Applegate Insulation to open plant in Stephens County

ATLANTA, August 23, 2007 — Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that Applegate Insulation plans to open a new plant in Stephens County, creating up to 80 jobs and investing $4 million in the Eastanollee facility. 'The state of Georgia continues to be an attractive place for manufacturers to invest their capital,' Governor Perdue said. 'Our talented workforce, low startup costs and connected transportation network mean companies can make a quality product at a competitive price.' Applegate purchased a facility in Meadowbrook Industrial Park and is in the process of renovations. The company expects to begin manufacturing by September 2007. Applegate will invest over $4 million in the facility during the first phase and expects to employ up to 80 people as new lines of production are added. 'We are excited about our expansion in Toccoa-Stephens County,' said Terry Applegate, owner and CEO of Applegate Insulation. 'Our new facility in Stephens County will allow us to increase production of our cellulose insulation product as well as create opportunities for new product lines. We appreciate the assistance we received from the Stephens County Development Authority and are anxious to become part of the community.' Carole Ciriacks was the project manager for the Georgia Department of Economic Development, which worked closely with the company and local officials on the project. 'We're very pleased to welcome Applegate Insulation to our diversified family of industries in Stephens County,' said Bob Defenbaugh, chairman of the Stephens County Development Authority. 'We appreciate Applegate's investment in our community and look forward to future opportunities to help Applegate continue to grow and prosper here.' Established in 1952, Applegate Insulation is the largest privately-owned cellulose insulation manufacturer in the U.S. Headquartered in Webberville, Michigan, Applegate Insulation has seven plant locations in Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Kentucky and Georgia.