H.I.G. Capital Forms the Nation's Largest Surface Finishing Company

MIAMI – November 1, 1999 – H.I.G. Capital, in conjunction with certain industry executives, has formed Lombard Technologies, Inc., the nation’s largest independent surface engineering and finishing company, through the merger of six premier companies in the surface finishing industry. The combined entity will have locations throughout the United States serving the automotive, electronics, computer, telecommunications, aerospace and defense, and consumer goods industries. Further strategic acquisitions are planned as Lombard expands capacity to provide comprehensive technology-driven services to the manufacturing industries.

In announcing the transaction, Lombard Chairman Bruce F. Bradley, said, “This is the first step toward creating a truly unique company providing premier quality services to the nation’s leading manufacturers. Together with H.I.G.’s financial and operational resources, management will establish Lombard as the only truly national provider of surface finishing solutions with unrivaled process technology, and R&D capacity to solve quality and performance problems faced by manufacturers. We will aggressively grow Lombard with additional strategic acquisitions.”

The initial group of Lombard operating companies includes:

• Alexandria Metal Finishers of Lorton, VA with Walt Prichard, President and Larry Capoccia, Vice President and General Manager.

• All Metals Processing of Orange County, CA with Stephen Sellwood, Chairman and George Derby, President

• Gene’s Plating Works of Los Angeles, CA with Harry Levy, President and John Whitney, Vice President

• Howard Plating Industries of Madison Heights, MI with Paul L. Sossi, CEO and Paul A. Sossi, President.

• Mid-Atlantic Finishing of Capitol Heights, MD with B.J. Mason, President and Troy Mason, Vice President.

• Whyco Technologies of Thomaston, CT with Mark Hyner, President and Robert Hyner, Vice President.

The surface engineering and finishing industry serves a critical role in the manufacture and assembly of virtually all products in which metal is used. Plating or other special coating are required to enable component parts of all kinds to perform their intended functions, whether electrical conductivity or insulation, durability against wear, corrosion resistance, longevity, lubrication, or decorative. It is the last step in the manufacturing process before assembly.