Rubbermaid Introduces Sturdy Chair™ Youth Seat With Microban® Antimicrobial Protection

Innovative high chair design provides restaurant patrons with peace of mind

Huntersville, N.C. (May 19, 2007) - Rubbermaid Commercial Products, the leader in innovative safety and productivity solutions for the foodservice industry, launches the Sturdy Chair™ Youth Seat with Microban® antimicrobial product protection, the first high chair for the foodservice industry with built-in antimicrobial technology.

Rubbermaid design engineers worked in conjunction with Microban®, the global leader in built-in antimicrobial product protection, to create a highly unique and one-of-a-kind high chair. The Sturdy Chair Youth Seat surpasses current wooden and plastic high chair models in overall safety attributes and is the only high chair fitted with Microban® antimicrobial protection.

Infused with Microban® protection during the manufacturing process, the Rubbermaid Sturdy Chair Youth Seat provides an added level of protection from microbes, such as bacteria and mold that can cause stains, odors and product deterioration. In typical wooden and plastic high chairs, bacteria can multiply quickly after repeated uses, but with the added protection of Microban®, the Sturdy Chair Youth Seat stays cleaner for longer between cleanings.

"It is imperative for operators to provide customers with a clean and hygienic dining environment, " said Virginia Murray, product director, Rubbermaid Commercial Products. "We continuously listen to consumer and operator needs and understand the desire to keep products cleaner for longer in the dining area. Rubbermaid is uniquely positioned to offer products with long-lasting Microban® antimicrobial protection, such as those found in the Sturdy Chair Youth Seat."

In a recent national online survey of 400 parents conducted by Rubbermaid, 90 percent of respondents with children under five years of age said they were "very concerned" about bacteria when using restaurant high chairs. Additionally, 87 percent of parents responding to the survey believe restaurants that carry Sturdy Chair with Microban® protection "care about their families," meaning operators can more-readily convey their commitment to customer safety.

The innovative material also holds advantages over common wooden high chairs with its nonporous surface that cleans easier and remains cleaner for an extended period of service. With Microban® technology, the Sturdy Chair becomes a smart investment for operators due to its resistance to odors and stains causing bacteria and the durable nature of the substance, which will not wear off during the lifespan of the product.

"We made the decision to work with Rubbermaid after examining their entire product portfolio and corporate commitment to safety, quality and protection," said David J. Meyers, President and CEO of Microban International, Ltd. "We're very proud to offer an industry-first innovation for foodservice operators, because we understand the message of cleanliness is important for operators to convey to their customers."

In addition to the added benefits of Microban® protection, Rubbermaid exceeded consumer safety specifications in an effort to raise the bar for high chair standards. The Sturdy Chair Youth Seat meets the latest American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), TUV and European safety standards.

The Sturdy Chair Youth Seat is built with durable molded parts designed for easy cleaning, and a convenient handle for safe, one-handed maneuvering throughout the dining area. The chair is stackable and available with or without wheels, and operators can select from a variety of colors.

Rubbermaid Commercial Products, a proud sponsor of the International Food Safety Council and dedicated to heightening awareness for the importance of food safety education, offers 2007 NRA show attendees an opportunity to learn more about these new product offerings at NRA booth #1600. For more information visit www.rcpworksmarter.com or call 1-800-347-9800. High-resolution photography of each product is available upon request.

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