Collins & Aikman Names Smidt, Director, Financial and Long Range Planning and Analysis

    TROY, Mich.--Feb. 5, 2001--Collins & Aikman Corporation today announced the promotion of David R. Smidt to Director of Financial and Long Range Planning and Analysis. In making the announcement, Kenneth Arndorfer, Vice President of Financial Planning and Analysis, commented, "Smidt has been a strong contributor to Collins & Aikman's financial planning and analysis capabilities. His demonstrated leadership skills and extensive automotive accounting and financial experience will be increasingly important to Collins & Aikman as we continue strengthening and expanding our global product portfolio."
    As Director of Financial and Long Range Planning and Analysis, Smidt will have responsibility for developing Collins & Aikman's long range plan in conjunction with the operating divisions, directing the financial planning and analysis function of the Company and providing financial support for various special projects. Prior to this assignment, Smidt was Senior Manager of Financial Planning and Analysis and was an outstanding contributor in the recent recapitalization and relaunch of Collins & Aikman with Heartland Industrial Partners. With more than 13 years of automotive accounting and financial experience, Smidt joined Collins & Aikman in October 1999 and holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from Northwood University, Midland, Mich.
    Collins & Aikman, with annual sales approaching $2 billion, is the global leader in automotive floor and acoustic systems and is a leading supplier of automotive fabric, interior trim and convertible top systems. The Company's operations span the globe through 63 facilities, 13 countries and over 15,000 employees who are committed to achieving total excellence. Collins & Aikman's high-quality products combine industry-leading design and styling capabilities, superior manufacturing capabilities and the industry's most effective NVH "quiet" technologies. Information about Collins & Aikman is available on the Internet at www.collinsaikman.com.