News | April 18, 2012

Two Industry Leaders Unite To Launch The First Composite Decking Saw Blade On The Market

WINCHESTER, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Trex Company, the world’s largest manufacturer of wood-alternative decking and railing products, announced that it has entered into a licensing agreement with Freud America to introduce the first saw blade specifically designed for cutting composite decking materials. Diablo, Freud’s premier brand of construction tools, will be introducing the new blade series for maximum performance and highest quality of finish when cutting composite decking materials.

“Through our agreement with Freud America/Diablo, we’re addressing the needs of both contractors and do-it-yourselfers, who for 20 years have not had the opportunity to purchase a saw blade designed with the efficiency, longevity and precision to cut composite materials,” said Ronald W. Kaplan, chairman, president and CEO of Trex. “With this blade, we’re not only offering the confidence and security that comes with the industry-leading Trex and Diablo names, but we’re also expanding Trex’s brand presence into the tool departments of retailers across North America.”

Proven Performance at a Competitive Price

The Diablo/Trex co-branded blade will be offered in three sizes – 12”, 10” and 7¼” – for use on hand-held, miter and table saws. This new saw blade series has a modified triple chip tooth grind design, Perma-SHIELD® non-stick coating, and specific TiCo™ Hi-Density carbide to deliver maximum performance. In addition, all Diablo/Trex saw blades have a super thin-kerf design which requires less cutting power, making them ideal for underpowered saws at the jobsite.

In fact, Trex and Diablo have conducted extensive field testing among contractors at composite decking job sites to evaluate the performance of the new blade. The tests consistently showed that the blade offers more efficient and cleaner cuts, less “gumming” of blade teeth and greater longevity when compared to standard saw blades currently in the market.

“Both the Trex and Diablo brands are synonymous with high quality and innovation within their respective industries, and we’re proud to partner on the launch of a blade that will be a true first on the marketplace,” said Russell Kohl, President and CEO of Freud Tools. “These new blades provide cleaner cuts with no swirl marks and longer cutting life; making it a ‘must-have’ tool for both professionals and DIYers planning composite decking projects.”

The Trex/Diablo co-branded blade is expected to be available at retail locations in July 2012. For more information about Trex products, visit trex.com.

About Trex Company

Trex Company (NYSE: TREX) is the world’s largest manufacturer of high performance wood-alternative decking and railing, with more than 20 years of product experience. Stocked in more than 5,500 retail locations worldwide, Trex outdoor living products offer a wide range of style options with fewer ongoing maintenance requirements than wood, as well as a truly environmentally responsible choice. For more information, visit trex.com. You also can follow Trex on Twitter (@Trex_Company), “like” Trex on Facebook, or view product and demonstration videos on the brand's YouTube channel (TheTrexCo.).

About Diablo

Diablo is the premium brand of contractor tools specifically designed to provide superior performance while withstanding the most extreme conditions for the contractor. Diablo is produced by Freud, a manufacturer of high quality woodworking tools for the last 60 years and a leader in the carbide cutting tool industry. Freud is the only manufacturer of woodworking tools in the world that produces its own MicroGrain Carbide with Titanium, called TiCo™ Hi-Density carbide. By producing their own carbide, Freud has the unique ability to formulate each tool for each specific application; thereby maximizing the cutting life and performance of the tool. Diablo’s full line of high-quality cutting tools includes saw blades, reciprocating saw blades, and more. For more information, visit www.diablotools.com or email our media contact at marketing@diablotools.com.

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