Harbour Group Subsidiary Acquires JASCO Chemical Corp.

BELLINGHAM, Wash., July 15 -- Fluid Enterprises a subsidiary of Harbour Group has acquired JASCO Chemical Corporation, Sam Fox, Harbour Group's Chairman announced today.

Founded in 1947, JASCO Chemical Corp. is based in Santa Ana Cal. The company manufactures branded paint removers and surface preparation products, including paint removers and strippers, wood refinishers and preservatives, adhesive removers, masonry and concrete preparation products and sealers. The company sells these products through leading retailers including home centers, mass merchandisers, hardware, and specialty stores.

Harbour's Fluid Enterprises group is a leading supplier of specialty consumer and contractor products, including household cleaning products, texture repair products, and kitchen, bath and plumbing accessories. The group sells its products to professional painters, decorators and consumers through the specialty paint stores, home centers, mass merchandisers and hardware stores. The companies in the group are Homax Products, which is based here; Magic American; The Gonzo Corporation; Krusin International; Tile Care Products; Rhodes American Products; and now, JASCO.

Harbour Group is a privately owned company based in St. Louis, Mo. Harbour Group and its related companies are engaged in the manufacture and distribution of industrial products, including high pressure cleaning equipment, auxiliary plastic processing equipment, automotive accessories, hearth and chimney products, textile machinery, pre-engineered building components, heat exchange equipment, automotive enthusiast products, entertainment products and products used by the home maintenance industry.

Ross Clawson, President of Fluid Enterprises, said the acquisition of JASCO by Harbour Group will enable the company to continue to pursue its growth strategy. He commented, "This relationship makes sense for both companies. JASCO has some of the most recognized products in its market sector. Harbour Group recognized that the combination of Fluid's excellent distribution network and JASCO's product offerings presented real opportunity for growth."

JASCO will continue to focus on the development of its comprehensive product line, including penetration into new markets and introduction of new products.