. Cruz. "We see little hope for economic recovery in 2008."

About American Standard Americas

Headquartered in Piscataway, N.J., American Standard Americas is a leading manufacturer of bath and kitchen products, including fixtures, faucets and fittings; kitchen, bathing and wellness products; and bathroom furniture and accessories which are marketed under the American StandardA®, PorcherA® and JadoA® brands. American Standard delivers products to a wide range of customers in both residential and commercial markets and for new construction and replacement/ remodeling. The network includes wholesalers (including showrooms), retailers (including do-it-yourself centers), and specialty merchants.

Recent innovations include faucets with easy-to-install drains; toilets with powerful and efficient flushing mechanisms; anti-microbial glazes; a variety of jetted tubs with features such as flat jets, proprietary deep-soak overflow drains, luxurious massage features; and integrated sauna, steam bath, and showering units.

American Standard operates eight facilities employing approximately 7,500 associates. For more information, please visit 'http://www.americanstandard-us.com'.

For more information, please contact:

For more information, reporters may contact: Tracy Benson Kirker, (914) 522-6575, tracy@on-the-same-page.com or Mickey Blanks, 732-369-7332, Blanksm@amstd.com.
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   Ms. Tracy Benson Kirker
   Managing Partner
   On the Same Page
   Katonah,    NY,    10536
   USA
   914-522-6575 (phone)
   tracy@on-the-same-page.com