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Hastings Manufacturing Announces 100,000 Share Stock Buyback

10 February 2000

Hastings Manufacturing Announces 100,000 Share Stock Buyback

    HASTINGS, Mich., Feb. 10 -- Hastings Manufacturing Company
(Amex: HMF) today announced its Board of Directors has authorized the
repurchase of up to 100,000 shares, or nearly 13 percent, of its outstanding
common stock.
    The Hastings, Mich.-based manufacturer of piston rings and other
automotive products reported that its Board of Directors approved the buyback
at a meeting this week.  In its most recent quarterly report to the Securities
and Exchange Commission, Hastings Manufacturing reported 789,526 shares issued
and outstanding as of October 21, 1999.
    "The board's authorization to buy back stock reflects its confidence in
our efforts to improve the performance at Hastings Manufacturing," said Mark
Johnson, Co-CEO of Hastings Manufacturing.  "Our stock has been trading below
its book value of $9.30 which makes it an attractive investment at this time."
    Hastings Manufacturing (http://www.hastingsmfg.com ) is a leading manufacturer
and marketer of piston rings and specialty tools under the Hastings(R) brand,
and additives for engines, transmissions, cooling systems and fuel systems
under the Casite(R) brand.
    Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995:  The statements contained in this news release include certain
predictions and projections that may be considered forward-looking statements
under securities laws.  These statements involve a number of important risks
and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially,
including but not limited to economic, competitive, governmental and
technological factors affecting the Company's operations, markets, products,
services and prices.