FPM TOOLING & AUTOMATION

AUTOMATION EQUIPMENT MAKERS JOIN FORCES

FPM Tooling & Automation is pleased to announce that it has acquired the Toledo Ohio Company, RTS Industrial Solutions (Trident). RTS is a recognized leader in the field of Automated PLC Controlled Systems and technologies producing and servicing hundreds of industrial machines for the automotive and consumer products industries.

FPM Tooling & Automation is the first industrial blow mold supplier to truly integrate engineering, strategy, manufacturing and distribution for finished plastic products all under one roof. In a clear example of the whole being greater than its parts, FPM Tooling & Automation streamlined approach results in quicker turn around, increased speed to market as well as consistent control of the product engineering throughout the part design and manufacturing process. FPM Tooling & Automation can eliminate the confusion and high costs associated with the traditional route of working with multiple companies to get a custom engineered part to market," says President Martin Cass, "FPM manages everything through one point of contact for your design, engineering, manufacturing, sampling and tryout needs, critical to reaching the processors desired goals and objectives."

FPM has a 35 year existing history of providing successful mold making and manufacturing solutions and in a forward thinking move to change the industry, acquired RTS, an automation solutions provider and robotics specialist, to create a new market category as the first blow mold manufacturing specialist dedicated to providing a finished part solution to industrial blow molders worldwide.

Under the direction of V.P. & General Manager Ken Recker the company vision is to combine their industrial blow molding knowledge and automation manufacturing knowledge to provide plastic part manufacturers a true value added engineering-based solution partner who can get products to market faster, saving costs and providing clients with one point of contact, one team with many technical specialists.

FPM Tooling & Automation, a leading provider of Industrial Blow Mold services and technology, today announced it has partnered with a leading manufacturer of automation and robotic equipment to enhance its position as a part finishing solutions provider. Joining FPM Tooling & Automation network of technical partners is a privately-held automation manufacturer formally based in Toledo, Ohio, RTS Industrial Solutions specialists. FPM Tooling & Automation is seeking to substantially expand its business in North America and this acquisition marks the commencement of the company's new strategy.

“FPM Tooling & Automation partnerships with well-respected companies greatly expand our brand and services in the industrial blow mold market,” said Martin Cass, President of FPM Tooling & Automation. “Through these relationships, FPM has the opportunity to see first-hand how we can engineer and build a better product, and support our one-stop-shop technical engineering vision. We are very pleased to offer the RTS range of engineering content, and innovative technology to our customers throughout North America and overseas. We are not just adding another line of products to our business - we are partnering with a company that has been and will continue to be ahead of the industry in automation, robotics and other related technologies.”

"The RTS acquisition further strengthens FPM's leadership position in the industrial blow mold arena," said Martin Cass FPM's President. "It broadens and complements our product and gives us manufacturing know-how in new markets, and expands and diversifies our customer base."

FPM Tooling & Automation is a North American leader in industrial blow mold technology, they first entered the downline and automation market with the launch of a new division in January 2004 led by V.P. & General Manager Ken Recker.

"The RTS acquisition is consistent with our strategy of focusing on this market where we have a leadership position. It also continues to grow our business in the commercial, industrial, automotive and houseware manufacturing markets. We expect this transaction will immediately strengthen our team,” said Martin Cass, President of FPM Tooling & Automation.

"RTS further strengthens FPM Tooling & Automation product portfolio," said Ken Recker, V.P. & General Manager of FPM’s Automation Group. "In the months ahead, we will be actively working to maximize the many marketing and operating synergies between the new operations.” RTS has been operating for over 19 years and has established a solid reputation for providing excellent customer service through its technical products and associated services. Based in Toledo, Ohio, RTS had until recently employed approximately 30 staff. The Company supported the North American automation industry, and led the field in automated PLC machinery technology.

Following completion of the acquisition, RTS's current team and equipment will run its day-to-day operations within the FPM Tooling & Automation facility. Rick Rahm, a 30 year veteran of the Automation industry and former President of RTS states, "It is our goal to be defined as the Problem Solution Provider and to enhance the partnership with molders for our mutual long-term success. The synergies between the businesses will bring real benefits to our valued customers and we look forward to demonstrating our commitment to the plastic molding industry over the coming months and years. The acquisition will strengthen FPM Tooling & Automation position in the marketplace, while opening several new lines of business and creating significant new opportunities for the larger scope".

FPM Tooling & Automation is a leading manufacturer and provider of Industrial Blow Mold services and technology for the houseware, industrial, and automotive markets. The company serves a large number of customers in a variety of industries in all 50 states and throughout the world. It has approximately 65 employees and operates from a 55,000 sq. ft. facility in Fremont Ohio.

We continue to evaluate and seek to strengthen alliances between FPM Tooling & Automation and the industries served. Our objective is to support progressive advanced technologies and to start projects successfully while helping to improve them during the equipment build cycle.

We look forward to providing the industrial blow mold industry with the same excellent service we have provided for over 35 years.

May2007