October 1, 2007

CONTACT: Bondi Coley
bcoley@leeindustries.com
828.464.8318 x270

For Immediate Release

With headlines focusing on the impact of increased oil prices, product recalls, and the loss of manufacturing jobs, we are all hungry for positive news about American industry and consumer products. LEE Industries is a prime source of that positive message with a strong domestic manufacturing base, the development and use of environmentally safe components and products, and the support of environmental stewardship through the use of organic and reclaimed manufacturing materials.

While many companies and organizations are adding the “green” label to their name, LEE Industries has a long track record of eco-friendly manufacturing and has hard facts to support that claim. Approximately 95% of all the materials that enter the production stream at LEE are utilized in manufacturing or recycled. Based on the sales of the new NaturalLEE product line in 2007 alone, LEE Industries has saved over 10,000 gallons of crude oil and has eliminated 54,000 pounds of CO2 emissions. Having been recognized by two important industry groups, LEE Industries has received certification from both the Forestry Stewardship Council (www.fsc.org) and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (www.sfiprogram.org). In addition, LEE Industries is a founding member of the Sustainable Furniture Council, an alliance of companies and individuals committed to the advocacy of sustainable business practices in the home furnishings industry.

LEE is demonstrating that making a change does not mean compromising quality and integrity. It is much more about rethinking how to do things and finding ways to do them even better. Expanding on the highly successful NaturalLEE line of products, LEE introduces Eco-Lux, a NaturalLEE cushion option made with a Preserve™ core and wrapped in a jacket of 50/50 goose down and Ingeo™ fiber. Developed by Cargill, Ingeo fibers, meaning “ingredients from the earth,” are the first commercially viable synthetic fiber derived entirely from renewable resources. To make Ingeo™, plant starches (such as corn) are broken down into natural plant sugars that are then used to make a polymer fiber called NatureWorks™ PLA. Garments manufactured from Ingeo™ fibers hit the fashion runways in 2003, and the fibers are now being used in a variety of textile and manufacturing applications. One of the most comfortable and luxurious cushions LEE has to offer, the Eco-Lux cushion is an extension to the NaturalLEE line and can be a custom option on any LEE product.

KEEPING IT CLEAN, KEEPING IT NATURAL

LEE has also been sourcing more organic and domestic fabrics for upholstery. In particular are eight new SKU’s of organically grown cotton from the mid-West. The cotton fibers are dyed with vegetable dyes and woven into fabric in LEE’s own backyard at a textile mill in the mountains of North Carolina.

Long known for an incredible selection of fabric woven from natural fibers, LEE is adding its first douppioni taffeta silk. This luxurious print, Kiss, Olive, will be available exclusively on LEE’s new #2011-02 Loveseat.

RECLAIM AND RECYCLE

Recycling and reusing is not limited to production materials. LEE has sourced an extensive collection of antique wool rugs from the Middle East that can be applied to a select group of chairs, benches, ottomans and throw pillows. In many cases, these rugs were used and intended as floor coverings and have the wear and tear to show for it, adding to their appeal.

While LEE diligently maintains focus on its traditional business, they are always searching for ways to enhance their product line. Having successfully launched Urban Horizons, their wood product line that utilizes reclaimed barn and warehouse timbers, LEE is adding an outdoor selection manufactured from reclaimed teak from old furniture and factories in Indonesia and other Pacific rim countries.

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Change is the mother of invention and innovation. We are all in a position to look at what we can change about our lifestyle and purchasing habits and how to become good stewards of the environment. LEE is giving us options to implement those changes without compromising standards or our appreciation of quality. As always, LEE is setting the standard and leading the way.