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Collins & Aikman Names Tompson Senior VP of Global Product Development Division

2 August 2000

Collins & Aikman Names Tompson Senior Vice President of Global Product Development Division

    TROY, Mich. - Collins & Aikman Corporation today announced the appointment of Graham Tompson as Senior Vice President of its Global Product Development Division.

    In making the announcement, Thomas E. Evans, Chairman and CEO, noted "Tompson's extensive knowledge and experience about Collins & Aikman's business objectives and product lines will be key drivers for the successful implementation of our global product development initiatives. With his demonstrated leadership skills and technological insights, I'm confident that our Global Product Development Division will dramatically increase our focus to continually provide innovative solutions for our customers worldwide."

    Previously, Tompson was Senior Vice President of Product Development and Marketing for the Company's European Operations. With more than 30 years experience in the European automotive industry, Tompson joined Collins & Aikman from Perstop Components (formerly W. R. Grace, Ltd.) Throughout his career, he has held numerous progressively responsible management positions in the areas of acoustic product development, quality systems, sales and marketing, and customer component engineering.

    Tompson was the originator of the European laminated thermoplastic floor concept, known as Tuflor(TM) and instrumental in managing the development of the latest generation of Tuflor(TM), a leading-edge product that provides alternative flooring systems for Collins & Aikman's customers worldwide. Additionally, he has been extensively involved in product development for the European marketplace resulting in several key patents and numerous innovative products.

    Tompson holds an ordinary national certificate in chemistry from Cambridge College, England, and a higher national certificate with distinction from Hatfield University, England, and is a graduate of the Rubber and Plastics Institute with a degree in polymer engineering from Southbank University in England.

    Collins & Aikman Corporation , is the global leader of floor and acoustic systems and a leading supplier of automotive fabric, interior trim, and convertible top systems. The Company's operations span the globe with 63 facilities and nearly 16,000 employees in 12 countries who are committed to achieving total excellence. Collins & Aikman's high-quality products combine industry-leading design and styling capabilities, superior manufacturing capabilities and the industry's most effective NVH "quiet" technologies.