November 7, 2008

Rimowa, the renowned German luggage-maker, has opened its first North American production facility in Cambridge, Ontario, part of the Waterloo Region, known as Canada's Technology Triangle. The move signals a reversal of the trend among other luggage manufacturers to take production off-shore to sites in China and the Far
East. Rimowa, which has always produced its luggage in Europe, has chosen Canada due to the country's worldwide success in producing quality manufactured goods. The Cambridge facility will produce the company's breakthrough polycarbonate luggage lines for markets throughout the Americas.

"We wanted to be part of the exciting technological developments that are taking place in the area," said Dieter Morszeck, grandson of the company founder Paul Morszeck. "We are using space-age materials and state-of-the-art production equipment in the plant. We see this as the perfect place in North America to launch our 'hand-craft meets high-tech' manufacturing strategy!"

Mr. Morszeck continued, "Rimowa is a luxury product developed by the same expertise showcased by other German prestige brands. Our partners include Lufthansa and Porsche. There can be no compromise in the quality of the products we manufacture. The skill and training of Canadian workers is well recognized internationally. This fact, as well as, our location here on one of the main arteries to Pearson International Airport and shipping routes around the world, make this an ideal area to launch
our growth in the Americas."

"We're pleased that Rimowa has decided to enter the North American market - and we're proud that they've chosen to set up their first North American production facility here in Ontario," said Sandra Pupatello, Minister of International Trade and Investment. "Our province continues to demonstrate that we have the skilled workforce, technology and business climate to attract such international investment."

In welcoming Rimowa to Cambridge, Mayor Doug Craig called the company an example of the high quality manufacturer that is attracted to the region. "Their products are world leaders in luxury travel accessories. That caliber of quality is synonymous with other world product leaders in the City of Cambridge, such as Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, COM DEV International Ltd., Babcock and
Wilcox, and others."

The Rimowa expansion was facilitated by the Canadian Embassy in Berlin, the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development & Trade in Munich and Ontario, and Canada's Technology Triangle Inc, the not-for-profit, public-private regional economic development partnership marketing Waterloo Region to the world.

"We look forward to continuing to assist Rimowa in establishing their business here by providing access to collaborative business networks and potential clients," says John Jung, CEO of Canada's Technology Triangle Inc. "New investments such as these are important good news stories for the economic health of the Waterloo Region."

Located adjacent to Highway 401 at 900 Maple Grove Road in Cambridge, Ontario, the 30,000 square foot Rimowa plant includes fabrication and assembly lines as well as a major shipping area. Initially the plant will employ 20 workers and will manufacture the new Salsa series. Mr. Carsten Kulcke will head up Rimowa's operation in North America as Executive Vice President of Rimowa North America Inc.

"We chose the Cambridge area for our production site because we want to ensure that our products made in North America reflect the same attention to detail and quality found in those produced at our facilities in Cologne, Germany. We feel confident that with our product design and the excellent resources available to us here, we can deliver on that 'hand-craft meets high-tech promise," Mr. Morszeck concluded.