GRANDVILLE, Mich.--Dec. 2, 2003-- X-Rite, Incorporated today announced the appointment of L. Peter Frieder, Jr. to its Board of Directors. Frieder, 60, is the President and CEO of Gentex Corporation headquartered in Carbondale, Pennsylvania. Gentex is recognized as a world leader in the design, development and manufacture of integrated life support systems for human protection and enhanced human performance. Its business concentrates on helmet systems, performance materials, respiratory products, and electro-acoustics primarily serving military markets. It also produces commercial products, developed as a by-product of technologies created for military uses. "I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Frieder to the Board of Directors. His depth of global experience in technology related businesses will serve X-Rite shareholders well as we continue to progress and strengthen our business strategies around the world," said John E. Utley, Chairman of the Board of X-Rite, Incorporated. "We are building an extraordinary company, and the addition of this innovative leader to the X-Rite Board supports our commitment to performance excellence and integrity." In 1989, Frieder organized Gentex Optics, Inc. and introduced the first prescription polycarbonate lens product. In 1995, the optics business was sold to Essilor International, a $2 billion manufacturer and distributor of ophthalmic optics that is publicly traded on the Paris Stock Exchange. Gentex Corporation, the original founding company, was retained as private. Frieder continues to work for Essilor as its Senior Vice President of U.S. Business Development and the U.S. representative on its New Business Team. He also serves on the Board of MicroOptical Corporation, a high tech, head mounted micro display company, in which Essilor along with others have a financial stake.