HOMER LAUGHLIN CHINA COMPANY: ONE STEP CLOSER TO 75^TH ANNIVERSARY OF FIESTA BRAND

Unveils second item in series: 19 ¼” LARGE OVAL SERVING PLATTER

Newell, W.Va.—(March 22, 2009)—The Homer Laughlin China Company™ is just two years, and two items, away from celebrating the 75^th Anniversary of its number one selling brand: FIESTA®. This week, at the International Home & Housewares (Chicago), McCormick Place, South Building, Booth No. S2003, the manufacturer unveils the second of three celebratory collectibles—a 19 ¼-inch large oval serving platter available in new and limited availability anniversary color, Marigold.

 In 2011, Homer Laughlin will officially celebrate the 75^th Anniversary of its dinnerware line dating back to the 1930s; FIESTA was originally designed by Frederick Hurten Rhead and introduced to consumers in 1936. Today, FIESTA is the most collected china. Made in the U.S., it tops bridal registries as the must-have in the everyday dinnerware category; and, Homer Laughlin is the largest and last remaining U.S. china manufacturer, employing more than 850 at its factory in Newell, WV.

 With this year’s 75^th Anniversary item, says Fiesta Dinnerware’s Rich Brinkman, “We’re one step closer to the big finale. The third and final anniversary items will truly thrill enthusiasts.” In addition to limited availability, Homer Laughlin will limit the number of items manufactured and released to the marketplace.

“It will truly be a first come, first served basis,” says Brinkman.

The first anniversary item consisted of three perfectly nested baking bowls, available in Marigold, the official 75^th Anniversary color, as well as seven fabulous FIESTA hues: Scarlet, Cobalt, Tangerine, Sunflower, Peacock, Shamrock, White and Ivory. The 3-piece baking bowl set introduced last year in the Marigold glaze will retire September 1, 2009.

Like the baking bowls, the platter will be available in Marigold and the same seven coordinating colors. In Marigold, availability is limited to 75 weeks—April 1, 2009 to September 1, 2010; thereafter, the Marigold platter retires.

In the other colors, the platter will remain at retail—available at select fine department and specialty stores, as well as catalog and online beginning April 1, 2009 and thereafter; $99.99 (MSRP).

About Fiesta® Dinnerware, Made In The USA

Designed by Frederick Hurten Rhead in 1936, FIESTA Dinnerware is now the most collected china in the United States and among the most collected china in the world. It has been featured on many popular TV programs, including ABC’s Extreme Home Makeover and the Today Show. The product was discontinued in 1973 and reissued in 1986 with new contemporary colors to mark its 50th anniversary. Its unique Art Deco style has landed FIESTA Dinnerware in the collections of numerous museums from the Smithsonian Institution to the Andy Warhol Museum. For more information, visit: homerlaughlin.com.

About The Homer Laughlin China Company™

The Homer Laughlin China Company is the last major plate, saucer and cup manufacturer in the country, employing more than 850 employees at its factory in Newell, WV. In the restaurant and hospitality category, the company’s china dates back to the late 1800s and the production of yellow “ware”. It was in 1936 that Homer Laughlin ventured into retail with its colorful FIESTA dishes. Today, this distinctive brand is featured on dining tables across the country and coveted by a large, enthusiastic group of collectors. Backed by 130 plus history in the industry, Homer Laughlin continues to dominate in dinnerware—committed to its craft, its workforce, its region and its country. For additional information, visit: hlchina.com.