(MISSION VIEJO, CALIF.) August 27, 2009 - David Weekley Homes, the nation's second largest for-profit privately held homebuilder, announced today that for the fifth straight year, James Hardie has been awarded its prestigious "Partners of Choice Award," achieving a flawless "A,A" rating in Quality and Service. The award is based on the National Trading Partner Survey, in which approximately 600 of its Team Members evaluate 150 companies in Quality and Service.

Bill Justus, Vice-President of Supply Chain Services for David Weekley Homes, implemented the supplier rating system in 2004 to achieve channel alignment - getting all parties of the supply chain on the same page in providing goods and services in a timely manner.

"When we purchase materials from a manufacturer, we are buying more than just products. We are buying the organization's expertise in overcoming challenges unique to its industry in order to consistently deliver quality products at competitive prices to our job sites," said Bill Justus. "A company's relative success in doing this is what separates good from excellent providers. For the last 5 years James Hardie has been considered world-class in the eyes of our Team Members in delivering on this value proposition."

"There are no shortcuts to success in the National Trading Partner Survey, hence rhetoric will not earn you a good score," Justus concludes. "It goes beyond talk."

The process David Weekley Homes has developed provides incredibly valuable feedback for manufacturers. "We use the survey feedback as a barometer to check our service level and that of our channel partners. We appreciate being given the opportunity to correct a problem and strengthen the relationship" says Dan Tresch, national accounts manager for James Hardie. "I actually wish more builders would use this kind of process as I feel it really helps identify strengths and weaknesses in any partnership.

"The process shows who is willing to invest in a partnership and to really understand our needs at all levels – from purchasing through the design center, the warranty department, accounting and more" says Justus.

About James Hardie
As the world's leading manufacturer of fiber cement building materials, James Hardie has been manufacturing cement-based building products for more than 100 years. It introduced fiber cement products to the U.S. in the early 90s as a durable, lowmaintenance alternative to wood and vinyl. Due to their resistance to wind, fire, impact and flood, James Hardie products also have been specified for homes in hurricane- and wildfire-prone areas throughout the U.S. Currently installed on over four million homes, James Hardie products have earned a favorable reputation within the industry and have been specified in some of the country's most prestigious, highest LEED® rated projects.

About David Weekley Homes
David Weekley Homes, founded in 1976, is headquartered in Houston and operates in 14 cities across the United States. David Weekley Homes was the first builder in the United States to be awarded the Triple Crown of American Home Building, an honor which includes "America's Best Builder," "Builder of the Year," and the "National Housing Quality Award." Weekley has also appeared seven times on FORTUNE® magazine's coveted "100 Best Companies to Work For" list. Since inception, David Weekley Homes has closed more than 60,000 homes. For more information about David Weekley Homes, visit the company's web site at www.davidweekleyhomes.com.