Haworth reports a spill
BIG RAPIDS, MI - October 26, 2010 - On Saturday October 23, the Haworth Big Rapids facility inadvertently discharged a water based paint mixture into the Big Rapids sewer system. The discharge was predominantly contained within the Big Rapids sewer treatment facility. From there, a small amount was discharged into the Muskegon River.

Haworth immediately notified the city and has been working with all appropriate government entities to ensure all necessary steps are taken to minimize any effects. While the discharge was more than 90 percent water and the majority was contained at the sewer facility, it included water based paint elements. We expect that testing will confirm no harmful effects to people or the environment. The City of Big Rapids and Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment have been conducting precautionary testing to confirm that assessment.

The cause of the discharge remains under investigation and we have taken preventative steps to ensure a similar event cannot occur. Haworth will continue to cooperate with Big Rapids and government authorities to ensure there is no risk associated with the discharge.

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Haworth, Inc. is a global leader in the design and manufacturing of office furniture and organic workspaces, including raised access floors, moveable walls, systems furniture, seating, storage and wood casegoods. Family-owned and privately held, Haworth is headquartered in Holland, Michigan and serves markets in more than 120 countries through a global network of 600 dealers. The company had net sales of US $1.11 billion in 2009. www.haworth.com

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