Aristech Acrylics LLC Press and Media Release July 17, 2003 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Aristech Acrylics LLC to Acquire Assets from Avonite, Inc. – Appoints New CEO and COO Florence, Kentucky, July 17, 2003 – Aristech Acrylics LLC today announced that it will acquire the assets and operations of Avonite, Inc., of Belen, New Mexico. The acquisition is expected to close by July 31, 2003. The acquisition will position Aristech Acrylics with a full line of acrylic and polyester solid surface sheet products to compliment its thermoformable and general-purpose acrylic sheet products. “The acquisition is a step in the company’s plan to continue to aggressively expand its acrylic and solid surface businesses” said Kazuya Mizuno, general manager at Mitsubishi Corporation and chairman of Aristech Acrylics LLC. In conjunction with the acquisition, the company also announced that it has appointed David Knowles as president and chief executive officer and Kevin Alleman as executive vice president and chief operating officer of the combined entity effective July 21, 2003. “We are excited about the leadership,” said Mizuno, “I have confidence that Knowles and his team will be able to take our business in the direction that the owners desire.” “Knowles will apply his breadth of experience to drive growth and value creation, while Alleman will be responsible for day to day business activities including; sales, marketing, operations and research and development, thereby assuring the continuity of excellence that has been the hallmark of Aristech Acrylics LLC”. Knowles brings to Aristech a breadth of leadership experience driving growth and value in the materials industry. He has most recently lead Honeywell’s global Performance Products business, has served as President of rapidly growing Accel Corporation where he continues as a director and shareholder, and served as the President of M. A. Hanna Company’s Resin Distribution business. Alleman has been with Aristech for 24 years, and prior to the acquisition was the President of Aristech Acrylics LLC. Alleman has served in a variety of roles covering all facets of Aristech Acrylics’ business. Along with his team, Alleman has been responsible for building the business and facilities infrastructure that positions Aristech Acrylics as a market leader in thermoformable acrylic sheet and a product and innovation leader in the acrylic solid surface market. Aristech Acrylics LLC is a leading manufacturer and marketer of thermoformable and general purpose acrylic sheet and acrylic solid surface products. Avonite, Inc. is the solid surface industries recognized leader in innovation and design of high-end polyester solid surface products.