Manex to implement the next phase of the Country's most innovative scrap tire diversion initiative

SAN RAMON, CA - May 27, 2008 -
The Corporation for Manufacturing Excellence (Manex) has been awarded a three-year, $5.1-million contract with the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB), the State's leading authority on recycling and waste reduction, to implement the next phase of the Country's most innovative scrap tire diversion initiative: the Tire-Derived Product Business Assistance Program (TBAP). The TBAP is widely regarded as the Country's most innovative initiative for developing the recycled tire marketplace by employing a hybrid demand-and-supply approach, designed to simultaneously increase demand for tire-derived products while building capacity and improving cost efficiencies of tire-derived product businesses. Since the TBAP's inception, Manex has been part of the core team which has worked in close partnership with CIWMB to create a cutting edge scrap tire recycling market development and business assistance program.

Manex and its core team of subcontractors, including RW Beck (which led the efforts under the original TBAP) and DK Enterprises, were selected by the Board for their in-depth knowledge of the tire recycling industry and proven ability to deliver practical and rapid-ROI solutions for its diverse group of stakeholders. As prime contractor for this next phase of the TBAP, Manex will leverage its program management and small- and mid-sized business consulting expertise along with the experience, expertise and best practices developed during the first phase of the TBAP to maximize the impact on the California tire recycling marketplace and its participants.

"We're extremely pleased to be selected to lead this next phase of the TBAP as the California scrap tire market enters what could be its most dynamic period of growth ever," said Brent Meyers, President & Chief Executive Officer, Manex. "To ensure the Program's success, our expert team is committed to delivering a comprehensive suite of practical solutions that spans the entire tire-derived product ecosystem."

"Recycling waste tires is critically important for California communities. The success of the Tire Business Assistance Program is conserving resources, creating jobs and expanding green business opportunities in our state," said Chair Margo Reid Brown. "We look forward to working with Manex and their incredible team to increase the use of discarded tires to build quieter roads, softer play surfaces and many other innovative applications. This is another example of how recycling and reuse can help us create a safer and more sustainable California."

About Manex
Founded in 1995, The Corporation for Manufacturing Excellence (Manex) (www.manexconsulting.com) provides a broad array of proven advisory and implementation solutions exclusively to manufacturers, distributors and their supply chains, enabling them to increase growth, productivity, quality and profitability. Manex delivers high-impact solutions in four key areas: strategy, people, process and performance. Meaningful, rapid impact and ROI are achieved through a modular-yet-holistic approach encompassing corporate strategy and planning, marketing strategy, training and development, lean manufacturing, supply chain and logistics, Six Sigma, ISO and performance management systems.