Rheem Offers Advanced, Computer-Controlled Whole-House Power Management System To Up-Market Builders and Discriminating New Home Buyers

    ORLANDO, Fla. - Feb. 7, 2007 - (Exhibit W143) The Rheem Manufacturing Company, Replacement Parts Department is featuring its new line of Rheem- and Ruud-branded standby power generators available through its expansive Rheem and Ruud distribution network and ultra-modern PROSTOCK® stores at the 2007 International Builders Show. This alliance with market leader Briggs & Stratton is designed to provide home builders with an attractive feature that defines their homes in the eyes of progressive home buyers who wish to avoid power outages that may result in unsafe, unhealthy, and uncomfortable conditions for themselves and their families.

    The Ruud and Rheem standby power generator product line provides solutions to power outages.

    The Ruud and Rheem standby power generator product line provides solutions to Builders wanting to address weather-related power outages seen throughout the nation that inconvenience and endanger homeowners. This residential standby program combines Briggs & Stratton's product development, manufacturing and generator expertise with the far-reaching Rheem Manufacturing sales, parts, and service network.

    "Partnering with home generator market leader Briggs & Stratton immediately adds a whole new level of security and peace-of-mind that our up-market Rheem and Ruud Builder partners can offer to their new home-buying customers," said Mike Barnes, national accounts manager, Rheem Builder Group. "This agreement allows us to address the needs of today's discriminating new home buyer who is interested in including auxiliary home power generator systems for their homes."

    "Builders are a rapidly growing channel for residential standby generator sales," said Art Berg, parts marketing manager, Rheem Replacement Parts Department. "Because of our vast and expansive Distributor network, Rheem is perfectly positioned to provide these products to home builders nationwide."

    Equipped with a computer-controlled whole-house power management system, the premium Rheem and Ruud home back-up power generator systems incorporate advanced computer controls that efficiently and quietly manage the same essential and high wattage appliances as a larger liquid-cooled standby generator almost twice its size while using less fuel--all for a much reduced cost. "In fact, the system's advanced controls will safely power both essential and high-wattage appliances including up to two 4-ton air conditioners any time a power outage occurs," states Scott Alderton, director of marketing, Briggs & Stratton.

    About Rheem Manufacturing Company Heating and Cooling Division
    Rheem and Ruud are premium quality brands of the Heating and Cooling Division of Rheem Manufacturing Company, a privately held company that manufactures a full line of high-quality residential and commercial heating and cooling products that are marketed throughout North America and world markets. The company's brands have a long, rich history of dependable and reliable quality, and recently received a Consumers Digest Best Buy rating for two products in its model lineup. The Heating and Cooling Division operates ISO-9001: 2000 certified manufacturing facilities in Milledgeville, Ga., and at Division headquarters in Fort Smith, Ark., as well as a manufacturing plant in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico and the industry's newest state-of-the-art Parts Distribution Center in Randleman, N.C. The company's network of modern efficient Regional Distribution Centers ensures that it's Distributors can support Contractors with ready inventory. Rheem Manufacturing Company is the major associate sponsor of Richard Childress Racing's #29 car competing in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series and driven by 2006 Busch Series Champion Kevin Harvick. For more information, visit www.rheem.com

    About Briggs & Stratton
    The Briggs & Stratton Corporation is the world's largest designer, manufacturer and marketer of small engines. Its Power Products Division is North America's number one manufacturer of generators and pressure washers. All Briggs & Stratton products are covered by the industry's most extensive support network of over 30,000 authorized servicing dealers worldwide. For more information, visit www.briggsandstratton.com

    For More Information,
    Contact: Doug Borkman
    Spaulding Communications
    Phone: (404) 270-1010
    Cell: (404) 788-3478
    dougb@spauldingcommunications.com