The Haartz Corp. Introduces ALURA(TM) Leather-Alternative Products for Automotive Applications

ACTON, Mass., Sept. 4 -- The Haartz Corp. announced today the introduction of the ALURA(TM) Collection of elegant and luxurious products that represent the best alternative to leather. Innovative microfiber technology gives ALURA the look and feel of leather, yet offers superior comfort, strength and durability.

This high-tech ALURA microfiber matrix has been approved by automotive OEMs for applications such as seating, door inserts, shift boots, etc.

"ALURA is dense as well as micro porous, allowing water vapors to pass through," said Lou LaMarca, Haartz vice president of Automotive Interiors. "It is breathable, dissipating heat in warm weather and retaining heat in cold weather. The specialty high-performance nylon fibers are nearly indistinguishable from the collagen fibers of leather."

  ALURA provides several advantages compared to leather:
  * Improved occupant comfort,
  * Superior abrasion resistance,
  * Excellent tear and puncture resistance,
  * Permanent stain-resistant finish,
  * High yields and lower cost,
  * Great strength to weight ratio (weight savings).

This new technology offering is made possible by a cooperative effort between Haartz and Majilite Corp. The two companies have agreed to an exclusive technical and business alliance for automotive applications of microfiber in North America.

Norm Lowe, president of Majilite said, "The nylon matrix of ALURA microfiber is state-of-the-art. The nylon fibers are randomly oriented, as is collagen in leather. Each microfiber is so fine that it has a cross section more than 1,000 times thinner than a pure silk fiber. ALURA is durable, strong, lightweight and stain resistant. It features beautiful, leather-like aesthetics and breathability."

Haartz is a privately held company based in Acton, Mass. The company also has production facilities at its European operations in Mannheim, Germany. In business since 1907, Haartz is a leading innovator and producer of thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) and PVC foils, coated fabrics and foam composites for automotive interiors. The company is also the world leader in producing coated fabrics for convertible topping.

Majilite, a company of Meridian Industries, Inc. in Milwaukee, Wis., is headquartered in Dracut, Mass., with manufacturing operations in Massachusetts and Illinois. Majilite has been a manufacturer of high-performance materials used in commercial, consumer and industrial markets for more than 60 years. The company is recognized worldwide as a supplier of quality products to the transportation, furniture, footwear and sporting goods industries.