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TEC SPECIALTY PRODUCTS
May 6, 2002: TEC Unveils New Product and Technology Initiatives at Coverings 2002
TEC Specialty Products is unveiling its new branding strategy, including product and technology initiatives, at
Coverings 2002 in Orlando, Fla.
The strategy also places a focus on new technology solutions. TEC is investing in a new warehouse management
system, to be implemented in all four TEC facilities by early 2003, which will completely automate all distribution
functions. "We're very excited because this system will offer our distributor and retail customers reduced
lead times and online order tracking," said Luis Diego Rodriguez, logistics and planning manager. The new
Web-based system will blend with TEC's Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) and Enterprise Resource Planning connectivity
(ERP-to-ERP), paving the way for TEC to offer business solutions through a number of platforms. From a
product standpoint, TEC's brand positioning will include its increasing line of product extensions, namely the
Tile & Stone Care System. Launched in April 2002, the system offers the most advanced line of quality care
and maintenance products available. The line features more than 20 new sealants, cleaners, colorants and
specialty products, all chemically engineered to work together. Extensive testing and market research showed
the Tile & Stone Care System provides a variety of features that competitor products do not. The
performance-based, fluoropolymer technology provides superior stain protection and is an excellent example of how
TEC is leading innovation while exceeding customer expectation.
www.tecspecialty.com
April 10, 2002:
State-of-the-art Fluoropolymer Technology Protects Against Oil Build-up
Homeowners are increasingly choosing ceramic tile and stone for the beauty, design flexibility and durability they
offer in flooring, countertops and walls throughout their homes. Now, TEC Specialty Products has introduced
a new Tile & Stone Care System to help clean, restore and protect these surfaces for years to come.
Like most things in and around the home, a few extra steps taken following installation will drastically reduce
the amount of time and ongoing effort required to maintain ceramic tile and stone. In particular, all tile
and stone surfaces and grout joints need to be sealed properly and cleaned regularly to provide lasting performance
and visual appeal. Otherwise, it's not long before that once-beautiful surface shows signs of everyday
household mishaps, like splattered bacon grease, spilled coffee and runny salad dressing bottles. "Unfortunately,
inappropriate cleaners can strip sealants from tile and stone leaving surfaces and grout unprotected," said Tom
Plaskota, manager of technical support for TEC. "Many products marketed today are silicone-based, which only
protects surfaces against basic water damage, but not much else. Food stains, oil, grease, mineral deposits
and dirt can quickly mar or damage surfaces not properly sealed." TEC's new Tile & Stone Care System is
designed to give homeowners, as well as tile and stone installers, the most advanced line of products available.
It features the widest range of sealers, cleaners, colorants and specialty products available today. At
the heart of the system, is a performance-based, fluoropolymer technology that provides superior stain protection.
TEC cleaners and sealers containing fluoropolymer chemistry penetrate below the surface for long-lasting
protection that does not discolor or change the look, shine or gloss of tile or stone. "The key advantage of
our new care and maintenance line is the fluoropolymer technology," Plaskota explained. "Unlike topical
film formers, such as acrylics, urethanes and waxes that merely fill surface pores, fluoropolymer sealers penetrate
deep below the surface to create a safe and effective water and oil barrier. It's the best way for homeowners
to protect their investment."
The company's new corporate tagline - Leading Innovation, Exceeding Expectation - mirrors its commitment to customers,
according to Jim Griffin, TEC's president and general manager. "As the leading manufacturer of installation,
care and maintenance systems for premium tile, stone and terrazzo, TEC is dedicated to offering the best solution
for customers who demand superior results," said Griffin. "Our new tagline is a reflection of that commitment."
The branding initiative stresses TEC's role as a customer-centric company. The TEC business model is entirely
geared toward doing business based on customer needs - with marketing, sales, technology and other important pieces
of the puzzle all helping achieve the goal of exceeding customer expectation. TEC conducted extensive research
with its distributor, retail and installer bases as well as end consumers to understand current needs and develop
its new brand initiatives. "We gained a greater understanding of the challenges and opportunities our
customers face," Griffin added. "And, it has helped us better position our product portfolio while guiding
new product innovation."
TEC SPECIALTY PRODUCTS
"With a host of colors, textures, sizes, and shapes to choose from, ceramic tile and stone add style and distinction
to virtually any area of the house," explained Sandra Eich, marketing manager, TEC Specialty Products, Inc.
"From kitchen countertops, coffee tables and floors to bathrooms, showers, foyers and even exterior patios,
consumers are more frequently turning to hard surfaces that are cost effective, look great and are easy to clean."
TEC's Tile & Stone Care System is based on technologically advanced, lab-tested formulations. The system
features more than 20 new sealants, cleaners, colorants and specialty products that are chemically engineered to
work together. Tests conducted on surfaces treated with TEC sealers indicate they help control a wider
variety of stains, including stubborn oils, mustard, coffee and greases, than other products. "TEC has been
a trusted name in the tile and stone installation industry for more than 40 years through our extensive line of
grouts, caulks, mortars, adhesives and more. Now, we've created a convenient, single-source system for
virtually any tile and stone care or maintenance need," Eich added.
Founded in 1957, TEC Specialty Products, Inc. is a leading North American manufacturer and marketer of building
products, including ceramic and stone tile installation systems; surface preparation products; exterior insulation
finish systems (EIFS); flooring and construction adhesives; and epoxy terrazzo flooring. TEC products are used
in both commercial and residential applications, for new construction and renovation. Headquartered in
Palatine, Ill., TEC also maintains facilities in La Mirada and Santa Fe Springs, Calif.; Edison, N.J.; and
Gainesville, Fla. TEC is a wholly owned subsidiary of H.B. Fuller Company, a worldwide manufacturer and
marketer of adhesives, sealants, coatings, paints and other specialty chemical products with headquarters in St.
Paul, Minn. Fiscal 2001 sales totaled $1.274 billion.
Guard All, UltraPro, Refresh Pro, Fresh Tone and Banish are trademarks of TEC Specialty Products.
www.tecspecialty.com
