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Hopkins Manufacturing Buys FloTool

10 November 1999

Hopkins Manufacturing Buys FloTool

    EMPORIA, Kan.--Nov. 9, 1999-- Hopkins Manufacturing announced today that it has acquired the Specialty Products Division of FloTool Corporation, a leading supplier of specialty plastic fluid handling products to the automotive aftermarket.
    Hopkins manufactures a number of niche products for the automotive aftermarket, as well as for automobile manufacturers, dealers, repair shops, and safety inspection facilities. The company employs approximately 750 people and is headquartered here.
    The Specialty Products Division of FloTool Corporation, based in Fullerton, Cal., is the leading supplier of specialty plastic consumer products to the automotive aftermarket. Founded in 1989, the Division's primary products include specialty on/off spouts, funnels, pourers, and various other fluid handling products sold to mass merchandisers and automotive retailers.
    Hopkins is a subsidiary of St. Louis-based Harbour Group. Harbour Group, its related companies and former subsidiaries, are engaged in the manufacture of various industrial products and have annual revenues in excess of $1.5 billion. The company focuses on the development of industrial manufacturing companies for long-term investment.
    Ken Hopkins, President of Hopkins, said, 'With the acquisition of FloTool, we envision significant synergies in sales and marketing. The addition of FloTool will enable us to continue increasing our ability to provide customers with innovative products and superior customer service."
    FloTool will continue to focus on its comprehensive product line of specialty spouts, funnels, and fluid handling products for the automotive market. The company invented the On/Off Spout and subsequently developed the Spill Saver(TM) and FloTool brand names. FloTool currently offers 54 basic products representing 131 Stock Keeping Units (SKUs) at retail.