---

Chem-Trend Wins Trade Secrets Lawsuit

18 May 1999

Chem-Trend Wins Trade Secrets Lawsuit

    HOWELL, Mich., May 18 -- On April 30, 1999 a jury awarded
Chem-Trend, Incorporated of Howell, Michigan over $1,000,000 in damages in a
lawsuit alleging misappropriation of trade secrets against the W.N. Shaw
Company of Villa Ridge, Missouri and two former employees of Chem-Trend,
Joseph Cahan and Douglas Edington, presently employed at W.N. Shaw.
    Chem-Trend is a global supplier of release agents to the urethane and
rubber industries.  W.N. Shaw has been competing in these markets for the past
two years, primarily in the Midwest.  The trial was held in the United States
District Court, Eastern District of Missouri and resulted in a unanimous jury
verdict that W.N. Shaw Company, Joseph Cahan and Douglas Edington had
misappropriated trade secrets and confidential information that rightly
belonged to Chem-Trend.
    Peter Hayes, president of Chem-Trend, stated "This is an important victory
for both Chem-Trend and the industry.  It shows that companies like ours can
continue to invest in new technology, safe in the knowledge that these
investments can be protected.  Without these safeguards, companies would be
reluctant to invest in Research and Development to help their customers
improve their processes."