FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Gina Covell, Media Relations Manager
Silestone by Cosentino
281-207-4420
ginac@cosentinousa.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Silestone® Natural Quartz Introduces The Only Countertops With Built-in Microban® Antimicrobial Product Protection Houston, Texas (November 2005)- Cosentino, the largest producer and distributor of natural quartz surfacing in the world and originator of Silestone®, the leader in natural quartz, has signed an exclusive agreement with Microban® International to make Silestone the first and only countertop with built-in Microban antimicrobial product protection.

Microban provides added protection that is safe, permanent and results in cleaner countertops.

Silestone with built-in Microban antimicrobial product protection safely inhibits the growth of microbes such as odor-causing bacteria on countertops, resulting in surfaces that are easier to clean and stay cleaner between cleanings. "Silestone with Microban protection will allow us to provide consumer and commercial countertop users with a new level of cleanliness not available anywhere else in the countertop market", said Mike Heylmun, vice president of sales for Cosentino USA.

Silestone with Microban technology provides added protection that works between cleanings without any special treatments or maintenance. Unlike surface applied coatings and disinfectants, Microban is built into Silestone during the manufacturing process giving it continuous protection 24/7 for the life of the product. Silestone with Microban emits no chemicals, so nothing is transferred to foods left on the countertops. Microban is safe, registered and regulated by the EPA. Microban protection is not designed to protect the user from foodborne illness, nor replace normal cleaning practices.

Cosentino, with national headquarters in Houston, Texas, is the largest producer and distributor of natural quartz surfacing in North America. With more than 70 years experience in the natural stone industry, Cosentino has an unequaled manufacturing capacity and a mature, reliable network of dedicated distributors for national reach. Silestone, produced in Spain and exclusive to Cosentino, is the leading natural quartz surface and the fastest-growing countertop surface.

Silestone is naturally scratch-resistant, highly stain-resistant and the ONLY countertop in the world to have built-in Microban antimicrobial protection that inhibits the growth of bacteria resulting in cleaner countertops. Additional information about Silestone is available by calling 1-800-506-9997 or by visiting www.silestone.ca.

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