(MISSION VIEJO, CALIF.) August 20,2007 - David Weekley Homes, the third-largest privately owned homebuilder in America, announced today that for the third 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.

"Suppliers may say they have world-class quality and service," says Bill Justus, vice-president of supply chain for David Weekley Homes, "but few have a quantified way for measuring and managing world-class excellence. The National Trading Partner Survey takes the conceptual to the practical. It's beyond talk."

Justus drew from his background in logistics to establish a definitive, measurable, vendor performance system. 150 companies are in pursuit of the award, only six have achieved flawless ratings of "A, A" in Quality and Service.

The survey causes the National Trading Partner to think beyond its four walls, and makes them realize that they have responsibility for the entire supply chain's performance.

James Hardie is a good example," says Justus. "They don't just sell material into the market. They're out there educating the channel all the time, conducting job site trainings and providing tools that ensure best practice installation methods are used." Justus states that all the "A,A" winners for the last three years have 3 things in common. "Companies appoint an executive sponsor that owns the survey. Next they run the survey like a project by assigning responsibilities and reporting on progress. And finally they institutionalize processes in support of the survey's feedback."

"The process they've developed for feedback is incredibly valuable," says Dan Tresch, national accounts manager, James Hardie. Tresch personally reviews each item rated below 5 with management.

"We use the feedback as a barometer to check our service level and that of our channel partners. We appreciate being given the opportunity to correct a problem and strengthen the relationship."

Each national trading partner is given a score card with detailed information behind the rating including all raters' contact information. Companies are free to call any rater, but must call anyone who gives them a rating under seven to talk through the issues. "The process shows who is willing to invest the sweat equity to really understand our needs at all levels – from purchasing through the design center, the warranty department, accounting and more" says Justus.

About James Hardie James Hardie® Building Products, based in Mission Viejo, Calif., has been manufacturing cement-based building products for more than 100 years. Its current fiber-cement formulation was developed 20 years ago and has been performing in the world's most severe climates. Now installed on more than four million homes in the U.S., it provides a durable, low-maintenance, non-combustible alternative to wood and vinyl siding. For more information, visit www.jameshardie.com.

About David Weekley Homes David Weekley Homes, founded in 1976, is headquartered in Houston and operates in 18 cities across the United States. David Weekley Homes was the first builder in the United States to be awarded the Triple Crown of American Home Building, an honor which includes "America's Best Builder," "Builder of the Year," and the "National Housing Quality Award." Weekley has also appeared six times on FORTUNE® magazine's coveted "100 Best Companies to Work For" list. Since inception, David Weekley Homes has closed more than 50,000 homes. For more information about David Weekley Homes, visit the company's web site at www.davidweekleyhomes.com.