The Miyakojima Weathering Test Center is scheduled to open in August 2001. This facility was completed by relocating one of Nippon Paint's six test facilities throughout Japan. The weathering test facility is designed to test painted/coated samples or actual structures for paint film/coating weathering resistance through exposure to actual outdoor conditions such as sunlight and rain. At Nippon Paint, all paints used for automobiles, bridges and other construction applications undergo intense weathering tests before being marketed. Along with growing concerns for resource conservation, the market demand for improved weathering resistance also applies to paints as well. Meeting such demands requires large-scale testing facilities that can accommodate extended test periods.
	1. Strong ultraviolet radiation 2. Climatic conditions similar to those of Florida in the U.S.A. (same latitude) -- home to the facility that sets the global standard for weathering tests 3. Data sharing and cooperation with the Weathering Test Center of Japan also located on Miyakojima Island 4. Ideal location with easy access to the local airport (20-minute ride) The Miyakojima Weathering Test Center was built with maximum efforts to minimize environmental impact and preserve the natural beauty of Miyakojima Island. During construction measures were implemented to prevent red clay runoff. To protect against groundwater pollution no chemicals will be used on the lawns. To harmonize with the surrounding landscape, the color scheme for the test facility resulted from a detailed analysis of the region's environmental characteristics. Extensive use of the latest testing equipment and information technology underscores Nippon Paint's desire to develop the center into a world-class reference for weathering test facilities. Facility: Nippon Paint Miyakojima Weathering Test Center Location: Abugawa, Karimata, Hirara, Miyako-gun, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan Land area: Initial stage: 10,400 square-meters Full project completion: 18,500 square-meters Building outline: Total building area: 216 square-meters Total floor area: 192 square-meters 1-story building of ferro-concrete structure Functions: Management/administration of testing facilities, testing/measurements, presentations, etc. Testing equipment: Glossmeters, chrominance meters, etc. Testing capacity: Phase 1: 300 test racks (30,000 test boards)     Original structure test area:1,320 square-meters Full project completion: 500 test racks (50,000 test boards)     Original structure test area: 3,960 square-meters

				(C) 1997-2002 NIPPON PAINT Co., Ltd. All rights reserved.