12/11/2006, Scottsdale, Arizona

 

The Dial Corporation Breaks Ground for New Headquarters Building in Scottsdale

On Monday, December 11, 2006, The Dial Corporation and Henkel marked the official start of the largest construction project in their history with a groundbreaking ceremony for a new headquarters building located in Scottsdale. The event took place within the new One Scottsdale development site, located at the northeast corner of Scottsdale Road and the 101 Freeway.
Scottsdale, Ariz., Monday, December 11, 2006 - On Monday, December 11, 2006, The Dial Corporation and Henkel marked the official start of the largest construction project in their history with a groundbreaking ceremony for a new headquarters building located in Scottsdale. The event took place within the new One Scottsdale development site, located at the northeast corner of Scottsdale Road and the 101 Freeway.

"Today, as we break ground for our new headquarters facility, we are marking a significant event in Dial's history," said Brad Casper, Dial President and CEO. "The acquisition of Dial in 2004 was Henkel's largest, and this new building we are beginning to construct represents Henkel's largest investment in a new facility anywhere in the world. In undertaking this construction, we are acknowledging the commitment we share to the growth of our business, present and future, and our very real sense and spirit of community."

"We're thrilled that Dial/Henkel made the decision to remain in Scottsdale and that One Scottsdale is the community they selected for their expansion, " said Drew Brown, managing director and CEO of DMB Associates. "Its highly educated workforce and international visitors will bring energy and excitement to our retailers, hotels, homes and restaurants. DMB is committed to this partnership and delivering a dynamic environment that complements Dial's innovative corporate culture," Brown said.

"Dial has chosen Scottsdale as their 'home' for the last 10 years, and we are proud to know that through our joint partnership with one another, this top, internationally-known and high-quality corporate citizen will remain and continue to prosper in Scottsdale," said Mayor Mary Manross.

Dial's new 350,000 square foot facility will span 4.75 acres with four levels, totaling 60 feet in height. Dial's current headquarters and R&D operations are planning to move to their new headquarters in the fall of 2008. In total, Dial's new headquarters will house almost 800 employees. Additionally, through a dedicated effort toward a more sustainable future, Dial's objective is to meet LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification.

Developed by DMB Associates, One Scottsdale is a unique, mixed-use luxury retail and lifestyle community that will open in the fall of 2009. Planned to be the premier shopping, fine dining and travel destination in the western United States, it will encompass an array of high-fashion retail shops and upscale restaurants, 400 boutique resort hotel rooms and high-end luxury residential housing.

The Dial Corporation, a company of Henkel KGaA, is based in Scottsdale, Ariz., and is one of America's leading manufacturers of consumer products, including Dial® soaps, Purex® laundry detergents, Renuzit® air fresheners and Right Guard® antiperspirants/deodorants. Dial products have been in the American marketplace for more than 100 years. For more information about The Dial Corporation, visit the company's web site at www.dialcorp.com.

"Henkel - A Brand like a Friend". Henkel is a leader with brands and technologies that make people's lives easier, better and more beautiful. Henkel, a Fortune Global 500 company, operates in three strategic business areas - Home Care, Personal Care, and Adhesives, Sealants and Surface Treatment. In fiscal 2005 Henkel generated sales of 11,974 million euros. More than 50,000 employees work for Henkel worldwide. People in approximately 125 countries around the world trust in brands and technologies from Henkel.

This document contains forward-looking statements which are based on the current estimates and assumptions made by the corporate management of Henkel KGaA. Forward-looking statements are characterized by the use of words such as expect, intend, plan, predict, assume, believe, estimate, anticipate and similar formulations. Such statements are not to be understood as in any way guaranteeing that those expectations will turn out to be accurate. Future performance and the results actually achieved by Henkel KGaA and its affiliated companies depend on a number of risks and uncertainties and may therefore differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Many of these factors are outside Henkel's control and cannot be accurately estimated in advance, such as the future economic environment and the actions of competitors and others involved in the marketplace. Henkel neither plans nor undertakes to update any forward-looking statements.