UNIVEST Group Inc. officially inaugurated its Phnom Penh offices and showroom

on Nov. 19. The Los Angeles-based corporation is serving as the exclusive agent and

distributor of water purification equipment made by Chemitreat PVT, Ltd.of Singapore.

UNIVEST has primarily been involved in supplying water treatment goods and services

to various UNTAC components in Cambodia. With the opening of its Phnom Penh showroom

the company has moved into the retail market and expects to broaden its client base

in Cambodia beyond the U.N.

"We've been favorably received by the commercial sector," said Richard

Erxleben, UNIVEST's president and chief executive officer. "We have 50 employees

now and we may expand up to 80 or 100 as our business grows."

The company offers a complete range of ultra violet and chemical water purification

systems ranging from a U.S. $60 hand-held Mini Personal Purifier to comprehensive

systems for commercial or residential use costing as much as U.S. $10,000.

For each system purchased, UNIVEST will provide a service and maintenance package,

including free installation and servicing and a one year guarantee on materials and

labor.

The company is also equipped to provide and service waste water treatment systems.

The official opening ceremonies were presided over by H.R.H. Prince Norodom Chakrapong,

deputy prime minister of the State of Cambodia. The grand opening party ran for three

days and included give-away prizes and the presence of two elephants who caught the

attention of attendees and many passersby at the company's offices near Wat Phnom.

- UNIVEST is located at Villa 31, Street 47, near Wat Phnom.