Hastings Manufacturing Commences Trading on Pink Sheets Under Symbol HGMG

HASTINGS, Mich., Dec. 10, 2003 -- Hastings Manufacturing Company (formerly Amex: HMF) today announced its stock has begun trading on the Pink Sheets (www.pinksheets.com ), an electronic quotation service for over-the-counter securities. The stock is trading under a new symbol, HGMG.

Hastings Manufacturing Co. (Pink Sheets: HGMG) 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.

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.