Spartech's X-CORE SX Composite Wheels Put a New Spin on Wheelchair Style with Vibrant Colors and Improved Performance

ST. LOUIS, Mo. - July 15, 2008 - Eye-popping primary colors, combined with improved strength, are moving Spartech's X-CORE three-spoke composite wheelchair wheels into the fast lane. These classically elegant wheels, made of an advanced composite material are now available in four colors - Cobalt Blue, Razor Red, Triton Yellow, and a special, limited-edition Pearl White celebrating the 10th anniversary of the X-CORE line. The new wheel collection, called the Spartech X-CORE SX, also features enhanced performance through internal strengthening ribs inside each spoke and factory-set aircraft-grade aluminum hubs.

"The wheelchair is an important part of a user's life, and we are providing them with the most vibrant and lively colors we can for greater overall visual impact and individuality," said Spartech Sales Engineer, Jon Mason. "The X-CORE wheel colors, introduced along with our enhanced materials improvements, allow for customization and superior performance."

Color has long been available in wheelchair wheels, although it has generally been added after-market through painting. With Spartech's distinctive molded-in colors, X-CORE wheels deliver brilliant and vivid color, resisting scratching from moving in and out of vehicles, general wear from everyday use, and weather.

Nick Hambrick, co-owner of New Solutions, a wheelchair parts distributor in San Bernardino, CA, said, "Spartech is taking a monumental step forward in helping the end customer personalize their wheelchair. Most wheelchairs can be purchased in a variety of colors, such as red, blue, and yellow, but very little has been done to add complementary wheel colors, until now."

Spartech X-CORE SX three-spoke wheels have been re-engineered with four key performance improvements. Spartech's patented manufacturing process allows engineers to optimize the shock-absorbing qualities of the advanced composite compound controlling both vertical stiffness (ride comfort) and lateral stiffness (handling and cornering). Each spoke has been strengthened with an internal rib inside the spoke. Aircraft-quality aluminum hubs are installed with advanced epoxy for greater security. And now there is a three-year limited warranty.

Spartech X-CORE SX wheels are available worldwide from both Spartech and from distributors. The Pearl White option is available only for a limited time from distributor New Solutions.

About Spartech
Spartech Corporation is a leading producer of engineered thermoplastic sheet materials, thermoformed packaging, polymeric compounds and concentrates, and engineered product solutions. The Company has facilities located throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe with annual sales of approximately $1.4 billion.