COLUMBIA, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 1, 2007--W. R. Grace & Co. (NYSE:GRA) is celebrating the official opening of its new manufacturing facility in Mt. Pleasant, Tennessee today. The company is marking the achievement with an open house, community tours and remarks from elected officials and members of Grace's leadership team, including President & CEO Fred Festa. The facility operates as part of Grace Construction Products and manufactures commercial and residential building materials, such as roofing, flashing and structural waterproofing products.

"This state-of-the-art facility represents a significant long-term investment in Mt. Pleasant and an important part of Grace's expansion plans," remarked Festa. "We are excited about the opportunities the facility offers to our company, our new colleagues in Tennessee and the local community."

The Mt. Pleasant site consists of a 100,000 square feet building located on 25 acres of property. Major manufacturing equipment has been installed and tested to support Grace's growth and focus on innovation.

The additional capacity created by the facility enables Grace to bring products to market faster and service customers in the South and nationwide better with reduced logistics costs and improved productivity. The grand opening caps a two-year process involving site selection, renovation and construction.

"The community has been tremendously supportive of Grace, assisting with utilities, permits and employment services," mentioned Mark Morgan, Plant Manager. "We appreciate the support received and are committed to generating growth opportunities for the citizens of Mt. Pleasant and the surrounding communities."

The facility's address is Grace Construction Products, 350 Magnolia Drive, Mt. Pleasant, TN 38474, USA. The telephone number is +1 931.379.0000.

Grace is a leader in the construction products industry, manufacturing a full range of waterproofing products for residential and commercial construction, including Grace Ice & Water Shield(R) and Tri-Flex 30(R) roofing underlayments, Vycor(R) window, door and deck flashings, and Bituthene(R) below grade structural waterproofing systems. These products provide protection against water and moisture infiltration that can cause structural damage, rot and mold, and ultimately make buildings and homes stronger and more comfortable.

Grace is a leading global supplier of catalysts and other products and services to petroleum refiners; catalysts for the manufacture of plastics; silica-based engineered and specialty materials for a wide range of industrial applications; specialty chemicals, additives and materials for commercial and residential construction; and can sealants and coatings for food packaging. With annual sales of more than $2.8 billion, Grace has about 6,500 employees and operations in over 40 countries. For more information, visit Grace's web site at www.grace.com.

    CONTACT: W. R. Grace & Co.
             Media Relations:
             Greg Euston, +1 404-870-6809
             greg.euston@mslpr.com
             or
             Investor Relations:
             Bridget Sarikas, +1 410-531-4194
             bridget.sarikas@grace.com

    SOURCE: W. R. Grace & Co.