ST. LOUIS, May 25, 2006 – Negwer Materials Inc. has added Rich Hargis as operations manager.

Hargis brings to Negwer approximately 20 years of experience in building materials management. As Negwer’s operations manager, Hargis oversees the company’s safety program, inventory flow and distribution, equipment and facilities.

Hargis spent the past 16 years with another St. Louis building materials supplier, most recently serving as operations manager.

Hargis serves as a board member and treasurer for Country Hills Water Inc., as commissioner of the Metro East Baseball Association, and as coach/manager for the Highland Grizzles. He attended both Western Kentucky University and Belleville Area College, majoring in business.

Founded in 1924, Negwer Materials Inc. supplies building materials to general contractors, architects and specialty contractors. Products include acoustical systems; doors, frames and hardware; exterior wall systems; fasteners and tools; interior wall systems and light gauge steel trusses. Divisions include NMI Associates and Negwer Door Systems. Headquartered in St. Louis, Negwer operates 10 locations throughout Missouri and southern Illinois. For more information, visit www.negwer.com.
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For more information: Michelle Mason/Carol Kovacik, Millennium Communications Inc., 314/569-7100 (office), 314/368-6780 (cell), mmason@millenniumcom.com, Shelley Hammann, Negwer Materials, 314/522-0579