Newell Rubbermaid Commercial Products Launches Technology To Enable Healthier Cleaning While Reducing Worker Effort

Newell Rubbermaid Commercial Products Launches Technology To Enable Healthier Cleaning While Reducing Worker Effort

		The Rubbermaid Pulse Floor Cleaning System combines industry-best microfiber with the time-saving portability of an on-board cleaning reservoir. (PRNewsFoto/Newell Rubbermaid Inc.) ATLANTA, GA UNITED STATES

Pulse and Flow Floor Systems Drive Cleaner, Healthier Facilities and More Productive Maintenance Professionals ATLANTA, March 19, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Newell Rubbermaid (NYSE: NWL) today announced two new innovations in its Commercial Products global business unit, the leader in durable facility maintenance solutions for commercial and institutional markets worldwide, to address growing trends in facilities maintenance. The Rubbermaid Pulse(TM) Floor Cleaning System and Rubbermaid Flow(TM) Floor Finishing System incorporate advancements in commercial mop technology to address public concerns about transmission of infectious diseases, as well as promote custodial worker well-being and productivity. (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080319/CLW002 ) Another example of Newell Rubbermaid's focus on consumer-driven innovation, the Rubbermaid Pulse and Flow systems enable facilities managers for hospitals, airports, educational institutions, commercial buildings and other public spaces to address the vital issues of worker and public safety, while tackling the urgent need to control the spread of increasingly virulent germs through hygienic cleaning. "By listening to the needs of our customers and end-users in the facilities maintenance sector, we are delivering innovation even in a seemingly conventional tool of the trade-the mop-to address emerging public hygiene concerns, as well as workplace safety and productivity needs," said Mark Ketchum, president and chief executive officer of Newell Rubbermaid. "In doing so, we continue to deliver on our commitment to bring to market innovative products that offer solutions to consumers' everyday needs. In short, to create Brands that Matter(TM)." Rubbermaid Pulse(TM) Microfiber Floor Cleaning System Amid increased focus on preventing the spread of diseases in public spaces, the Rubbermaid Pulse system utilizes best-in-class microfiber technology in the mop pads, which can easily be changed for varying cleaning needs. The dense microfiber structure cleans better than conventional cleaning products and color-coded pads help reduce cross-contamination, a key component of cleaning for hygiene versus cleaning for appearance only. The durable pads can withstand more than 500 launderings, ultimately reducing total cost of use. The Rubbermaid Pulse Floor Cleaning System combines the industry-best microfiber with the time-saving-portability of an on-board cleaning reservoir. It can hold 21 ounces of cleaning solution on-board, offering the capacity to clean 850 square feet per fill -- that's the equivalent of three patient rooms in a typical hospital -- greatly reducing time spent refilling. By using the Rubbermaid Pulse Caddy, which can easily be transported on a Rubbermaid Cleaning Cart, users have access to a two gallon capacity that represents 12 refills, further improving efficiency. A user can clean up to 10,000 square feet utilizing the Pulse mop and Caddy's Clean-Connect technology -- a one-step click-connection which stops automatically when full -- meaning no spills and no exposure to chemicals or their vapors. The Rubbermaid Pulse Floor Cleaning System has an ergonomic trigger handle that helps reduce worker strain and delivers three streams of cleaning solution whenever it's needed. It also is non-atomizing for greener cleaning. The full-length view windows make it easy to see how much liquid is left, taking out the guesswork of when to refill, and the Quick Connect frame makes switching to the 11-inch or 24-inch Rubbermaid microfiber frame simple. Both features maximize time throughout the workday. The system is ideal for maintenance pros looking for time-saving and effective cleaning solutions that improve productivity and help eliminate cross contamination. Rubbermaid Flow(TM) Floor Finishing System The goal in developing the high-capacity, highly portable Rubbermaid Flow Floor Finishing System was to offer a complete finishing system that would help reduce labor costs and improve worker well-being, while maintaining efficiency and ease of use. This system features an easy to refill backpack enabling the user to cover 3,000 square feet per fill, with no heavy lifting of cleaning solution and only the mop to handle. The ergonomic design distributes weight to the hips instead of shoulders, reducing back strain and protecting worker well-being. Additionally, the Rubbermaid Flow backpack design has built in venting features which increase air flow between the user and the backpack for added comfort. It also has a variety of accessory holders for items such as an iPod(R) or mobile phone. Both the Rubbermaid Pulse Microfiber Floor Cleaning System, now available, and the Flow Floor Finishing System, available this summer, are designed to work in conjunction with other Rubbermaid floor care equipment to create a comprehensive cleaning system. For more information on these or other Rubbermaid Commercial Products visit http://www.rcpworksmarter.com . About Newell Rubbermaid Newell Rubbermaid Inc., an S&P 500 company, is a global marketer of consumer and commercial products with sales of over $6 billion and a strong portfolio of brands, including Rubbermaid(R), Sharpie(R), Graco(R), Calphalon(R), Irwin(R), Lenox(R), Levolor(R), Paper Mate(R), Dymo(R), Waterman(R), Parker(R), Goody(R), Bernzomatic(R) and Amerock(R). The company is headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., and has approximately 22,500 employees worldwide. This press release and additional information about Newell Rubbermaid are available on the company's Web site, http://www.newellrubbermaid.com . NWL-PR