Colbond appoints new global R&D director

2007-03-16

PRESS RELEASE


From: Colbond bv, P.O. Box 9600, 6800 TC Arnhem, the Netherlands
www.colbond.com, info@colbond.com

Contact: Axel Poscher, axel.poscher@colbond.com, phone: +31 26 366 4830



For immediate release:


COLBOND APPOINTS NEW GLOBAL R&D DIRECTOR

Arnhem, the Netherlands (March 16, 2007) - Colbond, a leading producer of high-quality synthetic nonwovens and polymeric mats and composites, appoints Mr. Jan Mahy (PhD) as Global Director Research & Development as from April 15, 2007.

Mr. Mahy brings with him 18 years of professional experience and is currently employed by Akzo Nobel – a former parent company of Colbond. Responsibility for the commercial success of New Business development has played a major role in Mr. Mahy’s position within Akzo Nobel and makes a good fit with Colbond’s mid and long-term approach in R&D.

“I am looking forward to join Colbond’s vision to strengthen the Company’s position as an innovative global player in technical textiles. Leading an international group of experts to develop and improve products for this industry is an exciting and challenging opportunity to use my expertise.” said Jan Mahy.


Having worked in a number of international research, development and business teams, Mr. Mahy will become responsible for the worldwide R&D organization of Colbond. He will be based in Colbond’s Development and Application Centre in Arnhem (NL), where he succeeds Mr. Ger Brinks, Director R&D a.i.

During 2006, Mr. Brinks has been successful in reorganizing and streamlining the R&D activities of Colbond into a global and even more market driven organization.

Colbond considers the optimization of its R&D operation an ongoing process and a vital tool to keep abreast of customer demands and market trends. With the re-organization completed last year, Mr. Mahy has a powerful operation at his disposal to bring a portfolio of promising development projects to the next stage and beyond.

“We look forward to welcoming Mr. Mahy in our organization.” said Axel Poscher, Colbond Vice President. “Our R&D operation will benefit from Mr. Mahy’s broad expertise and experience, and we are convinced that we have offered him a position in a vivid, yet challenging working and business environment. At the same time, we thank Mr. Brinks for his accomplishments and wish him an even successful completion of his next project.”


Colbond is a leading producer of high-quality synthetic nonwovens for flooring, automotive and construction applications, and three-dimensional polymeric mats and composites for civil engineering, building and industrial products.

Colbond is headquartered in Arnhem, the Netherlands, and employs some 580 people worldwide. Production facilities are located in Europe and North America.