Austrian Delegation in London to Open New Manufacturing Plant

More than 70 representatives and officials from Starlim Sterner’s Austrian head office, including company president Thomas Bründl are in London today to mark the official grand opening of Starlim North America. A subsidiary of Starlim-Sterner GmbH in Marchtrenk, Austria, Starlim North America is a world leader in silicone injection molding and produces silicone parts for the health care, consumer, electronics and sanitation, and automotive industries. Construction of the 70,000 sq ft facility began in 2003 and was completed in November 2004. Located on 17 acres of land on Airport Road, the state of the art facility represents a $27 million investment and will employ 60 people within the next two years. “We are extremely excited to open this North American home for Starlim here in London Ontario,” said Bründl. “"As we were searching for a site for this new investment, London quickly became our community of choice from a cost advantage perspective and because of the availability of skilled workers.” “Today is truly a day of celebration, as Starlim North America officially opens its doors in our community,” says Mayor Anne Marie DeCicco. “This exciting launch reinforces the important role of manufacturing to London’s economy, which constitutes 16% of our workforce. And, thanks to Starlim’s investment, more jobs will be created and further economic spin-offs will result in the coming years.” Within six years it is expected that Starlim North American will be equal in size, production and employee base (90-100) to the facility in Austria and will become the largest global supplier of liquid silicone products. The London Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) was introduced to Starlim-Sterner in the fall of 2001 by Roland Rossi, from the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in Austria. Following a series of meetings and visits by the LEDC, the decision to locate in London was made in 2002. “The sophisticated design of this plant is a remarkable testament to Starlim’s commitment to this market and to our city. It is the type of innovative organization that reflects the future of our rapidly growing manufacturing sector," says LEDC President and CEO John Kime. “London is honoured to have been chosen as the site for Starlim’s first international expansion. -30- For more information, please contact: Patricia Hoffer, Director, Marketing & Communications London Economic Development Corporation Telephone: 519-661-5009 Email: phoffer@ledc.com Vijai Lakshmikanthan Vice-President, Operations Starlim North America Telephone: 519- 455-9888 Email: Vijai.lakshmikanthan@starlim.com