ORLANDO, FLORIDA (FEBRUARY 7, 2007) - Axor is known worldwide for contemporary designer collections. With its newest designer collection, Axor Montreux, Axor hearkens back to the exciting years between monarchy and modernity; the romance of traditional spas and the precision of the industrial revolution. Whether in an authentic traditional bathroom or in a more modern setting, Axor Montreux's timeless style leaves a lasting impression.

Time recaptured: Axor Montreux collection reflects the perfect harmony of the "belle Epoque" era at the turn of the 20th century. Authentic to the smallest detail, this collection enhances every traditional ambience. With the combination of clear, geometric shapes and pure, traditional elements, such as filigree cross handles, exposed piping and ceramic components, Axor Montreux turns daily visits to the bathroom into a true journey through time.

The complete collection includes a wide variety of faucets as well as shower products and accessories for the bath. The collection also features two kitchen faucets that reflect the traditional style.

"The authentic design of the Axor Montreux collection is simply beautiful," says Russ Wheeler, president of Hansgrohe-North America. "And with its traditional look and feel, it will be a great Axor collection for our customers in the North American market."

Crafted with similar manufacturing processes of the time, Axor Montreux fixtures are produced from many individual high-grade, solid brass segments and precisely fabricated components, rather than from one solid casting. "It is the authenticity of the design and the high quality of production that turn these fixtures into true works of art from a 'time recaptured,'" states Axor Brand Manager Philippe Grohe.

Complete collection: As always with Axor, the Axor Montreux collection includes all the necessary components and accessories for a complete bathroom. The collection also features different faucet styles to provide choices, like the widespread - with or without exposed piping. This ensures that the design of the bathroom environment conveys the proper style, yet at the same time expresses individual needs and ideas. Along with a passion for the past, Axor Montreux also features Hansgrohe's award-winning technology. Available in chrome, brushed nickel or polished nickel, the new collection includes:

Two-Handle Lav Mixer: Available with or without the pop-up assembly, this single-hole faucet is offered with a 12-inch or 9-inch spout. It features traditional cross handles, a 90-degree ceramic cartridge and a 150-degree swivel spout.

Widespread Lav Mixer: This three-hole mounting faucet is available with or without exposed piping and features traditional cross handles, a 90-degree ceramic cartridge and a 150-degree swivel spout.

Single Basin Faucet: The single-hole faucet features a traditional cross handle and a 90-degree ceramic cartridge. Providing only hot or cold water, the faucet is meant to be used as part of a set, like traditional pillar taps.

Two-Handle Tub Mixer: This tub filler (right) features traditional cross handles and a traditionally-styled handshower. With three versions - wall-mounted, rim mounted and free standing - consumers enjoy a wider selection to meet their personal design visions.

Showerpipe: Offering a thermostatic valve with integrated volume and temperature control, the showerpipe includes a 10-inch showerhead and a handshower with Hansgrohe's patented air-injection system, AIR. This innovative technology magnifies the shower volume, creating an invigorating rain-like shower.

Accessories: Many authentically designed accessories, including a pullout shaving mirror, are available in the collection.

In the kitchen: Not only does Axor Montreux offer a complete bathroom collection, but it also includes two kitchen faucets. The first is a single-hole, two-handle faucet that offers a timeless style with unique handle positions. The two-hole, two-handle faucet with exposed piping creates a more traditional aura, yet its higher spout is perfect for today's multi-functional kitchen. Each faucet features a solid brass body, cascade no-clog aerator and the patented Rubit cleaning system.

"We are very excited about Axor Montreux," says Wheeler. "With its authentic traditional design, this collection complements the generally modern European styling of Axor and adds a new dimension to the brand's appeal."

www.hansgrohe-usa.com

About Hansgrohe: Founded in 1901, Hansgrohe established luxury and quality standards for the upscale shower, kitchen and bath. The company is one of the world's largest suppliers of showerheads and continuously introduces innovative products that exhibit imagination and the highest degree of performance and quality. With headquarters in Schiltach, Germany, Hansgrohe serves customers in over 80 countries through 24 subsidiaries worldwide and 9 operating facilities, including Tokyo, Singapore, Dubai, Shanghai, and Alpharetta, Georgia.

For more information on Axor Montreux, contact:
John O'Reilly, c/o LNC Communications
32 West Nebraska Street, Suite 1C
Frankfort, Illinois 60423
Telephone: 815-469-9100, extension 13
Fax: 815-469-2555
E-mail: John@LNCmail.com