Rubbermaid Introduces Three New Product Lines that Satisfy the Unique Needs of Today's Diversified American Households

Huntersville, N.C.: January 25, 2007 - The popularity of cooking and design shows, along with the growth in sales of kitchen products and accessories and the fact that kitchens are the number one reason to purchase a house, all point to one thing: Today, the Kitchen is Hot! Once considered the mundane work room, the kitchen is now the centerpiece of the home that sets the tone for the rest of the house. To meet this trend, Rubbermaid has introduced three new sinkware lines intended to help Americans add individual style to their kitchens based on their personalized needs, be it cleanliness, utility, aesthetic design or a combination of all three.

The Enhanced Sinkware line from Rubbermaid has been designed with added functionality in mind.

For more than 70 years, Rubbermaid has developed innovative, high-quality kitchen products that simplify life. The latest new kitchen products take this tradition to a new level with three sinkware lines that combine aspiration and function with Microban® antimicrobial product protection, a unique technology that helps to prevent the growth of stain and odor causing bacteria.

Elevated humidity and frequent food contact make the kitchen sink area an ideal breeding ground for microbes. The Basic Sinkware line was designed to address consumer's key concerns about the presence of bacteria in the kitchen. Consisting of drainers, drain boards, sink mats and sponge caddies, the line has Mircoban technology built into the products during the manufacturing process. This means that the antimicrobial protection works continuously between cleanings and lasts for the lifetime of the products even if the surface is cut, scratched or frequently washed.

The Enhanced Sinkware line from Rubbermaid has been designed with added functionality in mind. Based on extensive research concerning how people use the sink area, the line consists of a number of products with unique features that address common problems such as kitchen clutter and laborious cleaning practices. For example, the Rubbermaid drainer with Microban protection contains a multi-functional loft that attaches vertically for cups, horizontally for large utensils, or removes to fit large pots and pans. A sink-divider mat features a sponge rest and brush loop to allow sink tools to dry quickly and out of the way, to avoid mess or clutter. Soap caddies, ring holders, drain boards and sink protectors complete the line, each combining functional features to help make sink tasks easier and maximize the use of sink space.

The Premium Sinkware line from Rubbermaid adds innovative solutions for simplifying sink tasks while adding stylish accents to complement any kitchen décor. Without the added costs of a complete remodel, the aesthetic quality of the kitchen can be elevated with this high-end line of products. A rust resistant, stainless steel drainer with silverware caddy and cup hooks along with a raised drain board that helps drain water directly into the sink exemplify the marriage of traditional durability with functional elegance expected from Rubbermaid.

All three lines will have a limited debut in September 2006, and will be launched to mass retail markets early 2007. The Basic line from Rubbermaid will retail at around $6 - $9. The Enhanced and Premium sinkware lines will retail at $6 - $13 and $25 - $35, respectively. For more information, please visit www.rubbermaid.com.

About Rubbermaid:
Rubbermaid is a leader in developing high-quality, innovative storage and organization solutions for the home, business and outdoors - making everyday life easier. Widely recognized and trusted, Rubbermaid designs and manufactures a full line of consumer and commercial food storage containers and beverage dispensers, as well as products to store goods and keep homes, closets, garages and outdoor living space clean and organized. Rubbermaid (www.rubbermaid.com) is a Newell Rubbermaid company.