Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation Acquires Master Concepts, Inc.; Adds The BrakeBuddy(R) to its Product Offering

SEDALIA, Colo., Dec. 2, 2003 -- Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation has acquired the assets of Master Concepts, Inc. -- the market-leading supplier of auxiliary braking systems for the RV market, Hopkins announced today.

Sedalia, Col.-based Master Concepts is the designer, developer and manufacturer of the patented BrakeBuddy(R), the innovative auxiliary braking system for the RV motorhome market. BrakeBuddy(R) leads the market as the easiest to use supplementary braking system for towed vehicles. The system takes the dead weight of the towed vehicle off of the motorhome, so the motorhome's brakes do not become overheated, causing brake fade or brake failure. BrakeBuddy(R) also meets the state-by-state regulations that require supplemental brakes on towed vehicles.

"We are very excited to see BrakeBuddy(R) join the Hopkins family," said Bradley T. Kraft, president and chief executive officer of Hopkins. "This acquisition clearly reflects Hopkins' continued commitment to the Towing segment and increases our participation in the exciting RV market.

"Master Concepts has done an excellent job of bringing RV owners the most advanced technology available in an easy-to-use manner," Kraft continued. "Users of the BrakeBuddy(R) enjoy the knowledge that they are ensuring themselves of towing safety and compliance with the increasingly strict enforcement of towing laws across most U.S. states and Canada."

Master Concepts was founded in 1996 by Dan Decker, Sr. and Dan Decker, Jr. Decker, Jr., the company's president, said, "Along with my partner and CFO, Alec Brock, we have worked to develop BrakeBuddy(R) into the #1 RV tow brake with the most recognizable brand name in the industry. We've accomplished this by focusing on technology and ease of use for the RV'er. We foresee more growth as safety concerns surrounding braking performance continue to increase among RV owners who are towing vehicles. By aligning with Hopkins, we can accelerate this growth and the introduction of additional new products to our customers."

Hopkins said the BrakeBuddy(R) will fit with its existing line of trailer braking products and other towing accessories, providing an excellent platform to serve the RV market.

Hopkins is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative consumer products for the RV and automotive aftermarkets, as well as of service products for automobile dealers, repair shops and safety inspection facilities. Built on a philosophy that its products will reflect an Image of Difference(R), the company is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

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

For further information, see www.hopkinsmfg.com , www.brakebuddy.com , or www.harbourgroup.com .