Stopol Announces $1 Million Global Expansion Project; Solon Company Looks to Increase Visibility, Presence in Latin America

SOLON, Ohio--Jan. 3, 20061, 2006--Stopol, Inc. -- a leader in managing auctions and the acquisition and sale of production equipment, parts, businesses, divisions, product lines and manufacturing licenses in the plastics industry -- is launching a $1 million global expansion initiative to increase its visibility and presence throughout the world, particularly in Latin America.

The first phase of the project involves enhancing and elevating Stopol's profile in Latin American countries - as well as in the Latin American community in the United States - by launching a bi-lingual Web site and enlisting the services of a Latina celebrity to promote the company in the region. The second phase of the project targets Europe and includes expanding Stopol's London operations. The entire project is expected to create between 10 and 20 jobs. Stopol also maintains nine U.S. warehouses and an office in Shanghai, China.

Stopol currently is merging its two Web sites - www.stopol.com and www.stopolauctions.com - and soon will re-launch a new combined site in both English and Spanish so that manufacturers in Latin America can take advantage of Stopol's services. In November 2004, the Solon, Ohio-based company launched www.stopolauctions.com, an interactive, online marketplace that allows registered members to buy or sell new and used plastics equipment and other assets. In early 2005, Stopol began conducting live webcasts of its auctions, enabling bidders from all over the world to participate in the auctions by using their PCs.

To assist with merging the two sites and help maximize its efforts and opportunities in Latin America, Stopol contracted with Cleveland, Ohio-based Buena Vista Creative Group, a Latina-owned Web and graphic design firm. Buena Vista also provided translation services and advised Stopol on cultural nuances and how to best promote itself in that region.

In addition, Stopol has signed Cynthia Olavarria - Miss Puerto Rico '05 and the first runner-up in the 2005 Miss Universe Pageant - to a three-year deal to serve as a goodwill ambassador to the region and the company's representative in Latin America.

In her role with Stopol, Ms. Olavarria will split her time between fulfilling her Miss Universe responsibilities and visiting Stopol's headquarters, representing and promoting Stopol at trade shows, appearances and other events, and visiting plastics manufacturing operations through Latin America. She also will be featured in a variety of marketing materials and serve as the official online guide to Stopol's re-launched Web site - www.stopol.com. In this role, streaming video of Ms. Olavarria will appear on screen and she will walk visitors through the site in both English and Spanish.

Ms. Olavarria, 24, graduated Magna Cum Laude in June 2004 with a degree in journalism from the University of Puerto Rico Piedras Campus. She plans to continue her education by pursuing post-graduate studies in international relations.

"In selecting someone to represent Stopol in Latin America, we sought a dynamic individual who would reflect the Stopol brand by displaying intelligence, leadership success and potential," said Stopol CEO Neil Kruschke Jr. "Her incredible popularity in Latin America gives Stopol immediate recognition in that region.

"Initially, we considered partnering with athletes or other celebrities in that region, but we couldn't identify one that would both help us in Latin America and resonate with the U.S. plastics community," he added.

"My partnership with Stopol not only permits me to gain some real world experience in international relations but also help the plastics industry in the region," Ms. Olavarria said. "Manufacturing was key in the United States' development and it is very important to the future of Latin America. With its market intelligence and large inventory of machines, Stopol can help the plastics operations in the region quickly gain access to equipment and technology that they wouldn't normally be able to acquire."

Ms. Olavarria, who finished as first runner-up in the 2005 Miss Universe Pageant, first gained fame in Latin America at the age of 12 when she hosted a popular children's television program. A successful modeling career launched after high school furthered her notoriety in the region as she appeared in Spanish versions of Cosmopolitan, People and Glamour magazines, and was named "Model of the Year" in 2003 and 2004. Ms. Olavarria has parlayed her success as a model into celebrity status in Latin America. As a result, she can be seen throughout the region in television commercials and print ad campaigns for a number of high-profile companies, including Aquafina, Sears Roebuck and Co., Macy's, Chanel, Verizon, Kia Motors Corp. and Sprint Nextel. She also serves as Diet Pepsi's official spokesperson in Latin America.

About Stopol, Inc.

Headquartered in Solon, Ohio, privately held Stopol is the leader in arranging the acquisition and sale of manufacturing equipment, parts, businesses, divisions, product lines and manufacturing licenses in the plastics industry. With its vast inventory and technical expertise, Stopol not only helps plastics manufacturers stay on stream but allows them to quickly add capacity and capabilities. Well known for its live auctions, Stopol further enhanced its reputation as an industry innovator in 2004 when it launched www.stopolauctions.com, an interactive, online marketplace that allows members to buy and sell new and used plastics equipment and other assets. Regarded as a vital industry resource, Stopol uses its unparalleled market insight and extensive network of contacts to connect buyers and sellers, and provide appraisal and liquidation services. Stopol also offers merger and acquisition consulting expertise through its Business Services division.