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Haartz Corp. Signs Agreement with Treves Group

21 May 1999

The Haartz Corp. Signs Agreement with Treves Group, Strengthens Technological Capabilities for Automotive Interiors

    ACTON, Mass., May 20 -- The Haartz Corp. has recently signed
a business and technical cooperation agreement with Establissements Treves,
headquartered in Paris, France.  The agreement will enhance Haartz' capability
of supplying advanced materials and TPO (thermoplastic olefin) technology for
automotive interiors worldwide.
    According to Haartz President Bill Kendrick, the two companies have agreed
to cooperate in the design and development of TPO foam composites, TPO sheet
and other materials for automotive interiors.
    "The Haartz Corporation is proud to be partnering with Treves -- an
innovative, technologically advanced, global automotive supplier that shares
our strong commitment to world-class quality, cost and delivery," Kendrick
said.  "This agreement strengthens our ability to provide customers worldwide
with value-added products that can improve aesthetics, comfort, safety and
recyclability, while reducing costs and weight."
    A leader in TPO research, Haartz has recently developed exciting new TPO
technology and invested $7 million to expand its plant and add new equipment.
Kendrick said the new equipment will be dedicated exclusively to olefin
extrusion.
    Paris, France-based Treves is a vertically integrated company with
products ranging from raw materials (plastic sheets, fabrics, carpet rolls) to
interior systems (floor carpeting and acoustics -- passenger and engine
compartments -- doors, seating).  The company specializes in a variety of
vehicle interior trim and acoustic applications.  Founded in 1836, Treves is a
$900 million company that has 4,500 employees at 23 facilities around the
world.
    Haartz -- a leading manufacturer of engineered-coated materials in the
United States and Europe -- has its corporate headquarters, worldwide
manufacturing and a research and development center in Acton, Mass., as well
as sales offices around the world, including an automotive sales office in
metro Detroit.
    A supplier to the auto industry since 1907, Haartz provides a broad
portfolio of PVC and TPO interior trim materials for molded instrument panels,
door panels and console lids to major tier one automotive suppliers in North
America.  The privately owned company, which employs 340 people and had sales
of nearly $100 million in 1998, also supplies convertible topping fabrics
worldwide.