(MISSION VIEJO, CALIF.) August 14, 2006 - David Weekley Homes, the third-largest, privately owned homebuilder in America, announced today that for the second straight year, James Hardie has been awarded its prestigious "Partners of Choice Award." The award is based on the National Trading Partner Survey, in which approximately 1,000 of its team members evaluate 150 companies in Quality and Service. Each company’s scores are averaged then ranked in descending order.

James Hardie received the Partners of Choice Award by attaining "A,A" ratings in Quality and Service for the last 12 months. Only nine companies received the coveted "A,A" rating, and five are repeated winners from last year.

According to Bill Justus, vice-president of supply chain for David Weekley Homes, most companies say they are in pursuit of world-class excellence, with some claiming to have achieved it. However, very few define their goals, or have tangible targets. The National Trading Partner Survey provides a practical way for quantifying, measuring and managing world-class excellence.

"It is very difficult to achieve an "A" rating in any given quarter or year. Therefore, what James Hardie has accomplished is remarkable. They have maintained our highest rating "A,A" in both Quality and Service for two consecutive years. They have demonstrated world-class results," said Justus.

Justus drew from his background in logistics management to establish a more definitive, measurable vendor performance system.

"Suppliers may say they have world-class quality and service," says Justus, "But, the National Trading Partner Survey takes the conceptual to the practical. It’s beyond talk."

In addition to the Quality and Service ratings, the survey asks questions such as, "Do you know who your local representative is and how to contact them?" and, "What are the most frustrating issues you face dealing with this partner?"

The supplier is then given a score card with detailed information behind the rating including all raters’ contact information. Trading partners are free to call any rater, but must call anyone who gives them a rating under five to talk through the issues.

"The process shows who is investing the sweat equity to really understand our needs at all levels – from purchasing to the design center, the warranty department and more" says Justus.

"We are proud of the recognition from David Weekley Homes," says Dan Tresch, national accounts manager, James Hardie. "The process they’ve developed for feedback is incredibly valuable. We appreciate being given the opportunity to correct a problem and strengthen the relationship."

About James Hardie
James Hardie Industries NV (James Hardie, or JHI NV) is a leading international building materials group that produces a wide range of fiber-cement building products used in the exterior and interior of buildings. In every country in which we operate, our goal is to capitalize on our extensive research and development programs, our unique manufacturing technology and our differentiated products to provide value for our customers and homeowners. For more information on James Hardie siding products, call (866) 4-HARDIE.

About David Weekley Homes
David Weekley Homes is the nation’s third largest privately held homebuilder. Founded in 1976, the company is headquartered in Houston and operates in 16 cities across the United States. Since inception, David Weekley Homes has closed more than 50,000 homes with 2005 revenues exceeding $1 billion. For more information about David Weekley Homes, visit the company’s web site at www.davidweekleyhomes.com.