Cargill Agrees to Grant Zirax Exclusive Rights to Market SafeLane Surface Overlay in Russia

17/04/07 Cargill announced it has signed an agreement granting Zirax PLC, the specialty chemical company focused on oilfield process chemicals and de-icing solutions, exclusive rights to market SafeLane Surface Overlay in Russia and the 10 other countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The agreement takes effect immediately.

SafeLane Surface Overlay is a revolutionary technology for making roads and bridges safer for winter driving. Its patented combination of epoxy and aggregate acts like a rigid sponge, storing deicing chemicals inside and automatically releasing them as snow and ice conditions develop. The technology is currently reducing accidents and improving driving mobility at more than two dozen installations across the United States.

SafeLane overlay complements Zirax’s existing de-icing offerings, adding a unique solution for combating problems spots such as bridges where ice can form more quickly than on other parts of the road leading to traffic accidents.

The agreement enables Zirax to:

• market and sell SafeLane overlay alongside its existing IceMelt de-icing product line and its calcium chloride pellets,

• meet strong demand for high performance de-icing solutions from municipal authorities in Russia and the CIS. Zirax’s proximity to these markets allows Cargill to utilize its distribution network, and

• utilize the patents, technology, trademarks and copyrights involved in SafeLane overlay for an initial period of four years.

“I am delighted that we have been able to secure an exclusive license for SafeLane overlay from Cargill,” says Valery Andosov, chief executive, Zirax. “SafeLane overlay is a revolutionary product which has proved very successful following its launch to the North American market over the last two winters. Its addition to the Zirax de-icing solutions portfolio adds an important new component to help us better serve both existing and new customers within our core business segment.”

SafeLane Overlay is a new technology unlike anything now being used. An analysis of SafeLane’s performance during the 2005-2006 winter season (the latest data available), commissioned by Cargill, found no weather-related accidents at any of the nine test sites in place, even though most of the sites had a history of dangerous winter accidents.

“We are thrilled to be teaming up with Zirax,” said Bob Persichetti, general manager for SafeLane Surface Overlay. “We wanted a partner that has an excellent working relationship with municipalities throughout Russia and the CIS. Zirax brings to the table a proven record of success in this region.”

Safelane’s patented technology is licensed to Cargill by Michigan Tech University, where it was invented by Russ Alger, director of MTU’s Institute for Snow Research.