Whether a hobbyist, a weekend warrior, a sportsman, Gladiator® GarageWorks believes it has a new product line to open up more space in the garage. At this year's International Builders' Show (IBS), Gladiator® GarageWorks will debut a prototype of an innovative, bike mounting device seen on network television. The mounting device along with two new storage cabinets expands Gladiator® GarageWorks 2008 organization line.

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According to a 2007 survey, America's garages are larger than ever with the average garage large enough to hold two cars. To help Americans take advantage of this large space Gladiator® GarageWorks will showcase a prototype of the innovative, bike mounting device known as the Claw -- seen on the hit television show American Inventor -- alongside two new extra large heavy duty steel cabinets measuring eight and six feet respectively. Additionally, Gladiator® GarageWorks' new smart solutions lineup will be on display including seven specialized brackets, hooks, bins, and caddies that allow consumers to better customize and organize their ever-growing garage space.

"Through the years Gladiator brand has been fully committed to providing garage organization solutions for all aspects of the garage including the floor, walls, and appliances," noted Lou Ann Schafer, Senior Marketing Manager, Gladiator® GarageWorks. "In 2008 Gladiator brand is expanding the organization line to help improve seasonal storage and utilize wasted space."

The Claw, as it was referred to on American Inventor, designed by Craig Forrest and David Moeller, will be displayed at IBS and then restyled, rebranded, renamed and relaunched by the brand in the coming months. To store a bicycle up to 50 pounds the device grasps a bicycle's tire by opposing hooks when the central plunger is depressed. By re-pressing or "bumping the plunger" the device opens and unlocks for easy bicycle wheel removal without having to lift the bicycle over the top of a standard bike hook. Availability and specs of the bicycle device will be announced later this year.

In the coming months, Gladiator brand will also launch the staggering Gladiator® Eight Foot Cabinet, which is taller than the world's largest current active professional basketball player and large enough to house items like vacuum cleaners, large bins or landscaping tools. The brand is also introducing the Gladiator® Extra Large GearBox Cabinet, the brand's largest GearBox with 48" wide x 72" high x 18" deep dimensions, perfect for storing gardening pots, life vests, sleeping bags, toolboxes, or bulk supplies.

The Gladiator® Eight Foot Cabinet and the Gladiator® Extra Large GearBox Cabinet will be available this spring.

  The Gladiator® GarageWorks product line up also includes:

  -- The Gladiator® GearLoft™ Shelf available this fall for a MSRP of
     $69.

  -- The Gladiator® Storage Bin Holder available this March for a MSRP of
     $20.

  -- The Gladiator® Ball Caddy available this spring for a MSRP of $50.

  -- The Gladiator® Fishing Pole Holder available in pairs of two this
     February for a MSRP of $20.

  -- The Gladiator® Modular GearBin available this spring.

  -- The Gladiator® Project Caddy available this spring for a MSRP of $80.

  -- The Gladiator® Golf Caddy available this spring for a MSRP of $120.

To find out more about the entire Gladiator® GarageWorks line visit www.GladiatorGW.com.

About Gladiator® GarageWorks

Gladiator® GarageWorks is the leader in garage organization delivering innovative solutions that allow garage owners to organize their space in a way that suits their individual storage needs. It is the only garage organization system to offer coordinated appliances designed for the harsh garage environment.

Gladiator® GarageWorks offers a Premier pre-assembled line and Ready-to-Assemble line for do-it-yourselfers. Products are available through local garage dealers, retailers including Sears and Lowe's or via www.GladiatorGW.com.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact: angela_m_hersil@whirlpool.com

SOURCE: Whirlpool Corporation