The Haartz Corporation to Add TPO Capacity Due to Increased Automotive Demand

ACTON, Mass., Oct. 25, 2005 -- In response to increased demand for TPO (thermoplastic olefin) related materials, The Haartz Corporation -- which has a sales office in Bloomfield Hills, Mich. -- announced today it will expand its current TPO capacity.

According to Doug Sieber, Haartz vice president of operations, the new extrusion line will represent state-of-the-art technology and will be dedicated to the production of TPO sheet and foam laminates with enhanced performance. With the addition of the new line, Haartz will significantly increase its capability in this segment of the product portfolio. The new line is expected to be fully operational by the first quarter of 2006.

Haartz President John L. Fox said that market growth in the TPO related door panel and instrument panel business is a direct result of market successes with its current customers and expansion of the customer base in 2006.

Dedicated to being one of the world leaders for supplying TPO related materials to the automotive market, Haartz is a privately held company based in Acton, Mass. The company also has production facilities at its European operations in Mannheim, Germany. In business since 1907, the company is a leading producer of coated fabrics for convertible topping, and foils and composites for automotive interiors. For more information, visit http://www.haartz.com/ .