New Investment in Flint Featured at Android Open House

MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich., Dec. 8, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- On December 8, 2010 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Android will hold an Open House at their Flint facility. This Henkel/Android/VPG partnership will bring additional job and manufacturing opportunities to the community.  The event will also feature Henkel's environmentally sustainable Aquence® coating technology that is used in the manufacture of the MV-1 mobility vehicle structures, which are coated by Android. The MV-1 is the world's first and only wheelchair accessible mobility vehicle direct from the manufacturer, designed by VPG.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090415/DE99335LOGO )

This invitation-only event will give guests an opportunity to tour the facility. In addition attendees will also be able to view the MV-1 vehicle which utilizes the new flexible Henkel coating line that can be used on a variety of metal substrates. Keynotes will also be given by Chuck Evans, Corporate VP of Henkel, Dave Schembri, CEO, VPG and Richard Niazy, Founder & Chairman, Android.

"The new flexible, Aquence® coating line at Android is one of the most compact, environmentally sustainable paint lines in the world" said Chuck Evans, corporate vice president, automotive, Henkel.  "It's exciting to feature such state-of-the-art technology in Michigan through our Android partners; and to be selected by VPG to coat their unique vehicle."

"Flint offers many competitive advantages to businesses with its skilled manufacturing workforce and economic benefits," said Tim Herman, CEO of the Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce.  "We're excited about the unique solution that the Henkel/Android/VPG partnership offers Flint and Genesee County."

About Henkel

Henkel is the market leader in adhesives, sealants and surface treatments to the transportation industry.  Backed by extensive design capabilities, a broad product range, specific application knowledge and technical expertise, the company delivers solutions to all segments of automotive development – automotive body, interior, chassis, electronics and powertrain production.  Through powerful brands like Loctite®, Teroson®, Aquence®, Bonderite®, and Multan®, Henkel provides significant economic and environmental advantages for today's vehicles, making them safer, more comfortable and extending vehicle value.

Henkel operates worldwide with leading brands and technologies in three business areas: Laundry & Home Care, Cosmetics/Toiletries and Adhesive Technologies. Founded in 1876, Henkel holds globally leading market positions both in the consumer and industrial businesses with well-known brands such as Persil, Schwarzkopf and Loctite.  Henkel employs about 50,000 people and reported sales of $18.86 billion and adjusted operating profit of $1.84 billion in fiscal 2009. Henkel's preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX and the company ranks among the Fortune Global 500.

About Android Industries

Android assembles and sequences complex modules for automotive OEMs and has experience with full vehicle assembly.  Android assembles powertrain modules, suspension and chassis modules, vehicle interiors (including instrument panels, consoles and headliners), radiator modules and tire and wheel assemblies.  Android's team will fabricate, assemble and apply Aquence coating to vehicle frames, engine cradles, and front suspension modules for VPG's MV-1 vehicles.  Currently, Android operates 12 plants, including five plants in Michigan, and was founded in 1974.  Android is headquartered in Auburn Hills and employs 500 Michigan residents.  For more than 35 years, Android has made significant contributions to Michigan's economy.

About The Vehicle Production Group

Headquartered in South Fla., The Vehicle Production Group LLC (VPG) designs, manufactures, markets and distributes the first mobility vehicle engineered from the ground up for wheelchair accessibility. The vehicle, aptly named the "MV-1" (the first Mobility Vehicle), is the only vehicle that meets or exceeds the stringent vehicle guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). For more information, visit www.vpgautos.com.

www.henkelna.com/automotive

SOURCE Henkel Corporation