LIGHTWEIGHT AND AFFORDABLE, THE MASON-LITE MASONRY FIREPLACE SYSTEM IS CREATING A BUZZ IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Santa Ana, CA - December 19, 2006 – Masonry Fireplace Industries, LLC, (MFI) today announced that Mason-Lite, its premier product, has passed testing for 127 and 103 UL standards for chimney and ventilation components and is seismic compliant.

The Mason-Lite masonry fireplace system meets or exceeds all federal, state, and local construction building code requirements. These modular concrete fire boxes are the lightest in weight in their class with the highest heat resistant strength on the market. Mason-Lite is half the weight of available competitive products. In testing, Mason-Lite had double the compressive strength of our largest competitor.

Made in the U.S., Mason-Lite is available in three standard sizes for both indoor and outdoor hearth systems. The company offers prompt delivery and better quality control with flexible just-in-time inventory management.

"We have developed a proven production process that allows us to affordably manufacture a lightweight, quality masonry fireplace system that is energy efficient with wider heat radiance. The secret is superior insulating properties with air pockets that hold the heat better," said MFI cofounder Bill Harris.

In 2005, half a million masonry fireplaces were sold in the U.S. and the numbers continue to increase. Mason-Lite represents a new opportunity for architects, builders, remodeling professionals and home owners who want the luxury of a masonry fireplace, but shied away because of the cost and difficulty of installation.

"At a cost of 50% less than traditional hand-built masonry fireplaces, our product is more affordable than competitive products currently available in the U.S.," said MFI cofounder Bill Harris. "And, because of its lightweight construction, it can be easily installed on the upper floors of a building. Many homeowners would like to have a fireplace in their second story bedroom, and now they can."

Masonry Fireplace Industries, LLC was started in 2005 by a group of individuals who together, have nearly 100 years of experience in the fireplace manufacturing business. Since 1966 the partners of MFI have developed and manufactured fireplaces for U.S. builders. They envisioned the need for a lightweight masonry fireplace, and Mason-Lite is their premier product.

Building suppliers and home builders looking to partner with MFI to distribute Mason-Lite may contact MFI at 800.345.7078.