Hastings Manufacturing Company to Launch New Line Of Hastings(R)-Branded Pistons

New line will offer broad coverage, more availability

HASTINGS, Mich., Oct. 13 -- Hastings Manufacturing Co. (AMEX:HMF) today announced plans to introduce its new line of pistons under the Hastings(R) brand in early 2004.

The Hastings, Michigan-based supplier of internal engine components said the new piston line will offer broader coverage and increased availability to engine-parts warehouses, engine rebuilders and aftermarket retailers. Hastings will continue to represent Zollner(R) pistons until the Hastings- brand is available.

"Our new line of pistons affirms our commitment to offering our current customers more options and more related components for their engine parts needs," said Mark Johnson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Hastings Manufacturing. "With this new line of pistons, we intend to build on the nearly 90 years of heritage and the reputation for excellence associated with the Hastings name."

Founded in 1915 as a manufacturer of automotive items, Hastings Manufacturing is best known for its piston rings. Hastings began manufacturing conventional one-piece cast iron rings in 1923. In 1935, Hastings introduced the industry's first multiple-piece piston ring -- the "Steel Vent(R)" oil control ring -- in response to Ford's then relatively new V8 engine. Some 31 years later, Hastings again set a new standard with the introduction of the Flex-Vent(R) oil control ring, a three-piece piston ring design used by many other manufacturers today.

"Original equipment and replacement professionals recognize Hastings piston rings as a leader in quality, performance and innovation," said Jeffrey Guenther, Vice President of Sales. "The new Hastings-brand pistons are an important part of our effort to expand the awareness and acceptance of the Hastings name with our consistent sales and marketing approach."

The decision to launch a line of Hastings-brand pistons builds on the current successful partnership between Hastings and ACL(R) range of bearings, import pistons and gaskets.

About Hastings Manufacturing

Hastings Manufacturing Co. serves the automotive parts market with a complete line of internal engine products including piston rings and pistons sold under the HASTINGS(R) brand name; and gaskets, import pistons, engine bearings and a variety of other engine components sold under the ACL brand. Hastings also markets engine additives sold under the CASITE(R) 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.