Haartz Forms Alliance with Wolfsteins Pro Series; Suppliers Develop Earth-Friendly Convertible Top Cleaning

The Haartz Corp. -- the world's leading manufacturer of convertible topping fabrics -- announced today that it has formed an alliance with Wolfsteins Pro Series, which will market a new, environmentally friendly line of convertible top cleaners and protectant products. Researched, developed and tested by the two companies, this is the first-ever convertible top cleaning and protection system endorsed by Haartz. Terms were not disclosed. "For three generations, our family has been asked how to clean convertible tops," said Eric Haartz, chief executive officer of Haartz, which has served the auto industry since 1907. "With the exception of soap and water, we never found a product that we felt comfortable endorsing ... until now. The new Wolfsteins Pro Series products for automotive and marine applications meet our strictest standards and have the added benefit of being environmentally friendly." "We're thrilled to be associated with Haartz and to receive its seal of approval for our products," said Rick Goldstein, chief executive officer and co-founder of Wolfsteins Pro Series. "By working directly with the original equipment convertible topping manufacturer, we have had access to key research, development and testing. This has enabled us to create a new generation of solutions that will allow consumers to safely clean and protect their convertible investment." According to John M. Capron, Haartz vice president of sales and marketing - exteriors, the companies have already secured a contract to supply a major automaker's vehicle line with the cleaner and protection system. The four products being marketed through the alliance are the RAGGTOPP(TM) Cleaner and RAGGTOPP(TM) Protectant for cloth automotive convertible tops and BIMINI TOPP(TM) Cleaner and BIMINI TOPP(TM) Protectant for cloth marine tops. These are available separately or in a kit with the cleaner, protectant and a brush. The products and their benefits are: * RAGGTOPP Cleaner - is environmentally safe and biodegradable; uses an anti-oxidant formula; safely removes roof soils and stains; will not harm paint or glass surfaces, fabric or vinyl; is easy to rinse off. * RAGGTOPP Protectant - is a fluorocarbon re-water repelling system; uses a micro-bonding fluoropolymer formula; contains no silicone, Freon or chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs); is ozone friendly to meet California air quality standards; provides ultraviolet (UV) protection with UV stabilizers; protects by keeping out the elements of nature and man; will not harm paint, glass, chrome or plastic windows. * BIMINI TOPP Cleaner - is environmentally safe; non-toxic to aquatic life and mammals; safely removes soils and stains; will not decay fiberglass, rubber, vinyl, plastics or nylon; is easy to rinse off. * BIMINI TOPP Protectant - is a fluorocarbon re-water repelling system; is ozone friendly; is specially designed for marine fabric and vinyl topping material; provides UV protection with UV stabilizers; extends the life of marine fabric and vinyl; is easy to use and apply; withstands multiple washings. Atlanta-based Wolfsteins Pro Series was founded in 1996 by two ragtop enthusiasts who were seeking an answer to the question: how do you clean and protect a convertible top? After years of research and development, the company created a line of cleaners and protectant solutions that finally solved this age-old question. For more information, visit http://www.wolfsteins.com The Haartz Corp. is a leading manufacturer of engineered-coated materials for the U.S. and European markets. A premier manufacturer of auto topping fabrics since the early days of the automobile, the company supplies convertible fabric for nearly every automaker worldwide. Haartz also supplies moldable automotive interior-trim materials on a global basis. Haartz has its corporate and manufacturing headquarters, and a research and development center in Acton, Mass. The company also has sales offices around the world, including an automotive facility in Bloomfield Hills, Mich. Haartz has added global manufacturing and design capabilities with its April 2001 acquisition of Rode & Schwalenberg GmbH in Mannheim, Germany. For more information, visit http://www.haartz.com