New support services and Artisan® Matrix™ Panel directed at commercial and multi-family architects, builders

MISSION VIEJO, Calif. (January 19, 2009) - James Hardie Building Products (NYSE: JHX), the world’s leading manufacturer of fiber-cement building materials, announces the introduction to the U.S. market of James Hardie Commercial. The business unit provides support services for architects and builders, and two new panel products: Hardie Reveal Panel and Artisan® Matrix™ Panel. The new services have been trialed since early this year in Northern California and the Pacific Northwest, and are now being launched nationally. The focus outside California, Washington and Oregon will initially be with multi-family developers, property managers and builders in major metro areas. Artisan Matrix Panel will remain available only in California, Washington and Oregon, while Hardie Reveal Panel is available nationally.

"Architects and builders have used James Hardie® siding products on commercial projects for years. But our support has always been focused on residential use," said Erik Booth, Business Development Director. "Now, commercial and multi-family architects and builders who choose James Hardie siding products will have the added benefit of our new support services which are designed specifically to meet their needs."

Architect, Builder Support Services
Key among the new support services will be dedicated, on-site installation specialists, detailed installation instructions, and CAD details and specifications for using panel products in flat-wall, expressed seam (reveal) applications. CAD details and specifications are available at www.jameshardiecommercial.com and www.ARCAT.com.

James Hardie Commercial offers architects and builders durable, high-quality fiber-cement panel, plank, shingle, trim and soffit products. These products bring a range of features and benefits to light commercial architecture, including expanded design flexibility, a wide variety of color combinations, visual appeal, and easy installation.

Satisfying Aesthetic Standards
"James Hardie Commercial siding products can play an important role in achieving upscale architectural results that commercial building owners are looking for," said Mr. Booth. "The smooth surface of our new Artisan Matrix Panel, for example, is ideal for applications that call for flat-wall expressed seams. Hardie Reveal Panel (currently in development, with production expected early this summer) will be a way for architects and builders to provide an upscale, panelized look within a lower budget."

"The durability, low-maintenance and non-combustibility of James Hardie Commercial siding products also make them particularly appealing choices when it comes to addressing concerns about longterm maintenance and repair costs, as well as safety requirements," said Mr. Booth.

With their durability, raw materials sourced within 500 miles of plants, and products that contain recycled content, many James Hardie siding products also contribute toward national green guideline programs, such as USGBC’s LEED program.

"For decades, James Hardie has provided residential architects and builders across the U.S. with the highest-quality fiber-cement siding products in the widest variety of textures and profiles," Mr. Booth said. "Now, we’re proud to bring our decades of overseas experience serving commercial, multifamily and institutional customers to the U.S. with the introduction of these new commercial support services, Hardie Reveal Panel and Artisan Matrix Panel."

For more information about James Hardie Commercial support services and products, visit www.jameshardiecommercial.com.

About James Hardie:
James Hardie Building Products (NYSE: JHX) is committed to helping builders by providing innovative solutions that ultimately increase home value. As the world's leading manufacturer of fiber-cement building materials, James Hardie has been manufacturing cement-based building products for more than 100 years. It introduced fiber-cement products to the U.S. in the early 90s as a durable, low-maintenance alternative to wood and vinyl. Due to their resistance to wind, fire, impact and flood, James Hardie products also have been specified for homes in hurricane- and wildfire-prone areas throughout the U.S. Currently installed on over four million homes, James Hardie products have earned a favorable reputation within the industry and have been specified in some of the country's most prestigious projects.

Media Contact:
Christy Ingle
Vertical Marketing Network
949-751-9200
Christy.Ingle@verticalmarketing.net