The Haartz Corp. Acquires Rode & Schwalenberg GmbH of Germany

    ACTON, Mass., April 26 To further strengthen The Haartz
Corp.'s position as the leading supplier of automotive convertible topping
worldwide, the company announced today that it has acquired Rode &
Schwalenberg GmbH of Mannheim, Germany, including Rode & Schwalenberg Inc. of
Dover, N.H.  The announcement was made by William T. Kendrick, president of
Haartz.  Terms were not disclosed.
    Rode & Schwalenberg will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Haartz.  The
newly combined organization will significantly expand manufacturing
capabilities, technical expertise and distribution networks.
    Kendrick said there will be no changes in the management group at Rode &
Schwalenberg.  Rudiger Ernst of Rode & Schwalenberg will remain as managing
director and report to Kendrick.
    "We are extremely excited about this new organization and the benefits it
will offer the industry," said John M. Capron, Haartz vice president of sales
and marketing - exteriors.  "By combining our resources and complementary
product lines, we can provide our customers with new innovations and world-
class technologies."
    "With facilities in the United States and Europe, Rode & Schwalenberg and
Haartz together can better serve the growing global automotive industry,"
Ernst said.  "Our customers worldwide will benefit from our local service,
local engineering and local manufacturing."
    The merged companies plan to follow a dual brand and operation strategy,
continuing with leading trademarks such as the Sonnenland(R) and Twillfast(R)
convertible topping brands.
    Rode & Schwalenberg GmbH -- a leading manufacturer of convertible hood
material -- is in its 105th year of operation.  The company's manufacturing,
engineering and sales facilities are located in Mannheim, Germany.
    The Haartz Corp. -- a leading manufacturer of engineered-coated materials
for the U.S. and European markets -- has its corporate and manufacturing
headquarters, and a research and development center in Acton, Mass., as well
as sales offices around the world.
    The company supplies sport-utility vehicle and convertible topping fabrics
and moldable automotive interior-trim materials worldwide.  One of the top 100
global automotive interior suppliers, Haartz has served the auto industry
since 1907.  For more information, visit http://www.haartz.com

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