Hastings' Canadian Unit Agrees to Acquire Toronto Engine-Products Distributor

     Hastings, Inc. will expand its Canadian presence with acquisition of
                          Ertel Manufacturing Corp.

    HASTINGS, Mich., Feb. 12 -- Hastings Manufacturing Co. (Amex: HMF) today announced its Canadian subsidiary
has signed a definitive agreement to purchase Toronto-based Ertel
Manufacturing Corp. of Canada, Ltd., a leading distributor of internal engine
components throughout Canada's provinces.
    The Hastings, Mich.-based piston ring manufacturer and engine-products
specialist said the acquisition would allow its Barrie, Ontario-based
Hastings, Inc. unit to increase market share and significantly expand its
Canadian presence.  On completion of the transaction, the company will sell a
full range of internal engine components, including piston rings, pistons,
gaskets, bearings, camshafts and other parts.  The combined company will be
headed by Robert W. Weatherston, president of Hastings, Inc.
    Hastings said the transaction, which remains subject to certain
contingencies, is expected to close in mid-March.  Terms were not disclosed.
    Privately held Ertel Manufacturing, which posted sales of $16.7 million
(U.S.) in 2002, distributes a full line of internal engine parts through 13
distribution centers located throughout Canada.  Ertel Manufacturing
distributes a number of high-quality brands, including its own Engine Parts
One brand, to top professional engine rebuilders, parts warehouses, specialty
retailers and original equipment manufacturers.
    "The combination of Hastings and Ertel will provide a winning mix for
customers, suppliers and employees of both companies," said Mark R.S. Johnson,
Hastings chairman and CEO.  "Immediately, it will enable us to improve our
service and expand the number of products we can offer to customers throughout
Canada.  Additionally, the transaction provides us opportunities to marry the
complementary resources of both companies -- particularly Hastings'
operational excellence and financial strength and Ertel's market presence and
distribution expertise."
    Hastings said the transaction is another step in its effort to become a
global supplier of engine products.  Known best as a manufacturer of high-
quality piston rings, the 85-year-old company has significantly expanded the
portfolio of engine components it sells in recent years through alliances.
    Hastings initiated the growth strategy in 1999, when the Hastings Canada
subsidiary created a Distribution, Administration and Sales (DAS) program to
sell an entire complement of engine components, including piston rings,
pistons, camshafts, valves and related parts to the Canadian aftermarket.
Over the last four years, Hastings has formed alliances to market and
distribute other engine components in North America and throughout the world.
    "Hastings' growth in Canada as a full-line supplier of engine components
makes this an attractive opportunity for Ertel's customers, suppliers and
employees," said Jeffrey Scott, president of Ertel Manufacturing.  "As a
company, Hastings is committed to providing the investment and resources
necessary to maximize the opportunities that exist in the engine niche of the
Canadian aftermarket."

    About Ertel Manufacturing Corp. of Canada, Ltd.
    Ertel Manufacturing Corp. is a leading supplier of internal engine
components, including the Engine Parts One, Clevite, and Victor-Reinz brands.
Ertel, which operates 13 distribution centers throughout Canada, has won the
prestigious ERI Supplier of the Year award for eight consecutive years and
serves as the authorized supplier of internal engine components to leading
professional engine rebuilders, parts warehouses, specialty retailers and
related businesses.

    About Hastings Manufacturing Co.
    Hastings Manufacturing Co. serves the automotive parts market with a
complete line of internal engine products including piston rings sold under
the HASTINGS(R) brand name; pistons sold under the Zollner(R) brand; and
gaskets, import pistons, engine bearings and a variety of other engine
components sold under the ACL(R) brand.  Hastings also markets engine
additives sold under the CASITE(TM) brand through The Casite Company, a joint
venture that markets both directly and through independent representatives.
Canadian distribution of all products is handled through a wholly owned
subsidiary, Hastings, Inc. located in Barrie, Ontario.  During 1999, Hastings
began to distribute and administer products for other U.S.-based suppliers in
the Canadian market.  These products complement the current piston ring
offerings as to both distribution channels and customer base.

    Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995: The statements contained in this news release include certain
predictions and projections that may be considered forward-looking statements
under securities laws.  These statements involve a number of important risks
and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially,
including but not limited to economic, competitive, governmental and
technological factors affecting the Company's operations, markets, products,
services and prices.