Nalco Africa Signs Distributor Agreement with Tupelovox (Pty.) Ltd.

JOHANNESBURG, January 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

Nalco Africa (Pty) Ltd. and Tupelovox (Pty) Ltd. have signed a non-exclusive agreement under which Tupelovox will distribute Nalco's industrial water and process treatment programs in South Africa to the municipal and institutional markets.

"Nalco Africa is strongly committed to broad-based black economic empowerment and the goal of strengthening the economy through the participation of all citizens," said Paul Voorhout, Managing Director, Nalco Africa. "Partnering with Tupelovox is a tangible demonstration of that commitment. We will provide start up assistance to this 100 percent black-owned enterprise, giving them the opportunity to help customers develop and institute world-class industrial water treatment programs."

Under the distributor agreement, Tupelovox will be able to provide Nalco Africa's broad range of innovative water treatment solutions to its customers including the award-winning 3D TRASAR(R) automation technology which has helped customers globally save more than one billion cubic meters of water since it was introduced. Nalco Africa will also provide use of its facilities, both technical and sales training to Tupelovox employees and technical support as they work with Tupelovox customers.

"Water scarcity and water quality are critical issues facing South Africa. To achieve the economic success needed to move our country and our entire people forward, industry must find ways to grow while limiting its total water use," said Eugene Sihle Ngcobo, Owner and Director, Tupelovox. "Having access to Nalco's globally proven water treatment solutions and their support and training will allow us to help our customers achieve that growth while preserving and protecting those limited water supplies."

About Nalco Africa

Nalco Africa, located in Johannesburg, provides industrial water and process treatments to various industries in southern and eastern Africa including food and beverage, chemicals, steel, light and medium manufacturing, petrochemicals, mining and mineral processing, refining, automotive, power generation and pulp and papermaking. Nalco Africa is a joint venture of Nalco Holding Company (NYSE: NLC) of the United States and Protea Chemicals of South Africa, a division of the Omnia Group.

About Tupelovox (Pty) Limited

Tupelovox (Pty) Limited is a black owned, controlled and managed company which provides turnkey scientific and engineering solutions of water resources management and related activities. Incorporated in 2009, Tupelovox has successfully developed integrated engineering, natural scientific and environmental science expertise. The shareholders have assembled a diverse and accomplished group of specialists who are ready to act "on need basis".