HARSCO CORP
10-K405, 1998-03-24
FABRICATED STRUCTURAL METAL PRODUCTS
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<PAGE>   1
                                    FORM 10-K
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

[X]      ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
         EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                                       OR

[ ]      TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
         EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [NO FEE REQUIRED]

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997    Commission file number   1-3970
                          -----------------                          -----------

                               HARSCO CORPORATION
                              --------------------
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

                   Delaware                            23-1483991
                   --------                            ----------
        (State or other jurisdiction of  (I.R.S. employer identification number)
        incorporation or organization)
            Camp Hill, Pennsylvania                    17001-8888
            -----------------------                    ----------
       (Address of principal executive offices)        (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code         717-763-7064
                                                           ------------

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

                                                     Name of each exchange
     Title of each class                              on which registered
- ------------------------------------------          --------------------------
Common stock, par value $1.25 per share              New York Stock Exchange
                                                     Pacific Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
                                      NONE
                                (Title of class)

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K (Section 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and
will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive
proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this
Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. /X/

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.

                  YES  /X/          NO   / /

The aggregate market value of the Company's voting stock held by non-affiliates
of the Company as of February 28, 1998 was $1,957,477,988.

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             Classes                          Outstanding at February 28, 1998
             -------                          --------------------------------
<S>                                           <C>
Common stock, par value $1.25 per share                   46,745,743
Preferred stock purchase rights                           46,745,743
</TABLE>


                       Documents Incorporated by Reference

Selected portions of the Notice of 1998 Meeting and Proxy Statement are
Incorporated by Reference in Part III of this Report.

The Exhibit index (Item No. 14) is located on pages 72 to 76.


                                      - 1 -
<PAGE>   2
                   HARSCO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

                         INFORMATION REQUIRED IN REPORT

                                    --------

                                     PART I


Item 1.       Business:

(a)    Description of Business:

Harsco Corporation ("the Company") is a diversified industrial services and
engineered products company. The principal lines of business are: industrial
mill services that are provided to steel producers in 30 countries, including
the United States; scaffolding services to the industrial maintenance and
construction markets primarily in North America; railway maintenance of way
equipment and services that are provided to worldwide railroads; gas control and
containment products for customers worldwide; and several other lines of
business including, but not limited to, industrial grating and bridge decking,
industrial pipe fittings, process equipment, slag abrasives and roofing
granules. The Company's operations fall into three Operating Groups: Metal
Reclamation and Mill Services; Process Industry Products and Infrastructure and
Construction. The Company has over 300 locations in 31 countries, including the
United States.

In 1994, the Company formed a new Operating Group structure to reflect the
Company's strategic refocusing. The new Groups were formed because: (1) the
Company was no longer directly involved in the Defense business as a result of
the formation of United Defense, L.P., effective January 1, 1994, to which the
Company contributed its military tracked vehicle business; the completion of the
five-ton truck contract with the U.S. Government and the related conversion of
production to school buses in 1993; and (2) the acquisition of MultiServ
International, N.V., which substantially increased the Company's presence in
metal reclamation and mill services. Except for Defense, because it is no longer
a Group, the Company restated all the Operating Groups for the periods
presented.

In 1995, the Infrastructure, Construction and Transportation Group was renamed
the Infrastructure and Construction Group due to the Company's announced exits
from the school bus and military truck businesses. The Company ceased all bus
operations in June 1995. Truck operations were ended in June 1994.

In 1997, the Company sold its 40% interest in United Defense, L.P., completing
its strategic exit from the Defense business. The sale resulted in pre-tax cash
proceeds to the Company of $344 million and resulted in an after tax gain on the
sale of $150 million after taking into account certain retained liabilities from
the partnership and estimated post closing net worth adjustments, as well as
pre-partnership formation contingencies and other defense business
contingencies.

The operations of the Company in any one country, except the United States, do
not account for more than 10% of sales. No single customer or group under common
control represented 10% or more of the Company's sales during 1997, 1996, and
1995. There are no significant intergroup sales.


                                      -2-
<PAGE>   3
(b)    Financial Information about Industry Groups:

Financial information concerning Industry Groups is included in Note 16 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8, "Financial Statements and
Supplementary Data".

(c)    Narrative Description of Business:

       (1) A narrative description of the businesses by Operating Group is as
follows:

Metal Reclamation and Mill Services

This Group provides specialized services to steel producers and non-ferrous
metallurgical industries worldwide. The services provided include metal
reclamation; slag processing, marketing, and disposal; scrap management and
handling; cleaning of slag pits; handling of raw material, steel slabs, and
molten slag; filling and grading of specified areas; and the renting of various
types of plant equipment. Highly specialized recovery and cleaning equipment,
installed and operated on the property of steel producers, together with
standard materials handling equipment, including drag lines, cranes, bulldozers,
tractors, hauling equipment, lifting magnets and buckets, are employed to
reclaim metal. The customer uses this metal in lieu of steel scrap and makes
periodic payments to the Company based upon the amounts of metal reclaimed. The
nonmetallic residual slag is graded into various sizes at on-site Company-owned
processing facilities and sold commercially. Graded slag is used as an aggregate
material in asphalt paving applications, railroad ballast and building blocks.
The Company also provides in-plant transportation and other specialized
services, including slab management systems, general plant services, and
recycling technology. Similar services are also provided to non-ferrous
metallurgical industries, such as aluminum, copper, and nickel.

This Group includes the Eastern and Western Regions of the Heckett MultiServ
Division, which operates in 30 countries on six continents.

For 1997, the percentage of consolidated net sales for metal reclamation and
mill services was 38%.

Process Industry Products

Major product classes in this Group are gas containment and control equipment,
industrial pipe fittings and process equipment.

Gas containment products include cryogenic equipment, such as bulk storage
tanks, refrigerators, dewars and freezers, and liquid cylinders; high pressure
cylinders; propane tanks; and composite pressure vessels such as self-contained
breathing apparatus and natural gas fuel tanks. Gas control products include
brass valves and regulators serving a variety of markets including the
recreational diving market and the barbecue grill industry.

Under the valves and regulators product line, an innovative propane cylinder
valve for 20-pound cylinders on gas grills continues to gain in the market
place. This propane valve is the barbecue grill standard for the industry,
because of its improved safety and convenience. The Sherwood line of scuba
equipment is among the world's most respected and reliable diving equipment for
both professional and vacation divers.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>   4
The Company's diverse product class of process equipment includes heat and mass
transfer equipment; air-cooled heat exchangers; fractionation trays; process
equipment, blenders, dryers and mixers; industrial and institutional boilers and
hot water heaters; and wear-resistant steels used in the heavy-duty industrial
requirements of mining, steelmaking, and paper production, as well as the
ballistic armor protection of military and commercial vehicles.

The Company is a major supplier of industrial pipe fittings and related products
for the plumbing, hardware and energy industries and produces a variety of
product lines, including forged and stainless steel fittings, conduit fittings,
standard pressure fittings, swage nipples and couplings.

At the end of 1997, the Company acquired an emerging firm which specializes in
providing advanced technologies and services for the handling and disposal of
medical wastes.

For 1997, percentages of consolidated net sales of certain product classes were
as follows: gas containment and control, 21%; process equipment, 8%; and
industrial pipe fittings, 7%.

Infrastructure and Construction

Major product classes in this Group are scaffolding, shoring and concrete
forming equipment and services, railway maintenance of way equipment and
services, and industrial grating and bridge decking products. This Group also
provides roofing granules and slag abrasives.

The Group's scaffolding, shoring and concrete forming operations include steel
and aluminum support systems that are leased or sold to customers through a
North American network of some 40 branch offices. Also, the New Orleans-based
Plant Services unit provides cost-effective scaffolding and erection/dismantling
services to refineries and the petrochemical sector.

The Company's product class of railway maintenance of way equipment and services
includes specialized track maintenance equipment used by private and
government-owned railroads and urban transit systems worldwide. The equipment
manufactured by the Company includes ballast tamping machines; ballast
regulators and brooms; tie inserters and removers; spike drivers, pullers, and
reclaimers; and other systems used in the construction and maintenance of track
and railbeds. The Company's railway maintenance of way services include the Tie
Masters(TM)program, which provides day-to-day management and equipment for the
railway's tie renewal and equipment maintenance work, including training the
railway's tie and surface gang personnel to operate the equipment.

The Company manufactures a varied line of industrial grating products at
numerous plants in North America. The Company produces riveted, pressure-locked
and welded grating in steel and aluminum, used mainly in industrial flooring,
safety, and security applications for power, paper, chemical, refining and
processing applications. The Company also produces varied products for bridge
decking uses, as well as a range of fiberglass grating products.

The Company's slag abrasives and roofing granules are produced from utility coal
slag at a number of locations throughout the United States. Slag abrasives are
used for industrial surface preparation, such as rust removal and cleaning of
bridges, ship hulls, and various structures. Roofing granules are sold to
residential roofing shingle manufacturers.

                                      -4-
<PAGE>   5
For 1997, percentages of consolidated net sales of certain product classes were
as follows: scaffolding, shoring and concrete forming equipment, 8%; railway
maintenance of way services and equipment, 8%; industrial grating and bridge
decking, 7%; and roofing granules and slag abrasives, 3%.

         (1) (i) The products and services of Harsco can be divided into a
number of classes. The product classes that contributed 10% or more as a
percentage of consolidated net sales in any of the last three fiscal years are
as set forth in the following table.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         1997           1996           1995
                                                         ----           ----           ----
<S>                                                      <C>            <C>            <C>
         Metal Reclamation and Mill Services              38%            39%            40%
         Gas Control and Containment Equipment            21%            19%            18%
</TABLE>

         (1) (ii) New products and services are added from time to time;
however, currently none require the investment of a material amount of the
Company's assets.

         (1) (iii) The manufacturing requirements of the Company's operations
are such that no unusual sources of supply for raw materials are required. The
raw materials used by the Company include principally steel and to a lesser
extent aluminum which usually are readily available.

         (1) (iv) While Harsco has a number of trademarks, patents and patent
applications, it does not consider that any material part of its business is
dependent upon them.

         (1) (v) Harsco furnishes building products and materials and a wide
variety of specialized equipment for commercial, industrial, public works and
residential construction which are seasonal in nature. In 1997, construction
related operations accounted for 12% of total sales.

         (1) (vi) The practices of the Company relating to working capital items
are not unusual compared with those practices of other manufacturers servicing
mainly industrial and commercial markets.

         (1) (vii) No material part of the business of the Company is dependent
upon a single customer or a few customers, the loss of any one of which would
have a material adverse effect upon the Company.

         (1) (viii) Backlog of orders stood at $225,575,000 and $211,734,000 as
of December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. It is expected that approximately
20% of the total backlog at December 31, 1997, will not be filled during 1998.
There is no significant seasonal aspect to the Company's backlog. Backlog for
scaffolding, shoring and forming equipment, and for roofing granules and slag
abrasives are not included in the total backlog, because they are generally not
quantifiable. Contracts for the Metal Reclamation and Mill Services Group are
also excluded from the total backlog.

         (1) (ix) At December 31, 1997, the Company had no material contracts
that were subject to renegotiation of profits or termination of the contracts at
the election of the Government.

                                      -5-
<PAGE>   6
         (1) (x) The various fields in which the Company operates are highly
competitive and the Company encounters active competition in all of its
activities from both larger and smaller companies who produce the same or
similar products or services or who produce different products appropriate for
the same uses.

         (1) (xi) The expense for internal product improvement and product
development activities was $6,090,000, $5,108,000, and $4,876,000 in 1997, 1996,
and 1995, respectively.

         (1) (xii) The Company has become subject, as have others, to
increasingly stringent air and water quality control legislation. In general,
the Company has not experienced substantial difficulty in complying with these
environmental regulations in the past and does not anticipate making any major
capital expenditures for environmental control facilities. While the Company
expects that environmental regulations may expand, and its expenditures for air
and water quality control will continue, it cannot predict the effect on its
business of such expanded regulations. For additional information regarding
environmental matters see Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements
included in Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data".

         (1) (xiii) As of December 31, 1997, the Company had approximately
14,600 employees.


                                      -6-
<PAGE>   7
(d)    Financial Information about Foreign and
       Domestic Operations and Export Sales:

Financial information concerning foreign and domestic operations and export
sales is included in Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Item
8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data".


Item 2.       Properties:

Information as to the principal plants owned and operated by the Company is
summarized in the following table:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           Floor Space
Location                                   (Sq. Ft.)                Principal Products
- --------                                   ---------                ------------------
<S>                                        <C>                      <C>
Infrastructure and Construction:

Fairmont, Minnesota                          312,000                Railroad Equipment
West Columbia, South Carolina                224,000                Railroad Equipment
Nottingham, England                           30,000                Railroad Equipment
Brendale, Australia                           20,000                Railroad Equipment

Nashville, Tennessee                         246,000                Grating
Nashville, Tennessee                          87,000                Grating
Charlotte, North Carolina                     23,000                Grating
Madera, California                            48,000                Grating
Leeds, Alabama                                51,000                Grating
Cheswick, Pennsylvania                        56,000                Grating
Channelview, Texas                            86,000                Grating
Marlboro, New Jersey                          30,000                Grating
Queretaro, Mexico                             63,000                Grating

Marion, Ohio                                 135,000                Construction Equipment

Moundsville, West Virginia                    11,000                Roofing Granules/Abrasives
Drakesboro, Kentucky                          38,000                Roofing Granules
Gary, Indiana                                 15,000                Roofing Granules/Abrasives
</TABLE>


                                      -7-
<PAGE>   8
Item 2.       Properties (continued):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         Floor Space
Location                                 (Sq. Ft.)                Principal Products
- --------                                 ---------                ------------------
<S>                                      <C>                      <C>
Process Industry Products:

West Jefferson, Ohio                       148,000                Pipe Fittings
Crowley, Louisiana                         172,000                Pipe Fittings
Houston, Texas                              26,000                Pipe Fittings
Chicago, Illinois                           35,000                Pipe Fittings
Hamden, Connecticut                         47,000                Pipe Fittings
Vanastra, Ontario, Canada                   55,000                Pipe Fittings

East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania             172,000                Process Equipment
Port of Catoosa, Oklahoma                  131,000                Heat Exchangers
Tulsa, Oklahoma                             41,000                Fractionation Trays
Tulsa, Oklahoma                             13,000                Fractionation Trays
Sapulpa, Oklahoma                           68,000                Heat Exchangers
Birmingham, Alabama                        133,000                Wear Products
Bilston, England                            39,000                Fractionation Trays

Lockport, New York                         104,000                Valve Manufacturing
Niagara Falls, New York                     66,000                Valve Manufacturing

Jessup, Georgia                             43,000                Propane Tanks
Jessup, Georgia                             62,000                Propane Tanks
Bloomfield, Iowa                            40,000                Propane Tanks
West Jordan, Utah                           30,000                Propane Tanks
Pomona, California                          56,000                Composite Pressure Vessels
Gardena, California                         26,000                Composite Pressure Vessels
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania                   317,000                Cylinders
Huntsville, Alabama                        270,000                Acetylene Tanks
Theodore, Alabama                          305,000                Cryogenic Storage Vessels
Husum, Germany                              61,000                Cryogenic Storage Vessels
Shah Alam, Malaysia                         25,000                Cryogenic Storage Vessels
Shah Alam, Malaysia                         29,000                Cylinders
Beijing, China                             134,000                Cryogenic Storage Vessels
</TABLE>


                                      -8-
<PAGE>   9
The Company also operates the following plants which are leased:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              Expiration
                                              Floor Space         Principal                     Date of
Location                                       (Sq. Ft.)          Products                      Lease
- --------                                      -----------         ---------                   -----------
<S>                                           <C>                 <C>                         <C>

Infrastructure and Construction:

Tulsa, Oklahoma                                  10,000           Grating                      02/28/99

Process Industry Products:

Lansing, Ohio                                    67,000           Pipe Fittings                01/31/03

Cleveland, Ohio                                  50,000           Brass Castings               09/30/98

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania                        110,000           Medical Waste Disposal       05/31/07
</TABLE>


The Company operates from a number of other plants, branches, warehouses and
offices in addition to the above. In particular, the Company has over 185
locations related to metal reclamation in thirty countries, however since these
facilities are on the property of the steel mill being serviced they are not
listed. The Company considers all of its properties to be in satisfactory
condition.


Item 3.       Legal Proceedings:

Information regarding legal proceedings is included in Note 10 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8, "Financial Statements and
Supplementary Data".


Item 4.       Submission of Matters to a
              Vote of Security Holders:

There were no matters that were submitted during the fourth quarter of the year
covered by this report to a vote of security holders, through the solicitation
of proxies or otherwise.


                                      -9-
<PAGE>   10
                                     PART II


Item 5.       Market for the Registrant's Common Stock
              and Related Stockholder Matters:

On November 19, 1996, the Board of Directors declared a two-for-one stock split
on the Company's common stock. One additional share was issued for each share of
common stock held by shareholders of record as of the close of business on
January 15, 1997. New shares were distributed on February 14, 1997.

Harsco common stock is traded on the New York, Pacific, Boston, and Philadelphia
Stock Exchanges under the symbol HSC. At the end of 1997, there were 46,976,130
shares outstanding on a post-split basis. In 1997, the stock traded in a range
of $47 7/8 - $33 1/4 (on a post-split basis) and closed at $43 1/8 at year-end.
At December 31, 1997 there were approximately 19,000 shareholders. For
additional information regarding Harsco common stock market price and dividends
declared, see the Common Stock Price and Dividend Information under Part II,
Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data".


                                      -10-
<PAGE>   11
Item 6.       Selected Financial Data

FIVE-YEAR STATISTICAL SUMMARY
(ALL DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       1997              1996            1995             1994          1993(DELTA)
                                                       ----              ----            ----             ----          -----------
INCOME STATEMENT INFORMATION

<S>                                               <C>               <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
    Net sales                                     $  1,627,478      $  1,557,643    $  1,495,466    $  1,357,715    $    960,176(e)

    Income from continuing operations before
    interest, income taxes, minority interest,
    and cumulative effect of accounting changes        179,888           166,057         131,019         114,593          82,504

    Income from continuing operations before
    cumulative effect of accounting changes            100,400            83,903          61,318          46,111          39,046(a)

    Income from discontinued defense business           28,424(g)         35,106          36,059          40,442          41,770

    Gain on disposal of discontinued defense
    business                                           150,008              --              --              --              --

    Net income                                         278,832           119,009          97,377          86,553          87,618

FINANCIAL POSITION INFORMATION

    Working capital                               $    341,160      $    214,519    $    145,254    $    254,338    $    182,756

    Total assets                                     1,477,188         1,324,419       1,310,662       1,314,649       1,427,612

    Long-term debt                                     198,898           227,385         179,926         340,246         364,869

    Total debt                                         225,375           253,567         288,673         365,984         428,378

    Depreciation and amortization                      116,539           109,399         104,863          99,589          74,808

    Capital expenditures                               143,444           150,294         113,895          90,928          83,395

    Cash provided by operating activities              148,541(f)        217,202         258,815         161,395         232,220

    Cash provided (used) by investing activities       196,545(f)       (153,225)        (97,331)        (73,150)       (397,666)

    Cash provided (used) by financing activities      (167,249)          (92,944)       (128,068)       (103,040)        173,555

RATIOS

    Return on net sales(1)                                 7.9%              7.6%            6.5%            6.4%            5.7%(a)

    Return on average equity(2)                           18.4%             18.2%           15.9%           15.7%           17.3%

    Return on average assets(3)                           17.1%             16.8%           14.6%           13.5%           13.4%(a)

    Current ratio                                        1.9:1             1.7:1           1.4:1           1.9:1           1.4:1

    Percent of total debt to capital(4)                   22.4%             27.1%           31.6%           38.6%           45.0%

PER SHARE INFORMATION (c)

    Income from continuing operations             $       2.06      $       1.68    $       1.21    $        .92    $        .78(a)

    Income from discontinued defense
      business                                             .58(g)            .71             .72             .80             .83

    Gain on disposal of discontinued
      defense business                                    3.08              --              --              --              --

    Income before cumulative effect of
      accounting changes                                  5.72              2.39            1.93            1.72            1.61(a)

    Shareholders' equity                                 16.64             13.73           12.49           11.54           10.48

    Cash dividends declared                                .82               .77             .75             .71             .70

OTHER INFORMATION

    Average number of shares outstanding (c) .      48,754,212        49,894,515      50,504,707      50,230,321      50,072,646

    Number of employees                                 14,600            14,200          13,200          13,000          14,200

    Backlog(d)                                    $    225,575      $    211,734    $    157,129    $    160,703    $    146,751(b)
</TABLE>


                                      -11-
<PAGE>   12
FIVE-YEAR STATISTICAL SUMMARY


[DELTA]  Includes MultiServ International, N.V. since date of acquisition,
         August 31, 1993.

(a)      Excludes cumulative effect of change in method of accounting for income
         taxes, which increased net income by $6.8 million, ($.14 per share).

(b)      Excludes $397.9 million contributed to United Defense, L.P., a joint
         venture formed between Harsco and FMC Corporation, for comparative
         purposes with 1994.

(c)      Reflects two-for-one stock split to shareholders of record January 15,
         1997.

(d)      Excludes the estimated value of long-term mill service contracts, which
         had an estimated value of $2.7 billion at December 31, 1997.

(e)      Excludes the results of discontinued defense business. No restatement
         of net sales is required for 1994-1996 results because the discontinued
         operation was accounted for under the equity method during those years.

(f)      Cash provided by operating activities for 1997 includes approximately
         $100 million of income taxes paid related to the gain on the disposal
         of the defense business, whereas the pre-tax cash proceeds are included
         under investing activities.

(g)      Includes income through August 1997 (the measurement date) from
         discontinued defense business.


(1)      "Return on net sales" is calculated by dividing income excluding the
         gain on disposal of discontinued defense business by net sales.

(2)      "Return on average equity" is calculated by dividing income excluding
         the gain on disposal of discontinued defense business by quarterly
         weighted average equity.

(3)      "Return on average assets" is calculated by dividing income excluding
         the gain on disposal of discontinued defense business before interest
         expense, income taxes and minority interest by quarterly weighted
         average assets.

(4)      "Percent of total debt to capital" is calculated by dividing the sum of
         debt (short-term borrowings and long-term debt including current
         maturities) by the sum of equity and debt.



                                      -12-
<PAGE>   13
Item 7.       Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
              Condition and Results of Operations:

FINANCIAL CONDITION

The major change in the Company's financial condition and liquidity in 1997 was
the October 6, 1997 sale of its 40% limited partnership interest in United
Defense, L.P. The sale resulted in pre-tax cash proceeds of $344 million which
were recorded as investing activity. Net cash provided by operating activities
was $148.5 million in 1997 compared with $217.2 million in 1996. This decrease
is due to the approximately $100 million of income taxes paid under operating
activities, related to the gain on the sale of the defense business, whereas the
proceeds from the sale are required to be presented as a pretax amount under
investing activity. During 1997, cash distributions, which were principally from
the divested share of the Company's defense interest, of $49.1 million were
received from unconsolidated entities compared with $38.5 million in 1996. After
adjusting for taxes related to the sale of the discontinued defense business,
cash provided by operating activities would have been approximately $249
million in 1997.
                                        
Capital expenditures for 1997 were $143.4 million, compared with the record of
$150.3 million in 1996, reflecting the Company's continuing program to support
internal growth, and to improve productivity and product quality. Capital
expenditures during the past three years averaged $135.9 million. Proceeds from
the sale of property, plant and equipment in 1997 provided $14.4 million in cash
compared with $4.9 million in 1996. Cash from investing activity also included
$8.5 million expended for the acquisition at year end of Bio-Oxidation Inc., a
provider of advanced technologies and management services for the disposal of
medical waste. Cash used for financing activities for 1997 included a net
decrease in debt of $18.9 million and $39.1 million of cash dividends paid on
common stock.

The Company has maintained a policy of reacquiring its common stock in
unsolicited open market or privately-negotiated transactions at prevailing
market prices for several years. In January 1997, the Board of Directors
authorized the purchase, over a one-year period, of up to 2,000,000 shares of
the Company's common stock. In November 1997, the Board authorized the purchase
of an additional 2,000,000 shares. The total number of shares purchased under
these programs in 1997 was 2,938,741 shares of common stock for approximately
$120.5 million. Cash and cash equivalents increased $175.7 million to $221.6
million at December 31, 1997.

Other matters which could affect cash flows in the future are discussed under
Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, "Commitments and
Contingencies."

The Company continues to maintain a good financial position, with net working
capital of $341.2 million, an increase from the $214.5 million at December 31,
1996. Current assets amounted to $713.7 million, and current liabilities were
$372.5 million, resulting in a current ratio of 1.9 to 1, up from 1.7 to 1 at
December 31, 1996. With total debt of $225.4 million and equity of $781.7
million at December 31, 1997, the total debt as a percent of capital was 22.4%,
compared with 27.1% at December 31, 1996.

                                      -13-
<PAGE>   14
The stock price range during the year was 33 1/4 - 47 7/8. The Company's book
value per share at December 31, 1997 was $16.64, compared with $13.73 at
December 31, 1996. The Company's return on average equity, excluding the gain on
the disposal of the discontinued defense business, for 1997 was 18.4%, compared
with 18.2% for the year 1996. The return on average assets, excluding the gain,
was 17.1%, compared with 16.8% for the year 1996. The return on average capital,
excluding the gain, for 1997 was 14.6%, compared with 14.1% for the year 1996.

The Company has available through a syndicate of banks a $400 million
multi-currency five-year revolving credit facility, extending through July 2001.
This facility serves as a back-up to the Company's commercial paper program. As
of December 31, 1997, there were no borrowings outstanding under this facility.

The Company has a U.S. commercial paper borrowing program under which it can
issue up to $300 million of short-term notes in the U.S. commercial paper
market. In addition, the Company has a 3 billion Belgian franc program,
equivalent to approximately U.S. $81 million. The Belgian program will be used
to borrow a variety of Eurocurrencies in order to fund the Company's European
operations. The Company limits the aggregate commercial paper and syndicated
credit facility borrowings at any one time to a maximum of $400 million. At
December 31, 1997, the Company had $30.8 million of commercial paper debt
outstanding under the commercial paper programs.

The Company's outstanding long-term notes are rated A by Standard & Poor's, A by
Fitch IBCA and A-3 by Moody's. The Company's commercial paper is rated A-1 by
Standard & Poor's, F-1 by Fitch IBCA and P-2 by Moody's. The Company also has on
file with the Securities and Exchange Commission a Form S-3 shelf registration
for the possible issuance of up to an additional $200 million of new debt
securities, preferred stock or common stock.

As indicated by the above, the Company's financial position and debt capacity
should enable it to meet its current and future requirements. As additional
resources are needed, the Company should be able to obtain funds readily and at
competitive costs.



                                      -14-
<PAGE>   15
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
1997 COMPARED WITH 1996

Revenues from continuing operations for 1997 were $1.63 billion, 4% above 1996.
The increase was due principally to higher product sales of gas control and
containment equipment, which included an acquisition in April of 1996. Higher
product sales were also recorded for process equipment, pipe fittings, grating,
and railway maintenance of way equipment. In addition, service sales in metal
reclamation and mill services increased despite being adversely affected by the
strengthening of the U.S. dollar, particularly against European currencies, as
well as the divesting of certain non-core businesses in Europe in April of 1996.
Service sales for scaffolding, shoring and forming equipment, as well as railway
maintenance contract services, also increased. Excluding the adverse effect of
the strengthening U.S. dollar, revenues from continuing operations for 1997 were
7% above 1996.

Cost of products sold increased, principally due to higher volume which included
an acquisition in 1996. Cost of services sold also increased as a result of
increased sales of services. Selling, general and administrative expenses
increased, as a result of higher compensation costs and sales commissions, as
well as the inclusion of an acquired company.

Income from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interest was
up 13% from 1996 due to improved performance. Higher earnings from continuing
operations in 1997 were due principally to higher results for metal reclamation
and mill services, as well as gas control and containment equipment. Income from
grating also increased, but to a lesser extent. These items were partially
offset by lower results for process equipment and railway maintenance of way
equipment and contract services, as well as a $1.4 million pre-tax provision
($.02 earnings per share) for an impairment loss arising from the disposal of
the Company's shell and tube business. Interest expense decreased as a result of
the continued reduction of the Company's outstanding debt and average interest
rate. The effective income tax rate for continuing operations for 1997 was 38%,
versus 41% in 1996. The reduction in the income tax rate is primarily due to
lower effective tax rates on United States earnings.

Income from continuing operations of $100.4 million for 1997 was up 20% from
1996. Income per common share from continuing operations was $2.06, up 23% from
the $1.68 recorded in 1996.

Income from discontinued operations, which is the after-tax results of the
Company's divested defense business through August 1997, was below the results
recorded in 1996, which reflected a full year's results. Income per common share
from discontinued operations was $.58, which was below 1996. A $150.0 million
after-tax gain ($3.08 earnings per share) was recorded in conjunction with the
disposal of the Company's defense business.

Net income of $278.8 million, which included the gain on the disposal of the
Company's defense business was up significantly from 1996, which had been the
highest performance in the history of the Company. Net income per common share
was $5.72, up significantly from 1996.

Sales of the Metal Reclamation and Mill Services Group, at $616.5 million, were
above 1996, despite the strengthening of the U.S. dollar, principally against
certain European currencies, and the divesting of certain non-core businesses in
Europe in April of 1996. Sales for the Process Industry Products Group, at
$586.5 million, were higher than 1996 due principally to



                                      -15-
<PAGE>   16
increased sales of gas control and containment equipment, which included an
acquisition in April of 1996. Sales for the Infrastructure and Construction
Group, at $424.5 million, which included higher sales for most product classes,
were above last year.

Operating profit, excluding the effect of items relating to facilities
discontinuance and reorganization costs, for the Metal Reclamation and Mill
Services Group, at $93.3 million, exceeded 1996 despite the adverse effects of
the strong U.S. dollar. Operating profit in 1997 of $93.5 million, including the
effect of facilities discontinuance and reorganization costs, for the Group was
up 11% from 1996. Operating profit, excluding the effect of items relating to
facilities discontinuance and reorganization costs, for the Process Industry
Products Group, at $59.0 million, was above the prior year and reflected
principally higher results for gas control and containment equipment, which
included an acquisition and more than offset lower income for process equipment.
Operating profit in 1997 of $57.2 million, including the effect of facilities
discontinuance and reorganization costs, for the Group was up 3% from 1996. The
Infrastructure and Construction Group posted an operating profit, excluding the
effect of items relating to facilities discontinuance and reorganization costs,
of $41.5 million, which was below the $42.8 million recorded in 1996, due
principally to lower results for railway maintenance of way equipment and
contract services. After including the effect of facilities discontinuance and
reorganization costs, operating profit of $41.2 million was slightly below the
amount recorded in 1996.

In addition to the Group reporting noted above, the Company views itself as a
diversified industrial services and engineered products company. Total
industrial service sales, which include the Metal Reclamation and Mill Services
Group and Infrastructure and Construction Group service businesses, principally
scaffolding services and railway maintenance of way services, were $782.4
million in 1997 and $761.5 million in 1996, or approximately 48% and 49% of net
sales, respectively. The total engineered products sales for 1997 were $845.1
million or approximately 52% of net sales, which includes sales from the
Infrastructure and Construction Group and the Process Industry Products Group.
The total engineered products sales for 1996 were $796.1 million or
approximately 51% of net sales.

The operating profit, excluding the effect of items relating to facilities
discontinuance and reorganization costs, for industrial services for 1997 was
$107.1 million compared with $100.4 million in 1996, which is approximately 55%
of total Group operating profit for each year. The operating profit, excluding
the effect of items relating to facilities discontinuance and reorganization
costs, from engineered products for 1997 was $86.7 million compared with $83.4
million in 1996, which is approximately 45% of total Group operating profit for
each year.

The operating profit, including the effect of expense items relating to
facilities discontinuance and reorganization costs, for industrial services for
1997 was $107.8 million compared with $99.1 million in 1996, or approximately
56% and 55%, respectively, of total Group operating profit. The operating
profit, including the effect of expense items relating to facilities
discontinuance and reorganization costs, from engineered products for 1997 was
$84.1 million compared with $82.3 million in 1996, which is approximately 44%
and 45%, respectively, of total Group operating profit.


                                      -16-
<PAGE>   17
1996 COMPARED WITH 1995

Revenues from continuing operations for 1996 were $1.56 billion, 4% above 1995.
The increase was due principally to higher sales for gas control and containment
equipment and metal reclamation and mill services, which included the
consolidation of a subsidiary in South Africa that had previously been reflected
as an equity investment. The Company acquired a majority ownership of the
subsidiary in the fourth quarter of 1995. More than offsetting the South Africa
consolidation was the divesting of certain non-core European businesses in the
Metal Reclamation and Mill Services Group during the fourth quarter of 1995 and
April 1996. In addition, higher sales were recorded for railway maintenance of
way equipment and services, scaffolding, shoring and forming equipment, roofing
granules and slag abrasives, pipe fittings and to a lesser extent grating.
Increased sales were also due in part to an acquisition made in 1996. These
increases were partially offset by the effect of ceasing school bus operations
in June 1995. Sales also decreased, but to a lesser extent, due to the
strengthening of the U.S. dollar, principally against certain European
currencies.

Cost of sales increased primarily due to higher volume, but at a rate less than
the increase in sales. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased,
principally as a result of higher compensation costs and the inclusion of
acquired companies.

Income from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interest for
1996 was up 38% from 1995. Higher earnings in 1996 reflect higher operating
results for pipe fittings, gas control and containment equipment, roofing
granules and abrasives, railway maintenance of way equipment and services, and
metal reclamation and mill services. Increased income was also due in part to an
acquisition made in 1996. Scaffolding, shoring and forming equipment recorded
lower earnings in 1996. On a comparative basis, unfavorably affecting 1995's
results were losses arising from the school bus business, which ceased
operations in June that year. The Company recorded in 1995 a pre-tax provision
of $2.1 million for the valuation of the remaining school bus operation plant
and equipment and $3 million in termination and other exit costs. 1995 also
included a $13.5 million non-cash pre-tax charge ($0.16 after-tax earnings per
share) arising from the settlement of a Federal Excise Tax reimbursement claim
with the U.S. Government. Income benefited in 1995 from the effect of a pre-tax
$6.6 million net foreign currency translation exchange gain arising from the
decline in the U.S. dollar against certain European currencies, which more than
offset a pre-tax $3.4 million foreign currency translation exchange loss due to
the devaluation of the Mexican peso. Interest expense decreased as a result of
the continued reduction of the Company's outstanding debt and average interest
rate. The effective income tax rate for 1996 at 41% was lower than the 1995 rate
of 42%.

Income from continuing operations of $83.9 million for 1996 was up 37% from
1995. Income per common share from continuing operations was $1.68, up 39% from
the $1.21 which was recorded in 1995.

Income from discontinued operations which is the after-tax results of the
Company's divested defense business was $.71 per common share in 1996, down
slightly from $.72 in 1995.

                                      -17-
<PAGE>   18
Net income of $119 million was up 22% from 1995. This net income was the highest
performance in the history of the Company.

Sales of the Metal Reclamation and Mill Services Group, at $607.7 million, were
slightly above 1995. The rate of increase was unfavorably affected by the
strengthening of the U.S. dollar, principally against certain European
currencies. Sales for the Infrastructure and Construction Group, at $408.8
million, were above last year, which included $15.7 million for the school bus
business that ceased operation in June 1995. Higher sales were recorded for all
other product classes, particularly railway maintenance of way equipment and
services and scaffolding in 1996. Sales for the Process Industry Products Group,
at $541.1 million, were higher than last year and were led by gas control and
containment equipment, which included an acquisition made in 1996. The Process
Industry Products Group also included increased sales for pipe fittings, as well
as wear products and process equipment.

Operating profit in 1996 of $85.2 million, excluding the effect of expense items
relating to facilities discontinuance and reorganization costs for the Metal
Reclamation and Mill Services Group, was ahead of 1995, which included $3.4
million of foreign currency translation exchange losses due to the devaluation
of the Mexican peso. The increase also includes higher income in 1996 due to the
consolidation of a subsidiary in South Africa, beginning October 1995. Operating
profit in 1996 of $84.2 million, including the effect of facilities
discontinuance and reorganization costs, for the Group was up 9% from 1995. The
Infrastructure and Construction Group posted an operating profit of $42.8
million, excluding the effect of expense items relating to facilities
discontinuance and reorganization costs. Operating profit increased from 1995,
which included losses arising from the school bus operation. Additionally,
improved results for roofing granules and slag abrasives, as well as railway
maintenance of way equipment and services, contributed to the higher operating
profit of the Group. After including the effect of facilities discontinuance and
reorganization costs, operating profit of $41.8 million was more than two times
the amount recorded in 1995, which included $17.6 million of pre-tax facilities
discontinuance and reorganization costs due principally to a $13.5 million
non-cash pre-tax charge arising from the settlement of a Federal Excise Tax
reimbursement claim with the U.S. Government. Operating profit for the Process
Industry Products Group, at $55.8 million, was up 21% from last year, and
reflected higher earnings for all product classes, principally gas control and
containment equipment, which included an acquisition made in 1996, and pipe
fittings.

In addition to the Group reporting noted above, the Company views itself as a
diversified industrial services and engineered products company. Total
industrial service sales, which include Metal Reclamation and Mill Services
Group and Infrastructure and Construction Group service businesses, principally
scaffolding services and railway maintenance of way services, were $761.5
million in 1996 and $745.3 million in 1995, or approximately 49% and 50% of net
sales in 1996 and 1995, respectively. The total engineered products sales for
1996 were $796.2 million or approximately 51% of net sales, which includes sales
from the Infrastructure and Construction Group and the Process Industry Products
Group. The total engineered products sales for 1995 were $750.1 million,
approximately 50% of net sales.

                                      -18-
<PAGE>   19
The operating profit, excluding the effect of expense items relating to
facilities discontinuance and reorganization costs, for industrial services for
1996 was $100.4 million compared with $96.5 million in 1995, or approximately
55% and 59%, respectively, of total Group operating profit. The operating
profit, excluding the effect of expense items relating to facilities
discontinuance and reorganization costs, from engineered products for 1996 was
$83.4 million compared with $65.8 million in 1995, which is approximately 45%
and 41%, respectively, of total Group operating profit.

The operating profit, including the effect of expense items relating to
facilities discontinuance and reorganization costs, for industrial services for
1996 was $99.1 million compared with $93.8 million in 1995, or approximately 55%
and 66%, respectively, of total Group operating profit. The operating profit,
including the effect of expense items relating to facilities discontinuance and
reorganization costs, from engineered products for 1996 was $82.3 million
compared with $47.8 million in 1995, which is approximately 45% and 34%,
respectively, of total Group operating profit.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

The Company invested $6.1 million in internal research and development programs
in 1997. Internal funding for the Infrastructure and Construction Group amounted
to $3.2 million, primarily for railway maintenance of way equipment and
services. Expenditures for the Metal Reclamation and Mill Services and Process
Industry Products Groups were $1.5 million and $1.4 million, respectively. Total
internal research and development spending of $6.1 million increased 20% above
the $5.1 million spent in 1996.

BACKLOG

The Infrastructure and Construction Group backlog at December 31, 1997 was
$116.9 million which increased 24% over December 31, 1996, due principally to
increases in railway maintenance of way services and equipment. The year-end
backlog for the Process Industry Products Group was $108.6 million, down 7% from
December 31, 1996, due primarily to decreases in gas control and containment,
and to a lesser extent, process equipment. Backlog for scaffolding, shoring and
forming equipment, and for roofing granules and slag abrasives are not included
in the Infrastructure and Construction Group's total backlog, because they are
generally not quantifiable. Contracts for the Metal Reclamation and Mill
Services Group are also excluded from the total backlog. These contracts, have
an estimated value of $2.7 billion at year-end, which increased approximately 4%
over December 31, 1996.

OUTLOOK FOR 1998

The record results for 1997 met the Company's internal goals and forecasts, as
well as the consensus estimates of the broader financial community. We fully
expect to meet our 1998 objectives through the ongoing growth of our
repositioned core businesses. The continued strength of the U.S. dollar and,
while minimal for Harsco, the current economic uncertainties of the Asian
markets, do not undermine our confidence.

                                      -19-
<PAGE>   20
Central to Harsco's objectives for growth is our increasing concentration on
long-term, service-based relationships. Foremost is the metal reclamation and
mill services business, where our leadership in this highly competitive industry
continues to be built on long-term, renewable contracts.

We expect metal reclamation and mill services to expand further in 1998, with
both new customers and broader product service offerings to existing customers.
This revenue growth, combined with ongoing cost saving and productivity
initiatives, should again yield improved results. We expect to offer more
scaffolding services to the construction and industrial maintenance markets as
our new Sprint(R) scaffolding line becomes more recognized in the industry.
Further, we anticipate the expansion of services in the railway maintenance of
way market, led by a broadening of our Tie Masters(TM) program with a fourth
operating crew to be added in 1998. We anticipate growth from our engineered
products businesses, led by the rapid expansion of our gas containment and
control business through acquisitions and internal growth programs. The process
equipment businesses should also be a major contributor. Capital expenditures in
1998 are expected to exceed $150 million, as we further pursue internal growth
opportunities.

Subject to major economic, political and foreign currency changes, we believe
that our operations will achieve our goals for returns on capital, assets and
equity. Cash flows from operating activities are expected to reach approximately
$220 million. We expect to further improve our debt-to-capital ratio, excluding
the impact of major acquisitions, and fulfill our other stated financial
objectives, while investing appropriately for sustainable growth in our
businesses.

DIVIDEND ACTION

The Company paid four quarterly cash dividends of $.20 cents per share in 1997,
for an annual rate of $.80. At the November meeting, the Board of Directors
increased the dividend 10% to an annual rate of $.88 per share. On February 14,
1997, new shares were distributed as a result of the November 1996 meeting, at
which the Board approved a two-for-one common stock split. The Board normally
reviews the dividend periodically during the year and annually at its November
meeting. There are no material restrictions on the payment of dividends.

Harsco is proud of its history of paying dividends. The Company has paid
dividends each year since 1939. The February 1998 payment marked the 191st
consecutive quarterly dividend paid at the same or at an increased rate. During
the five-year period ended December 31, 1997, dividends paid were increased four
times. In 1997, the dividend payout rate was 30.4%, excluding the $150 million
gain on disposal of the discontinued defense business. Harsco is philosophically
committed to maintaining or increasing the dividend at a sustainable level.

ENHANCING SHAREHOLDER VALUE

A guiding principle of the Company is to build a tradition of creating
shareholder value. To that end, Harsco is striving to achieve a Return on
Capital ("ROC") of 14% in 1998. Each Division's performance is also evaluated
using the ROC measurement, which is calculated by



                                      -20-
<PAGE>   21
dividing net income excluding after-tax interest expense charges by quarterly
weighted average total debt and equity. In 1997, the Company's ROC was 14.6%,
excluding the gain on disposal of the discontinued defense business. In addition
to this key earnings-related measurement, incentive programs for both Division
and Corporate managements are based on sales growth, operating cash flow and
earnings per share goals. Harsco also has two other Corporate goals for 1998 -
to consistently achieve a Return on Equity ("ROE") of 17% - 18% and a Return on
Assets ("ROA") of 15% - 16%. In 1997, the Company's ROE was 18.4% and ROA was
17.1%, excluding the gain on disposal of the discontinued defense business.
Enhanced shareholder value will be obtained by developing and maintaining lead
industry positions in the markets served through the delivery of products and
services that provide the best value to the customer.

YEAR 2000

The Company is taking steps to ensure its operations will not be adversely
impacted by potential Year 2000 software failures. The Company has completed an
initial assessment of its software and has identified software that is currently
not Year 2000 ready. The majority of the software which is not Year 2000 ready
will be updated through normal software upgrades and replacements. The Company
is also working with external organizations that interact with the Company's
business, such as suppliers and customers, to ensure that their systems are also
Year 2000 ready. Based on its assessment, the Company believes that it is
unlikely that the Year 2000 issues will have a material effect on the Company's
operations, and that the cost of becoming Year 2000 ready will not have a
material adverse effect on the Company's financial position or results of
operations.

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

The nature of the Company's operations and the many countries in which it
operates subject it to changing economic, competitive, regulatory, and
technological conditions, risks, and uncertainties. In accordance with the "safe
harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the
Company provides the following cautionary remarks regarding important factors
which, among others, could cause future results to differ materially from the
forward-looking statements, expectations and assumptions expressed or implied
herein. These include statements about our management confidence and strategies
for performance; expectations for new and existing products, technologies, and
opportunities; and expectations for market segment and industry growth.

These factors include, but are not limited to: (1) changes in the world-wide
business environment in which the Company operates, including import, licensing
and trade restrictions, currency exchange rates, interest rates, and capital
costs; (2) changes in governmental laws and regulations, including taxes; (3)
market and competitive changes, including market demand and acceptance for new
products, services, and technologies; (4) effects of unstable governments and
business conditions in emerging economies; and (5) other risk factors listed
from time to time in the Company's SEC reports. The Company does not intend to
update this information and disclaims any legal liability to the contrary.


                                      -21-
<PAGE>   22
                                     PART II

Item 8.       Financial Statements and Supplementary Data:

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                Consolidated Financial Statements of
                  Harsco Corporation:                                                          Page
                                                                                               ----
<S>                                                                                        <C>
                  Report of Independent Accountants                                             23

                  Consolidated Balance Sheet
                    December 31, 1997 and 1996                                                  24

                  Consolidated Statement of Income
                    for the years 1997, 1996 and 1995                                           25

                  Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
                     for the years 1997, 1996 and 1995                                          26

                  Consolidated Statement of Shareholders'
                    Equity for the years 1997, 1996 and 1995                                    27

                  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                               28 - 62

                Supplementary Data:

                  Two-Year Summary of Quarterly Results (Unaudited)                             63

                  Common Stock Price and Dividend Information                                   64
</TABLE>


                                      -22-
<PAGE>   23
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


To the Shareholders of Harsco Corporation:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Harsco
Corporation and Subsidiary Companies as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the
related consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows
for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Harsco Corporation
and Subsidiary Companies as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the consolidated
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended December 31, 1997 in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.


/s/ Coopers & Lyband L.L.P.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
January 29, 1998, except as to Note 4 and
paragraph 6 of Note 10, for which the
date is March 4, 1998.



                                      -23-
<PAGE>   24
HARSCO CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(In thousands, except share amounts)
December 31                                                                                1997               1996
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                   <C>               <C>
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
     Cash and cash equivalents......................................................  $   221,565       $    45,862
     Investments in debt securities.................................................       43,867            29,180
     Accounts receivable, net.......................................................      259,565           268,230
     Inventories....................................................................      135,154           126,018
     Other current assets...........................................................       53,501            39,256
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS..................................................      713,652           508,546
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Property, plant and equipment, net..................................................      511,913           513,112
Cost in excess of net assets of businesses acquired, net                                  187,666           195,387
Net assets of discontinued operations...............................................            -            54,376
Other assets........................................................................       63,957            52,998
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                      $ 1,477,188       $ 1,324,419
=======================================================================================================================

LIABILITIES
CURRENT LIABILITIES
     Short-term borrowings..........................................................  $    22,847       $    16,856
     Current maturities of long-term debt...........................................        3,630             9,326
     Accounts payable...............................................................      120,148           111,912
     Accrued compensation...........................................................       42,652            44,501
     Income taxes...................................................................       30,572             9,860
     Dividends payable..............................................................       10,335             9,920
     Other current liabilities......................................................      142,308            91,652
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES.............................................      372,492           294,027
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Long-term debt......................................................................      198,898           227,385
Deferred income taxes...............................................................       36,954            34,182
Insurance liabilities...............................................................       33,389            38,876
Other liabilities...................................................................       53,753            48,662
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                          695,486           643,132
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock, Series A junior participating cumulative preferred stock ..........           -                  -
Common stock, par value $1.25, issued 65,854,087 and
     65,458,202 shares, respectively................................................       82,318            81,823
Additional paid-in capital..........................................................       79,360            69,151
Cumulative translation adjustments..................................................      (49,677)          (25,476)
Unrealized investment (losses), net of deferred income taxes .......................          (28)                -
Cumulative pension liability adjustments............................................       (1,269)             (619)
Retained earnings...................................................................    1,033,770           794,473
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                        1,144,474           919,352
Treasury stock, at cost (18,877,957 and 15,855,850 shares, respectively) ...........     (362,772)         (238,065)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                          781,702           681,287
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                      $ 1,477,188       $ 1,324,419
=======================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


                                      -24-
<PAGE>   25
HARSCO CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Years ended December 31                                                                1997            1996           1995
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                               <C>             <C>            <C>
REVENUES
     Product sales............................................................    $    845,072    $   796,161    $   750,138
     Service sales............................................................         782,406        761,482        745,328
     Other....................................................................           1,643          1,495          4,393
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         TOTAL REVENUES.......................................................       1,629,121      1,559,138      1,499,859
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

COSTS AND EXPENSES
     Cost of products sold....................................................         645,044        604,144        576,404
     Cost of services sold....................................................         584,290        573,047        566,045
     Selling, general and administrative expenses ............................         211,231        207,502        198,706
     Research and development expenses........................................           6,090          5,108          4,876
     Facilities discontinuance and reorganization costs ......................           2,578          3,280         22,809
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         TOTAL COSTS AND EXPENSES.............................................       1,449,233      1,393,081      1,368,840
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

         INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE
              INTEREST, INCOME TAXES AND MINORITY INTEREST....................         179,888        166,057        131,019

Interest income...............................................................           8,464          6,949          7,472
Interest expense..............................................................         (16,741)       (21,483)       (28,921)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

         INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE
              INCOME TAXES AND MINORITY INTEREST .............................         171,611        151,523        109,570

Provision for income taxes....................................................          65,213         62,081         45,755
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

         INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE
              MINORITY INTEREST ..............................................         106,398         89,442         63,815

Minority interest in net income...............................................           5,998          5,539          2,497
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS ...................................         100,400         83,903         61,318

Discontinued operations:
     Equity in income of defense business (net of income taxes
         of $14,082, $14,255, and $18,099, respectively)......................          28,424         35,106         36,059
     Gain on disposal of defense business (net of income taxes
         of $100,006).........................................................         150,008              -              -
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCOME....................................................................    $    278,832    $   119,009    $    97,377
==============================================================================================================================
Basic earnings per common share:
     Income from continuing operations........................................    $       2.06    $      1.68    $      1.21
     Income from discontinued operations......................................             .58            .71            .72
     Gain on disposal of discontinued operations..............................            3.08              -              -
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BASIC EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE ..............................................    $       5.72    $      2.39    $      1.93
==============================================================================================================================
Average shares of common stock outstanding....................................          48,754         49,895         50,505
==============================================================================================================================
Diluted earnings per common share:
     Income from continuing operations........................................    $       2.04    $      1.67    $      1.20
     Income from discontinued operations......................................             .58            .70            .71
     Gain on disposal of discontinued operations                                          3.05              -              -
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DILUTED EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE.............................................    $       5.67    $      2.37    $      1.91
==============================================================================================================================
</TABLE>


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


                                      -25-
<PAGE>   26
HARSCO CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(In thousands)
Years ended December 31                                                                    1997             1996              1995
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                 <C>              <C>               <C>

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
   Net income...................................................................    $   278,832      $   119,009       $    97,377
   Adjustments to reconcile net income to
     net cash provided by operating activities:
       Depreciation.............................................................        107,350          100,137            95,033
       Amortization.............................................................          9,189            9,262             9,830
       Gain on disposal of defense business.....................................       (250,014)               -                 -
       Equity in income of unconsolidated entities..............................        (43,549)         (50,083)          (57,031)
       Dividends or distributions from unconsolidated entities..................         49,142           38,474            38,400
       Deferred income taxes....................................................         (8,175)            (829)          (19,018)
       Write-off of federal excise tax receivable...............................              -                -            13,455
       Other, net...............................................................         (5,614)           5,429            (1,890)
       Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and dispositions
          of businesses:
           Accounts receivable..................................................         (1,812)            (138)           73,732
           Inventories..........................................................        (13,042)           3,100            (1,583)
           Accounts payable.....................................................          4,840            4,086             4,955
           Other assets and liabilities.........................................         21,394          (11,245)            5,555
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES (1)............................        148,541          217,202           258,815
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
   Purchases of property, plant and equipment...................................       (143,444)        (150,294)         (113,895)
   Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired*................................         (8,508)         (21,062)           (4,145)
   Proceeds from sale of businesses.............................................        345,189            1,793             3,821
   Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment..........................         14,433            4,890            11,491
   Purchases of investments available-for-sale..................................        (39,346)               -                 -
   Investments held-to-maturity:   Purchases ...................................        (42,241)         (14,300)           (3,067)
                                   Maturities...................................         71,469           26,561             5,475
   Other investing activities...................................................         (1,007)            (813)            2,989
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       NET CASH PROVIDED (USED) BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES.........................        196,545         (153,225)          (97,331)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
   Short-term borrowings, net...................................................          8,291           10,911           (13,998)
   Current maturities and long-term debt:  Additions ...........................         61,310          187,319            27,076
                                           Reductions...........................        (88,523)        (229,914)          (95,884)
   Cash dividends paid on common stock..........................................        (39,120)         (37,921)          (37,397)
   Common stock issued-options..................................................          5,939            5,726             5,660
   Common stock acquired for treasury...........................................       (113,161)         (30,657)          (14,130)
   Other financing activities...................................................         (1,985)           1,592               605
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       NET CASH (USED) BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES..................................       (167,249)         (92,944)         (128,068)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH.........................................         (2,134)          (1,840)             (297)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents.........................        175,703          (30,807)           33,119
   Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year...............................         45,862           76,669            43,550
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR........................................    $   221,565      $    45,862       $    76,669
====================================================================================================================================

*PURCHASE OF BUSINESSES, NET OF CASH ACQUIRED
   Working capital, other than cash.............................................    $     2,807      $    (7,625)      $     5,139
   Property, plant and equipment................................................           (833)         (12,315)           (8,263)
   Other noncurrent assets and liabilities, net.................................        (10,482)          (1,122)           (1,021)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       NET CASH USED TO ACQUIRE BUSINESSES......................................    $    (8,508)     $   (21,062)      $    (4,145)
====================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

(1)      Cash provided by operating activities for 1997 includes approximately
         $100 million of income taxes paid related to the gain on the disposal
         of the defense business, whereas the pre-tax cash proceeds are included
         under investing activities.

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements


                                      -26-
<PAGE>   27
HARSCO CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                  CUMULATIVE ADJUSTMENTS
                                                                                          ------------------------------------
                                                                             ADDITIONAL               NET UNREALIZED
                                                         COMMON STOCK         PAID-IN                  INVESTMENT     PENSION
(In thousands, except share amounts)                 ISSUED       TREASURY    CAPITAL     TRANSLATION  (LOSSES)       LIABILITY
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>          <C>
BALANCES, JANUARY 1, 1995........................  $  40,429    $ (191,154)  $  94,070    $ (16,020)    $      -     $     (99)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net income.......................................
Cash dividends declared, $.745 per share ........
Translation adjustments..........................                                            (3,832)
Pension liability adjustments, net of $200
   deferred income taxes.........................                                                                         (314)
Acquired during the year, 651,722 shares ........                  (18,245)
Stock options exercised, 388,654 shares .........        243                     7,092
Other, 1,666 shares..............................                       26          21

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCES, DECEMBER 31, 1995......................     40,672      (209,373)    101,183      (19,852)           -          (413)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net income.......................................
Cash dividends declared, $.77 per share .........
Translation adjustments..........................                                            (5,624)
Pension liability adjustments, net of $157
   deferred income taxes.........................                                                                         (206)
Acquired during the year, 944,942 shares ........                  (29,875)
Stock options exercised, 382,442 shares .........        239                     8,038
Restricted stock, net, 60,366 shares ............                    1,159         824
Other, 1,388 shares..............................                       24          18
Two-for-one stock split at par value* ...........     40,912                   (40,912)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCES, DECEMBER 31, 1996......................     81,823      (238,065)     69,151      (25,476)           -          (619)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net income.......................................
Cash dividends declared, $.82 per share .........
Translation adjustments..........................                                           (24,201)
Unrealized investment (losses), net of $18
   deferred income taxes.........................                                                            (28)
Pension liability adjustments, net of $412
   deferred income taxes.........................                                                                         (650)
Acquired during the year, 3,080,642 shares ......                 (125,841)         34
Stock options exercised, 395,885 shares .........        495                     9,299
Restricted stock, net, 57,487 shares ............                    1,117         846
Other, 1,048 shares..............................                       17          30

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCES, DECEMBER 31, 1997......................  $  82,318    $ (362,772)  $  79,360    $ (49,677)    $    (28)    $  (1,269)
==============================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      RETAINED
(In thousands, except share amounts)                  EARNINGS
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>
BALANCES, JANUARY 1, 1995........................    $  653,996
- -----------------------------------------------------------------

Net income.......................................        97,377
Cash dividends declared, $.745 per share ........       (37,599)
Translation adjustments..........................
Pension liability adjustments, net of $200
   deferred income taxes.........................
Acquired during the year, 651,722 shares ........
Stock options exercised, 388,654 shares .........
Other, 1,666 shares..............................

- -----------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCES, DECEMBER 31, 1995......................       713,774
- -----------------------------------------------------------------

Net income.......................................       119,009
Cash dividends declared, $.77 per share .........       (38,310)
Translation adjustments..........................
Pension liability adjustments, net of $157
   deferred income taxes.........................
Acquired during the year, 944,942 shares ........
Stock options exercised, 382,442 shares .........
Restricted stock, net, 60,366 shares ............
Other, 1,388 shares..............................
Two-for-one stock split at par value* ...........
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCES, DECEMBER 31, 1996......................       794,473
- -----------------------------------------------------------------

Net income.......................................       278,832
Cash dividends declared, $.82 per share .........       (39,535)
Translation adjustments..........................
Unrealized investment (losses), net of $18
   deferred income taxes.........................
Pension liability adjustments, net of $412
   deferred income taxes.........................
Acquired during the year, 3,080,642 shares ......
Stock options exercised, 395,885 shares .........
Restricted stock, net, 57,487 shares ............
Other, 1,048 shares..............................

- -----------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCES, DECEMBER 31, 1997......................    $1,033,770
=================================================================
</TABLE>


* See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements.

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


                                      -27-
<PAGE>   28
HARSCO CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.     SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

CONSOLIDATION
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Harsco Corporation
and its majority-owned subsidiaries ("Company"). Investments in unconsolidated
entities are accounted for under the equity method.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand, demand deposits, and short-term
investments which are highly liquid in nature and have an original maturity of
three months or less.

INVESTMENTS IN DEBT SECURITIES
Marketable debt securities are classified as available-for-sale or
held-to-maturity. Management determines the appropriate classification of debt
securities at the time of purchase. Debt securities classified as
available-for-sale are stated at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses
reported in a separate component of shareholders' equity, net of deferred income
taxes. Realized gains and losses on sales of investments are included in other
revenues. Debt securities are classified as held-to-maturity when the Company
has the positive intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity.
Held-to-maturity securities are stated at amortized cost. Interest on debt
securities is included in interest income.

INVENTORIES
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Inventories in the United
States are accounted for using principally the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method.
All other inventories are accounted for using the first-in, first-out (FIFO)
method and average cost.

DEPRECIATION
Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost and depreciated over the
estimated useful lives of the assets using principally the straight-line method.
When property is retired from service, generally the cost of the retirement is
charged to the allowance for depreciation to the extent of the accumulated
depreciation, and the balance is charged to income.

INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Intangible assets consist principally of cost in excess of net assets of
businesses acquired, which is amortized on a straight line basis over a period
not to exceed 30 years. Accumulated amortization was $47.3 and $42.7 million at
December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

                                      -28-
<PAGE>   29
1.     SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS
Long-lived assets, including cost in excess of net assets of businesses acquired
and other intangible assets, used in the Company's operations are reviewed for
impairment when events and circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an
asset may not be recoverable. The primary indicators of recoverability are the
associated current and forecasted undiscounted operating cash flows. The
Company's policy is to record an impairment loss when it is determined that the
carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable.

REVENUE RECOGNITION
Revenue is recognized for product sales when title transfers. Service sales are
recognized over the contractual period or as services are performed.

INCOME TAXES
All U.S. federal and state income taxes and non-U.S. income taxes are provided
currently on the undistributed earnings of international subsidiaries and
unconsolidated affiliated entities, giving recognition to current tax rates and
applicable foreign tax credits. Deferred taxes are provided using the asset and
liability method for temporary differences between the financial statement
carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax
bases.

ACCRUED INSURANCE AND LOSS RESERVES
The Company retains a portion of the risk for workers' compensation, automobile,
general, and product liability losses. Reserves have been recorded which reflect
the undiscounted estimated liabilities including claims incurred but not
reported. Changes in the estimates of the reserves are included in net income in
the period determined. Amounts estimated to be paid within one year have been
classified as Other current liabilities, with the remainder included in
Insurance liabilities.

FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION
The financial statements of the Company's subsidiaries outside the United
States, except for those subsidiaries located in highly inflationary economies,
are principally measured using the local currency as the functional currency.
Assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries are translated at the exchange
rates at the balance sheet date. Resulting translation adjustments are recorded
in the cumulative translation adjustment, a separate component of shareholders'
equity. Income and expense items are translated at average monthly exchange
rates. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions of these subsidiaries
are included in net income. For subsidiaries operating in highly inflationary
economies, gains and losses on foreign currency transactions and balance sheet
translation adjustments are included in net income.

Effective January 1997, the Company's operations in Mexico were accounted for as
a highly inflationary economy due to the three-year cumulative rate of inflation
at December 31, 1996 exceeding 100%. The functional currency for the Company's
operations in Mexico was changed from the peso to the U.S. dollar.

                                      -29-
<PAGE>   30
1.     SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)


Effective January 1998, the Company's operations in Brazil will no longer be
accounted for as a highly inflationary economy, because the three-year
cumulative rate of inflation is below 100%. The Company will measure the
financial statements of its Brazilian entity using the Brazilian real as the
entity's functional currency.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING
The Company has subsidiaries principally operating in North America, Latin
America, Europe and Asia-Pacific. These operations are exposed to fluctuations
in related foreign currencies, in the normal course of business. The Company
seeks to reduce exposure to foreign currency fluctuations, primarily the
European currencies, through the use of forward exchange contracts. The Company
does not hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes, and it is the
Company's policy to prohibit the use of derivatives for speculative purposes.
The Company has a Foreign Currency Risk Management Committee that meets
periodically to monitor foreign currency risks.

The Company enters into forward foreign exchange contracts to hedge transactions
of its non-U.S. subsidiaries, for firm commitments to purchase equipment and for
export sales denominated in foreign currencies. These contracts generally are
for 90 to 180 days or less. For those contracts that hedge an identifiable
transaction, gains or losses are deferred and accounted for as part of the
underlying transactions. The cash flows from these contracts are classified
consistent with the cash flows from the transaction being hedged. The Company
also enters into forward foreign exchange contracts for intercompany foreign
currency commitments. These foreign exchange contracts do not qualify as hedges,
and they are recognized in income based on their fair market value.

OPTIONS FOR COMMON STOCK
The Company uses the intrinsic value based method to account for options granted
for the purchase of common stock. No compensation expense is recognized on the
grant date since, at that date, the option price equals the market price of the
underlying common stock. The Company discloses the pro-forma effect of
accounting for stock options under the fair value method.

EARNINGS PER SHARE
In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 128,
"Earnings per Share" (SFAS 128). This statement establishes standards for
computing and presenting earnings per share. Basic earnings per share is
calculated using the average shares of common stock outstanding, while diluted
earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if stock
options were exercised. The Company adopted SFAS 128 in the fourth quarter of
1997.

USE OF ESTIMATES IN THE PREPARATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.

                                      -30-
<PAGE>   31
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

RECLASSIFICATIONS
Certain reclassifications have been made to prior years amounts to conform with
current year classifications.

NEW FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NOT YET ADOPTED
In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 130,
"Reporting Comprehensive Income" (SFAS 130), which is effective for years
beginning after December 15, 1997. This statement establishes standards for the
reporting and display of comprehensive income and its components. Comprehensive
income is defined to include all changes in equity during a period except those
resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. The Company
will adopt SFAS 130 and begin reporting comprehensive income in the first
quarter of 1998.

In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board also issued SFAS No. 131,
"Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information" (SFAS
131), which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997.
This statement establishes standards for the disclosure of segment results. It
requires that segments be determined using the "management approach," which
means the way management organizes the segments within the enterprise for making
operating decisions and assessing performance. The Company will adopt SFAS 131
in the fourth quarter of 1998, and is still evaluating its impact on the
Company's segment disclosures.



                                      -31-
<PAGE>   32
2.       COMMON STOCK SPLIT

On November 19, 1996, the Board of Directors declared a two-for-one stock split
on the Company's common stock. One additional share was issued for each share of
common stock held by shareholders of record as of the close of business on
January 15, 1997. New shares were distributed on February 14, 1997. Common stock
and additional paid-in capital as of December 31, 1996 reflect this split. All
references to the number of common shares and per share amounts in the
consolidated financial statements and related notes reflect the effect of the
split for all prior periods presented.


                                      -32-
<PAGE>   33
3.     DISCONTINUED DEFENSE BUSINESS

On August 25, 1997, the Company and FMC Corporation signed an agreement to sell
United Defense, L.P. for $850 million, and the sale was completed on October 6,
1997. Prior to the sale, FMC had been the managing general partner and 60% owner
of United Defense, L.P., while the Company owned the balance of 40% as the
limited partner. United Defense supplies ground combat and naval weapons systems
for the U.S. and military customers around the world.

On the Consolidated Statement of Income under Discontinued Operations, "Equity
in income of defense business" includes equity income through August 1997 (the
measurement date) from the Company's 40% interest in United Defense, L.P. The
sale resulted in pre-tax cash proceeds to the Company of $344 million and
resulted in an after tax gain on the sale of $150 million or $3.08 per share
after taking into account certain retained liabilities from the partnership and
estimated post closing net worth adjustments, as well as pre-partnership
formation contingencies and other defense business contingencies.

The Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 1996 has been restated to
segregate the Company's investment in the defense business. On the Consolidated
Statement of Cash Flows, equity in income of the defense business and
distributions from the defense business through the measurement date are
included in "Equity in income of unconsolidated entities" and "Dividends or
distributions from unconsolidated entities", respectively.



                                      -33-
<PAGE>   34
4.     PENDING ACQUISITIONS

On February 2, 1998, the Company signed a definitive agreement with Charter plc
to acquire Charter's Pandrol Jackson railway track maintenance business in a
cash transaction. Pandrol Jackson manufactures, markets worldwide, and provides
under contract a wide range of equipment and services used in railway track
maintenance. Pandrol Jackson had 1997 sales of approximately $71 million.

On February 17, the Company acquired EFI Corporation (EFIC) from Racal
Electronics Plc for approximately $7.2 million in cash. EFIC produces
lightweight composite cylinders used extensively in firefighter breathing
apparatus as well as other industrial and commercial applications. EFIC is
expected to contribute annual sales of approximately $10 million.

On February 20, 1998, the Company signed a definitive agreement to acquire
Chemi-Trol Chemical Co. for approximately $46 million. Chemi-Trol's principal
business is the production and distribution of steel pressure tanks for the
storage of propane gas and anhydrous ammonia. Chemi-Trol had sales of
approximately $50 million in 1997.

On March 4, 1998, the Company and Faber Prest Plc announced that they have
agreed to a recommended tender offer under which the Company would acquire Faber
Prest, a UK-based provider of services to worldwide steel producers and
integrated logistics services to the steel industry and other market sectors.
For the year ended September 30, 1997, Faber Prest recorded sales of (British 
pound)84 million (approximately U.S. $137 million). The Company's cash offer is
valued at approximately (British pound)58 million (U.S. $95 million), and is
subject to the tender of 90% of the outstanding shares of Faber Prest's common
stock, as well as certain other conditions and regulatory approvals.
                                        

                                      -34-
<PAGE>   35
5.     INVESTMENTS IN DEBT SECURITIES

The debt securities held at December 31, 1997 and 1996 consist of:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(In thousands)                                       1997
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 AMORTIZED        UNREALIZED             FAIR
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE                 COST        GAINS      LOSSES         VALUE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                              <C>            <C>       <C>           <C>
Corporate debt securities        $39,903        $-        $ 46          $39,857
====================================================================================

HELD-TO-MATURITY
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corporate debt securities        $ 3,007        $5        $ --          $ 3,012
Government debt
    securities non-U.S             1,003         1          --            1,004
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 $ 4,010        $6        $ --          $ 4,016
====================================================================================
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

(In thousands)                                         1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                AMORTIZED           UNREALIZED               FAIR
HELD-TO-MATURITY                  COST          GAINS        LOSSES         VALUE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                              <C>            <C>         <C>            <C>
Corporate debt securities        $23,468        $ 63        $    14        $23,517
Government debt
    securities non-U.S             9,770          45              7          9,808
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 $33,238        $108        $    21        $33,325
====================================================================================
</TABLE>

There were no debt securities held as available-for-sale at December 31, 1996.

At December 31, 1997 and 1996, $43.9 million and $29.2 million, respectively, of
debt securities were due in one year or less, and included on the Consolidated
Balance Sheet as Investments in debt securities. At December 31, 1996, $4.0
million were due in over one year, and included in Other assets.

For the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995, there were no gains or
losses on sales of available-for-sale debt securities.


                                      -35-
<PAGE>   36
6.     ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND INVENTORIES


Accounts receivable are net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $6.8
million and $8.5 million at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

Inventories consist of:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(In thousands)                                       1997                   1996
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                              <C>                    <C>
     Finished goods                              $   27,639             $   24,743
     Work in process                                 27,979                 25,843
     Raw materials and purchased parts               60,982                 57,581
     Stores and supplies                             18,554                 17,851
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 $  135,154             $  126,018
==================================================================================

Valued at lower of cost or market:
     LIFO basis                                  $  101,184             $   90,445
     FIFO basis                                      23,989                 24,663
     Average cost basis                               9,981                 10,910
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 $  135,154             $  126,018
==================================================================================
</TABLE>

Inventories valued on the LIFO basis at December 31, 1997 and 1996 were
approximately $35.5 million and $37.1 million, respectively, less than the
amounts of such inventories valued at current costs.


                                      -36-
<PAGE>   37
7.     PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT


Property, plant and equipment consists of:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(In thousands)                                                   1997                   1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                          <C>                     <C>
Land and improvements                                        $     22,847            $    26,479
Buildings and improvements                                        119,679                129,930
Machinery and equipment                                         1,005,613                981,384
Uncompleted construction                                           54,644                 49,659
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                1,202,783              1,187,452
Less accumulated depreciation                                     690,870                674,340
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             $    511,913            $   513,112
================================================================================================
</TABLE>

The estimated useful lives of different types of assets are:

<TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                  <C>
Land improvements                                                    10 years

Buildings and improvements                                           10 to 50 years

Certain plant, buildings and installations                           5 to 15 years
       (Principally Metal Reclamation and Mill Services Group)

Machinery and equipment                                              3 to 20 years

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


                                      -37-
<PAGE>   38
8.     DEBT AND CREDIT AGREEMENTS


The Company has a $400 million Five-Year Competitive Advance and Revolving
Credit Facility ("credit facility") maturing in July, 2001. Borrowings under
this agreement are available in U.S. dollars or Eurocurrencies and serve as
back-up to the Company's U. S. commercial paper program. Interest rates are
either negotiated, based upon the U.S. federal funds interbank market, prime, or
based upon the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus a margin. The Company
pays a facility fee (currently 0.08% per annum) that varies based upon its
credit ratings. At December 31, 1997 and 1996, there were no borrowings
outstanding.

The Company can also issue up to $300 million of short-term notes in the U.S.
commercial paper market. In addition, the Company has a 3 billion Belgian franc
commercial paper program (approximately U.S. $81 million) which is used to
borrow a variety of Eurocurrencies to fund the Company's European operations.
The Company limits the aggregate commercial paper and credit facility borrowings
at any one time to a maximum of $400 million. Interest rates, which are based on
market conditions, have been lower than on comparable borrowings under the
credit facility. At December 31, 1997 and 1996, $30.8 million and $36.6 million
of commercial paper was outstanding, respectively. Commercial paper is
classified as long-term debt at December 31, 1997 and 1996, because the Company
has the ability and intent to refinance it on a long-term basis through existing
long-term credit facilities.

Short-term debt, including overdraft facilities, amounted to $22.8 million and
$16.9 million at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The weighted average
interest rate for short-term borrowings at December 31, 1997 and 1996 was 5.8%
and 6.9%, respectively.


                                      -38-
<PAGE>   39
8.     DEBT AND CREDIT AGREEMENTS (CONTINUED)


Long-term debt consists of:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(In thousands)                                                                            1997           1996
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                 <C>            <C>
6.0% Notes due September 15, 2003...............................................    $  150,000     $  150,000
Commercial Paper Borrowings, with a weighted
     average interest rate of 3.8%..............................................        30,757         36,614
Industrial Development Bonds, payable in varying
     amounts from 2001 to 2005 with a weighted
     average interest rate of 6.0%..............................................        11,400         11,400
Project financing and other, payable in varying
     amounts to 2001 with a weighted average
     interest rate of 9.7%......................................................        10,371         38,697
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                       202,528        236,711
Less current maturities.........................................................         3,630          9,326
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    $  198,898     $  227,385
=============================================================================================================
</TABLE>


The credit facility and certain notes payable agreements contain covenants
restricting, among other things, the amount of debt that can be issued as
defined. At December 31, 1997, the Company was in compliance with these
covenants.

The maturities of long-term debt for the four years following December 31, 1998,
are:
<TABLE>
(In thousands)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>              <C>                 <C>     <C>
         1999    $ 2,759             2001    $37,950
         2000    $ 2,494             2002    $   486
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

Cash payments for interest on all debt were (in millions) $16.3, $20.3 and $28.8
in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

The Company has on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, a Form S-3
shelf registration for the possible issuance of up to an additional $200 million
of new debt securities, preferred stock or common stock.


                                      -39-
<PAGE>   40
9.     LEASES


The Company leases certain property and equipment under noncancelable operating
leases. Rental expense under all operating leases was (in millions) $13.5, $13.7
and $12.2 in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

Future minimum lease payments under operating leases with noncancelable terms
are:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                AFTER
(In thousands)                 1998         1999          2000         2001         2002         2002
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                         <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>
Minimum Lease Payments      $11,027       $7,594        $5,830       $4,917       $4,012      $13,868
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>



                                      -40-
<PAGE>   41
10.    COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

DISCONTINUED DEFENSE BUSINESS - CONTINGENCIES

FEDERAL EXCISE TAX AND OTHER MATTERS RELATED TO THE FIVE-TON TRUCK CONTRACT
In 1995, the Company, the United States Army, and the United States Department
of Justice concluded a settlement of Harsco's previously reported claims against
the Army relating to Federal Excise Tax ("FET") arising under a completed 1986
contract for the sale of five-ton trucks to the Army. On September 27, 1995, the
Army paid the Company $49 million in accordance with the settlement terms. The
Company released the Army from any further liability for those claims, and the
Department of Justice released the Company from a threatened action for damages
and civil penalties based on an investigation conducted by the Department's
Commercial Litigation Branch that had been pending for several years. During the
performance of the five-ton truck contract, the Company recorded an account
receivable of $62.5 million for its claims against the Army relating to Federal
Excise Tax. As a result of accepting the $49 million in settlement, the Company
recorded a non-recurring, pre-tax, non-cash charge of $13.5 million (after-tax
charge of $8.2 million, $.16 per share) in 1995.

The settlement preserves the rights of the parties to assert claims and defenses
under the Internal Revenue Code, and rights of the Army and the Company to claim
certain amounts that may be owed by either party to reconcile possible
underpayments or overpayments on the truck contract as part of the formal
contract close-out process.

The settlement does not resolve the claim by the Internal Revenue Service that,
contrary to the Company's position, certain cargo truck models sold by the
Company should be considered to have gross vehicle weights in excess of the
33,000 pound threshold under the Federal Excise Tax law, are not entitled to an
exemption from the Federal Excise Tax under any other theory, and therefore are
taxable. On December 19, 1996, the District Director of the Internal Revenue
Service issued a 30-day letter and examination report (the "Report") that
proposed an increase in Federal Excise Tax of $33.7 million plus penalties of
$6.9 million and applicable interest currently estimated by the Company to be
$35.8 million, primarily on the grounds that those cargo truck models are
subject to the Federal Excise Tax. This proposed increase in Federal Excise Tax
takes into account offsetting credits of $9.2 million, based on a partial
allowance of the Company's $23.4 million claim that certain truck components are
exempt from the Federal Excise Tax. The Report disallowed in full the Company's
additional claim that it is entitled to the entire $52 million of Federal Excise
Tax (plus applicable interest currently estimated by the Company to be $31.3
million) the Company has paid on the five-ton trucks, on the grounds that such
trucks qualify for the Federal Excise Tax exemption applicable to certain
vehicles specially designed for the primary function of off-highway
transportation. In the event that the Company ultimately receives from the
Internal Revenue Service a refund of tax (including applicable interest) with
respect to which the Company has already received reimbursement from the Army,
the refund would be allocated between the Company and the Army. The Company
plans to vigorously contest the findings of the District Director. On March 19,
1997, the Company filed its formal written protest to these findings with the
Internal Revenue Service Office of the Regional Director of Appeals. Currently
the Company is engaged in discussions concerning these findings with the IRS
Appeals Officer assigned to this case. Although


                                     - 41 -
<PAGE>   42
10.    COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)

there is risk of an adverse outcome, the Company believes that the cargo trucks
are not taxable. No recognition has been given in the accompanying financial
statements for the Company's claim with the Internal Revenue Service.

The settlement agreement with the Army preserves the Company's right to seek
reimbursement of after-imposed tax from the Army in the event that the cargo
trucks are determined to be taxable, but the agreement limits the reimbursement
to a maximum of $21 million. Additionally, in an earlier contract modification,
the Army accepted responsibility for $3.6 million of the potential tax, bringing
its total potential responsibility up to $24.6 million.

Under the settlement, the Army agreed that if the cargo trucks are determined to
be taxable, the 1993 decision of the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals
(which ruled that the Company is entitled to a price adjustment to the contract
for reimbursement of FET paid on vehicles that were to be delivered after
October 1, 1988) will apply to the question of the Company's right to
reimbursement from the Army for after-imposed taxes on the cargo trucks. In the
Company's view, application of the 1993 decision will favorably resolve the
principal issues regarding any such future claim by the Company. Therefore, the
Company believes that even if the cargo trucks are ultimately held to be
taxable, the Army would be obligated to reimburse the Company for a majority of
the tax, (but not interest or penalty, if any), resulting in a net maximum
liability for the Company of $9.1 million plus penalties of $6.9 million and
applicable interest currently estimated by the Company to be $35.8 million. The
Company believes it is unlikely that resolution of this matter will have a
material adverse effect on the Company's financial position, however, it could
have a material effect on quarterly or annual results of operations.

M9 ARMORED COMBAT EARTHMOVER CLAIM
The Company and its legal counsel are of the opinion that the U.S. Government
did not exercise option three under the M9 Armored Combat Earthmover (ACE)
contract in a timely manner, with the result that the unit prices for options
three, four and five are subject to renegotiation. Claims reflecting the
Company's position were filed with respect to all options purported to be
exercised, totaling in excess of $60 million plus interest. In February 1998,
the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals denied the Company's claims. The
Company intends to appeal the decision to the United States Court of Appeals for
the Federal Circuit. No recognition has been given in the accompanying financial
statements for any recovery on these claims.

OTHER DEFENSE BUSINESS LITIGATION
In 1992, the U.S. Government filed a counterclaim against the Company in a civil
suit alleging violations of the False Claims Act and breach of a contract to
supply M109A2 Self-Propelled Howitzers. The counterclaim was filed in the United
States Claims Court in response to the Company's claim of approximately $5
million against the Government for costs incurred on this contract relating to
the same issue. In May 1997, the Court issued a decision in the first phase of
the case, denying the Company's claim for reimbursement and granting the
Government's counterclaim for breach of contract and penalties under the False
Claims Act. The Court will consider the amount of damages and penalties in the


                                     - 42 -
<PAGE>   43
10.    COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)

next phase of the case, and the decision will then be subject to the right of
appeal. The Government has filed a brief seeking penalties and treble damages
totaling $26 million. The Company intends to vigorously oppose this claim. The
Company and its counsel believe that resolution of these claims will not have a
material adverse effect on the Company's financial position, however, it could
have a material effect on quarterly or annual results of operations.

In 1992, the United States Government through its Defense Contract Audit Agency
commenced an audit of certain contracts for sale of tracked vehicles by the
Company to foreign governments, which were financed by the United States
Government through the Defense Security Assistance Agency. The Company
cooperated with the audit and responded to a number of issues raised by the
audit. In September 1994, the Company received a subpoena issued by the
Department of Defense Inspector General seeking various documents relating to
sale contracts between the Company and foreign governments which were funded by
the Defense Security Assistance Agency. The Company is continuing to cooperate
and is responding to Government document requests. Based on discussions with the
agent in charge and the Government auditors, it appears that the investigation
focuses on whether the Company made improper certifications to the Defense
Security Assistance Agency and other government contract accounting matters. The
Government has not asserted any claims at this time and it is too early to know
whether a claim will be asserted or what the nature of any such claim would be,
however, the Company's management and its counsel believe it is unlikely that
this issue will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial
position.

In the fourth quarter of 1997, the Supreme Court of Switzerland upheld an
International Court of Arbitration award to Iran's Ministry of Defense of a net
amount of approximately $1.2 million. This consists of an award of $7.5 million
to Iran, offset by an award of $6.3 million to the Company for damages and legal
costs. The net liability for this award had been previously provided for by the
Company.

CONTINUING OPERATIONS - CONTINGENCIES

In June 1994, the shareholder of the Ferrari Group, a Belgium holding company
involved in steel mill services and other activities, filed a legal action in
Belgium against Heckett MultiServ, S.A. and S.E.A.E., subsidiaries of MultiServ
International N.V. (a subsidiary of the Company). The action alleges that these
two subsidiaries breached contracts arising from letters of intent signed in
1992 and 1993 concerning the possible acquisition of the Ferrari Group, claiming
that the subsidiaries were obligated to proceed with the acquisition and failed
to do so. The action seeks damages of 504 million Belgian francs (approximately
U.S. $13.6 million). The Company intends to vigorously defend against the action
and believes that based on conditions contained in the letters of intent and
other defenses it will prevail. The Company and its counsel believe that it is
unlikely that these claims will have a material adverse effect on the Company's
financial position or results of operations.


                                     - 43 -
<PAGE>   44
10.    COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)

ENVIRONMENTAL
The Company is involved in a number of environmental remediation investigations
and clean-ups and, along with other companies, has been identified as a
"potentially responsible party" for certain waste disposal sites. While each of
these matters is subject to various uncertainties, it is probable that the
Company will agree to make payments toward funding certain of these activities
and it is possible that some of these matters will be decided unfavorably to the
Company. The Company has evaluated its potential liability, and its financial
exposure is dependent upon such factors as the continuing evolution of
environmental laws and regulatory requirements, the availability and application
of technology, the allocation of cost among potentially responsible parties, the
years of remedial activity required and the remediation methods selected. The
Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 1997 and 1996, includes an accrual of
$3.4 million and $3.9 million respectively for environmental matters. The
amounts charged to earnings on a pre-tax basis related to environmental matters
totaled $1.7 million for the year 1997 and $1.2 million for the each of the
years 1996 and 1995.

The liability for future remediation costs is evaluated on a quarterly basis.
Actual costs to be incurred at identified sites in future periods may vary from
the estimates, given inherent uncertainties in evaluating environmental
exposures. The Company does not expect that any sum it may have to pay in
connection with environmental matters in excess of the amounts recorded or
disclosed above would have a material adverse effect on its financial position
or results of operations.

OTHER
The Company is subject to various other claims, legal proceedings and
investigations covering a wide range of matters that arose in the ordinary
course of business. In the opinion of management, all such matters are
adequately covered by insurance or by accruals, and if not so covered, are
without merit or are of such kind, or involve such amounts, as would not have a
material adverse effect on the financial position or results of operations of
the Company.


                                     - 44 -
<PAGE>   45
11.      EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

PENSION BENEFITS

The Company has pension and profit sharing retirement plans, most of which are
noncontributory, covering substantially all its employees. The benefits for
salaried employees generally are based on years of service and the employee's
level of compensation during specified periods of employment. Plans covering
hourly employees generally provide benefits of stated amounts for each year of
service. The multi-employer plans which the Company participates in provide
benefits to certain unionized employees. The Company's funding policy for
qualified plans is consistent with statutory regulations and customarily equals
the amount deducted for income tax purposes. The Company's policy is to amortize
prior service costs over the average future service period of active plan
participants.

Pension expense consists of:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(In thousands)                                                         1997                 1996                   1995
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                         <C>                  <C>                 <C>
Defined benefit plans:
     Service cost......................................     $         9,519      $         9,690     $            9,232
     Interest cost.....................................              15,129               15,165                 13,958
     Actual return on plan assets......................             (61,105)             (29,911)               (35,944)
     Curtailment gain..................................              (5,468)                   -                      -
     Net amortization and deferral.....................              28,895                5,724                 14,921
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    (13,030)                 668                  2,167
Multi-employer plans...................................               4,457                3,789                  3,610
Defined contribution plans.............................               4,131                5,910                  4,530
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Pension (income) expense..........................     $        (4,442)     $        10,367     $           10,307
=======================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

In 1997, the curtailment gain of $5.5 million was the result of a sizable
reduction in the number of employees under a plan related to a discontinued
facility. This gain, along with certain costs, was recorded under facilities
discontinuance and reorganization costs in the Consolidated Statement of Income.


                                     - 45 -
<PAGE>   46
11.    EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (CONTINUED)


The financial status of the pension plans and amounts recognized in the
Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 1997 and 1996 are:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            ASSETS EXCEED                     ACCUMULATED BENEFITS
                                                        ACCUMULATED BENEFITS                      EXCEED ASSETS
(In thousands)                                                1997            1996               1997              1996
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                <C>                <C>              <C>              <C>
Actuarial present value of benefit
     obligations:

     Vested........................................$       150,930    $    143,517     $       32,971   $        18,322
     Non-vested....................................          7,167           6,116              1,587             1,308
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accumulated benefit obligation.....................        158,097         149,633             34,558            19,630
Effect of increase in compensation.................         23,972          32,947              3,801             3,051
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Projected benefit obligation.......................        182,069         182,580             38,359            22,681
Plan assets at fair value..........................        311,500         282,536             23,606             9,662
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Plan assets in excess of (less than)
     projected benefit obligation..................        129,431          99,956            (14,753)          (13,019)
Unrecognized prior service cost....................          9,911          11,183              2,835             2,590
Unrecognized net (gain) loss.......................        (77,784)        (59,490)             3,266             2,101
Unrecognized net asset.............................        (18,099)        (23,529)                (9)               70
Minimum liability adjustment.......................              -               -             (4,678)           (3,146)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prepaid pension asset (liability)..................  $      43,459   $      28,120      $     (13,339)  $       (11,404)
=======================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

Plan assets include equity and fixed-income securities. At December 31, 1997 and
1996, 732,640 shares of the Company's common stock with a fair market value of
$31.6 million and $25.1 million, respectively, are included in plan assets.
Dividends paid on such stock amounted to $0.6 million and $0.6 million in 1997
and in 1996, respectively.

The actuarial assumptions used for the defined benefit pension plans, including
international plans, are:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                1997             1996              1995
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                             <C>              <C>               <C>
Weighted average assumed discount rates...........................              7.4%             7.8%              7.5%
Weighted average expected long-term rates of
     return on plan assets........................................              9.1%             9.3%              9.0%
Rates of compensation increase....................................              4.5%             5.2%              4.8%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

The change in the assumed discount rate in 1997 increased the projected benefit
obligation by $7.6 million. The change in the assumed discount rate had the
effect of decreasing the projected benefit obligation by $9.7 million in 1996.
In 1995, changes in the assumed discount and compensation rates had the effect
of increasing the projected benefit obligation by $4.6 million.


                                     - 46 -
<PAGE>   47
11.    EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (CONTINUED)

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS

The Company has postretirement life insurance benefits for a majority of
employees, and postretirement health care benefits for a limited number of
employees mainly under plans related to acquired companies. The cost of life
insurance and health care benefits are accrued for current and future retirees
and are recognized as determined under the projected unit credit actuarial
method. Under this method, the Company's obligation for postretirement benefits
is to be fully accrued by the date employees attain full eligibility for such
benefits. The Company's postretirement health care and life insurance plans are
unfunded.

The postretirement benefit expense (health care and life insurance) was $0.2
million for each of the years 1997, 1996 and 1995. The components of these
expenses are not shown separately as they are not material.

The 1997 and 1996 postretirement benefit liability recorded in the Consolidated
Balance Sheet consists of:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(In thousands)                                         1997                                           1996
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     HEALTH          LIFE                            Health       Life
                                      CARE         INSURANCE       TOTAL              Care      Insurance         Total
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                <C>            <C>          <C>                 <C>          <C>          <C>
Current retirees                   $   2,235      $    2,677   $   4,912           $   2,550    $   2,584    $   5,134
Future retirees                          399             909       1,308                 415          849        1,264
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accumulated benefit
     obligation                        2,634           3,586       6,220               2,965        3,433        6,398
Unrecognized gain                        977           1,239       2,216                 888        1,276        2,164
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accumulated postretirement
     benefit liability             $   3,611      $    4,825   $   8,436           $   3,853    $   4,709    $   8,562
=======================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

The actuarial assumptions used for postretirement benefit plans are:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)                                             1997                    1996                    1995
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                          <C>                   <C>                    <C>
Assumed discount rate.....................................       7.25%                   7.5%                     7.0%
Health care cost trend rate ..............................       8.7%                    9.1%                     9.5%
Decreasing to ultimate rate...............................       5.5%                    5.5%                     5.5%

Effect of one percent increase in health care cost trend rate:
         On cost components...............................   $     47               $      29             $        32
         On accumulated benefit obligation................   $    192               $     223             $       241
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

It is anticipated that the health care cost trend rate will decrease from 8.3%
in 1998 to 5.5% in the year 2005.


                                     - 47 -
<PAGE>   48
11.    EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (CONTINUED)


SAVINGS PLAN

The Company has a 401(k) savings plan which covers substantially all U.S.
employees with the exception of any such employees represented by a collective
bargaining agreement, unless the agreement expressly provides otherwise.
Employee contributions are generally determined as a percentage of covered
employee's compensation. The expense for contributions to the plan by the
Company was (in millions) $4.5, $3.8 and $3.6 for 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively.

EXECUTIVE INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN

Under the 1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan, the Management Development
and Compensation Committee awards 60% of the value of any earned performance to
be paid to participants in the form of cash and 40% in the form of restricted
shares of the Company's common stock. Upon the request of the participant, the
Committee may make the incentive award payable all in cash, subject to a 25%
reduction in the total amount of the award. Awards are made in February of the
following year. The Company accrues amounts based on performance reflecting the
value of cash and common stock which is anticipated to be earned for the current
year. Compensation expense relating to these awards was (in millions) $5.1,
$5.5, and $5.2 in 1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively.


                                     - 48 -
<PAGE>   49
12.    INCOME TAXES


Income from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interest in
the Consolidated Statement of Income consists of:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(In thousands)                                                                  1997             1996              1995
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                    <C>              <C>               <C>
Income from continuing operations before income taxes:
     United States................................................     $      93,386    $      81,063     $      51,138
     International................................................            78,225           70,460            58,432
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       $     171,611    $     151,523     $     109,570
=======================================================================================================================
Provision for income taxes:
     Currently payable:
         Federal..................................................     $      21,627    $      28,965     $      34,903
         State....................................................             4,309            6,602             8,081
         International............................................            30,538           24,931            23,882
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                              56,474           60,498            66,866
     Deferred federal and state...................................             9,426            1,082           (22,398)
     Deferred international.......................................              (687)             501             1,287
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       $      65,213    $      62,081     $      45,755
=======================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

Cash payments for income taxes were (in millions) $167.0, $85.4 and $75.5, for
1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Approximately $100.0 million of the taxes
paid in 1997 related to the gain on the disposal of the defense business.


                                     - 49 -
<PAGE>   50
12.    INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)

The following is a reconciliation of the normal expected statutory U.S. federal
income tax rate to the effective rate as a percentage of Income from continuing
operations before income taxes and minority interest as reported in the
Consolidated Statement of Income:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                1997             1996              1995
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                           <C>              <C>               <C>
U.S. federal income tax rate......................................            35.0%            35.0%             35.0%
State income taxes, net of federal
     income tax benefit...........................................             2.1              2.8               3.2
Export sales corporation benefit..................................             (.4)             (.4)              (.5)
International losses for which no tax benefit
     was recorded.................................................              .4               .9               2.8
Difference in effective tax rates on
     international earnings and remittances.......................             (.2)             (.6)              (.7)
Nondeductible acquisition costs...................................             1.8              1.9               2.6
Other, net........................................................             (.7)             1.4               (.6)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Effective income tax rate.........................................            38.0%            41.0%             41.8%
=======================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

The tax effects of the primary temporary differences giving rise to the
Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities for the years ended December 31,
1997 and 1996 are:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(In thousands)                                          1997                                     1996
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deferred income taxes                            ASSET             LIABILITY              Asset             Liability
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                           <C>                  <C>                 <C>                  <C>
Depreciation                                  $     --             $ 38,676            $     --             $ 40,997
Expense accruals                                46,783                   --              34,799                   --
Inventories                                      3,314                   --               3,598                   --
Provision for receivables                        2,089                   --               2,238                   --
Postretirement benefits                          3,385                   --               3,453                   --
Deferred revenue                                    --                5,039                  --                4,985
Unrelieved foreign tax losses                    6,047                   --              12,854                   --
Unrelieved domestic tax losses                   2,400                   --                  --                   --
Pensions                                            --               10,324                  --                8,478
Investment in United Defense, L.P.                  --                   --                 553                   --
Other                                               --                   50                  --                   61
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                64,018               54,089              57,495               54,521
Valuation allowance                             (8,039)                  --              (9,471)                  --
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total deferred income taxes                   $ 55,979             $ 54,089            $ 48,024             $ 54,521
=====================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

At December 31, 1997 and 1996, Other current assets included deferred income tax
benefits of $38.7 million and $22.2 million, respectively.


                                     - 50 -
<PAGE>   51
12.    INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)


At December 31, 1997, certain of the Company's subsidiaries had total available
net operating loss carryforwards ("NOLs") of approximately $26.2 million, of
which approximately $12.5 million may be carried forward indefinitely and $13.7
million have varying expiration dates. Included in the total are $14.2 million
of preacquisition NOLs.

During 1997 and 1996, $2.6 million and $3.7 million, respectively, of
preacquisition NOLs were utilized by the Company, resulting in tax benefits of
$1.0 million and $1.4 million, respectively.

The valuation allowance of $8.0 million and $9.5 million at December 31, 1997
and 1996, respectively, relates principally to cumulative unrelieved tax losses
which are uncertain as to realizability. To the extent that the preacquisition
NOLs are utilized in the future and the associated valuation allowance reduced,
the tax benefit will be allocated to reduce the cost in excess of net assets of
businesses acquired.

The change in the valuation allowances for 1997 and 1996 results primarily from
the utilization of international tax loss carryforwards and the release of
valuation allowances in certain international jurisdictions based on the
Company's reevaluation of the realizability of future benefits resulting from
tax planning strategies. Further, the 1997 change was also affected by the
expiration of tax loss carryforwards in certain international jurisdictions and
loss carryforwards acquired in a domestic acquisition. The release of valuation
allowances in certain jurisdictions is allocated to reduce the cost in excess of
net assets of businesses acquired. There was no reduction in 1997 or 1996.


                                     - 51 -
<PAGE>   52
13.      CAPITAL STOCK

The authorized capital stock consists of 150,000,000 shares of common stock and
4,000,000 shares of preferred stock, both having a par value of $1.25 per share.
The preferred stock is issuable in series with terms as fixed by the Board of
Directors. None of the preferred stock has been issued. On June 24, 1997, the
Company adopted a revised Shareholder Rights Plan to replace the Company's 1987
Plan which expired on September 28, 1997. Under the new Plan, the Board declared
a dividend to shareholders of record on September 28, 1997, of one Right for
each share of common stock. The rights may only be exercised if, among other
things, a person or group has acquired 15% or more, or intends to commence a
tender offer for 20% or more, of the Company's common stock. Each right entitles
the holder to purchase 1/100th share of a new Harsco Junior Participating
Cumulative Preferred Stock at an exercise price of $150. Once the rights become
exercisable, if any person acquires 20% or more of the Company's common stock,
the holder of a right will be entitled to receive common stock calculated to
have a value of two times the exercise price of the right. The rights, which
expire on September 28, 2007, do not have voting power, and may be redeemed by
the Company at a price of $.05 per right at any time until the 10th business day
following public announcement that a person or group has accumulated 15% or more
of the Company's common stock. At December 31, 1997, 750,000 shares of $1.25 par
value preferred stock were reserved for issuance upon exercise of the rights.

In November 1997, the Board of Directors authorized the purchase, over a
one-year period, of up to 2,000,000 shares of the Company's common stock.
Through December 31, 1997, 938,741 shares of common stock have been purchased
under this plan.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          COMMON STOCK SUMMARY
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        SHARES                    TREASURY                SHARES
BALANCES                                                ISSUED                     SHARES               OUTSTANDING
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                     <C>                        <C>                       <C>
DECEMBER 31, 1994................................       64,687,106                 14,322,606                50,364,500
DECEMBER 31, 1995................................       65,075,760                 14,972,662                50,103,098
DECEMBER 31, 1996................................       65,458,202                 15,855,850                49,602,352
DECEMBER 31, 1997................................       65,854,087                 18,877,957                46,976,130
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

The following is a reconciliation of the average shares of common stock used to
compute basic earnings per common share to the shares used to compute diluted
earnings per common share as shown on the Consolidated Statement of Income:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)                           1997                1996                1995
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                               <C>                 <C>                 <C>
Income from continuing operations...............................  $      100,400      $      83,903       $      61,318
=======================================================================================================================
Average shares of common stock outstanding used to
    compute basic earnings per common share.....................      48,754,212         49,894,515          50,504,707
Additional common shares to be issued assuming exercise
    of stock options, net of shares assumed reacquired..........         437,660            423,149             352,222
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares used to compute dilutive effect of stock options.........      49,191,872         50,317,664          50,856,929
=======================================================================================================================
Basic earnings per common share from continuing operations......  $        2.06       $        1.68       $        1.21
=======================================================================================================================
Diluted earnings per common share from continuing
    operations..................................................  $        2.04       $        1.67       $        1.20
=======================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

                                     - 52 -
<PAGE>   53
14.    STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company's net income and net income per common share would have been reduced
to the pro forma amounts indicated below if compensation cost for the Company's
stock option plan had been determined based on the fair value at the grant date
for awards in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 123.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
       (In thousands, except per share)                                  1997              1996             1995
       ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                             <C>               <C>              <C>
       Net income - as reported                                 $     278,832     $     119,009    $      97,377
       Net income - pro forma                                         277,101           117,622           96,108
       Net income per common share - as reported                        5.72             2.39              1.93
       Net income per common share - pro forma                          5.68             2.36              1.90
       --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

The fair value of the options granted during 1997, 1996 and 1995 is estimated on
the date of grant using the binomial option pricing model. The major assumptions
used and the estimated fair value are listed as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      EXPECTED       RISK FREE                      RATE OF
                                      EXPECTED          STOCK        INTEREST                      DIVIDEND        FAIR
                                        TERM         VOLATILITY        RATE         DIVIDEND       INCREASE        VALUE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                   <C>               <C>           <C>            <C>                <C>       <C>
                1997
Incentive Stock Options               4 years           16.0%         6.46%          $.80               5%        $6.52
Nonqualified Stock Options            4 years           16.0%         6.50%          $.80               5%        $7.24

                1996
Incentive Stock Options               4 years           16.0%         5.14%          $.76               5%        $4.545
Nonqualified Stock Options            4 years           16.0%         6.30%          $.76               5%        $6.340

                1995
Incentive Stock Options               4 years           16.0%         7.69%          $.74               5%        $3.740
Nonqualified Stock Options            4 years           16.0%         7.07%          $.74               5%        $4.005
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

The Company has granted stock options to Officers and Directors for the purchase
of its common stock under two shareholder approved plans.

The 1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan authorizes the issuance of up to
4,000,000 shares of the Company's common stock for use in paying incentive
compensation awards in the form of restricted stock and stock options. The 1995
Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan authorizes the issuance of up to 300,000
shares of the Company's common stock for stock option awards. Options are
granted at fair market value at date of grant and become exercisable commencing
one year later. The options expire ten years from the date of grant. The award
of shares and options under the 1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan
commenced in 1996, while the awards of options under the 1995 Non-Employee
Directors' Stock Plan commenced in May 1995. Upon shareholder approval of these
two plans in 1995, the Company terminated the use of the 1986 stock option plan
for granting of stock option awards. At December 31, 1997, there were 3,316,302
and 254,000 shares available for granting restricted stock and stock options
under the 1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan and the 1995 Non-Employee
Directors' Stock Plan, respectively.


                                     - 53 -
<PAGE>   54
14.    STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (CONTINUED)


Restricted stock awards entitle the participant to full dividends, paid in
shares of restricted stock, and voting rights. Restricted stock awards generally
vest over a three year period. Unvested shares are restricted as to disposition
and subject to forfeiture under certain circumstances.

At December 31, 1997, options to purchase 793,061 shares were exercisable.
Changes during 1997, 1996 and 1995 in options outstanding were:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            SHARES UNDER             OPTION PRICE                WEIGHTED AVERAGE
                                               OPTION               RANGE PER SHARE               EXERCISE PRICE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                         <C>              <C>                <C>              <C>
Outstanding, January 1, 1995                  1,347,280      $11.72     to      $21.625                 $18.247
Granted                                         362,000       21.6875   to       23.8125                 21.793
Exercised                                      (388,654)      11.72     to       21.625                  17.134
Terminated and expired                          (35,708)      13.78     to       21.6875                 20.435
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding, December 31, 1995                1,284,918       11.72     to       23.8125                 19.522
Granted                                         311,150       29.47     to       34.6875                 29.705
Exercised                                      (382,442)      12.44     to       29.47                   18.954
Terminated and expired                          (11,600)                29.47                            29.470
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding, December 31, 1996                1,202,026       11.72     to       34.6875                 22.243
Granted                                         294,600       34.28     to       37.06                   34.412
Exercised                                      (395,885)      11.72     to       29.47                   20.811
Terminated and expired                          (15,280)      20.78     to       34.28                   22.902
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OUTSTANDING, DECEMBER 31, 1997                1,085,461      $11.72     TO      $37.06                  $26.058
=================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

The following table summarizes information concerning currently outstanding and
exercisable options.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           OPTIONS OUTSTANDING                              OPTIONS EXERCISABLE
                         ------------------------------------------------------      -------------------------------
                                               REMAINING
      RANGE OF              NUMBER         CONTRACTUAL LIFE    WEIGHTED AVERAGE        NUMBER       WEIGHTED AVERAGE
 EXERCISABLE PRICES       OUTSTANDING          IN YEARS         EXERCISE PRICE       EXERCISABLE     EXERCISE PRICE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                       <C>              <C>                  <C>                  <C>             <C>
  $11.72 - $17.625            122,936              3.1          $    14.371             122,936      $    14.371
   20.69 - 23.8125            424,867              6.3               21.549             424,867           21.549
   29.47 - 37.06              537,658              8.6               32.294             245,258           29.768
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            1,085,461                                                   793,061
===================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

During 1997 and 1996, the Company had non-cash transactions related to stock
option exercises of $2.3 million and $1.5 million, respectively, whereby old
shares are exchanged for new shares.


                                     - 54 -
<PAGE>   55
14.    STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (CONTINUED)


The following table summarizes the restricted stock activity:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          1997                  1996
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                      <C>                  <C>
Restricted shares awarded.......................................................           57,622               60,660
Restricted shares forfeited.....................................................              135                  294
Weighted average market value of stock on grant date............................         $36.6875             $32.6875
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

During 1997, 1996 and 1995, the Company recorded $1.9 million, $2.1 million and
$2.0 million, respectively, in compensation expense related to restricted stock.


                                     - 55 -
<PAGE>   56
15.    FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS


OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISK

As collateral for performance and to ceding insurers, the Company is
contingently liable under standby letters of credit and bonds in the amount of
$42.0 million and $47.3 million at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
These standby letters of credit and bonds are in force from one to three years,
for which the Company pays fees to various banks and insurance companies that
range from 0.2 to 1.0 percent per annum of their face value. If the Company were
required to obtain replacement standby letters of credit and bonds as of
December 31, 1997 for those currently outstanding, it is the Company's opinion
that the replacement costs for such standby letters of credit and bonds would
not vary significantly from the present fee structure.

At December 31, 1997 and 1996, the Company had $8.4 million and $10.9 million,
respectively, of forward foreign currency exchange contracts outstanding. These
contracts are part of a worldwide program to minimize foreign currency exchange
operating income and balance sheet exposure. The unsecured contracts mature
within 12 months and are principally with major financial institutions. The
Company is exposed to credit loss in the event of non-performance by the other
parties to the contracts. The Company evaluates the creditworthiness of the
counterparties' financial condition and does not expect default by the
counterparties.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE RISK MANAGEMENT

The Company has foreign currency exposures in 30 countries. The Company's
primary foreign currency exposures are in France, Belgium, United Kingdom,
Brazil, South Africa and Mexico.

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are used to hedge commitments, such
as foreign currency debt, the purchase of equipment, and foreign currency cash
flows for certain export sales transactions.


                                     - 56 -
<PAGE>   57
15.    FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (CONTINUED)

The following tables summarize by major currency the contractual amounts of the
Company's forward exchange contracts in U.S. dollars as of December 31, 1997 and
1996. The "Sell" amounts represent the U.S. dollar equivalent of commitments to
sell foreign currencies, and the "Buy" amounts represent the U.S. dollar
equivalent of commitments to purchase foreign currencies.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(In thousands)                                            1997
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           $ U.S.                                RECOGNIZED       UNREALIZED
                              TYPE       EQUIVALENT           MATURITY          GAIN (LOSS)       GAIN (LOSS)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                         <C>        <C>              <C>                   <C>               <C>
Forward exchange
contracts:

Australian dollars            Sell              $2,368         1-30-98               $194              $  -
Belgian francs                 Buy                 268         1-15-98                  -                 -
British pounds                 Buy               3,536     Various in 1998             60                 -
German marks                   Buy                 564     Various in 1998            (28)                -
German marks                  Sell                 842         1-15-98                  -                10
South African rand            Sell                 814     Various in 1998                                3
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                $8,392                               $226               $13
================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(In thousands)                                            1996
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           $ U.S.                                RECOGNIZED       UNREALIZED
                              TYPE       EQUIVALENT           MATURITY          GAIN (LOSS)       GAIN (LOSS)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                         <C>        <C>              <C>                   <C>               <C>
Forward exchange
contracts:

British pounds                 Buy            $  2,934     Various in 1997           $172           $     -
French francs                  Buy               2,239         1-30-97                 (2)                -
German marks                   Buy               1,186     Various to 1998            125                 -
Italian lire                  Sell                 164         1-10-97                  -                (2)
Spanish pesetas                Buy               1,452     Various in 1997              -                 -
South African rand            Sell               2,904     Various in 1997              -               191
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               $10,879                               $295              $189
================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

At December 31, 1997, the Company had entered into forward exchange contracts in
Australian dollars, Belgium francs, British pounds, and German marks, which were
used to hedge certain future payments between the Company and its various
subsidiaries. These forward contracts do not qualify as hedges for financial
reporting purposes. At December 31, 1997, the Company had recorded net gains of
$0.2 million on these contracts. The Company also had forward exchange contracts
in German marks and South African rand which were used to hedge equipment
purchases and receivables. Since these contracts hedge identifiable foreign
currency firm commitments, the gain was deferred.


                                     - 57 -
<PAGE>   58
15.    FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (CONTINUED)

At December 31, 1996, the Company had entered into forward exchange contracts in
British pounds, French francs, and German marks, which were used to hedge
certain future payments between the Company and its various subsidiaries. These
forward contracts do not qualify as hedges for financial reporting purposes. At
December 31, 1996, the Company had recorded net gains of $0.3 million on these
contracts. The Company also had forward exchange contracts in Italian lire,
Spanish pesetas and South African rand which were used to hedge equipment
purchases. Since these contracts hedge identifiable foreign currency firm
commitments, the gain of $0.2 million was deferred.

The counterparties of these agreements are major financial institutions;
therefore, management believes the risk of incurring losses related to these
contracts is remote.

CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK

Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of
credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, investments and
accounts receivable. The Company places its cash and cash equivalents with high
quality financial institutions and, by policy, limits the amount of credit
exposure to any one institution. For investments, the Company purchases
investment grade debt securities and limits the amount of credit exposure to any
one government or commercial issuer. Concentrations of credit risk with respect
to accounts receivable are limited, due to the large number of customers in the
Company's customer base and their dispersion across many different industries
and geographies. The Company generally does not require collateral or other
security to support customer receivables.

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The major methods and assumptions used in estimating the fair values of
financial instruments are:

       CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
       The carrying amount approximates fair value due to the relatively short
       period to maturity of these instruments.

       INVESTMENTS
       The fair values of investments are estimated based on quoted market
       prices for those or similar investments.

       LONG-TERM DEBT
       The fair value of the Company's long-term debt is estimated based on the
       quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current
       rates offered to the Company for debt of the same remaining maturities.

       FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS
       The fair value of foreign currency exchange contracts are estimated by
       obtaining quotes from brokers.


                                     - 58 -
<PAGE>   59
15.    FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (CONTINUED)


The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company's financial
instruments as of December 31, 1997 and 1996 are:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(In thousands)                                                            1997                             1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 CARRYING         FAIR         Carrying          Fair
                                                                  AMOUNT          VALUE         Amount           Value
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                          <C>            <C>              <C>            <C>
Cash and cash equivalents.................................   $    221,565   $    221,565     $    45,862    $    45,862
Investments in debt securities............................         43,867         43,873          33,238         33,325
Long-term debt............................................        202,528        200,319         236,711        230,037
Foreign currency exchange contracts.......................          8,392          8,661          10,879         11,520
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


                                     - 59 -
<PAGE>   60
16.    INFORMATION BY INDUSTRY GROUP AND GEOGRAPHIC AREA


The Company is a diversified industrial services and engineered products
company. Its operations are classified among three Operating Groups: Metal
Reclamation and Mill Services, Process Industry Products, and Infrastructure and
Construction. The Company has over 300 locations in 31 countries, including the
United States. The major products and services included in each Industry Group
and other information follows:

METAL RECLAMATION AND MILL SERVICES. This Group provides metal reclamation and
mill services primarily for the global steel industry in 30 countries. Steel
mill services include slag processing, marketing and disposal; slab management
systems; materials handling and scrap management programs; in-plant
transportation; and a variety of environmental services. Similar services are
also provided to non-ferrous metallurgical industries, such as aluminum, nickel
and copper.

PROCESS INDUSTRY PRODUCTS. Major products are industrial pipe fittings; process
equipment, including industrial blenders, dryers and mixers; heat transfer
equipment; boilers; air-cooled heat exchangers; wear resistant steels; valves,
regulators and gauges, including scuba and life support equipment; and gas
containment cylinders and tanks, including cryogenic equipment.

Major customers include various industrial markets; hardware, plumbing and
petrochemical sectors; chemical, food processing and pharmaceutical industries;
institutional building and retrofit markets; natural gas and process industries;
propane, compressed gas, life support, scuba and refrigerant gas industries; gas
equipment companies, welding distributors; medical laboratories; beverage
carbonation users; and the animal husbandry industry.

INFRASTRUCTURE AND CONSTRUCTION. Major products and services include railway
maintenance of way equipment and services; bridge decking and industrial
grating; scaffolding, shoring and concrete forming products along with their
erection and dismantling; granules for asphalt roofing shingles; and slag
abrasives for industrial surface preparation.

Products and services are provided to private and government-owned railroads
worldwide; urban mass transit operators; public utilities; industrial plants;
the oil, chemical, petrochemical and process industries; bridge repair
companies; commercial and industrial construction firms; infrastructure repair
and maintenance markets; and the residential roofing industry.


                                     - 60 -
<PAGE>   61
16.    INFORMATION BY INDUSTRY GROUP AND GEOGRAPHIC AREA (CONTINUED)

OTHER INFORMATION. The operations of the Company in any one country, except the
United States, do not account for more than 10% of sales and no single customer
or group under common control represented 10% or more of the Company's sales,
during 1997, 1996 and 1995.

Identifiable assets are those assets used in each Operating Group. Corporate
assets primarily include cash, investments, prepaid pension costs and U.S.
deferred taxes. There are no significant intergroup sales.

INDUSTRY GROUP INFORMATION

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INDUSTRY GROUP                                  NET SALES TO UNAFFILIATED CUSTOMERS               OPERATING PROFIT
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In millions)                                      1997       1996       1995                1997       1996       1995
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                             <C>        <C>        <C>                 <C>       <C>        <C>
Metal Reclamation and Mill Services(1)          $  616.5   $  607.7   $  604.2            $   93.3  $    85.2  $    80.0

Process Industry Products                          586.5      541.1      491.6                59.0       55.8       46.0

Infrastructure and Construction(2)                 424.5      408.8      399.7                41.5       42.8       36.3
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 1,627.5    1,557.6    1,495.5               193.8      183.8      162.3
Facilities discontinuance and
  reorganization costs(3)                                                                     (1.9)      (2.4)     (20.7)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Industry group totals                      $1,627.5   $1,557.6   $1,495.5               191.9      181.4      141.6
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equity in income of unconsolidated entities                                                    1.0         .7        2.9

Interest expense                                                                             (16.7)     (21.5)     (28.9)

General corporate expenses (4)                                                                (4.6)      (9.1)      (6.0)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Income from continuing operations before income
          taxes and minority interest                                                     $  171.6  $   151.5  $   109.6
========================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                IDENTIFIABLE ASSETS         DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION        CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In millions)             1997       1996       1995       1997       1996       1995       1997       1996       1995
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                   <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Metal Reclamation
 and Mill Services    $   674.6  $   698.3  $   687.8  $    83.2  $    76.6  $    73.7  $    86.5  $   108.9  $    73.0

Process Industry
 Products                 258.6      229.3      211.9       11.8       10.6        9.5       20.2       12.4       13.4

Infrastructure and
 Construction             251.7      230.5      228.7       20.3       21.0       20.4       35.2       28.3       27.2
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        1,184.9    1,158.1    1,128.4      115.3      108.2      103.6      141.9      149.6      113.6

Corporate                 290.0      108.6      136.7        1.2        1.2        1.3        1.5         .7         .3

Investments in
  unconsolidated entities   2.3        3.3        2.6

Net assets of
  discontinued operations     -       54.4       43.0
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Total            $ 1,477.2  $ 1,324.4  $ 1,310.7  $   116.5  $   109.4  $   104.9  $   143.4  $   150.3  $   113.9
========================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
                                      -61-

<PAGE>   62
16.    INFORMATION BY INDUSTRY GROUP AND GEOGRAPHIC AREA (CONTINUED)


GEOGRAPHIC AREA INFORMATION

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
GEOGRAPHIC AREA                      NET SALES                    OPERATING PROFIT                IDENTIFIABLE ASSETS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In millions)             1997       1996       1995       1997       1996       1995       1997       1996       1995
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                   <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
United States         $ 1,044.8  $   974.0  $   916.9  $   112.0  $   106.7  $    81.7  $   569.4  $   508.8  $   462.8

Europe                    308.9      332.4      365.8       34.5       26.0       28.8      363.4      400.7      423.8

Latin America             113.8       98.9       97.8       18.2       18.6       12.5      125.2      117.3      123.7

Asia-Pacific               55.4       60.2       50.6       11.4       14.2        9.4       45.6       59.6       59.6

All Other                 104.6       92.1       64.4       15.8       15.9        9.2       81.3       71.7       58.5
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Total            $ 1,627.5  $ 1,557.6  $ 1,495.5  $   191.9  $   181.4  $   141.6  $ 1,184.9  $ 1,158.1  $ 1,128.4
========================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    EXPORT SALES
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In millions)                                             1997                1996             1995
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>              <C>
Canada                                               $    58.7         $      42.4      $      40.7

Latin America                                             34.1                25.2             21.8

Asia-Pacific                                              25.3                19.7             19.6

Europe                                                     3.4                 6.5              4.5

All Others                                                 3.9                 4.0              4.1
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Total                                           $   125.4         $      97.8      $      90.7
====================================================================================================
</TABLE>

(1)  For the year ended December 31, 1997, the Group realized a foreign currency
     gain of $.4 million, and for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995,
     the Group realized foreign currency losses of (in millions) $1.1 and $2.3,
     respectively. These currency losses include $3.4 million in 1995 related to
     the devaluation of the Mexican peso.

(2)  Under the Infrastructure and Construction Group, the Company ceased all bus
     operations in June, 1995. For 1995, the school bus operation had $15.7
     million in sales and an operating loss of $6.2 million.

(3)  The year ended December 31, 1995 includes a non-cash charge of $13.5
     million relating to the settlement of the Federal Excise Tax reimbursement
     on the completed five-ton truck contract, a $2.1 million provision for
     asset impairment and $3.0 million in termination and other exit costs for
     the school bus business related to the Infrastructure and Construction
     Group. The year 1995 also includes $2.8 million relating to the
     discontinuance of certain international facilities related to the Metal
     Reclamation and Mill Services Group, and in 1996 this amounted to $1
     million.

(4)  General corporate expenses for the year 1995 include a $5.8 million foreign
     currency translation exchange gain. For the years 1997 and 1996, foreign
     currency translation exchange losses were immaterial.


                                     - 62 -
<PAGE>   63
TWO-YEAR SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY RESULTS
(Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(In millions, except per share)                                                              1997
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     QUARTERLY                                                         FIRST          SECOND        THIRD         FOURTH
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                    <C>           <C>            <C>           <C>
     Net Sales                                                         $390.7        $426.3         $407.0        $403.5
     Gross Profit(1)                                                     88.2         102.6           98.3         100.4
     Income from continuing operations                                   18.1          24.8           27.7          29.8
     Equity in income of discontinued defense business                   12.0          11.6            5.5           (.7)
     Gain on disposal of discontinued defense business                    -             -              -           150.0
     Net Income                                                          30.1          36.4           33.2         179.1
     Basic Earnings Per Share:
         Income from continuing operations                               .37           .50             .57          .62
         Income from discontinued operations                             .24           .24             .11         (.01)
         Gain on disposal of discontinued operations (2)                -             -               -            3.14
         Net Income (2)                                                  .61           .74             .68         3.75
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     QUARTERLY                                                         FIRST          SECOND        THIRD         FOURTH
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                    <C>           <C>            <C>           <C>
     Net Sales                                                         $366.7        $387.7         $395.8        $407.4
     Gross Profit(1)                                                     85.2          94.8           93.2          98.9
     Income from continuing operations                                   15.6          22.4           22.5          23.4
     Equity in income of discontinued defense business                   15.5           6.9            6.6           6.1
     Net Income                                                          31.1          29.3           29.1          29.5
     Basic Earnings Per Share:
         Income from continuing operations                               .31           .45             .45          .47
         Income from discontinued operations                             .31           .13             .14          .13
         Net Income                                                      .62           .58             .59          .60
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

Notes:
     (1) Gross Profit is defined as Net Sales less Cost of Sales, Facilities
         Discontinuance and Reorganization Costs and Research and Development
         Expenses.

     (2) The sum of the quarterly earnings per share data does not equal the
         full year amount in the Consolidated Statement of Income due to changes
         in the average shares outstanding.


                                     - 63 -
<PAGE>   64
COMMON STOCK PRICE AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           MARKET PRICE PER SHARE
                                             ----------------------------------------------------       DIVIDENDS DECLARED
                                                       HIGH                       LOW                      PER SHARE
- -------------------------------------------- ------------------------- -------------------------- -----------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>                       <C>                          <C>
1997
First Quarter...........................             $  37 5/8                 $  33 1/4                    $  .20
Second Quarter..........................                40 1/2                    34 1/8                       .20
Third Quarter...........................                47 7/8                    39 11/16                     .20
Fourth Quarter..........................                46 9/16                   39 5/16                      .22

1996
First Quarter...........................             $  34                     $  29                        $  .19
Second Quarter..........................                35                        32 3/8                       .19
Third Quarter...........................                33 1/2                    29 1/4                       .19
Fourth Quarter..........................                35 1/8                    29 3/4                       .20
</TABLE>


                                     - 64 -
<PAGE>   65
Item 9.       Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants
              on Accounting and Financial Disclosure:

              None.


                                     - 65 -
<PAGE>   66
                                    PART III


Item 10.      Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant:

(a)    Identification of Directors:

Information regarding the identification of directors and positions held is
incorporated by reference to the 1998 Proxy Statement.

(b)    Identification of Executive Officers:

Set forth below, as of March 6, 1998, are the executive officers (this excludes
certain corporate officers who are not deemed "executive officers" within the
meaning of applicable Securities and Exchange Commission regulations) of the
Company and certain information with respect to each of them. The executive
officers were elected to their respective offices on April 30, 1997, or at
various times during the year as noted. All terms expire on April 30, 1998.
There are no family relationships between any of the officers.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name                                        Age               Principal Occupation or Employment
- ----                                        ---               ----------------------------------
<S>                                         <C>               <C>
Corporate Officers:

D. C. Hathaway                              53                Chairman and Chief Executive Officer effective January
                                                              1, 1998.  Served as Chairman, President and Chief
                                                              Executive Officer from April 1, 1994 to December 31,
                                                              1997, and President and Chief Executive Officer from
                                                              January 1, 1994 to April 1, 1994.  Director since 1991.
                                                              From 1991 to 1993, served as President and Chief
                                                              Operating Officer.  From 1986 to 1991 served as Senior
                                                              Vice President-Operations of the Corporation.  Served as
                                                              Group Vice President from 1984 to 1986 and as President
                                                              of the Dartmouth Division of the Corporation from 1979
                                                              until 1984.
</TABLE>


                                     - 66 -
<PAGE>   67
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name                                        Age               Principal Occupation or Employment
- ----                                        ---               ----------------------------------
<S>                                         <C>               <C>
L. A. Campanaro                             49                President, Chief Operating Officer and Director of the
                                                              Corporation effective January 1, 1998.  Served as Senior
                                                              Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from December
                                                              1992 to December 1997, and as Vice President and
                                                              Controller from April 1992 to November 1992.  Served as
                                                              Vice President of the BMY-Wheeled Vehicles Division from
                                                              February 1992 to March 1992, and previously served as
                                                              Vice President and Controller of the BMY-Wheeled
                                                              Vehicles Division from 1988 to 1992, Vice President
                                                              Cryogenics of the Plant City Steel Division from 1987 to
                                                              1988, Senior Vice President Taylor-Wharton Division from
                                                              1985 to 1987, Vice President and Controller of
                                                              Taylor-Wharton from 1982 to 1985, and Director of
                                                              Auditing of the Corporation from 1980 to 1982.

P. C. Coppock                               47                Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer,
                                                              General Counsel and Secretary of the Corporation
                                                              effective January 1, 1994.  Served as Vice President,
                                                              General Counsel and Secretary of the Corporation from
                                                              May 1, 1991 to December 31, 1993.  From 1989 to 1991
                                                              served as Secretary and Corporate Counsel and as
                                                              Assistant Secretary and Corporate Counsel from 1986 to
                                                              1989.  Served in various Corporate Attorney positions
                                                              for the Corporation since 1981.

S. D. Fazzolari                             45                Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the
                                                              Corporation effective January 1, 1998.  Served as Vice
                                                              President and Controller from January 1994 to December
                                                              1997 and as Controller from January 1993 to January
                                                              1994.  Previously served as Director of Auditing from
                                                              1985 to 1993, and served in various auditing positions
                                                              from 1980 to 1985.
</TABLE>

(c)    Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

       Information regarding compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities
       Exchange Act of 1934 is incorporated by reference to the section entitled
       "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance" of the 1998
       Proxy Statement.


                                     - 67 -
<PAGE>   68
Item 11.      Executive Compensation:

Information regarding compensation of executive officers and directors is
incorporated by reference to the sections entitled "Executive Compensation and
Other Information" and "Directors' Compensation" of the 1998 Proxy Statement.

Item 12.      Security Ownership of Certain
              Beneficial Owners and Management:

Information regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners and
management is incorporated by reference to the section entitled "Share Ownership
of Management" of the 1998 Proxy Statement.

Item 13.      Certain Relationships and Related Transactions:

Information regarding certain relationships and related transactions is
incorporated by reference to the section entitled "Employment Agreements with
Officers of the Company" of the 1998 Proxy Statement.


                                     - 68 -
<PAGE>   69
                                     PART IV

Item 14.      Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K:

(a)    1.     The Consolidated Financial Statements are listed in the index to
              Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," on page 22.

(a)    2.     The following financial statement schedule should be read in
              conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements (see Item
              8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data"):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            Page

<S>                                                                         <C>
                Report of Independent Accountants on Schedule II             70
                Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
                  for the years 1997, 1996 and 1995                          71
</TABLE>

              Schedules other than those listed above are omitted for the reason
              that they are either not applicable or not required or because the
              information required is contained in the financial statements or
              notes thereto.

              Condensed financial information of the registrant is omitted since
              there are no substantial amounts of "restricted net assets"
              applicable to the Company's consolidated subsidiaries.

              Financial statements of 50% or less owned unconsolidated companies
              are not submitted inasmuch as (1) the registrant's investment in
              and advances to such companies do not exceed 20% of the total
              consolidated assets, (2) the registrant's proportionate share of
              the total assets of such companies does not exceed 20% of the
              total consolidated assets, (3) the registrant's equity in the
              income from continuing operations before income taxes of such
              companies does not exceed 20% of the total consolidated income
              from continuing operations before income taxes.


                                     - 69 -
<PAGE>   70
                        REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


To the Shareholders of
Harsco Corporation


Our report on the consolidated financial statements of Harsco Corporation and
Subsidiary Companies (the "Company"), is included on page 23 of this Form 10-K.
In connection with our audits of such consolidated financial statements, we have
also audited the related consolidated financial statement schedule listed in the
index (Item 14(a) 2.) on page 71 of this Form 10-K.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statement schedule referred to above,
when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken
as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information required
to be included therein.




/s/Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
January 29, 1998, except as to Note 4 and
paragraph 6 of Note 10, for which the
date is March 4, 1998.


                                     - 70 -
<PAGE>   71
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           SCHEDULE II. VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
                                                       (dollars in thousands)

                                                          ----------------


                COLUMN A                COLUMN B            COLUMN C                       COLUMN D                    COLUMN E
                --------                --------            --------                       --------                    --------
                                                            Additions                    Deductions
                                                            ---------           ---------------------------
                                                                                Due to
                                        Balance at          Charged to          Currency                               Balance at
                                        Beginning           Cost and            Translation                            End of
                Description             of Period           Expenses            Adjustments        Other (1)           Period
                -----------             ---------           --------            -----------        -----               ------
<S>                                     <C>                 <C>                 <C>                <C>                 <C>
For the year 1997:
     Deducted from Receivables:
     -------------------------
         Uncollectible accounts         $     8,549         $     1,916         $     (188)        $    (3,443)        $     6,834
                                         ==========          ==========          ==========         ===========         ==========
     Deducted from Inventories:
     -------------------------
         Inventory valuations           $     5,381         $     1,645         $     (129)        $    (3,210)        $     3,687
                                         ==========          ==========          ==========         ===========         ==========

For the year 1996:
     Deducted from Receivables:
     -------------------------
         Uncollectible accounts         $     8,256         $     4,969         $      (74)        $    (4,602)        $     8,549
                                         ==========          ==========          =========          ==========          ==========
     Deducted from Inventories:
     -------------------------
         Inventory valuations           $     3,596         $     3,260         $      (57)        $    (1,418)        $     5,381
                                         ==========          ==========          =========          ==========          ==========
For the year 1995:
     Deducted from Receivables:
     -------------------------
         Uncollectible accounts         $     7,285         $     2,966         $       54         $    (2,049)        $     8,256
                                         ==========          ==========          =========          ==========          ==========
     Deducted from Inventories:
     -------------------------
         Inventory valuations           $    16,106         $     1,689         $       32         $   (14,231)        $     3,596
                                         ==========          ==========          =========          ==========          ==========
</TABLE>

(1)    Amounts charged to valuation account during the year. During 1995, the
       reduction in inventory reserves is due principally to the write off of
       inventory related to the school bus business.


                                     - 71 -
<PAGE>   72
(a)    3.     Listing of Exhibits Filed with Form 10-K:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit
Number                     Data Required                                   Location in 10-K
- ------                     -------------                                   ----------------

<S>               <C>                                                    <C>
2(a)               Joint Venture with FMC Corporation                     Incorporated by reference to
                   Combining Harsco's BMY-Combat                          Form 8-K dated February 14, 1994
                   Systems Division with FMC Defense 
                   Systems Group
                      -  Participation Agreement
                           Dated as of January 1, 1994
                      -  Partnership Agreement
                           Dated as of January 1, 1994
                      -  Registration Rights Agreement
                           Dated as of January 1, 1994

2(b)              Agreements for sale of 40%                               Incorporated by reference to Form 8-K
                    limited partnership interest in                        filed October 16, 1997, and related
                    United Defense L.P.                                    Form 8-K/A

3(a)              Articles of Incorporation as                             Exhibit volume, 1990 10-K
                    amended April 24, 1990

                  Certificate of Designation filed                         Exhibit volume, 1997 10-K
                    September 25, 1997

3(b)              By-laws as amended April 25, 1990                        Exhibit volume, 1990 10-K

4(a)              Harsco Corporation Rights                                Incorporated by reference to Form
                    Agreement dated as of September                             8-A, filed September 26, 1997
                    28, 1997, with Chase Mellon
                    Shareholder Services L.L.C.

4(b)              Registration of Preferred Stock                          Incorporated by reference to Form
                    Purchase Rights                                             8-A dated October 2, 1987

4(c)              Current Report on dividend                               Incorporated by reference to Form
                    distribution of Preferred                                   8-K dated October 13, 1987
                    Stock Purchase Rights

4(d)              Debt Securities Registered                               Incorporated by reference to Form
                    under Rule 415  (6% Notes)                                  S-3, Registration No. 33-42389
                                                                                dated August 23, 1991
</TABLE>

                                     - 72 -
<PAGE>   73
(a)    3.     Listing of Exhibits Filed with Form 10-K (continued):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit
Number                     Data Required                                   Location in 10-K
- ------                     -------------                                   ----------------

<S>               <C>                                                      <C>
4(e)              6% 1993 Notes due September 15,                          Incorporated by reference to the
                    2003 described in Prospectus                                Prospectus Supplement dated
                    Supplement dated September 8,                               September 8, 1993 to Form S-3,
                    1993 to Form S-3 Registration under                         Registration No. 33-42389 dated
                    Rule 415 dated August 23, 1991                              August 23, 1991

4(f)              Debt and Equity Securities Registered                    Incorporated by reference to Form S-3,
                                                                                Registration No. 33-56885 dated
                                                                                December 15, 1994, effective date
                                                                                January 12, 1995

         Material Contracts - Credit facility

10(a)             Amendment Agreement dated July 16,                       Exhibit to 10-Q for the period
                    1996 to the amended and restated                       ended June 30, 1996
                    Credit Agreement dated as of August 24, 1993,
                    as amended and restated as of June 21, 1994, and
                    as amended by an Amendment Agreement dated as of
                    June 20, 1995 and a second Amendment Agreement dated as
                    of February 29, 1996 among Harsco Corporation, the
                    lenders named therein and Chase Manhattan Bank.

10(b)             Commercial Paper Dealer Agreement                        Exhibit volume, 1994 10-K
                    Dated October 11, 1994, Between J.P.
                    Morgan Securities, Inc. and Harsco
                    Corporation

10(c)             Commercial Paper Dealer Agreement                        Exhibit volume, 1994 10-K
                    Dated October 11, 1994, Between
                    Lehman Brothers, Inc. and Harsco
                    Corporation

10(d)             Issuing and Paying Agency Agreement,                     Exhibit volume, 1994 10-K
                    Dated October 12, 1994, Between
                    Morgan Guaranty Trust Company
                    of New York and Harsco Corporation
</TABLE>


                                     - 73 -
<PAGE>   74
(a)    3.     Listing of Exhibits Filed with Form 10-K (continued):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit
Number                     Data Required                                   Location in 10-K
- ------                     -------------                                   ----------------

<S>               <C>                                                      <C>
10(e)             Commercial Paper Agreement with                          Exhibit to 10-Q for the period
                    Banque Bruxelles Lambert S.A./Bank                     ended September 30, 1996
                    Brussel Lambert N.V. dated
                    September 25, 1996.

         Material Contracts - Underwriting

10(f)             Underwriting Agreement for                               Exhibit volume, 1987 10-K
                    Debt Securities dated
                    October 22, 1987

         Material Contracts - Management Contracts and Compensatory Plans

10(g)             Harsco Corporation Incentive Plan                        Exhibit volume, 1992 10-K
                    as amended March 18, 1992

10(h)             Harsco Corporation Supplemental                          Exhibit volume, 1997 10-K
                    Retirement Benefit Program as
                    amended January 27, 1998

10(i)             Trust Agreement between Harsco                           Exhibit volume, 1987 10-K
                    Corporation and Dauphin Deposit
                    Bank and Trust Company dated
                    July 1, 1987 relating to the
                    Supplemental Retirement Benefit
                    Plan

10(j)             Harsco Corporation Supplemental                          Exhibit volume, 1991 10-K
                    Executive Retirement Plan as
                    amended

10(k)             Trust Agreement between Harsco                           Exhibit volume, 1988 10-K
                    Corporation and Dauphin
                    Deposit Bank and Trust Company
                    dated November 22, 1988 relating
                    to the Supplemental Executive
                    Retirement Plan

10(l)             1986 Stock Option Plan as amended                        Exhibit volume, 1990 10-K

10(m)             1995 Executive Incentive Compensation                    Proxy Statement dated March 22, 1995
                  Plan                                                     on Exhibit A pages A-1 through A-12
</TABLE>

                                     - 74 -
<PAGE>   75
(a)    3.     Listing of Exhibits Filed with Form 10-K (continued):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit
Number                     Data Required                                   Location in 10-K
- ------                     -------------                                   ----------------

<S>               <C>                                                      <C>
10(n)             Authorization, Terms and Conditions of                   Exhibit volume, 1996 10-K
                    the Annual Incentive Awards, as
                    amended and Restated November 19,
                    1996, under the 1995 Executive Incentive
                    Compensation Plan

                  Employment Agreements -

10(o)             D. C. Hathaway                                           Exhibit volume, 1989 10-K
                                                                                Uniform agreement, the same as
                                                                                shown for J. J. Burdge
   "              L. A. Campanaro                                                      "                   "
   "              P. C. Coppock                                                        "                   "
   "              W. D. Etzweiler                                                      "                   "
   "              S. D. Fazzolari                                                      "                   "

10(p)             Consulting Agreement for                                 Exhibit volume, 1997 10-K
                    W. D. Etzweiler dated as
                    of March 1, 1998

10(q)             Special Supplemental Retirement                          Exhibit Volume, 1988 10-K
                    Benefit  Agreement for
                    D. C. Hathaway

                  Director Indemnity Agreements -

10(r)             R. F. Nation                                             Exhibit volume, 1989 10-K
                                                                                Uniform agreement, same as
                                                                                shown for J. J. Burdge
   "              A. J. Sordoni, III                                                   "                   "
   "              R. C. Wilburn                                                        "                   "
   "              R. L. Kirk                                                           "                   "
   "              N. H. Prater                                                         "                   "
   "              D. C. Hathaway                                                       "                   "
   "              J. I. Scheiner                                                       "                   "
   "              J. E. Marley                                                         "                   "
   "              C. F. Scanlan                                                        "                   "

10(s)             Harsco Corporation Directors                             Exhibit volume, 1990 10-K
                    Retirement Plan (terminated
                    effective December 31, 1996)
</TABLE>

                                     - 75 -
<PAGE>   76
(a)               3.Listing of Exhibits Filed with Form 10-K (continued):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit
Number                     Data Required                                   Location in 10-K
- ------                     -------------                                   ----------------

<S>               <C>                                                      <C>
10(t)             Harsco Corporation Deferred                              Exhibit volume, 1994 10-K
                    Compensation Plan for
                    Non-Employee Directors

10(u)             Harsco Corporation 1995 Non-Employee                     Proxy Statement dated
                    Directors' Stock Plan                                       March 22, 1995 on Exhibit B
                                                                                pages B-1 through B-6

10(v)             Settlement Agreement dated                               Exhibit (b) to 10-Q for period
                    September 19, 1995, among the                               ended September 30, 1995
                    Company, the United States Army
                    and the United States Department of
                    Justice

12                Computation of Ratios of                                 Exhibit volume, 1997 10-K
                    Earnings to Fixed Charges

21                Subsidiaries of the Registrant                           Exhibit volume, 1997 10-K

23                Consent of Independent Accountants                       Exhibit volume, 1997 10-K

27.1              Financial Data Schedule                                  Exhibit volume, 1997 10-K

27.2              Restated Financial Data Schedules                        Exhibit volume, 1997 10-K

27.3              Restated Financial Data Schedules                        Exhibit volume, 1997 10-K
</TABLE>

Exhibits other than those listed above are omitted for the reason that they are
either not applicable or not material.

The foregoing Exhibits are available from the Secretary of the Company upon
receipt of a fee of $10 to cover the Company's reasonable cost of providing
copies of such Exhibits.

(b)    Reports on Form 8-K:

A report on Form 8-K dated October 6, 1997 was filed October 16, 1997 related to
the completion of the sale of United Defense L.P.

A report on Form 8-K/A was filed on January 5, 1998, amending the Form 8-K
(dated October 6, 1997 and filed by the Registrant on October 16, 1997) by
providing the full text of two exhibits with respect to which the Registrant had
previously sought confidential treatment.

A report on Form 8-K dated March 4, 1998 was filed March 13, 1998 related to the
announced tender off by Harsco Corporation for UK-based Faber Prest Plc.


                                     - 76 -
<PAGE>   77
                                   SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

                                                  HARSCO CORPORATION

Date  3-19-98                                     By /s/ Salvatore D. Fazzolari
    -----------------                             -----------------------------
                                                  Salvatore D. Fazzolari
                                                  Senior Vice President and
                                                  Chief Financial Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report
has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and
in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE                                                 CAPACITY                                   DATE
<S>                                                       <C>                                       <C>
/S/ Derek C. Hathaway                                     Chairman & Chief
- ----------------------------------                        Executive Officer                           3-19-98
       (Derek C. Hathaway)                                                                          -----------
                     

/S/ Leonard A. Campanaro                                  President, Chief Operating
- ----------------------------------                        Officer and Director                        3-19-98
       (Leonard A. Campanaro)                                                                       -----------     


/S/ Salvatore D. Fazzolari                                Senior Vice President and
- ----------------------------------                        Chief Financial Officer
       (Salvatore D. Fazzolari)                           (Principal Financial and
                                                          Accounting Officer)                         3-19-98
                                                                                                    -----------

/S/ Robert L. Kirk                                        Director                                    3-19-98
- ----------------------------------                                                                  -----------
       (Robert L. Kirk)

/S/ James E. Marley                                       Director                                    3-19-98
- ----------------------------------                                                                  -----------
       (James E. Marley)

/S/ Robert F. Nation                                      Director                                    3-19-98
- ----------------------------------                                                                  -----------
       (Robert F. Nation)

/S/ Nilon H. Prater                                       Director                                    3-19-98
- ----------------------------------                                                                  -----------
       (Nilon H. Prater)

/S/ Carolyn F. Scanlan                                    Director                                    3-19-98
- ----------------------------------                                                                  -----------
       (Carolyn F. Scanlan)

/S/ James I. Scheiner                                     Director                                    3-19-98
- ----------------------------------                                                                  -----------
       (James I. Scheiner)

/S/ Andrew J. Sordoni III                                 Director                                    3-19-98
- ----------------------------------                                                                  -----------
       (Andrew J. Sordoni III)

/S/ Robert C. Wilburn                                     Director                                    3-19-98
- ----------------------------------                                                                  -----------
       (Dr. Robert C. Wilburn)
</TABLE>


                                     - 77 -
<PAGE>   78
HARSCO CORPORATION FORM 10-K
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997

Item 14(a) 3. Exhibits

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Exhibit                                                                    Document
Number                                                                      Pages
- -------                                                                    --------
<S>       <C>                                                              <C>
3(a)      Certificate of Designation filed
            September 25, 1997                                               1 - 8

10(h)     Harsco Corporation Supplemental
            Retirement Benefit Program as amended
            January 27, 1998                                                 1 - 14

10(p)     Consulting Agreement for W.D.Etzweiler
            dated as of March 1, 1998                                        1 - 6

12        Computation of Ratios of Earnings
            to Fixed Charges                                                   1

21        Subsidiaries of the Registrant                                     1 - 3

23        Consent of Independent Accountants                                   1

27.1      Financial Data Schedule                                              1

27.2      Restated Financial Data Schedules                                    1

27.3      Restated Financial Data Schedules                                    1
</TABLE>




<PAGE>   1
                       AMENDED CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATION,
                                 PREFERENCES AND
                     RIGHTS OF SERIES A JUNIOR PARTICIPATING
                           CUMULATIVE PREFERRED STOCK
                                ($1.25 PAR VALUE)

                                       of

                               Harsco Corporation

             Pursuant to Section 151 of the General Corporation Law
                            of the State of Delaware



           We, Derek C. Hathaway, Chairman of the Board, and Paul C. Coppock,
Secretary, of Harsco Corporation, a corporation organized and existing under the
General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, in accordance with the
provisions of Section 103 thereof, DO HEREBY CERTIFY:

           That pursuant to the authority conferred upon the Board of Directors
by the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the said Corporation, the said
Board of Directors on September 29, 1987, adopted a resolution creating a series
of 400,000 shares of Cumulative Preferred Stock designated as Series A Junior
Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock with the preferences and rights as
provided in the Certificate of Designation adopted by the Board; and on June 24,
1997, the said Board of Directors adopted a resolution amending the Certificate
of Designation as follows:

           RESOLVED, that pursuant to the authority vested in the Board of
Directors of this Corporation in accordance with the provisions of its Restated
Certificate of Incorporation, the Certificate of Designation adopted by the
Board of Directors on September 29, 1987, is hereby amended
effective September 28, 1997 as follows:

           SECTION 1. DESIGNATION AND AMOUNT. The shares of such series shall be
designated as "Series A Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock" and the
number of shares constituting such series shall be 750,000.

           SECTION 2. DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS.

           (A) Subject to the prior and superior rights of the holders of any
shares of any series of Preferred Stock ranking prior and superior to the shares
of Series A Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock with respect to
dividends or distributions, the holders of shares of Series A Junior
Participating 


                                       1
<PAGE>   2


Cumulative Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive, when, as and if
declared by the Board of Directors out of funds legally available for the
purpose, quarterly dividends payable in cash on the fifteenth day of February,
May, August and November in each year (each such date being referred to herein
as a "Quarterly Dividend Payment Date"), commencing on the first Quarterly
Dividend Payment Date after the first issuance of a share or fraction of a share
of Series A Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock, in an amount per
share (rounded to the nearest cent) equal to the greater of (a) $5.00 or (b)
subject to the provision for adjustment hereinafter set forth, 100 times the
aggregate per share amount of all cash dividends, and 100 times the aggregate
per share amount (payable in kind) of all non-cash dividends or other
distributions other than a dividend payable in shares of Common Stock or a
subdivision of the outstanding shares of Common Stock (by reclassification or
otherwise), declared on the Common Stock, par value $1.25 per share, of the
Corporation (the "Common Stock") since the immediately preceding Quarterly
Dividend Payment Date, or, with respect to the first Quarterly Dividend Payment
Date, since the first issuance of any share or fraction of a share of Series A
Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock. In the event the Corporation
shall at any time after September 28,1997 (the "Rights Declaration Date") (i)
declare any dividend on Common Stock payable in shares of Common Stock, (ii)
subdivide the outstanding Common Stock, or (iii) combine the outstanding Common
Stock into a small number of shares, then in each such case the amount to which
holders of shares of Series A Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock
were entitled immediately prior to such event under clause (b) of the preceding
sentence shall be adjusted by multiplying such amount by a fraction the
numerator of which is the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding
immediately after such event and the denominator of which is the number of
shares of Common Stock that were outstanding immediately prior to such event.

           (B) The corporation shall declare a dividend or distribution on the
Series A Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock as provided in
paragraph (A) above immediately after it declares a dividend or distribution on
the Common Stock (other than a dividend payable in shares of Common Stock);
provided that, in the event no dividend or distribution shall have been declared
on the Common Stock during the period between any Quarterly Dividend Payment
Date and the next subsequent Quarterly Dividend Payment Date, a dividend of
$5.00 per share on the Series A Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock
shall nevertheless be payable on such subsequent Quarterly Dividend Payment
Date.

           (C) Dividends shall begin to accrue and be cumulative on outstanding
shares of Series A Junior Participating cumulative Preferred Stock from the
Quarterly Dividend Payment Date next preceding the date of issue of such shares
of Series A Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock, unless the date of
issue of such shares is prior to the record date for the first Quarterly


                                       2
<PAGE>   3


Dividend Payment Date, in which case dividends on such shares shall begin to
accrue from the date of issue of such shares, or unless the date of issue is a
Quarterly Dividend Payment Date or is a date after the record date for
determination of holders of shares of Series A Junior Participating Cumulative
Preferred Stock entitled to receive a quarterly dividend and before such
Quarterly Dividend Payment Date, in either of which events such dividends shall
begin to accrue and be cumulative from such Quarterly Dividend Payment Date.
Accrued but unpaid dividends shall not bear interest. Dividends paid on the
shares of Series A Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock in an amount
less than the total amount of such dividends at the time accrued and payable on
such shares shall be allocated pro rata on a share-by-share basis among all such
shares at the time outstanding. The Board of Directors may fix a record date for
the determination of holders of shares of Series A Junior Participating
Cumulative Preferred Stock entitled to receive payment of a dividend or
distribution declared thereon, which record date shall be no more than 45 days
prior to the date fixed for the payment thereof.

           SECTION 3. VOTING RIGHTS. In addition to the voting rights set forth
in Article FOURTH of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation or otherwise
required by law, the holders of shares of Series A Junior Participating
Cumulative Preferred Stock shall have the following voting rights:

           (A) Subject to the provision for adjustment hereinafter set forth,
each share of Series A Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock shall
entitle the holder thereof to 100 votes on all matters submitted to a vote of
the stockholders of the Corporation. In the event the Corporation shall at any
time after the Rights Declaration Date (i) declare any dividend on Common Stock
payable in shares of Common Stock, (ii) subdivide the outstanding Common Stock,
or (iii) combine the outstanding Common Stock into a smaller number of shares,
then in each such case the number of votes per share to which holders of shares
of Series A Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock were entitled
immediately prior to such event shall be adjusted by multiplying such number by
a fraction the numerator of which is the number of shares of Common Stock
outstanding immediately after such event and the denominator of which is the
number of shares of Common Stock that were outstanding immediately prior to such
event.

           (B) Except as otherwise provided herein or by law, the holders of
shares of Series A Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock and the
holders of shares of Common Stock shall vote together as one class on all
matters submitted to a vote of stockholders of the Corporation.

           (C) (i) If at any time dividends on any Series A Junior Participating
Cumulative Preferred Stock shall be in arrears in an amount equal to six (6)
quarterly dividends thereon, the occurrence of such contingency shall 


                                       3
<PAGE>   4


mark the beginning of a period (herein called a "default period") which shall
extend until such time when all accrued and unpaid dividends for all previous
quarterly dividend periods and for the current quarterly dividend period on all
shares of Series A Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock then
outstanding shall have been declared and paid or set apart for payment. During
each default period, all holders of Cumulative Preferred Stock (including
holders of the Series A Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock) with
dividends in arrears in an amount equal to six (6) quarterly dividends thereon,
voting as a class, irrespective of series, shall have the right to elect two (2)
Directors.

           (ii) During any default period, such voting right of the holders of
Series A Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock may be exercised
initially at a special meeting called pursuant to subparagraph (iii) of this
Section 3(C) or at any annual meeting of stockholders, and thereafter at annual
meetings of Stockholders, provided that neither such voting right nor the right
of the holders of any other series of Cumulative Preferred Stock, if any, to
increase, in certain cases, the authorized number of Directors shall be
exercised unless the holders of ten percent (10%) in number of shares of
Cumulative Preferred Stock outstanding shall be present in person or by proxy.
The absence of a quorum of the holders of Common Stock shall not affect the
exercise by the holders of Cumulative Preferred Stock of such voting right. At
any meeting at which the holders of Cumulative Preferred Stock shall exercise
such voting right initially during an existing default period, they shall have
the right, voting as a class, to elect Directors to fill such vacancies, if any,
in the Board of Directors as may then exist up to two (2) Directors or, if such
right is exercised at an annual meeting, to elect two (2) Directors. If the
number which may be so elected at any special meeting does not amount to the
required number, the holders of the Cumulative Preferred Stock shall have the
right to make such increase in the number of Directors as shall be necessary to
permit the election by them of the required number. After the holders of the
Cumulative Preferred Stock shall have exercised their right to elect Directors
in any default period and during the continuance of such period, the number of
Directors shall not be increased or decreased except by vote of the holders of
Cumulative Preferred Stock as herein provided or pursuant to the rights of any
equity securities ranking senior to or pari passu with the Series A Junior
Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock.

           (iii) Unless the holders of Cumulative Preferred Stock shall, during
an existing default period, have previously exercised their right to elect
Directors, the Board of Directors may order, or any stockholder or stockholders
owning in the aggregate not less than ten percent (10%) of the total number of
shares of Cumulative Preferred Stock outstanding, irrespective of series, may
request, the calling of a special meeting of the holders of Cumulative Preferred
Stock, which meeting shall thereupon be called by the President, a
Vice-President or the Secretary of the Corporation. Notice of such meeting and
of any annual meeting at which holders of Cumulative Preferred Stock are
entitled 


                                       4
<PAGE>   5


to vote pursuant to this paragraph (C)(iii) shall be given to each holder of
record of Cumulative Preferred Stock by mailing a copy of such notice to him at
his last address as the same appears on the books of the Corporation. Such
meeting shall be called for a time not earlier than 20 days and not later than
60 days after such order or request or in default of the calling of such meeting
within 60 days after such order or request, such meeting may be called on
similar notice by any stockholder or stockholders owning in the aggregate not
less than ten percent (10%) of the total number of shares of Cumulative
Preferred Stock outstanding. Notwithstanding the provisions of this paragraph
(C)(iii), no such special meeting shall be called during the period within 60
days immediately preceding the date fixed for the next annual meeting of the
stockholders.

           (iv) In any default period, the holders of Common Stock, and other
classes of stock of the Corporation if applicable, shall continue to be entitled
to elect the whole number of Directors until the holders of Cumulative Preferred
Stock shall have exercised their right to elect two (2) Directors voting as a
class, after the exercise of which right (x) the Directors so elected by the
holders of Cumulative Preferred Stock shall continue in office until their
successors shall have been elected by such holders or until the expiration of
the default period, and (y) any vacancy in the Board of Directors may (except as
provided in paragraph (C)(ii) of this Section (3) be filled by vote of a
majority of the remaining Directors theretofore elected by the holders of the
class of stock which elected the Director whose office shall have become vacant.

References in this paragraph (C) to Directors elected by the holders of a
particular class of stock shall include Directors elected by such Directors to
fill vacancies as provided in clause (y) of the foregoing sentence.

           (v) Immediately upon the expiration of a default period, (x) the
right of the holders of Cumulative Preferred Stock as a class to elect Directors
shall cease, (y) the term of any Directors elected by the holders of Cumulative
Preferred Stock as a class shall terminate, and (z) the number of Directors
shall be such number as may be provided for in the certificate of incorporation
or by-laws irrespective of any increase made pursuant to the provisions of
paragraph (C)(ii) of this Section 3 (such number being subject, however, to
change thereafter in any manner provided by law or in the certificate of
incorporation or by-laws). Any vacancies in the Board of Directors effected by
the provisions of clauses (y) and (z) in the preceding sentence may be filled by
a majority of the remaining Directors.

           (D) Except as set forth herein, holders of Series A Junior
Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock shall have no special voting rights and
their consent shall not be required (except to the extent they are entitled to
vote with holders of Common Stock as set forth herein) for taking any corporate
action.


                                       5
<PAGE>   6


           SECTION 4. REACQUIRED SHARES. Any shares of Series A Junior
Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock purchased or otherwise acquired by the
Corporation in any manner whatsoever shall be retired and cancelled promptly
after the acquisition thereof. All such shares shall upon their cancellation
become authorized but unissued shares of Cumulative Preferred Stock and may be
reissued as part of a new series of Cumulative Preferred Stock to be created by
resolution or resolutions of the Board of Directors, subject to the conditions
and restrictions on issuance set forth herein.

           SECTION 5. LIQUIDATION, DISSOLUTION OR WINDING UP.

           (A) Upon any voluntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the
Corporation, no distribution shall be made to the holders of shares of stock
ranking (either as to dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up)
junior to the Series A Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock unless,
prior thereto, the holders of shares of Series A Junior Participating Cumulative
Preferred Stock shall have received $150 per share, plus an amount equal to
accrued and unpaid dividends and distributions thereon, whether or not declared,
to the date of such payment (the "Series A Liquidation Preference"). Following
the payment of the full amount of the Series A Liquidation Preference, no
additional distributions shall be made to the holders of shares of Series A
Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock unless, prior thereto, the
holders of shares of Common Stock shall have received an amount per share (the
"Common Adjustment") equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the Series A
Liquidation Preference by (ii) 100 (as appropriately adjusted as set forth in
subparagraph C below to reflect such events as stock splits, stock dividends and
recapitalizations with respect to the Common Stock) (such number in clause (ii),
the "Adjustment Number"). Following the payment of the full amount of the Series
A Liquidation Preference and the Common Adjustment in respect of all outstanding
shares of Series A Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock and Common
Stock, respectively, holders of Series A Junior Participating Cumulative
Preferred Stock and holders of shares of Common Stock shall receive their
ratable and proportionate share of the remaining assets to be distributed in the
ratio of the Adjustment Number to 1 with respect to such Cumulative Preferred
Stock and Common Stock, on a per share basis, respectively.

           (B) In the event, however, that there are not sufficient assets
available to permit payment in full of the Series A Liquidation Preference and
the liquidation preferences of all other series of Cumulative Preferred Stock,
if any, which rank on a parity with the Series A Junior Participating Cumulative
Preferred Stock, then such remaining assets shall be distributed ratably to the
holders of such parity shares in proportion to their respective liquidation
preferences. In the event, however, that there are not sufficient assets
available 


                                       6
<PAGE>   7


to permit payment in full of the Common Adjustment, then such remaining assets
shall be distributed ratably to the holders of Common Stock.

           (C) In the event the Corporation shall at any time after the Rights
Declaration Date (i) declare any dividend on Common Stock payable in shares of
Common Stock, (ii) subdivide the outstanding Common Stock, or (iii) combine the
outstanding Common Stock into a smaller number of shares, then in each such case
the Adjustment Number in effect immediately prior to such event shall be
adjusted by multiplying such Adjustment Number by a fraction the numerator of
which is the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after such
event and the denominator of which is the number of shares of Common Stock that
were outstanding immediately prior to such event.

           SECTION 6. CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, ETC. In case the Corporation shall
enter into any consolidation, merger, combination or other transaction in which
the shares of Common Stock are exchanged for or changed into other stock or
securities, cash and/or any other property, then in any such case the shares of
Series A Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock shall at the same time
be similarly exchanged or changed in an amount per share (subject to the
provision for adjustment hereinafter set forth) equal to 100 times the aggregate
amount of stock, securities, cash and/or any other property (payable in kind),
as the case may be, into which or for which each share of Common Stock is
changed or exchanged. In the event the Corporation shall at any time after the
Rights Declaration Date (i) declare any dividend on Common Stock payable in
shares of Common Stock, (ii) subdivide the outstanding Common Stock, or (iii)
combine the outstanding Common Stock into a smaller number of shares, then in
each such case the amount set forth in the preceding sentence with respect to
the exchange or change of shares of Series A Junior Participating Cumulative
Preferred Stock shall be adjusted by multiplying such amount by a fraction the
numerator of which is the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding
immediately after such event and the denominator of which is the number of
shares of Common Stock that were outstanding immediately prior to such event.

           SECTION 7.  NO REDEMPTION.  The shares of Series A Junior
Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock shall not be redeemable.

           SECTION 8. RANKING. The Series A Junior Participating Cumulative
Preferred Stock shall rank junior to all other series of the Corporation's
preferred stock as to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets.

           SECTION 9. AMENDMENT. The Restated Certificate of Incorporation of
the Corporation shall not be further amended in any manner which would
materially alter or change the powers, preferences or special rights of the
Series A Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock so as to affect them
adversely 


                                       7
<PAGE>   8


without the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority or more of the
outstanding shares of Series A Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock,
voting separately as a class.

           SECTION 10. FRACTIONAL SHARES. Series A Junior Participating
Cumulative Preferred Stock may be issued in fractions of a share which shall
entitle the holder, in proportion to such holder's fractional shares, to
exercise voting rights, receive dividends, participate in distributions and to
have the benefit of all other rights of holders of Series A Junior Participating
Cumulative Preferred Stock.

           IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have executed and subscribed this Certificate
and do affirm the foregoing as true under the penalties of perjury this 23rd day
of September, 1997.


                                          /s/ Derek C. Hathaway
                                          ------------------------------
                                          Derek C. Hathaway
                                          Chairman of the Board


Attest:



/s/ Paul C. Coppock
- ----------------------------------
Paul C. Coppock
Secretary



                                       8

<PAGE>   1
                            RESTATED SEPTEMBER, 1995

                               HARSCO CORPORATION
                      SUPPLEMENTAL RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLAN

                                    ARTICLE I

                              ESTABLISHMENT OF PLAN


         1.1 Purpose. The Harsco Corporation Supplemental Retirement Plan
("Plan") was established by Harsco Corporation ("Corporation") to provide
supplemental retirement benefits to designated corporate and division officers
and to compensate them for government-imposed reductions in benefits from and/or
contributions to the tax-qualified plans in which they participate.

         1.2 Tax/ERISA. The Corporation intends that the Plan shall at all times
be maintained on an unfunded basis for federal income tax purposes under the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended ("Code"), and administered as a
"top-hat" plan exempt from the substantive requirements of the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA").

         1.3 Effective Date. This Plan, as amended and restated herein, shall
apply to participating employees whose retirement or other termination date
occurs on or after January 2, 1995. Benefits for Participants who retired or
whose participation terminated prior to January 2, 1995, will be determined by
the Plan provisions in effect upon such Participant's retirement or termination.


                                   ARTICLE II

                                   DEFINITIONS


         2.1 Accrued Benefit. The Supplemental Pension Benefit and the
Supplemental Savings Benefit earned by a Participant under this Plan in
accordance with the provisions of Article IV.

         2.2 Ancillary Agreement. An instrument by which special arrangements
for specific Participants are incorporated into this Plan.

         2.3 Beneficiary. Any person designated by a Participant to receive
benefits which may be due, or become due, under this Plan. If a Participant made
no such designation, or if the designated person predeceases the Participant,
the Beneficiary shall be the Participant's estate.


                                      - 1 -
<PAGE>   2
         2.4 Board. The Board of Directors of the Corporation.

         2.5 Change In Control. The first to occur of any one of the events
described below:

                  (a) Stock Acquisition. Any "person" (as such term is used in
Sections 13(d) and 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ["the 1934
Act"], other than the Company or a corporation, a majority of whose outstanding
stock entitled to vote is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company, who is
or becomes, other than by purchase from the Company or such a corporation, the
"beneficial owner" (as such term is defined in Rule 13(d)-3 under the 1934 Act),
directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 20 percent or
more of the combined voting power of the Company's then outstanding voting
securities. Such a Change in Control shall be deemed to have occurred on the
first to occur of the date securities are first purchased by a tender or
exchange offer, or the date on which the Company first learns of acquisition of
20 percent of such securities, or the later of the effective date of an
agreement for the merger, consolidation or other reorganization of the Company
or Company shareholder approval thereof, as the case may be.

                  (b) Change in Board. During any period of two consecutive
years, individuals who at the beginning of such period were members of the Board
of Directors ceases for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the
Board of Directors, unless the election or nomination for election by the
Company's shareholders of each new director was approved by a vote of at least
two-thirds of the directors then still in office who were directors at the
beginning of the period. Such a Change in Control shall be deemed to have
occurred on the date upon which the requisite majority of directors fails to be
elected by the shareholders of the Company.

                  (c) Other Events. Any other event or series of events which,
notwithstanding any other provision of this definition, is determined by a
majority of the outside members of the Board of Directors of the Company to
constitute a Change in Control of the Company for purposes of this Supplemental
Plan. Such a Change in Control shall be deemed to have occurred on the date of
such determination or on such other date as such majority of outside members of
the Board shall specify.

         2.6 Committee. The Management Development and Compensation Committee of
the Board or such other committee as may be designated by the Board.

         2.7 Compensation. Total base salary plus 100% of nondiscretionary
incentive compensation, all calculated on a paid basis and payable according to
the provisions of a regular written plan covering officers as approved by the
Board or a Committee thereof.


                                      -2-
<PAGE>   3
         2.8 Credited Service. Service with Harsco and with any predecessor
company acquired by or merged into Harsco if such service with the predecessor
company is granted by the Board of Directors or a Committee thereof. In
computing Credited Service hereunder, the Corporation shall act in accordance
with (a) rules applicable to the Related Harsco Plan or (b) if different, rules
established by the Board of Directors or a Committee thereof.

         2.9 Early Retirement Date. The first date of the month following the
Participant's attainment of 55 years of age and 15 years of Credited Service.

         2.10 Final Average Compensation. A Participant's average annual
Compensation for the 60 highest consecutive out of the last 120 months prior to
the date of retirement or termination of employment for any reason prior to
Normal Retirement Date. If, due to absence because of disability or temporary
layoff, a Participant's Compensation during any 12 month period in any of said
120 months falls below 75% of what it would have been had it not been for such
absence, such period or periods shall b excluded and contiguous periods of
months shall be used in determining the 60 highest consecutive months.

         2.11 Normal Retirement Date. The first day of the month following the
Participant's 65th birthday.

         2.12 Participant. An officer or other employee of the Corporation who
has been approved for participation in the Plan pursuant to Article III.

         2.13 Pension Committee. The Committee appointed by the Board of
Directors or a Committee thereof to administer qualified and nonqualified
pension plans.

         2.14 Related Harsco Plan. The relevant tax-qualified plan, the benefit
under which is offset against an amount determined under this Plan to comprise
all or part of the Participant's Accrued Benefit. In most cases, the Related
Harsco Plan shall be, with respect to the Supplemental Pension Benefit, the
Harsco Employees Pension Plan and, with respect to the Supplemental Savings
Benefit, the Harsco Corporation Savings Plan.

         2.15 Social Security Covered Compensation. As defined by Social
Security Integration Table I - (see attached Exhibit A). This table is subject
to change as Social Security covered compensation maximums are changed.

         2.16 Supplemental Pension Formula. 0.8% of Final Average Compensation,
up to the Social Security Covered Compensation plus 1.6% of Final Average
Compensation in excess of the Social Security Covered Compensation, multiplied
by Credited Service to a maximum of 33 years and divided by 12.


                                      -3-
<PAGE>   4
                                   ARTICLE III

                            ELIGIBILITY AND VESTING

         3.1 Eligibility to Participate in the Plan. All officers of the
Corporation, and division officers elected by the Board of Directors shall be
eligible to participate in this Plan.

         3.2 Vesting. A Participant's right to an Accrued Benefit under this
Plan shall vest and become nonforfeitable only if, and to the extent that, the
Participant is vested in the Related Harsco Plan. Notwithstanding any provision
to the contrary, all Participants shall become fully vested in their Accrued
Benefit following or in connection with a Change in Control.


                                   ARTICLE IV

                             SUPPLEMENTAL BENEFITS


         4.1 Supplemental Pension Benefit. The Supplemental Pension Benefit
shall be the greater of the monthly amounts calculated under (a) or (b) as set
forth below:

                  (a) The Supplemental Pension Formula offset by the monthly
retirement benefit payable to the Participant from the Related Harsco Plan, both
calculated on a 10-year certain and continuous basis; and

                  (b) The difference between (i) the monthly pension benefit
which the Participant would have been entitled to under the Related Harsco Plan,
calculated without regard to the limitation on benefits imposed by Code section
415, the ceiling on covered compensation imposed by Code section 401(a)(17) and
any similar limitation or restriction imposed by the Code or ERISA, and (ii) the
monthly pension benefit actually payable to the Participant under the Related
Harsco Plan.

         4.2 Supplemental Savings Benefit. The Supplemental Savings Plan Benefit
shall be determined as follows: If the amount of a Participant's contributions
to the Harsco Corporation Savings Plan is limited as a result of the Code or
ERISA such that the Participant is unable to contribute the maximum amount of
Matched After-Tax Contributions and/or Matched Tax Saver Contributions permitted
by the Savings Plan, then the Participant shall be entitled to receive the
difference between (a) and (b) a set forth below:

                  (a) The amount of Corporation's matching contributions to the
Saving Plan that would have been made for the account of such Participant, but
for the Code or ERISA limitations, and


                                      -4-
<PAGE>   5
                  (b) The amount of Corporation's matching contributions
actually made to the Savings Plan for the account of such Participant.

The amount payable pursuant to the provisions of this paragraph shall include
adjustments for changes in the market value of the Corporation stock that would
have been purchased by the Corporation's matching contributions that would have
been made to the Savings Plan for the account of a Participant, but for the
ERISA limitations including dividends that would have been payable on such
stock.


                                    ARTICLE V

                   SUPPLEMENTAL PENSION BENEFIT DISTRIBUTION


         5.1 Form of Payment. The Supplemental Pension Benefit shall be paid in
a form selected by the Participant within 60 days after the Participant's Early,
Normal or Postponed Retirement Date or termination of employment with a vested
Accrued Benefit. The normal form of payment for the Supplemental Pension Benefit
shall be determined on a 10-year certain and continuous basis; however, a
Participant may select an optional form of payment, provided such optional form
is (a) the same as that selected by the Participant under the Related Harsco
Plan and (b) not a lump sum.

         5.2 Early Retirement Benefit. Subject to the form of payment
restrictions in Section 5.1, a Participant who retires after his Early
Retirement Date and prior to his Normal Retirement Date shall be entitled to a
Supplemental Pension Benefit which shall be adjusted actuarially in accordance
with Tables B and C attached hereto.

         5.3 Postponed Retirement. The Supplemental Pension Benefit payable to a
Participant who continues employment after his Normal Retirement Date will be
calculated as of his Normal Retirement Date and will be paid upon his actual
retirement. If the Participant dies after his Normal Retirement Date, but prior
to actual retirement, his Supplemental Pension Benefit shall be payable to his
Beneficiary in the form of a life only annuity actuarially adjusted for the age
of the Beneficiary.

         5.4 Disability Benefit. In case of permanent disability, the
Supplemental Pension Benefit will be determined using the eligibility
requirements for disability retirement benefits under the Related Harsco Plan.

         5.5 Death Benefit. Except as provided under Section 5.3, if a
Participant dies on or after qualifying for benefits under the Related Harsco
Plan but before actual retirement, there shall be payable to the Beneficiary of
such Participant a monthly benefit equal to the Supplemental Pension Benefit
actuarially adjusted to provide a life annuity payable for the life of the
Beneficiary.


                                      -5-
<PAGE>   6
         5.6 Small Amounts. If the present value of the Supplemental Pension
Benefit is less than $25,000, such value may be paid to the Participant or
Beneficiary in a lump sum at the discretion of the CEO.

         5.7 Change in Control. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Participant
terminates employment following or in connection with a Change in Control, the
Participant's Supplemental Pension Benefit shall be payable to him in a lump
sum.


                                   ARTICLE VI

                   SUPPLEMENTAL SAVINGS BENEFIT DISTRIBUTIONS




         6.1 Termination of Employment. If a Participant terminates employment
with the Corporation, the Supplemental Savings Benefit shall be payable to him
in a lump sum within 60 days following his termination of employment.

         6.2 Payment of Benefits to Beneficiary. If the Participants dies while
an employee of the Corporation or prior to receiving payment under Section 6.1,
his Supplemental Savings Benefit, shall be payable to his Beneficiary within 60
days of his death.


                                   ARTICLE VII

                                 ADMINISTRATION


         7.1 Administration of the Plan. The Plan shall be administered by the
Committee, referred to herein as the Administrator. Members of the Committee, if
otherwise eligible, shall be eligible to participate in the Plan, but no such
member shall be entitled to make decisions solely with respect to his
participation. The Administrator shall be vested with full authority to make,
administer and interpret such rules and regulations as it deems necessary to
administer the Plan. Any determination decision or action of the Administrator
in connection with the construction, interpretation, administration or
application of the Plan shall be final, conclusive and binding upon all
Participants and any and all person claiming under or through any Participant.
The Administrator shall have the authority to:

                  (i) Employ agents to perform services on behalf of the
Administrator and to authorize the payment of reasonable compensation for the
performance of such services.


                                      -6-
<PAGE>   7
                  (ii) Delegate to the Pension Committee the authority to
perform administrative duties otherwise reserved to the Administrator herein.

         7.2 Cost of Administering the Plan. The Corporation shall bear the
costs of administration of the Plan.


                                  ARTICLE VIII

                           AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION


         8.1 Amendment. The Corporation, acting through the Board or a Committee
thereof, may at any time amend this Plan, in whole or in part, by an instrument
in writing, executed by the Board or a Committee thereof; provided, however,
that no amendment shall be made which would have the effect of decreasing any
Participant's Accrued Benefit determined just prior to the amendment.

         8.2 Termination. The Corporation, acting through its Board or a
Committee thereof, may at any time terminate this Plan by an instrument in
writing executed by the Board or its designee; provided, however,

                  (a) no such termination shall be made which would have the
effect of decreasing any Participant's Accrued Benefit determined just prior to
the amendment.


                  (b) the Corporation, by action of its Board or a Committee
thereof, may elect to accelerate all distributions at the time it elects to
terminate the Plan.


                                   ARTICLE IX

                                 MISCELLANEOUS


         9.1 No Right of Employment. Nothing in the Plan shall be deemed to
grant a Participant any rights other than those specifically outlined in the
Plan. Nothing in the Plan shall be deemed to create any right of, or contract
for, employment between a Participant and the Corporation.

         9.2 Withholding. The Corporation may deduct, with respect to any
payments due or benefits accrued under this Plan, any taxes required to be
withheld by Federal, state or local governments.


                                      -7-
<PAGE>   8
         9.3 Non-Assignability of Benefits. Neither the Participant nor any
Beneficiary shall have the power to transfer, assign, anticipate, modify or
otherwise encumber in advance any of the payments that may become due hereunder;
nor shall any such payments be subject to attachment, garnishment or execution,
or be transferable by operation of law in event of bankruptcy, insolvency or
otherwise.

         9.4 No Funding. Any provision for payments hereunder shall be by means
of bookkeeping entries on the books of the Corporation and shall not create in
the Participant or his Beneficiary any right to, or claim against any specific
assets of the Corporation, nor result in the creation of any trust or escrow
account for the Participant or Beneficiary. A Participant or Beneficiary
entitled to any payment of benefits hereunder shall be a general creditor of the
Corporation.

         9.5 Forfeiture on Termination For Cause. Notwithstanding any provision
to the contrary (including the acceleration of vesting and payment provisions
relating to Change in Control), if any Participant is terminated for cause, all
benefits hereunder shall be forfeited and the Corporation shall have no further
obligation to the Participant (or his Beneficiary) hereunder. For purposes of
this Plan, "cause" means (i) an act or acts of personal dishonesty taken by the
Participant and intended to result in substantial personal enrichment of the
Participant at the expense of the Company, (ii) repeated violations by the
Participant of the Participant's obligations under the Participant's employment
agreement where applicable which are demonstrably willful and deliberate on the
Participant's part and which are not remedied in a reasonable period of time
after receipt of written notice from the Company or (iii) the conviction of the
Participant of a felony.

         9.6 Gender and Number. As used herein the masculine pronoun shall
include the feminine and neuter genders, the singular shall include the plural,
and the plural the singular, unless the context clearly indicates a different
meaning.

         9.7 Controlling Law. This Plan and the respective rights and
obligations of the Corporation and the Participants and Beneficiaries, except to
the extent otherwise provided by Federal law, shall be construed under the law
of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.



/s/ P. C. Coppock                                /s/ D. C. Hathaway
- ------------------------------------             -------------------------------
P. C. Coppock, Sr. Vice President,               D. C. Hathaway, Chairman,
Chief Administrative Officer,                    President and Chief Executive
General Counsel and Secretary                    Officer


                                      -8-

<PAGE>   9
TABLE A

                         1998 COVERED COMPENSATION TABLE
                          UNDER TAX REFORM ACT OF 1986

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 YEAR OF            YEAR OF SOCIAL SECURITY          COVERED
  BIRTH                RETIREMENT AGE                COMPENSATION
<S>                 <C>                              <C>
  1925                      1990                         $ 18,312
  1926                      1991                           19,728
  1927                      1992                           21,192
  1928                      1993                           22,716
  1929                      1994                           24,312
  1930                      1995                           25,920
  1931                      1996                           27,576
  1932                      1997                           29,304
  1933                      1998                           31,128
  1934                      1999                           32,940
  1935                      2000                           34,752
  1936                      2001                           36,528
  1937                      2002                           38,292
  1938                      2004                           41,748
  1939                      2005                           43,488
  1940                      2006                           45,216
  1941                      2007                           46,908
  1942                      2008                           48,552
  1943                      2009                           50,136
  1944                      2010                           51,684
  1945                      2011                           53,208
  1946                      2012                           54,684
  1947                      2013                           56,136
  1948                      2014                           57,432
  1949                      2015                           58,644
  1950                      2016                           59,760
  1951                      2017                           60,780
  1952                      2018                           61,716
  1953                      2019                           62,592
  1954                      2020                           63,420
  1955                      2022                           64,872
  1956                      2023                           65,544
  1957                      2024                           66,120
  1958                      2025                           66,612
  1959                      2026                           67,044
  1960                      2027                           67,404
  1961                      2028                           67,716
  1962                      2029                           67,944
  1963                      2030                           68,148
  1964                      2031                           68,304
  1965                      2032 and later                 68,400
</TABLE>


                                       9
<PAGE>   10
Table B

                          HARSCO EMPLOYEES PENSION PLAN
 EARLY RETIREMENT FACTORS (PERCENT OF ACCRUED PENSION PAYABLE AT AGE SPECIFIED)
              EFFECTIVE FOR RETIREMENTS ON OR AFTER JANUARY 2, 1995
                FOR EMPLOYEES WITH LESS THAN 30 YEARS OF SERVICE

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    AGE AT WHICH                             AGE AT WHICH                              AGE AT WHICH
  MONTHLY BENEFITS                         MONTHLY BENEFITS                           MONTHLY BENEFITS
    ARE TO BEGIN      # OF MOS               ARE TO BEGIN     # OF MOS                  ARE TO BEGIN    # OF MOS
 ----------------     PRIOR TO              --------------    PRIOR TO                ---------------   PRIOR TO
  YEARS    MONTHS      AGE 65      %        YEARS   MONTHS     AGE 65        %         YEARS   MONTHS    AGE 65        %
  -----    ------      ------      -        -----   ------     ------        -         -----   ------    ------        -
<S>        <C>        <C>         <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>           <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>         <C>
   65        0           0        100         61       6         42          87.4       58       0         84         74.8
 --------------------------------------      ------------------------------------     ------------------------------------
   64        11          1         99.7       61       5         43          87.1       57      11         85         74.5
   64        10          2         99.4       61       4         44          86.8       57      10         86         74.2
   64        9           3         99.1       61       3         45          86.5       57       9         87         73.9
   64        8           4         98.8       61       2         46          86.2       57       8         88         73.6
   64        7           5         98.5       61       1         47          85.9       57       7         89         73.3
   64        6           6         98.2       61       0         48          85.6       57       6         90         73
 --------------------------------------      ------------------------------------     ------------------------------------
   64        5           7         97.9       60       11        49          85.3       57       5         91         72.7
   64        4           8         97.6       60       10        50          85         57       4         92         72.4
   64        3           9         97.3       60       9         51          84.7       57       3         93         72.1
   64        2          10         97         60       8         52          84.4       57       2         94         71.8
   64        1          11         96.7       60       7         53          84.1       57       1         95         71.5
   64        0          12         96.4       60       6         54          83.8       57       0         96         71.2
 --------------------------------------      ------------------------------------     ------------------------------------
   63        11         13         96.1       60       5         55          83.5       56      11         97         70.9
   63        10         14         95.8       60       4         56          83.2       56      10         98         70.6
   63        9          15         95.5       60       3         57          82.9       56       9         99         70.3
   63        8          16         95.2       60       2         58          82.6       56       8        100         70
   63        7          17         94.9       60       1         59          82.3       56       7        101         69.7
   63        6          18         94.6       60       0         60          82         56       6        102         69.4
 --------------------------------------      ------------------------------------     ------------------------------------
   63        5          19         94.3       59       11        61          81.7       56       5        103         69.1
   63        4          20         94         59       10        62          81.4       56       4        104         68.8
   63        3          21         93.7       59       9         63          81.1       56       3        105         68.5
   63        2          22         93.4       59       8         64          80.8       56       2        106         68.2
   63        1          23         93.1       59       7         65          80.5       56       1        107         67.9
   63        0          24         92.8       59       6         66          80.2       56       0        108         67.6
 --------------------------------------      ------------------------------------     ------------------------------------
   62        11         25         92.5       59       5         67          79.9       55      11        109         67.3
   62        10         26         92.2       59       4         68          79.6       55      10        110         67
   62        9          27         91.9       59       3         69          79.3       55       9        111         66.7
   62        8          28         91.6       59       2         70          79         55       8        112         66.4
   62        7          29         91.3       59       1         71          78.7       55       7        113         66.1
   62        6          30         91         59       0         72          78.4       55       6        114         65.8
 --------------------------------------      ------------------------------------     ------------------------------------
   62        5          31         90.7       58       11        73          78.1       55       5        115         65.5
   62        4          32         90.4       58       10        74          77.8       55       4        116         65.2
   62        3          33         90.1       58       9         75          77.5       55       3        117         64.9
   62        2          34         89.8       58       8         76          77.2       55       2        118         64.6
   62        1          35         89.5       58       7         77          76.9       55       1        119         64.3
   62        0          36         89.2       58       6         78          76.6       55       0        120         64
 --------------------------------------      ------------------------------------     ------------------------------------
   61        11         37         88.9       58       5         79          76.3
   61        10         38         88.6       58       4         80          76
   61        9          39         88.3       58       3         81          75.7
   61        8          40         88         58       2         82          75.4
   61        7          41         87.7       58       1         83          75.1
</TABLE>


                                       10
<PAGE>   11
Table C

                          HARSCO EMPLOYEES PENSION PLAN
 EARLY RETIREMENT FACTORS (PERCENT OF ACCRUED PENSION PAYABLE AT AGE SPECIFIED)
              EFFECTIVE FOR RETIREMENTS ON OR AFTER JANUARY 2, 1995
                 FOR EMPLOYEES WITH 30 OR MORE YEARS OF SERVICE

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   AGE AT WHICH                               AGE AT WHICH                             AGE AT WHICH
 MONTHLY BENEFITS                           MONTHLY BENEFITS                         MONTHLY BENEFITS
   ARE TO BEGIN      # OF MOS                ARE TO BEGIN      # OF MOS                ARE TO BEGIN     # OF MOS
- -------------------  PRIOR TO               ----------------   PRIOR TO              -----------------  PRIOR TO
  YEARS    MONTHS     AGE 62       %         YEARS   MONTHS     AGE 62       %        YEARS   MONTHS      AGE 62       %
  -----    ------     ------       -         -----   ------     ------       -        -----   ------      ------       -
<S>        <C>        <C>         <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>          <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>         <C>
   65        0           0        100         61       6          6          98.2       58       0         48         85.6
 --------------------------------------      ------------------------------------     ------------------------------------
   64        11          0        100         61       5          7          97.9       57      11         49         85.3
   64        10          0        100         61       4          8          97.6       57      10         50         85
   64        9           0        100         61       3          9          97.3       57       9         51         84.7
   64        8           0        100         61       2          10         97         57       8         52         84.4
   64        7           0        100         61       1          11         96.7       57       7         53         84.1
   64        6           0        100         61       0          12         96.4       57       6         54         83.8
 --------------------------------------      ------------------------------------     ------------------------------------
   64        5           0        100         60       11         13         96.1       57       5         55         83.5
   64        4           0        100         60       10         14         95.8       57       4         56         83.2
   64        3           0        100         60       9          15         95.5       57       3         57         82.9
   64        2           0        100         60       8          16         95.2       57       2         58         82.6
   64        1           0        100         60       7          17         94.9       57       1         59         82.3
   64        0           0        100         60       6          18         94.6       57       0         60         82
 --------------------------------------      ------------------------------------     ------------------------------------
   63        11          0        100         60       5          19         94.3       56      11         61         81.7
   63        10          0        100         60       4          20         94         56      10         62         81.4
   63        9           0        100         60       3          21         93.7       56       9         63         81.1
   63        8           0        100         60       2          22         93.4       56       8         64         80.8
   63        7           0        100         60       1          23         93.1       56       7         65         80.5
   63        6           0        100         60       0          24         92.8       56       6         66         80.2
 --------------------------------------      ------------------------------------     ------------------------------------
   63        5           0        100         59       11         25         92.5       56       5         67         79.9
   63        4           0        100         59       10         26         92.2       56       4         68         79.6
   63        3           0        100         59       9          27         91.9       56       3         69         79.3
   63        2           0        100         59       8          28         91.6       56       2         70         79
   63        1           0        100         59       7          29         91.3       56       1         71         78.7
   63        0           0        100         59       6          30         91         56       0         72         78.4
 --------------------------------------      ------------------------------------     ------------------------------------
   62        11          0        100         59       5          31         90.7       55      11         73         78.1
   62        10          0        100         59       4          32         90.4       55      10         74         77.8
   62        9           0        100         59       3          33         90.1       55       9         75         77.5
   62        8           0        100         59       2          34         89.8       55       8         76         77.2
   62        7           0        100         59       1          35         89.5       55       7         77         76.9
   62        6           0        100         59       0          36         89.2       55       6         78         76.6
 --------------------------------------      ------------------------------------     ------------------------------------
   62        5           0        100         58       11         37         88.9       55       5         79         76.3
   62        4           0        100         58       10         38         88.6       55       4         80         76
   62        3           0        100         58       9          39         88.3       55       3         81         75.7
   62        2           0        100         58       8          40         88         55       2         82         75.4
   62        1           0        100         58       7          41         87.7       55       1         83         75.1
   62        0           0        100         58       6          42         87.4       55       0         84         74.8
 --------------------------------------      ------------------------------------     ------------------------------------
   61        11          1         99.7       58       5          43         87.1
   61        10          2         99.4       58       4          44         86.8
   61        9           3         99.1       58       3          45         86.5
   61        8           4         98.8       58       2          46         86.2
   61        7           5         98.5       58       1          47         85.9
</TABLE>


                                       11
<PAGE>   12
AMENDMENTS NO. 1 AND 2 TO THE HARSCO CORPORATION SUPPLEMENTAL RETIREMENT BENEFIT
                                      PLAN


Sections 1.1, 2.7, and 3.1 of the Harsco Corporation Supplemental Retirement
Benefit Plan were amended on January 27, 1997, and Sections 2.5, 2.7 and 5.7 of
the Plan were amended on January 26, 1998 to read as follows (new language is 
in bold):

         1.1 Purpose. The Harsco Corporation Supplemental Retirement Plan
       ("Plan") was established by Harsco Corporation ("Corporation") to provide
       supplemental retirement benefits to designated corporate and division
       officers and to compensate them for government-imposed reductions in
       benefits from and/or contributions to the tax-qualified plans in which
       they participate. ALSO THE PLAN PROVIDES FOR ANCILLARY AGREEMENTS IN
       ORDER TO DOCUMENT SPECIAL NONQUALIFIED PENSION BENEFIT COMMITMENTS FOR
       CORPORATE AND DIVISION OFFICERS AND NONOFFICERS.

       2.5 Change in Control. The first to occur of any one of the events
       described below:

       (a) Stock Acquisition. Any "person" (as such term is used in Sections
       13(d) and 14 (d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ["the 1934
       Act"], other than the Company or a corporation, a majority of whose
       outstanding stock entitled to vote is owned, directly or indirectly, by
       the Company ("SUBSIDIARY"), who is or becomes, other than by purchase
       from the Company or such a corporation, the "beneficial owner" (as such
       term is defined in Rule 13(d)-3 under the 1934 Act) ("BENEFICIAL OWNER"),
       directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 15
       percent or more of the combined voting power of the Company's then
       outstanding voting securities. Such a Change in Control shall be deemed
       to have occurred on the first to occur of the date securities are first
       purchased by a tender or exchange offer, or the date on which the Company
       first learns of acquisition of 15 percent of such securities, or the
       EARLIER of the effective date of an agreement for the merger,
       consolidation or other reorganization of the Company or Company
       shareholder approval thereof, as the case may be.

       (b) THE DATE THAT A TENDER OR EXCHANGE OFFER BY ANY PERSON (OTHER THAN
       THE COMPANY OR SUBSIDIARY) IS FIRST PUBLISHED OR SENT OR GIVEN WITHIN THE
       MEANING OF RULE 14E-2(a) OF THE GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS UNDER THE
       EXCHANGE ACT AS MAY BE AMENDED, SUPPLEMENTED OR SUPERSEDED FROM TIME TO
       TIME, IF UPON CONSUMMATION THEREOF, SUCH PERSON WOULD BE THE BENEFICIAL
       OWNER OF 20% OR MORE OF THE COMBINED VOTING POWER OF THE COMPANY'S
       OUTSTANDING VOTING SECURITIES.

       (c) Change in Board. During any period of two consecutive years,
       individuals who at the beginning of such period were members of the Board
       of Directors cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of
       the Board of Directors, unless the election or nomination for election by
       the Company's shareholders of 

                                       12
<PAGE>   13
       each new director was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the
       directors then still in office who were directors at the beginning of the
       period. Such a Change in Control shall be deemed to have occurred on the
       date upon which the requisite majority of directors fails to be elected
       by the shareholders of the Company.

       (d) Other Events. Any other event or series of events which,
       notwithstanding any other provision of this definition, is determined by
       a majority of the outside members of the Board of Directors of the
       Company to constitute a Change in Control of the Company for purposes of
       this Supplemental Plan. Such a Change in Control shall be deemed to have
       occurred on the date of such determination or on such other date as such
       majority of outside members of the Board shall specify.


       2.7 Compensation. Total base salary plus 100% of nondiscretionary
       incentive compensation, (INCLUDING THE VALUE OF THE AWARDS MADE UNDER THE
       1995 EXECUTIVE INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN IN COMMON STOCK AS OF THE DATE
       OF THE AWARD, OR IN CASH, AND REGARDLESS OF WHETHER ANY SUCH STOCK AWARD
       IS LATER FORFEITED) all calculated on a paid basis and payable according
       to the provision of a regular written plan covering officers as approved
       by the Board or a Committee thereof.

       3.1 Eligibility to Participate in the Plan. All officers of the
       Corporation, and division officers elected by the Board of Directors
       shall be eligible to participate in this Plan. ALSO ELIGIBLE TO
       PARTICIPATE IN THE PLAN THROUGH SPECIFIC ANCILLARY AGREEMENTS THAT MAY BE
       APPROVED FROM TIME TO TIME WILL BE CERTAIN NONOFFICER EMPLOYEES.

       5.7 Change in Control. NOT LATER THAN TEN (10) BUSINESS DAYS AFTER THE
       DATE ON WHICH A CHANGE IN CONTROL OCCURS, THE COMPANY SHALL BE OBLIGATED
       TO THE PARTICIPANTS TO CONTRIBUTE AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO THE CUMULATIVE
       ACCRUED BENEFITS FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS AND BENEFICIARIES UNDER THIS PLAN
       (TOGETHER WITH AN ADDITIONAL AMOUNT TO COVER ALL ESTIMATED ADMINISTRATION
       EXPENSES ASSOCIATED WITH THE PAYMENT OF SUCH BENEFITS) INTO THE TRUST
       ESTABLISHED AS OF JULY 1, 1987 BY AND BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND DAUPHIN
       DEPOSIT BANK AND TRUST COMPANY (TRUSTEE) (THE "RABBI TRUST"), FOR FUTURE
       DISTRIBUTION BY THE TRUSTEE, OR ANY SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE, IN ACCORDANCE WITH
       THE TERMS OF THIS PLAN, AND THE RABBI TRUST. CONTEMPORANEOUS WITH SUCH
       CONTRIBUTION, THE COMPANY SHALL ALSO PROVIDE TO THE TRUSTEE OR SUCCESSOR
       TRUSTEE ALL INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING THE PARTICIPANTS, BENEFICIARIES, AND
       THEIR BENEFITS NECESSARY FOR THE TRUSTEE TO CARRY OUT ITS DUTIES UNDER
       THE TRUST. NOTHING IN THIS PLAN SHALL PRECLUDE THE COMPANY FROM FUNDING
       THE RABBI TRUST PRIOR TO A CHANGE IN CONTROL.


                                       13
<PAGE>   14
Section 4.3 was added to the Harsco Corporation Supplemental Retirement Benefit
Plan on January 27, 1997, to read as follows:

       4.3 PROVISION FOR HECKETT MULTISERV - EAST DIVISION OFFICERS. THE
       SUPPLEMENTAL PLAN ALSO PROVIDES THAT OFFICERS OF THE HECKETT
       MULTISERV-EAST DIVISION WILL RECEIVE SUPPLEMENTAL PAYMENTS TO MAKE UP ANY
       REDUCTION IN QUALIFIED PLAN PAYMENTS TO THE EXTENT THE VALUE OF THE
       COMPANY COMMON STOCK AWARD UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE EXECUTIVE
       INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN IS NOT INCLUDABLE IN THE QUALIFIED PLAN'S
       DEFINITION OF PENSIONABLE EARNINGS.

Section 5.8 was added to the Plan on January 26, 1998, to read as follows:

       5.8 DOCUMENTATION OF RETIREMENT BENEFIT. UPON A PARTICIPANT'S EARLY,
       NORMAL, OR POSTPONED RETIREMENT DATE OR TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT WITH A
       VESTED ACCRUED BENEFIT, THE COMPANY SHALL EXECUTE AND DELIVER TO THE
       PARTICIPANT, OR IF DECEASED, TO THE BENEFICIARY, AN AGREEMENT CONFIRMING
       THE COMPANY'S LEGAL DUTY TO PAY THE SUPPLEMENTAL PENSION PLAN BENEFIT IN
       ACCORDANCE WITH THE FORM OF PAYMENT SELECTED BY THE PARTICIPANT OR
       BENEFICIARY, AND SUMMARIZING SUCH PAYMENT TERMS.



/S/ P. C. Coppock                                 /S/ D. C. Hathaway
- ----------------------------                      -----------------------------
P. C. Coppock, Sr. Vice President,                D. C. Hathaway, Chairman and
Chief Administrative Officer,                     Chief Executive Officer
General Counsel & Secretary

                                       14

<PAGE>   1
                              CONSULTING AGREEMENT


         THIS AGREEMENT, dated as of the 1st day of March 1998, is made by and
between the HARSCO CORPORATION (hereinafter referred to as "Harsco") and WILLIAM
D. ETZWEILER (hereinafter referred to as "Consultant").

         WHEREAS, effective March 1, 1998, Consultant is retiring as the Senior
Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Harsco Corporation and for a
certain period after such retirement, Harsco desires the Consultant to provide
certain consulting services to Harsco, and Consultant has agreed to provide such
services, all pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements and covenants
hereinafter set forth, the parties agree as follows:

         1. Consulting Services. From March 1, 1998 through February 28, 1999,
Consultant will serve as a general advisor and consultant to Harsco regarding
matters relevant to the knowledge and expertise which Consultant acquired as an
officer of Harsco. During that period, Consultant shall provide such specific
services as may be reasonably assigned to him from time to time by the Chief
Executive Officer pursuant to a schedule mutually satisfactory to both
Consultant and Harsco. Such services will be rendered from Consultant's home
including telephone consultations with Harsco on an as-needed basis, and upon
the request of the Chief Executive Officer, will be rendered at the Corporate
Office and/or other locations.

                                       1
<PAGE>   2
         2.     Consulting Fees and Other Compensation.

                (a) Harsco shall pay Consultant at the rate of $10,000 for each
three month period commencing March 1, 1998, and ending February 28, 1999.
Payments will be made in arrears by the 10th day after each three month period.
The fee will be prorated for any period of less than three months in the event
of early termination of the agreement.

                (b) Harsco will provide Consultant with partial reimbursement of
COBRA premiums for continuation of group health insurance for Consultant and his
qualified dependents (provided that Consultant elects to continue such coverage)
for the medical insurance plan that is in effect for Corporate Office employees
as such plan may be changed from time to time. Reimbursement will continue until
Consultant attains age 65 years on December 26, 2000.

                Harsco's COBRA reimbursement payment will be made monthly upon
receipt of a check from Consultant in the amount of the COBRA premium (which is
currently $490.49). The reimbursement to the Consultant will be in a monthly
amount equal to Consultant's premium payment less the amount of the coverage
cost being charged at that time by Harsco to Corporate Office employees
(currently $126.00 for employee plus spouse).

                Amounts payable under this subsection (b) may be considered
income to Consultant and be subject to state and local tax obligations at the
end of the year in which the amounts are paid.

                                       2
<PAGE>   3
          (c) Harsco will continue Consultant's present level of life insurance
coverage in the amount of $500,000 until Consultant attains age 65 years. This
benefit will result in income being imputed to Consultant for federal income tax
purposes under Internal Revenue Code Section 79. Subsequent to that time, a
post-retirement group term life insurance benefit of $5,000 will be continued on
Consultant's life at Harsco's expense.

          (d) Consultant agrees to indemnify and hold Harsco harmless from any
liability for tax payments, required tax withholdings, penalties, additions to
tax and/or interest which may arise from compensation and benefits provided
under this agreement.

          3. Expenses. In addition to the payment of consulting fees pursuant to
Section 2 above, Consultant shall be reimbursed by Harsco for reasonable
business travel expenses incurred in connection with the performance of services
hereunder, provided that prior approval by Harsco for incurring the expenses was
obtained, and appropriate receipts are presented to Harsco.

          4. Term and Termination. The term of this Agreement shall commence on
March 1, 1998 and shall remain in effect until December 31, 2000 (provided,
however, that the consulting duties and accrual of fees terminate February 28,
1999). Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement shall terminate upon the
death or disability of Consultant, and Harsco may terminate this Agreement for
"cause" upon written notice to Consultant. As used in this Agreement, the term
"cause" shall include, but not be limited to Consultant's unreasonable refusal
to 

                                       3
<PAGE>   4

perform the duties reasonably assigned to him under this Agreement or other
breach of this Agreement. Upon termination of this Agreement for any reason,
Consultant shall be paid any unpaid consulting fees earned prior to termination.
The provisions of Sections 6 and 7 shall survive termination of this Agreement.

         5. Relationship. In performing his obligations hereunder, Consultant
acknowledges and agrees that he is an independent contractor and not an agent or
employee of Harsco. Consultant further acknowledges and agrees that he is
responsible for his own estimated and self-employment taxes, and that he shall
be treated as an independent contractor for all purposes, including but not
limited to federal and state taxation, withholding taxes, unemployment
insurance, and workers' compensation and disability insurance.

         6. Confidentiality. In consideration of the fees to be received
pursuant to Section 2 hereof, Consultant agrees that during the term of this
Agreement and at any time thereafter, Consultant will not disclose to any person
or use for his own benefit any confidential or proprietary information
concerning the strategic plans, customers, suppliers, products, operations,
sales techniques or other business related information of Harsco Corporation.

         7. Developments. Consultant agrees that all ideas, inventions, trade
secrets, know how, documents and data ("Developments") developed pursuant to
Consultant's services provided pursuant to this Agreement shall remain and
become the exclusive property of Harsco. Consultant agrees to provide all
reasonable assistance to Harsco in perfecting and maintaining its rights to the
Developments. Harsco shall 

                                       4
<PAGE>   5
have the right to use the Developments for any purpose without any additional
compensation to Consultant.

         8. Harsco Code of Conduct. A copy of Harsco Corporation's Code of
Conduct dated March 1997 (the "Code") is attached hereto and incorporated herein
by reference. Consultant acknowledges receipt thereof and expressly agrees to
conform to the requirements set forth in the Code.

         9. General Provisions. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure
to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors, assigns
and legal representatives; provided, however, that this Agreement is personal to
Consultant and neither this Agreement nor Consultant's rights hereunder may be
assigned by him. This Agreement may be amended or modified only by a written
instrument executed by each of the parties hereto. This Agreement sets forth the
entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto, and supersedes all
prior agreements, arrangements and understandings, written or oral, relating to
the subject matter hereof. This Agreement shall be governed and construed in
accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania applicable to
agreements made and to be performed entirely within such Commonwealth.



                                       5
<PAGE>   6
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the
day and year set forth above.

                               HARSCO CORPORATION



                                            By: /s/ D.C. Hathaway        
                                               ------------------------------
                                            Title: Chairman and CEO
                                                   --------------------------







                                            /s/William D. Etzweiler
                                            ---------------------------------
                                            William D. Etzweiler



                                       6

<PAGE>   1
                                                                      Exhibit 12

                               HARSCO CORPORATION

               Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges

                            (In Thousands of Dollars)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                                -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     1997             1996             1995             1994             1993
                                                ---------        ---------        ---------        ---------        ---------
<S>                                             <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>      
Consolidated Earnings:

   Pre-tax income from continuing
     operations                                 $ 165,613        $ 145,984        $ 107,073        $  84,197        $  70,116

   Add fixed charges computed below                24,263           26,181           33,121           37,982           23,879

   Net adjustments for equity companies              (694)            (181)            (466)            (134)            (363)

   Net adjustments for capitalized
     interest                                          --               --               --             (274)            (172)
                                                ---------        ---------        ---------        ---------        ---------


Consolidated Earnings Available for
   Fixed Charges                                $ 189,182        $ 171,984        $ 139,728        $ 121,771        $  93,460
                                                =========        =========        =========        =========        =========

Consolidated Fixed Charges:

   Interest expense per financial
     statements (1)                             $  16,741        $  21,483        $  28,921        $  34,048        $  19,974

   Interest expense capitalized                       128              131              134              338              332

   Portion of rentals (1/3) representing
     an interest factor                             7,394            4,567            4,066            3,596            3,573

   Interest expense for equity companies
     whose debt is guaranteed (2)                      --               --               --               --               --

                                                ---------        ---------        ---------        ---------        ---------

Consolidated Fixed Charges                      $  24,263        $  26,181        $  33,121        $  37,982        $  23,879
                                                =========        =========        =========        =========        =========

Consolidated Ratio of Earnings to
   Fixed Charges                                     7.80             6.57             4.22             3.21             3.91
                                                =========        =========        =========        =========        =========
</TABLE>

(1)      Includes amortization of debt discount and expense.

(2)      No fixed charges were associated with debt of less than fifty percent
         owned companies guaranteed by the Company during the five year period
         1993 through 1997.

<PAGE>   1
HARSCO CORPORATION                                                  EXHIBIT 21

Subsidiaries of the Registrant:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   Country of            Ownership
Name                                               Incorporation         Percentage
- ----                                               -------------         ----------
<S>                                                <C>                   <C>
Heckett MultiServ SAIC                             Argentina                100%
MetServ Holdings Pty. Limited                      Australia                 55%
MetServ Australasia Pty. Ltd.                      Australia                 70%
MetServ Victoria Pty. Ltd.                         Australia                 70%
MetServ Pty. Ltd.                                  Australia                 55%
Harsco (Australia) Pty. Limited                    Australia                100%
Fairmont Tamper (Australia) Pty. Limited           Australia                100%
Taylor-Wharton (Australia) Pty. Limited            Australia                100%
AluServ Middle East W.L.L.                         Bahrain                   65%
Heckett MultiServ S.A.                             Belgium                  100%
Heckett MultiServ Russia S.A.                      Belgium                  100%
Loyquip Holdings S.A.                              Belgium                  100%
Societe D'Etudes et D'Administration               Belgium                  100%
     des Enterprises S.A.                                                  
Fortuna Insurance Limited                          Bermuda                  100%
Harsco (Bermuda) Limited                           Bermuda                  100%
Sobremetal - Recuperacao de Metais Ltda            Brazil                   100%
Comercio de Rejeitos Industriais Ltda              Brazil                   100%
Harsco Canada Limited                              Canada                   100%
Heckett MultiServ S.A.                             Chile                    100%
EnviroServ Co., Ltd.                               China                     55%
MultiServ Wuhan Co. Ltd.                           China                    100%
MultiServ Jiangxi Co. Ltd.                         China                    100%
Taylor-Wharton (Beijing) Cryogenic                                         
     Equipment Co. Ltd.                            China                     51%
MultiServ s.r.o.                                   Czech Republic           100%
Heckett MultiServ Bahna S.A.E.                     Egypt                     65%
Metalsider S.A.S.                                  France                    51%
Heckett MultiServ France S.A.                      France                   100%
Floyequip S.A.                                     France                   100%
PyroServ                                           France                   100%
Heckett MultiServ Sud S.A.                         France                   100%
Carbofer International GmbH                        Germany                  100%
MultiServ GmbH                                     Germany                  100%
Harsco GmbH                                        Germany                  100%
IMS Servizi SpA                                    Italy                    100%
MultiServ SrL                                      Italy                    100%
ILSERV SrL                                         Italy                     65%
Luxequip Holding S.A.                              Luxembourg               100%
Heckett MultiServ S.A.                             Luxembourg               100%
Societe Luxembourgeoise D'Interim S.A.             Luxembourg               100%
Heckett MultiServ Kemaman SDN. BHD.                Malaysia                 100%
Taylor-Wharton Gas Equipment SDN. BHD.             Malaysia                 100%
</TABLE>                                                                   
                                                                           
                                                                           
                                      -1-                                  
<PAGE>   2

                                                                           
<TABLE>                                                                  
<CAPTION>
                                                   Country of            Ownership
Name                                               Incorporation         Percentage
- ----                                               -------------         ----------
<S>                                                <C>                   <C> 
Taylor-Wharton Asia (M) SDN. BHD.                  Malaysia                  70%
Irving, S.A. de C.V.                               Mexico                   100%
Heckett Mexicana, S.A. de C.V.                     Mexico                   100%
Andamios Patentados, S.A. de C.V.                  Mexico                   100%
Servicios Industriales Siderurgicos,               Mexico                   100%
     S.A. de C.V.                                                           
Electroforjados Nacionales, S.A. de C.V.           Mexico                   100%
Heckett MultiServ International N.V.               Netherlands              100%
Heckett MultiServ Finance B.V.                     Netherlands              100%
Heckett MultiServ China B.V.                       Netherlands              100%
Heckett MultiServ Far East B.V.                    Netherlands              100%
Harsco Europa B.V.                                 Netherlands              100%
Heckett MultiServ (Holland) B.V.                   Netherlands              100%
Heckett MultiServ AS                               Norway                   100%
Heckett MultiServ Saudi Arabia Limited             Saudi Arabia              55%
MultiServ Slovensko spol. s r.o.                   Slovakia Republic        100%
FerroServ (Pty.) Limited                           South Africa             100%
Heckett MultiServ (South Africa) (Pty.) Ltd.       South Africa              51%
MultiServ Lycrete S.A.                             Spain                    100%
Serviequipo S.A.                                   Spain                    100%
MultiServ Intermetal S.A.                          Spain                    100%
MultiServ Iberica S.A.                             Spain                    100%
Heckett MultiServ Reclamet S.A.                    Spain                    100%
Gestion Materias Ferricas, S.A.                    Spain                    100%
Heckett MultiServ Nordiska AB                      Sweden                   100%
Heckett MultiServ Thailand Limited                 Thailand                  70%
EFIC Ltd.                                          U.K.                     100%
Heckett MultiServ Investment Limited               U.K.                     100%
Heckett MultiServ plc                              U.K.                     100%
Heckett MultiServ Ltd.                             U.K.                     100%
MultiServ Overseas Ltd.                            U.K.                     100%
Quipco Ltd.                                        U.K.                     100%
Harsco (U.K.) Ltd.                                 U.K.                     100%
The Permanent Way Equipment                        U.K.                     100%
     Company Limited                                                        
Heckett International Services Limited             U.K.                     100%
Heckett Limited                                    U.K.                     100%
Bio-Oxidation Services Inc.                        U.S.A.                   100%
EFIC Corporation                                   U.S.A.                   100%
Heckett MultiServ U.S. Corporation                 U.S.A.                   100%
Heckett MultiServ Inc.                             U.S.A.                   100%
Heckett MultiServ Operations Ltd.                  U.S.A.                   100%
Heckett MultiServ General Corp.                    U.S.A.                   100%
Heckett MultiServ Intermetal Inc.                  U.S.A.                   100%
Heckett Technology Services Inc.                   U.S.A.                   100%
Harsco Defense Holding, Inc.                       U.S.A.                   100%
</TABLE>                                                                    
                                                                            
                                                                            
                                      -2-                                   
<PAGE>   3


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   Country of           Ownership
Name                                               Incorporation        Percentage
- ----                                               -------------        ----------
<S>                                                <C>                  <C> 
Harsco Minnesota Corporation                       U.S.A.                   100%
Harsco UDLP Corporation                            U.S.A.                   100%
Heckett MultiServ Investment Corporation           U.S.A.                   100%
T.J. Egan and Company Inc.                         U.S.A.                   100%
Harsco Foreign Sales Corporation                   U.S. Virgin Islands      100%
Heckett MultiServ MV & MS, C.A.                    Venezuela                100%
</TABLE>                                                               

Companies in which Harsco Corporation does not have majority ownership are not
consolidated. These companies are listed below as unconsolidated entities:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                Country of
                                                Incorporation/      Ownership
Name                                            Organization        Percentage
- ----                                            ------------        ----------
<S>                                             <C>                 <C>
Tamper-Holland Welding Services                 Australia                50%
Phooltas Tamper Private Limited                 India                    40%
Ferro Scrap Nigam Ltd.                          India                    40%
P.T. Purna Baja Heckett                         Indonesia                40%
IKG-Salcon SDN. BHD.                            Malaysia                 50%
Auxihec                                         Spain                    50%
</TABLE>


                                      -3-


<PAGE>   1
                                                                      EXHIBIT 23


                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration
Statements of Harsco Corporation and Subsidiary Companies (the "Company") of our
report, dated January 29, 1998, except as to Note 4 and paragraph 6 of Note 10,
for which the date is March 4, 1998, on our audits, of the consolidated
financial statements and consolidated financial statement schedule of the
Company as of December 31, 1997 and 1996 and for each of the three years in the
period ended December 31, 1997, which reports are included in this Annual Report
on Form 10-K, respectively:

- -    Post Effective Amendment No. 6 to Form S-8 Registration Statement
     (Registration No. 2-57876), effective May 21, 1982.

- -    Post Effective Amendment No. 2 to Form S-8 Registration Statement
     (Registration No. 33-5300), dated March 26, 1987.

- -    Form S-8 Registration Statement (Registration No. 33-14064), dated May
     6, 1987.

- -    Amendment No. 2 to Form S-8 Registration Statement (Registration No.
     33-24854), dated October 31, 1988.

- -    Form S-3 Registration Statement (Registration No. 33-56885) dated
     December 15, 1994.

- -    Form  S-8 Registration Statement (Registration No. 333-13175), dated
     October 1, 1996.

- -    Form S-8 Registration Statement (Registration No. 333-13173), dated
     October 1, 1996.



COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.




Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
March 23, 1998

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1997
<CASH>                                         221,565
<SECURITIES>                                    43,867
<RECEIVABLES>                                  266,399
<ALLOWANCES>                                   (6,834)
<INVENTORY>                                    135,154
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               713,652
<PP&E>                                       1,202,783
<DEPRECIATION>                               (690,870)
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               1,477,188
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          372,492
<BONDS>                                        198,898
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                        82,318
<OTHER-SE>                                     699,384
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 1,477,188
<SALES>                                      1,627,478
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             1,629,121
<CGS>                                        1,229,334
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                1,449,233
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                 1,461
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              16,741
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                171,611
<INCOME-TAX>                                    65,213
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            100,400
<DISCONTINUED>                                 178,432
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   278,832
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     5.72
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     5.67
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS RESTATED SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM
THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY
REFERENCE TO SUCH ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE YEAR-ENDED DECEMBER 31,
1997.
</LEGEND>                                                                     
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>                     <C>                     <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS                   3-MOS                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997             DEC-31-1997             DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-30-1997             MAR-31-1997             DEC-31-1996
<CASH>                                          43,945                  28,167                  45,862
<SECURITIES>                                         0                       0                       0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  295,499                 290,922                 276,779
<ALLOWANCES>                                   (7,613)                 (7,922)                 (8,549)
<INVENTORY>                                    137,671                 133,066                 126,018
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               533,833                 516,009                 508,546
<PP&E>                                       1,199,798               1,186,337               1,187,452
<DEPRECIATION>                               (690,946)               (677,853)               (674,340)
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               1,334,993               1,325,869               1,324,419
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          295,661                 279,729                 294,027
<BONDS>                                        232,404                 236,579                 227,385
                                0                       0                       0
                                          0                       0                       0
<COMMON>                                        82,134                  82,041                  81,823
<OTHER-SE>                                     602,277                 599,364                 599,464
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 1,334,993               1,325,869               1,324,419
<SALES>                                        816,963                 390,694               1,557,643
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               817,753                 391,074               1,559,138
<CGS>                                          621,531                 299,206               1,176,982
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  732,826                 355,196               1,393,081
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0                       0                       0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                   846                     546                   3,661
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               8,513                   3,992                  21,483
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 78,856                  33,156                 151,523
<INCOME-TAX>                                    32,828                  13,592                  62,081
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             42,882                  18,128                  83,903
<DISCONTINUED>                                  23,630                  11,970                  35,106
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0                       0                       0
<CHANGES>                                            0                       0                       0
<NET-INCOME>                                    66,512                  30,098                 119,009
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.35                     .61                    2.39
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.34                     .60                    2.37
                                                                 


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS RESTATED SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM
THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY
REFERENCE TO SUCH ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE YEAR-ENDED DECEMBER 31,
1997.
</LEGEND>                                          
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>                     <C>                     <C>                     <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS                   6-MOS                   3-MOS                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996             DEC-31-1996             DEC-31-1996             DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1996             JUN-30-1996             MAR-31-1996             DEC-31-1995
<CASH>                                          55,179                  43,249                  49,963                  76,669
<SECURITIES>                                         0                       0                       0                       0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  292,033                 292,074                 283,588                 281,114
<ALLOWANCES>                                   (8,841)                 (8,259)                 (8,376)                 (8,256)
<INVENTORY>                                    134,064                 134,590                 128,224                 123,285
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               535,336                 521,209                 517,277                 533,766
<PP&E>                                       1,153,106               1,126,010               1,088,737               1,080,267
<DEPRECIATION>                               (661,595)               (644,029)               (628,293)               (620,458)
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               1,339,413               1,323,719               1,307,460               1,310,662
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          277,843                 276,031                 372,831                 388,512
<BONDS>                                        282,362                 277,278                 173,967                 179,926
                                0                       0                       0                       0
                                          0                       0                       0                       0
<COMMON>                                        40,856                  40,831                  40,804                  40,672
<OTHER-SE>                                     619,052                 611,225                 601,960                 585,319
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 1,339,413               1,323,719               1,307,460               1,310,662
<SALES>                                      1,150,195                 754,419                 366,686               1,495,466
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             1,151,330                 755,226                 367,195               1,499,859
<CGS>                                          872,262                 571,925                 280,528               1,147,467
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                1,030,452                 676,693                 332,866               1,368,840
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0                       0                       0                       0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                 2,971                   2,120                   1,017                   3,410
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              16,881                  12,067                   6,087                  28,921
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                109,272                  70,258                  30,270                 109,570
<INCOME-TAX>                                    44,798                  29,947                  13,492                  45,755
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             60,565                  38,027                  15,621                  61,318
<DISCONTINUED>                                  28,914                  22,343                  15,489                  36,059
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0                       0                       0                       0
<CHANGES>                                            0                       0                       0                       0
<NET-INCOME>                                    89,479                  60,370                  31,110                  97,377
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.79                    1.20                     .62                    1.93 
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.77                    1.19                     .61                    1.91
                                                       

</TABLE>


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