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Collins & Aikman Purchases European Accessory Floormats Manufacturer

1 July 1998

Collins & Aikman Purchases European Accessory Floormats Manufacturer

           New Acquisition Provides Opportunity for Growth Overseas

    CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 1 -- Collins & Aikman Corporation
announced today that one of its subsidiaries has purchased Pepers
Beheer B.V., an automotive accessory floormats manufacturer located in Deurne,
the Netherlands.
    The new acquisition will be integrated into Collins & Aikman's accessory
floormats group, The Akro Corporation, to better serve the Company's existing
European customers, such as Volvo and Ford, as well as Pepers' existing
customers, including Volkswagen, Audi, and Renault.
    "With this acquisition, Collins & Aikman has the opportunity to enter the
European floormats market with an established customer base and a top-notch
facility," said Jerry Sumpter, President of The Akro Corporation.
    Over the course of the next several months, the Company plans to expand
the new facility to accommodate the production of Akro's industry-leading
floormat technologies, including Akro Edge(TM).
    "The majority of floormats manufactured in Europe are made with less
durable and less functional backing materials, such as latex.  Akro will be
one of the first companies to locally manufacture rubber-backed mats using our
specialized technologies developed in North America," Sumpter said.
    "We believe this strategic acquisition offers the Company a springboard
for growth in Europe," said Thomas E. Hannah, CEO of Collins & Aikman.  "By
purchasing Pepers we can more thoroughly serve our existing European
customers, while simultaneously introducing our industry-leading automotive
floormat products to new customers."
    Collins & Aikman Corporation is a global supplier of automotive interior
systems, including textile and plastic trim, acoustics and convertible top
systems.  Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, the Company's recent acquisitions
have significantly expanded Collins & Aikman's product offering and
international presence.  The company employs more than 15,000 employees and
operates 65 manufacturing facilities in 12 countries.