Harvard Industries Introduces Pyrotechnical Launcher

10 January 2000

Harvard Industries Introduces Pyrotechnical Launcher; Transfer of Defense Industry Technology

    LEBANON, NJ--Jan. 10, 2000--Harvard Industries, Inc. announced today that its Harvard Electronics and Defense Division, based in Arnold, MO, has begun manufacturing PYROCRAFT (TM), a durable and stable launching system for major fireworks displays.
    The innovative product line owes its technological development to Harvard's more than 30 years of rocket launcher leadership. Harvard has long been the leading supplier of fixed and rotary wing aircraft military rocket launchers to the U.S. defense industry and other countries.
    "This is an excellent example of our ability to convert our technological leadership in one industry into new products and businesses in diverse industries," stated Roger Pollazzi, Harvard's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Each year thousands of fireworks displays are held, ranging from the familiar Fourth of July celebrations to cruise ship displays and stadium victory shows following each touchdown or homerun," he added.
    "Add to these the many other thousands of events that are held throughout the world and one can only imagine the tremendous risk when tons of dangerous explosives are set off near millions of spectators. While the vast majority of these shows end without incident, some have had disastrous conclusions. Harvard's new PYROCRAFT (TM) system has been designed to minimize the inherent accident potential of fireworks displays and we will soon be offering advanced, laptop computer-based showmanship technology to this worldwide industry," Pollazzi continued. Harvard will manufacture and sell the PYROCRAFT (TM) system worldwide at its facility in Arnold, MO.

    The modular PYROCRAFT (TM) system is flexible, simple to set up and includes:

PYROCRAFT (TM) Electronic Firing System
    -- Constant squib continuity displayed
    -- Quick cue rail selection
    -- DC 12V rechargeable battery with charger
    -- Expandable to 240 cues with Diode Matrix box
    -- Quick and easy squib connects to cue rails
    -- Fully NFPA 1123 compliant
    -- Built-in circuit tester, audible alarm and voltmeter
    -- Industrial lock-on AMP connectors
    -- LED test lamps for each circuit
    -- 12 shot cue rails are high impact and weather resistant
    -- 50' & 100' distribution cables

PYROCRAFT (TM) Steel and Aluminum Framed Mortar Rack
    -- Rugged coated tubular steel construction
    -- Lightweight aluminum tubular construction
    -- Corrosion and weather resistant
    -- Stable design with removable stabilizer legs
    -- Can be set up for vertical or angled shots in minutes
    -- Mortar tubes in HDPE or fiberglass
    -- Heavy duty mortars - 3, 4, 5 and 6 inch

    Harvard Industries designs, develops and manufactures a broad range of components for OEM manufacturers and the automotive aftermarket, as well as aerospace and industrial and construction equipment applications worldwide. The Company has approximately 2,500 employees at 10 plants in the United States and Canada.

    Statements herein regarding the Company's future performance, including the Company's ability to consummate transactions, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. With respect to the Company's long-term business strategies, management has made certain assumptions regarding the Company's performance which may change or be affected by, among other things, customer demand for the Company's products, and adverse changes in general, market and industry conditions. In addition, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to successfully identify, negotiate or complete any acquisitions or divestiture transaction, which the Company may be currently contemplating. Management believes that forward-looking statements are reasonable, however undue reliance should not be placed on such forward-looking statements, which are based on current expectations.