June 26, 2006 - FRISCO (DALLAS/FT. WORTH), TX - Makita USA, Inc., manufacturer of professional quality power tools and accessories, has undoubtedly struck a chord with Dallas area Hispanic construction workers with its inaugural contractor's soccer tournament. Despite the heat and humidity this past weekend, by 8:00AM Saturday morning, the fields at Pizza Hut Park (PHP) bustled with activity as the first annual COPA MAKITA commenced. The event was held both Saturday and Sunday beginning with 32 teams and wrapping up with two finalists by Sunday afternoon. The championship match, slated for July 4 th between Manchester United and Atlético Español, will be played at noon in the PHP stadium hours before the FC Dallas match and the Frisco Freedom Fest. The winning team will go home with 20 full sets of Makita LXT combo kits, featuring Makita's new innovative 18V Lithium Ion technology.

By 8:30 Saturday, all the teams had registered, taken team photos and warmed up while player's families and friends checked out the booths, games and inflatables. The Makita booths became the center of attention off-field as the public stopped to experience Makita's new, innovative 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Power tools, test their soccer skills and chat with the lovely Chicas Makita. The turnout was incredible and principally Hispanic; one was hard pressed to hear much English. In fact, over 90% of the registered players were of Hispanic decent and about 80% make construction their living.

"COPA MAKITA is definitely helping us engage this incredibly important segment where they LIVE, WORK, SHOP and PLAY. There are obviously plenty of Spanish speaking contractors living and working in the Dallas area. We know where they shop and with COPA MAKITA, we can now engage them where they play . Although the event is principally a tournament, we know the importance of family to Hispanics. We've ensured a good time would be had by all.male, female, young and old," says Xavier Turpin, Marketing Manager for Makita's Emerging Markets Department.

Pioneer Fasteners and Southern Fastening Systems, both with stores in the Dallas area and cosponsors for COPA MAKITA, were impressed with the turnout and have seen a significant increase in Hispanic accounts. Soccer is the key driver for this objective and Makita is quickly gaining ground with its MLS (MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER) and FMF (MEXICAN NATIONAL TEAM) sponsorships as well as COPA MAKITA. Makita has certainly hit the nail on the head with its comprehensive Hispanic initiative and ultimate goal of becoming relevant in the lifestyles of Hispanics in construction trades. For more information on the tournament, including photos, visit copamakita.com.

###