Silestone Introduces The First Countertops With
Built-in Microban Antimicrobial Product Protection

Houston, Texas - (November 23, 2004) - Cosentino, the largest producer and distributor of natural quartz surfacing in the world, launches a new era in countertop performance by introducing Silestone with built-in Microban antimicrobial product protection. Silestone is the first and only natural quartz surfacing with the inclusion of Microban protection which provides a proven deterrent to the growth of bacteria that can cause stains, odors and product deterioration.

"Silestone is already the best surfacing material on the market and the leading quartz surface, being virtually maintenance-free and highly scratch-, stain- and scorch-resistant," said Mike Heylmun, vice president of sales for Cosentino, USA. "Our exclusive agreement with Microban International will allow us to provide consumer and commercial countertop users with a unique level of product protection not available anywhere else in the countertop market. Silestone with Microban protection will be available in selected colors summer 2005."

Under certain conditions, microbes on an untreated surface can double every 20 minutes. However, Silestone natural quartz countertops with built-in Microban protection, penetrate the cell wall of organisms and inhibit their growth and reproduction. Unlike surface applied coatings, Silestone incorporates Microban protection into the molecular structure of the product during the manufacturing process so it will not wash off or wear away.

Silestone natural quartz countertops with Microban protection inhibit the growth of common bacteria, yeasts, molds and fungi that cause stains, odors and product degradation. Providing continuous microbe protection, Silestone natural quartz countertops with Microban technology are easier to clean and stay cleaner between cleanings for the lifetime of the product. Microban protection is not designed to protect users against food borne illness or to replace the need for normal cleaning.

Cosentino, makers of Silestone, and Microban International have signed an exclusive agreement for a minimum of 10 years. The partnership makes the great natural quartz product, Silestone, even better.

Bill Rubinstein, CEO of Microban International said, "Microban has more than 20 years of experience engineering antimicrobials into a broad range of products for major brands including RIDGID® tools and ORECK® vacuums and we look forward to strengthening the value and unparalleled performance associated with Silestone natural quartz countertops."

Microban technology is registered with the EPA, has been proven in independent laboratory testing and successfully used in leading consumer and industrial products used in residential, foodservice and healthcare facilities around the world. Microban protection can be found in products such as DAP® caulks and sealants, LATICRETE® grout and tile installation products, Holmes® humidifiers and air purifiers, and numerous other products.

Silestone natural quartz countertops are offered in more than 50 colors and available coast-to-coast through a mature network of distributors, Certified Silestone installers and more than 3,500 retail outlets including Home Depot and EXPO Design Centers, as well as at e-counters.com. Quartz is one of the hardest minerals on earth, making Silestone naturally scratch-resistant. Silestone is non-porous, and therefore highly stain-resistant without needing to be sealed, and has four times the flexural strength of granite, making it less susceptible to chipping, cracking or breaking.

Microban International, Ltd. is a global technology and marketing company dedicated to enhancing high quality consumer, industrial and medical products with branded built-in protection from microbes. Microban International licenses the Microban® global brand name, sells custom-engineered compounds, and provides a range of services, including regulatory and marketing support. The Microban® brand promises continuous and durable antimicrobial product protection, built-in during manufacture to not wear out for the useful life of the product. Microban International is headquartered in New York City with operations in the United States, Europe and Asia, and sales offices worldwide. www.microban.com

Cosentino USA, headquartered in Houston, Texas is the largest distributor of natural quartz surfacing in North America - and Silestone is the fastest growing countertop surface. Silestone is produced in Spain by Cosentino, S.A., a leader in natural stone with more than 70 years of industry experience. Additional information about Silestone is available by calling 800-291-1311 or by visiting www.silestone.com.