Press Release

Youngsville, August 4, 2006: Clark A. Casson, President & COO Southern Lithoplate, Inc. has announced the expansion of Southern Lithoplate's manufacturing center in Youngsville. The new Litho Center will be located adjacent to Southern Litho's Youngsville Campus and will be online for second quarter 2007. The expansion will include investments in land, manufacturing, building and personnel.

As a 4th generation family business, Southern Lithoplate has been an important part of Franklin County's manufacturing growth. Southern first located in Franklin County in 1993 and has enjoyed five expansions since its start. It was one of the first manufacturing businesses to move to Franklin County and has been an important corporate citizen helping support growth in the area.

"Through the activities of the Existing Industry program established by the Board of County Commissioners earlier this year, we identified this opportunity for expansion and were able to achieve a successful conclusion," commented Chris Coudriet, Franklin County Manager. "There is clearly a commitment to Southern Lithoplate and other businesses in Franklin County and we want to do all we can to help them continue to grow and develop right here."

"Franklin County Commissioners, the County Manager and the Economic Development Commission, have shown support and enthusiasm for our upcoming expansion," commented Clark Casson. "Our decision to reinvest into Franklin County is directly connected to the support we have received from the Franklin County team and their Utilities department. This partnership demonstrates what can happen when the County works with a business as a business partner."

The new investment is in keeping with customer demand and continues Southern Lithoplate's commitment to provide their loyal customers and the marketplace at large with choice, availability and quality by adding these capacities.

For more information, contact Ronnie Goswick, Franklin County Economic Development Director at (919) 554-1863 or visit www.franklinedc.com or Franklin County's website at www.co.franklin.nc.us

Franklin County Government is committed to effective and innovative public services for all Franklin County citizens and businesses.