Laticrete Celebrates 50 Years

Orlando, FL, May 31, 2006—Laticrete International celebrated its 50th anniversary as a producer of innovative tile and stone installatione during Coverings 2006 in Orlando, Florida. Henry M. Rothberg, Laticrete founder and chairman emeritus delivered a speech in which he thanked the company’s employees, both past and present, and the Bethany, Connecticut-based company’s base of loyal customers for their support. The gala event was a great chance for the company to gather with all of its friends: distributors, general contractors, associates and representatives, to share in the success and strengthen the bonds that Laticrete has built over the last five decades. On hand at the 50th anniversary celebration were Manny and Michael Magallanes from Aqua Mix, Inc., Headquartered in Corona, California, Aqua Mix has been a valued business associate for over 15 years. According to David Rothberg, Manny, the founder and chairman, is not just a valued associate, but quite interesting as well. Magallanes is black belt in the Japanese martial art of Shotokan. For the last six years he has been teaching kids the skillful art, and was recently selected into the California Martial Arts Hall of Fame for his efforts. Also, since 1966, Magallanes has been riding Harley Davidson, and currently drives a 2003 Springer Softail. Magallanes’ company, Aqua Mix, is a global leader in stone, tile and grout care maintenance products, and has held many joint sales presentations with Laticrete over the years. Of course, the long-time friends recommend all of each others’ products. “Aqua Mix has shared a lot of podiums with Laticrete over the years,” Magallanes said. “We have given a lot of speeches together, both at national conferences and with local distributors. We have always gotten along real well. It has been a real comfortable and friendly relationship.” Also on hand was Larry Catalano from Nicata Contracting in Toronto, Ontario, who has been a committed Laticrete customer for many years. Catalano is currently using Laticrete to install the Olympic sized swimming pool at Havergale College in Toronto, and is a great promoter of the company’s products to architects, engineers, general contractors and homeowners in the Greater Toronto Area. “Larry and his brother Joe (J + D Artistic Design) use Laticrete products in virtually every installation,” said Glenn Prince, Laticrete’s former Canadian representative and current project manager in China. “They have been close personal friends of David Rothberg, Henry B. Rothberg and mine for many years. They have taken several training courses at Laticrete, done field trials, and totally believe in our products and the Laticrete message.” Some 500 guests attended. “It was a great way to celebrate our 50th anniversary,” said Sean Boyle, Laticrete’s director, business development. “We’ll probably have an even better party 50 years from now.”