COLUMBUS, Ohio, May 1, 2002 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Dietrich Metal
Framing, a Worthington Industries company (NYSE: WOR) announced today that
Haseko Homes, Inc. will build 650 new homes using Dietrich's TradeReady(R) Steel
Floor Joist products. The announcement marks a continuation of Haseko's
commitment to incorporate TradeReady products in its 4,850-home master-planned
community of Ocean Pointe in Kapolei, Hawaii.
In 2001, Haseko built 240 new homes featuring Dietrich's steel floor joists,
which are more consistent and durable than wood and offer homeowners a quieter,
more even, solid floor.
Kenneth Choate, executive vice president of Haseko Construction, stated, "Since
we built our first house at Ocean Pointe using Dietrich TradeReady floor joists
in 2001, we have been extremely pleased with the quality of materials and the
savings we have seen in labor and production. Our subcontractors tell us it is
the easiest material they have ever worked with."
Metal framing and steel flooring for homes is a growing market in Hawaii, where
state zoning codes mandate treated lumber or metal framing for all residential
construction due to their termite resistance. Because termites thrive in warm,
damp climates, Hawaii leads the nation for steel use in residential
construction. In fact, more than 60 percent of the new homes being built in
Hawaii currently have metal framing or flooring components.
To service this growing industry, Dietrich operates a manufacturing facility in
Kapolei.
"We're very pleased to be working with Haseko Homes to provide Dietrich
TradeReady Floor Joists to the planned community at Ocean Pointe," said Ed
Ponko, president of Dietrich Metal Framing. "Our floor framing system offers a
tremendous enhancement and value to the homeowner, while affording Haseko the
ability to better control material and framing costs. This is truly a win/win
proposition as everyone involved benefits."
About Haseko
Haseko Homes Inc. is a subsidiary of Haseko (Hawaii) Inc., which has a 30-year
history of building premier commercial and residential developments in Hawaii.
About Dietrich Metal Framing
Dietrich Metal Framing is the largest manufacturer of steel framing products in
the United States. Dietrich's 1500 employees in 20 facilities use
state-of-the-art equipment and in-house metallurgic labs to ensure superior
product performance and competitive prices. Dietrich Metal Framing, founded in
1959, is a Worthington Industries Company.
About Worthington Industries
Worthington Industries is a leading diversified metal processing company with
annual sales of approximately $2 billion. The Columbus, Ohio-based company is
North America's premier value-added steel processor and a leader in manufactured
metal products such as automotive aftermarket stampings, pressure cylinders,
metal framing, metal ceiling grid systems and laser welded blanks. The company
employs 7,500 people and operates 59 facilities in 10 countries.
Founded in 1955, the company operates under a long-standing corporate philosophy
rooted in the golden rule, with earning money for its shareholders as the first
corporate goal. The philosophy, an unwavering commitment to the customer, and
one of the strongest employee/employer partnerships in American industry, serve
as the company's foundation. Worthington Industries is listed as one of the 100
Best Companies to Work For in America by Fortune magazine.
SOURCE Worthington Industries, Inc.
CONTACT:
Cathy Mayne Lyttle, VP, Corporate Communications,
+1-614-438-3077, or cmlyttle@WorthingtonIndustries.com, or Allison McFerren
Sanders, Director, Investor Relations, +1-614-840-3133, or
asanders@WorthingtonIndustries.com, both of Worthington Industries
Copyright (C) 2002 PR Newswire. All rights reserved.