EXCEL INDUSTRIES INC
424A, 1994-02-24
MOTOR VEHICLE PARTS & ACCESSORIES
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<PAGE>

                                                   Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(a)
                                                   File No. 33-52315

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A         +
+REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE   +
+SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY  +
+OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT        +
+BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR   +
+THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE      +
+SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE    +
+UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF  +
+ANY SUCH STATE.                                                               +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
   
Dated February 24, 1994                                                     LOGO
 
                                2,557,128 SHARES
 
                             EXCEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
                                 COMMON SHARES
 
                                  -----------
 
The Common  Shares offered hereby are  being offered by Ford Motor  Company and
 Ford Motor  Company  Fund.  See  "Principal  and  Selling  Shareholders." The
 Company will not  receive any of the proceeds from the sale  of Common Shares
  by the Selling Shareholders.
 
                                  -----------
   
The Common  Shares are listed on  the American Stock Exchange under  the symbol
 EXC. On February 23, 1994, the last reported sale price for the Common Shares
  on the American  Stock Exchange was  $18.375 per share.  See "Dividends and
  Price Range of Common Shares."     
 
                                  -----------
 
THESE SECURITIES  HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED  OR DISAPPROVED BY THE  SECURITIES AND
 EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
 AND EXCHANGE  COMMISSION OR ANY  STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED  UPON THE
  ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY
  IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        UNDERWRITING     PROCEEDS TO
            PRICE TO    DISCOUNTS AND      SELLING
             PUBLIC    COMMISSIONS (1) SHAREHOLDERS (2)
- -------------------------------------------------------
<S>        <C>         <C>             <C>
PER SHARE    $              $               $
TOTAL (3)  $             $               $
- -------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) The Company and Ford Motor Company have agreed to indemnify the several
    Underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the
    Securities Act of 1933. See "Underwriting."
 
(2) Before deduction of expenses payable by the Selling Shareholders estimated
    at $250,000.
 
(3) The Company has granted the several Underwriters a 30-day option to
    purchase up to an additional 380,000 Common Shares to cover over-
    allotments, if any. The Company will receive the net proceeds from the sale
    of such Common Shares if they are sold. If all such shares are purchased,
    total Price to Public, Underwriting Discounts and Commissions, Proceeds to
    Selling Shareholders and Proceeds to Company will be $          ,
    $          , $          and $          , respectively.
 
                                  -----------
 
  The Common Shares are being offered by the several Underwriters named herein
when, as and if received and accepted by them, subject to their right to reject
orders in whole or in part and subject to certain other conditions. It is
expected that the delivery of the shares will be made in New York, New York on
or about        , 1994.
 
                                  -----------
 
DEAN WITTER REYNOLDS INC.
 
                              GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
 
                                                     J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES INC.
 
       , 1994
<PAGE>
 
  IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING, THE UNDERWRITERS MAY OVER-ALLOT OR EFFECT
TRANSACTIONS WHICH STABILIZE OR MAINTAIN THE MARKET PRICE OF THE COMMON SHARES
AT A LEVEL ABOVE THAT WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE PREVAIL IN THE OPEN MARKET. SUCH
TRANSACTIONS MAY BE EFFECTED ON THE AMERICAN STOCK EXCHANGE, IN THE OVER-THE-
COUNTER MARKET OR OTHERWISE. SUCH STABILIZING, IF COMMENCED, MAY BE
DISCONTINUED AT ANY TIME.
 
                               ----------------
 
  NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS IN
CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER CONTAINED HEREIN AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH
INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED
BY THE COMPANY OR ANY UNDERWRITER. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR
ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION
THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE THE DATE
HEREOF OR SINCE THE DATES AS OF WHICH INFORMATION IS SET FORTH HEREIN. THIS
PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER
TO BUY ANY OF THE SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY IN ANY JURISDICTION TO ANY PERSON
TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER IN SUCH JURISDICTION.
 
                               ----------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     PAGE
                                     ----
<S>                                  <C>
Prospectus Summary.................    3
The Company........................    5
Background of Offering.............    5
Use of Proceeds....................    6
Capitalization.....................    7
Dividends and Price Range of Common
 Shares............................    8
Selected Consolidated Financial
 Information.......................    9
Management's Discussion and
 Analysis of Results of Operations
 and Financial Condition...........   10
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       PAGE
                                                                       ----
<S>                                                                    <C>
Business..............................................................  13
Principal and Selling Shareholders....................................  19
Description of Capital Shares.........................................  21
Underwriting..........................................................  23
Legal Matters.........................................................  24
Experts...............................................................  24
Available Information.................................................  24
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements............................ F-1
</TABLE>
 
                               ----------------
 
                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
 
  The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December
31, 1992, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31,
June 30 and September 30, 1993, respectively, Amendment No. 1 to Form 10-Q for
each such quarter and its Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 18, 1994
have been filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission
("Commission") pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange
Act") and are incorporated herein by reference. All documents filed by the
Company with the Commission pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of
the Exchange Act after the date of this Prospectus and prior to the termination
of the offering made hereby shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in
this Prospectus and to be a part hereof from the date such documents were
filed. Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded
for purposes of this Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein
or in any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any
such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so
modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Prospectus. The Company
will provide without charge to each person, including any beneficial owner, to
whom a copy of this Prospectus is delivered, upon the written or oral request
of such person, a copy of any and all of the documents incorporated by
reference herein (other than exhibits to such documents, unless such exhibits
are specifically incorporated by reference in such documents). Requests for
such copies should be directed to the Secretary, Excel Industries, Inc., 1120
North Main Street, P.O. Box 3118, Elkhart, Indiana 46515-3118, telephone number
(219) 264-2131.
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
MODULAR AUTOMOTIVE WINDOWS
The Company designs, engineers and manufactures plastic framed modular windows
using PVC injection molding and reaction injection molding. These products are
supplied for use on a wide variety of models including Ford's Taurus/Sable,
Explorer and Escort vehicles, Mazda's MX6, Chrysler's New Yorker and LHS and
certain other vehicles.
 
CONVENTIONAL AUTO AND HEAVY TRUCK WINDOWS
The Company also produces windows framed with steel, aluminum and rubber.
Including fixed, push out, sliding and ventilator products for light vehicles,
these parts are made for Ford, General Motors, Chrysler and Nissan. Customers
for heavy truck ventilators include Peterbilt, Kenworth, Freightliner,
Navistar, Mack and Volvo GM Heavy Truck Corp.
 
WINDOW REGULATOR SYSTEMS
The Company is a major supplier of manual and electrical window regulators,
which control the raising and lowering of movable windows. These mechanisms are
offered in a wide variety of designs for front and rear side windows and
tailgate windows.
 
MASS TRANSIT WINDOWS
The Company is the leading source of window assemblies for intra and intercity
buses in the United States and Canada, providing a wide range of sliding,
transom and fixed sash designs. These windows must meet special DOT standards
for safety and are also designed to ease passenger use and to minimize
maintenance under long, hard service.
 
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE WINDOWS
The Company makes single-slide, center-slide, T-slide, louvered and stationary
windows for recreational vehicles built by Fleetwood, Winnebago, Holiday
Rambler and others. Framed with extruded aluminum, these windows have
independent sliding screens, removable storm windows and special safety
features.
 
RV AND MILITARY DOOR SYSTEMS
Besides windows, the Company makes doors for recreational vehicles that are
ruggedly constructed yet provide an automotive look and feel. The Company also
manufactures the ballistic doors for the Hummer tactical military vehicle made
by AM General.
 
INJECTION MOLDED THERMOPLASTIC PARTS
The Company's Nyloncraft division molds a wide assortment of thermoplastic
parts for automotive, truck, marine and power tool manufacturers. Made from
nylons, polyesters and other engineered plastics, these parts include door
handles and latches, carburetor bodies, heating/air conditioning components,
decorative engine covers and many other products.
<PAGE>
 
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
  The following summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the more
detailed information and financial statements, including the notes thereto,
appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
  The Company is the leading independent designer, manufacturer and supplier of
window systems to the combined automobile, light truck and van, bus, heavy
truck and recreational vehicle markets in North America. The Company's window
systems include various types of automotive windshields; rear, vent, quarter,
push out and sliding windows; and window regulator systems, latches, door
frames and related components. The Company also manufactures door systems for
military and recreational vehicles and injection molded thermoplastic products
and other products primarily for sale to the automotive industry. The Company's
products are sold to major North American transportation original equipment
manufacturers ("OEMs"), including Ford, Chrysler, General Motors, AutoAlliance
International, Inc. ("AAI") (a joint venture between Ford and Mazda),
Mitsubishi, Nissan, Fleetwood, Winnebago, Navistar, Paccar (Peterbilt and
Kenworth trucks) and the manufacturers of virtually all of the intra and
intercity buses in the United States and Canada.
 
  The Company's strategy is to continually strive for world class status as a
manufacturer by producing high quality products at competitive prices; focusing
on technically innovative, value-added products; providing comprehensive
product design and engineering services to OEMs, especially in the early stages
of their product planning processes; ensuring reliable, timely delivery of its
products; and pursuing strategic alliances and acquisitions, as appropriate.
The Company has received quality awards from Ford, Chrysler, Nissan and other
OEMs at its key manufacturing plants and has become a long-term preferred
supplier to several key customers. The Company believes that its cost
competitiveness, quality excellence and design and engineering capabilities
obtained in the automotive supply markets enable it to compete effectively in
non-automotive markets as well.
 
  The Company has achieved significant growth by capitalizing on trends in the
automotive industry, including single sourcing and consolidation of suppliers,
which favor technically innovative, high quality, reliable suppliers. The
Company pioneered the development and use of modular, plastic framed windows
employing reaction injection molding ("RIM") which have provided OEMs with
light, aerodynamically designed and easy-to-install modules. The Company
believes it currently produces and sells more RIM windows than any other North
American manufacturer. Through new product development and strategic
acquisitions, the Company's net sales have grown from $92.2 million in 1985 to
$515.7 million in 1993, resulting in a compound annual growth rate of 24% over
such period.
 
  Net sales to Ford, Chrysler and General Motors in 1993 represented
approximately 72%, 11% and 4%, respectively, of the Company's net sales for the
year.
 
                                  THE OFFERING
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                  <C>
Common Shares Offered by the Sell-   2,557,128 shares
 ing Shareholders..................
Common Shares to be Outstanding af-  10,577,936 (1)(2)
 ter the Offering..................
American Stock Exchange Symbol.....  EXC
Use of Proceeds....................  The Company will not receive any proceeds
                                     of the sale of Common Shares by the Selling
                                     Shareholders. If the Underwriters' over-
                                     allotment option is exercised, the Company
                                     will use the proceeds from such exercise
                                     for general corporate purposes. See "Use of
                                     Proceeds."
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Does not include 19,250 Common Shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding
    options or 2,270,319 Common Shares (assuming the Underwriters' over-
    allotment option is not exercised) issuable upon conversion of certain
    convertible subordinated notes. See "Capitalization" and Notes 7 and 12 to
    the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.
(2) Assumes no exercise of the Underwriters' over-allotment option to purchase
    380,000 Common Shares.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
                   SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                  ---------------------------------------------
                                    1989     1990     1991     1992      1993
                                  -------- -------- -------- --------  --------
<S>                               <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>
  Net sales...................... $277,114 $281,369 $352,268 $426,873  $515,681
  Gross profit...................   41,100   36,342   31,210   43,615    51,738
  Selling, administrative and
   engineering expenses..........   22,819   23,336   25,205   28,262    30,054
  Restructuring charge (1).......      --       --       --     4,500       --
  Income before income taxes and
   cumulative effect of changes
   in accounting.................   13,100    8,768      273    6,011    20,225
  Income before cumulative effect
   of changes in accounting......    7,622    5,208      151    3,577    12,440
  Cumulative effect of adoption
   of SFAS 106 and 109...........      --       --       --     3,195       --
  Net income.....................    7,622    5,208      151      382    12,440
  Net income (loss) per share:
    Before cumulative effect of
     changes in accounting:
      Primary....................     1.18      .80      .02      .47      1.23
      Fully diluted..............     1.18      .80      .02      .47      1.15
    Cumulative effect of adoption
     of SFAS 106 and 109:
      Primary....................      --       --       --      (.42)      --
      Fully diluted..............      --       --       --      (.42)      --
    Net income:
      Primary....................     1.18      .80      .02      .05      1.23
      Fully diluted..............     1.18      .80      .02      .05      1.15
  Cash dividends per share.......      .40      .40      .24      .24       .30
  Average shares outstanding.....    6,439    6,459    6,488    7,553    10,122
</TABLE>
 
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    DECEMBER 31,
                                                                        1993
                                                                    ------------
<S>                                                                 <C>
  Working capital..................................................   $ 94,761
  Total assets.....................................................    229,316
  Short-term debt (includes current portion of long-term debt).....      1,553
  Long-term debt (less current portion)............................     35,094
  Shareholders' equity.............................................    106,436
  Book value per share.............................................      10.07
  Long-term debt to total capitalization (2).......................         25%
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) In 1992, the Company provided a reserve of $4,500 for restructuring costs.
    The charge was equivalent to $2,900, or 34 cents per share, after taxes.
    This charge represented estimated costs to downsize its Aurora, Ontario,
    Canada plant and relocate production of certain light truck and van windows
    to other manufacturing plants of the Company. See Note 4 to the Company's
    Consolidated Financial Statements.
(2) Total capitalization consists of long-term debt (less current portion) and
    shareholders' equity.
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
  The Company is the leading independent designer, manufacturer and supplier of
window systems to the combined automobile, light truck and van, bus, heavy
truck and recreational vehicle markets in North America. The Company's window
systems include various types of automotive windshields; rear, vent, quarter,
push out and sliding windows; and window regulator systems, latches, door
frames and related components. The Company also manufactures door systems for
military and recreational vehicles and injection molded thermoplastic products
and other products primarily for sale to the automotive industry. The Company's
products are sold to major North American transportation OEMs, including Ford,
Chrysler, General Motors, AAI, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Fleetwood, Winnebago,
Navistar, Paccar (Peterbilt and Kenworth trucks) and the manufacturers of
virtually all of the intra and intercity buses in the United States and Canada.
 
  The Company's strategy is to continually strive for world class status as a
manufacturer by producing high quality products at competitive prices; focusing
on technically innovative, value-added products; providing comprehensive
product design and engineering services to OEMs, especially in the early stages
of their product planning processes; ensuring reliable, timely delivery of its
products; and pursuing strategic alliances and acquisitions, as appropriate.
The Company has received quality awards from Ford, Chrysler, Nissan and other
OEMs at its key manufacturing plants and has become a long-term preferred
supplier to several key customers. The Company believes that its cost
competitiveness, quality excellence and design and engineering capabilities
obtained in the automotive supply markets enable it to compete effectively in
non-automotive markets as well.
 
  The Company has achieved significant growth by capitalizing on trends in the
automotive industry, including single sourcing and consolidation of suppliers,
which favor technically innovative, high quality, reliable suppliers. The
Company pioneered the development and use of RIM windows which have provided
OEMs with light, aerodynamically designed and easy-to-install modules. RIM
windows were first introduced by the Company in 1985 and accounted for $179
million of the Company's net sales in 1993. The Company believes it currently
produces and sells more RIM windows than any other North American manufacturer.
Through new product development and strategic acquisitions, the Company's net
sales have grown from $92.2 million in 1985 to $515.7 million in 1993,
resulting in a compound annual growth rate of 24% over such period. In 1993,
the average dollar content of the Company's products per car and light truck
built in North America was approximately $35, nine times higher than in 1985.
 
  Net sales to Ford, Chrysler and General Motors in 1993 represented
approximately 72%, 11% and 4%, respectively, of the Company's net sales for the
year.
 
  The Company was incorporated under the laws of the State of Indiana in 1935
as the successor to a Delaware corporation formed in 1928. The principal
executive offices of the Company are located at 1120 North Main Street,
Elkhart, Indiana, telephone (219) 264-2131. All references to the "Company"
herein refer to Excel Industries, Inc. and its subsidiaries unless otherwise
indicated by the context.
 
                             BACKGROUND OF OFFERING
 
  In 1986, Ford Motor Company ("Ford") purchased approximately 40%
(subsequently diluted to approximately 24% as a result of the Company's public
offerings of Common Shares in 1992 and 1993) of the Common Shares of the
Company (the "Ford Shares"), paid the Company $19.3 million in cash, sold its
modular window manufacturing subsidiary to the Company and entered into a
purchase and supply agreement (the "Supply Agreement") with the Company.
Pursuant to the Supply Agreement, Ford agreed to purchase from the Company at
least 70% of the requirements by dollar volume of Ford and Ford Motor Company
of Canada, Limited ("Ford Canada") for modular framed glass parts using RIM and
polyvinyl chloride ("PVC") technology starting with the 1990 model year and
extending through the 1994 model year (the agreement was subsequently extended
through the 1998 model year after which it is currently scheduled to expire).
See "Business--Business Strategy--Strategic Alliances." The combined
transaction provided Ford with access to the new technologies used in the
Company's products and, in turn, provided the Company with a reliable market
for its automotive framed glass products and a growth opportunity for the RIM
modular window technology which the Company had developed.
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
  Ford's equity relationship with the Company was governed by the terms and
provisions of the Stock Purchase Agreement between Ford and the Company dated
August 19, 1986 (the "Ford Stock Purchase Agreement") and a Shareholders
Agreement among Ford, the Company and certain officers and directors of the
Company dated October 7, 1986 (the "Shareholders Agreement"), both of which
will terminate (except for certain indemnification provisions in the Ford Stock
Purchase Agreement) effective as of the closing of the sale of the Common
Shares offered hereby. The Supply Agreement is independent of the other two
agreements and will continue in effect until it expires in accordance with its
terms.
 
  Under the Ford Stock Purchase Agreement and the Shareholders Agreement: (i)
Ford was granted certain rights to purchase additional Common Shares from the
Company in the event of a new issuance of Common Shares by the Company or in
the event a third party acquired an amount of outstanding Common Shares greater
than the amount owned by Ford; (ii) Ford was granted certain registration
rights with respect to the Ford Shares; (iii) the parties to the Shareholders
Agreement agreed to vote their Common Shares for the slate of directors
proposed by the Board of Directors of the Company so long as at least two of
the nominees were proposed by Ford and for approval of certain major corporate
transactions, such as a merger, provided the Board of Directors had previously
approved the transaction; (iv) the By-Laws of the Company were amended to
contain supermajority voting requirements for the approval of certain major
corporate transactions; and (v) Ford was prohibited, with certain exceptions,
from owning in excess of 40.16% of the Common Shares issued and outstanding.
The two Ford designees presently serving as directors of the Company in
accordance with the foregoing provisions will resign effective as of the
closing of the sale of the Common Shares offered hereby.
 
  On January 11, 1994, Ford donated 1,047,201 of the Ford Shares to the Ford
Motor Company Fund, a charitable organization incorporated under the laws of
the state of Michigan as a nonprofit corporation (the "Ford Fund"). In
connection therewith, Ford assigned certain of its rights under the Ford Stock
Purchase Agreement and the Shareholders Agreement with respect to the donated
shares to the Ford Fund, and the Ford Fund assumed certain of Ford's
obligations under such agreements with respect to the donated shares. On
January 13, 1994, Ford and the Ford Fund determined to sell the Ford Shares and
notified the Company of the exercise of their registration rights with regard
thereto. The Company has been advised by Ford that its disposition of the Ford
Shares constitutes no more than a redeployment of Ford's resources. Neither the
Company nor Ford believes that the sale of the Ford Shares will affect their
customer-supplier relationship.
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
   
  The Company will not receive any proceeds of the Offering if the over-
allotment option granted to the Underwriters is not exercised. If the over-
allotment option is exercised in full at an assumed public offering price equal
to the last reported sale price of the Common Shares on the American Stock
Exchange on February 23, 1994, the net proceeds to the Company are estimated to
be $6,618,000. The Company intends to use such net proceeds for general
corporate purposes.     
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
                                 CAPITALIZATION
 
  The following table sets forth the short-term indebtedness and capitalization
of the Company at December 31, 1993. The Company will not receive any proceeds
from the sale of the Common Shares offered hereby unless the Underwriter's
over-allotment option is exercised.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                DECEMBER 31,
                                                                    1993
                                                                ------------
                                                                  (AMOUNTS IN
                                                                   THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                             <C>          <C>
Short-term debt:
  Line of credit...............................................   $    --
  Current portion of long-term debt............................      1,553
                                                                  --------
      Total short-term debt....................................   $  1,553
                                                                  ========
Long-term debt:
  10% Convertible Subordinated Notes (1).......................   $ 30,000
  Industrial revenue bonds.....................................      4,119
  Capital lease obligations....................................        975
                                                                  --------
      Total long-term debt (less current portion)..............     35,094
Shareholders' equity:
  Preferred shares--no par value:
    1,000,000 shares authorized, none issued...................        --
  Common shares--no par value:
    20,000,000 shares authorized, 10,574,550 issued............     87,537
  Retained earnings............................................     19,615
  Unrecognized pension actuarial losses, net of tax............       (716)
                                                                  --------
      Total shareholders' equity...............................    106,436
                                                                  --------
      Total capitalization (2).................................   $141,530
                                                                  ========
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) In January 1990, the Company issued and sold $30 million of 10% Convertible
    Subordinated Notes due December 1, 2000 (the "Convertible Notes"). The
    principal balance of the Convertible Notes may be converted, at the option
    of the holders, into 2,270,319 Common Shares at a price of $13.214 per
    share.
(2) Total capitalization consists of long-term debt (less current portion) and
    shareholders' equity.
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
                   DIVIDENDS AND PRICE RANGE OF COMMON SHARES
 
  The Common Shares are traded on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol
EXC. The following table sets forth for the fiscal periods indicated the high
and low sale prices of the Common Shares, as reported by the American Stock
Exchange, and dividends declared per share.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        SHARE PRICES   DIVIDENDS
                                                       --------------- DECLARED
                                                        HIGH     LOW   PER SHARE
                                                       ------- ------- ---------
     <S>                                               <C>     <C>     <C>
     Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1992:
       1st Quarter.................................... $12.875 $ 7.250   $.06
       2nd Quarter....................................  12.875  10.750    .06
       3rd Quarter....................................  14.750  12.125    .06
       4th Quarter....................................  17.750  10.750    .06
     Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1993:
       1st Quarter....................................  18.250  13.875    .06
       2nd Quarter....................................  19.625  15.500    .08
       3rd Quarter....................................  21.000  16.375    .08
       4th Quarter....................................  19.875  15.750    .08
     Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1994:
       1st Quarter (through February 23, 1994)........  19.250  16.250    .08
</TABLE>
   
  On February 23, 1994, the last reported sale price for Common Shares on the
American Stock Exchange was $18.375 per share. As of February 15, 1994, there
were 502 holders of record of the Common Shares.     
 
  The Company has paid cash dividends every quarter since becoming a public
company in April 1984. The Company intends to continue to pay quarterly cash
dividends on its Common Shares, but the payment of dividends and the amount and
timing of such dividends will depend upon the Company's earnings, capital
requirements, financial condition and other factors deemed relevant by the
Company's Board of Directors.
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
                  SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
  The following table presents selected consolidated financial data of the
Company as of and for the five fiscal years ended December 31, 1993. The
selected consolidated financial data have been derived from audited
consolidated financial statements of the Company. Such selected consolidated
financial data should be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition" and the Consolidated
Financial Statements of the Company and the notes thereto included elsewhere
herein. The comparability of the results for the periods presented is
significantly affected by certain events, as described in "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition--
General."
 
<TABLE>
<S>                           <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
<CAPTION>
                                        YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                              ------------------------------------------------
                                1989      1990      1991      1992      1993
                              --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
<S>                           <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
  Net sales.................. $277,114  $281,369  $352,268  $426,873  $515,681
  Cost of goods sold.........  236,014   245,027   321,058   383,258   463,943
  Gross profit...............   41,100    36,342    31,210    43,615    51,738
  Selling, administrative and
   engineering expenses......   22,819    23,336    25,205    28,262    30,054
  Restructuring charge (1)...      --        --        --      4,500       --
  Other income (expense),
   net.......................      289     1,208      (216)      713     2,015
  Interest expense...........    5,470     5,446     5,516     5,555     3,474
  Income before income taxes
   and cumulative effect of
   changes in accounting.....   13,100     8,768       273     6,011    20,225
  Income tax provision.......    5,478     3,560       122     2,434     7,785
  Income before cumulative
   effect of changes in
   accounting................    7,622     5,208       151     3,577    12,440
  Cumulative effect of adop-
   tion of SFAS 106 and 109..      --        --        --      3,195       --
  Net income.................    7,622     5,208       151       382    12,440
  Net income (loss) per
   share:
    Before cumulative effect
     of changes in
     accounting:
      Primary................     1.18       .80       .02       .47      1.23
      Fully diluted..........     1.18       .80       .02       .47      1.15
    Cumulative effect of
     adoption of SFAS 106 and
     109:
      Primary................      --        --        --       (.42)      --
      Fully diluted..........      --        --        --       (.42)      --
    Net income:
      Primary................     1.18       .80       .02       .05      1.23
      Fully diluted..........     1.18       .80       .02       .05      1.15
  Cash dividends per share...      .40       .40       .24       .24       .30
  Average shares outstanding.    6,439     6,459     6,488     7,553    10,122
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
<CAPTION>
                                              DECEMBER 31,
                              ------------------------------------------------
                                1989      1990      1991      1992      1993
                              --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
<S>                           <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
  Working capital............ $ 43,753  $ 44,203  $ 42,517  $ 60,331    94,761
  Property, plant and equip-
   ment......................   40,886    50,305    48,445    42,064    49,746
  Total assets...............  125,885   155,724   150,645   182,096   229,316
  Short-term debt (includes
   current portion of
   long-term debt)...........    3,607     4,247     4,025     1,561     1,553
  Long-term debt (less cur-
   rent portion).............   41,196    50,728    46,743    34,592    35,094
  Shareholders' equity.......   46,552    49,326    48,181    67,030   106,436
  Book value per share.......     7.22      7.63      7.41      7.83     10.07
  Long-term debt to total
   capitalization............       47%       51%       49%       34%       25%
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) In 1992, the Company provided a reserve of $4,500 for restructuring costs.
    See Note 4 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
                    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                 RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
 
GENERAL
 
  The Company was founded in 1928 and became a public company in April 1984.
Since 1984, the Company has expanded sales internally and through several
strategic acquisitions designed to complement the Company's businesses. In
January 1986, the Company acquired Irvin Industries Inc.'s wing ventilator
window business operated in Jacksonville, Florida. Later in 1986, the Company
consummated a private placement of Common Shares to Ford in exchange for cash,
a long-term supply contract and a Ford subsidiary engaged in the manufacture
and sale of modular window systems. See "Background of Offering." In 1988, the
Company acquired Nyloncraft, Inc. which manufactures injection molded
thermoplastic products primarily for the automotive industry. In 1990, the
Company acquired the window regulator business operated by Hoover Universal,
Inc., a subsidiary of Johnson Controls, Inc., which the Company now operates
under the name "Excel Systems." The comparability of the Company's results on a
period-to-period basis is significantly affected by such acquisitions.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
 1993 Compared to 1992
 
  Sales for the year ended December 31, 1993 totaled a record $515.7 million,
an increase of $88.8 million, or 21%, over the preceding year. This increase in
sales resulted from generally more favorable economic conditions in North
America as total light vehicle production increased 12% and light vehicle
production of Ford in North America increased 15%. Specifically, sales of new
programs, including Ford/Nissan mini-vans, Ford F-Series and Ranger trucks,
Chrysler LH sedans and Dodge trucks, helped account for improved sales volume.
 
  Gross profit totaled $51.7 million, or 10.0% of sales, as compared with $43.6
million, or 10.2% of sales, for the prior year. Gross profit in dollars
improved with the improved level of sales. Gross profit as a percent of sales
declined due to a change in product mix and start-up costs related to new
programs.
 
  Selling, administrative and engineering expenses totaled $30.1 million for
1993, an increase of 6%, or $1.8 million, from 1992. The increase reflected,
among other items, an increase in engineering personnel costs, amounts for
outside consultants and an increase in the provision for incentive
compensation. As a percent of sales, selling, administrative and engineering
expenses declined to 5.8% in 1993 as compared to 6.6% in 1992.
 
  Interest costs of $3.5 million for 1993 compared to the $5.6 million incurred
in 1992. The decline in interest expense reflected the reduction in interest
and the prepayment penalty incurred in 1992 related to the Senior Notes which
were retired in 1992.
 
  Other income in 1993 totaled $2.0 million, an increase of $1.3 million from
1992. Other income in 1993 included $1.9 million of interest income arising
from the investment of proceeds of the Company's Common Share offerings in
March 1993 and June 1992.
 
  The income tax provision was 38.5% of pre-tax income in 1993, down from 40.5%
in the preceding year. The 1993 percentage reflected the impact of certain tax
credits and lower effective state tax rates.
 
  In 1992, the Company provided a reserve of $4.5 million for restructuring
costs. This charge represented estimated costs to downsize its Aurora, Ontario,
Canada plant and relocate production of certain light truck and van windows to
other manufacturing plants of the Company. During 1993, a total of $1.0 million
in costs were incurred to relocate a portion of the production. The remaining
production is expected to be relocated during 1994. The remaining reserve will
be used to cover the cost of severance, the relocation of production and
equipment writedowns expected in the future.
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
 
 1992 Compared to 1991
 
  Sales for the year ended December 31, 1992 totaled $426.9 million, an
increase of $74.6 million, or 21%, over the preceding year. This increase in
sales resulted from generally more favorable economic conditions in North
America as total light vehicle production increased 9% and light vehicle
production of Ford in North America increased 16%. Specifically, sales of new
programs, including Ford/Nissan mini-van and Ford Econoline full-size van, and
increased production of Ford Taurus/Sable sedans helped account for improved
sales volume.
 
  Gross profit totaled $43.6 million, or 10.2% of sales, as compared with $31.2
million, or 8.9% of sales, for the prior year. The improved level of
profitability, both in dollars and as a percent of sales, resulted from higher
sales, better utilization of facilities and continued implementation of cost
reduction programs.
 
  Selling, administrative and engineering expenses totaled $28.3 million for
1992, an increase of 12%, or $3.1 million, from 1991. The increase reflected,
among other items, a provision for incentive compensation of $1.4 million. As a
percent of sales, selling, administrative and engineering expenses declined to
6.6% in 1992 as compared to 7.2% in 1991.
 
  Interest costs of $5.6 million for 1992 were comparable to the $5.5 million
incurred in 1991. The Company completed a public offering of Common Shares in
June 1992, raising nearly $21 million, a portion of which was used for the
prepayment of its 11.25% Guaranteed Senior Notes. Prepayment of the notes
required a premium of $1.3 million, which premium was charged to interest
expense and offset, in part, reductions in interest resulting from the decline
in the overall levels of borrowings.
 
  Other income increased $0.9 million in 1992 due to income on short-term cash
investments resulting, in part, from proceeds of the Company's Common Share
offering in June 1992.
 
  In the fourth quarter of 1992, a reserve of $4.5 million was recorded for
restructuring costs. This charge represents estimated costs to downsize the
Company's Ontario, Canada facility and relocate production of certain light and
heavy truck windows to other manufacturing plants of the Company.
 
  The income tax provision was 40.5% of pre-tax income in 1992, down from 44.7%
in the preceding year. The 1991 percentage was unusually high due to losses for
which no tax benefit was available.
 
  The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No.
109, "Accounting for Income Taxes," effective January 1, 1992. This standard
requires the recognition of future tax benefits attributable to temporary
differences between the financial reporting basis and tax basis of assets and
liabilities to the extent that realization of such benefits is more likely than
not.
 
  The Company has recognized the future tax benefits of postretirement benefit
obligations, the restructuring reserve and other recorded obligations and tax
loss carryforwards since management has determined, based on the Company's
history of prior operating earnings and future expectations, that operating
income of the Company will more than likely be sufficient to fully offset these
expenses when deductible for tax purposes.
 
  In 1992, the Company recorded $3.2 million as the cumulative effect of the
adoption of SFAS No. 106, "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits
Other Than Pensions," and SFAS No. 109. The Company previously accounted for
its postretirement benefit costs other than pensions on a pay-as-you-go basis.
The ongoing annual costs resulting from the adoption of SFAS No. 106 will
approximate $1.3 million.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
  Working capital totaled $94.8 million as of December 31, 1993, and the
current ratio was 2.40 to 1. Cash and marketable securities totaled $46.6
million as of December 31, 1993.
 
  In 1993, cash flow from operations totaled $10.2 million, and a public
offering of Common Shares in March 1993 raised an additional $30.3 million.
Cash expenditures for capital equipment amounted to $18.1
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
 
million, and dividends totaled $3.2 million. In addition, payments of long-term
debt totaled $2.0 million. Overall, cash and marketable securities increased
$19.0 million in 1993.
 
  Long-term debt totaled $35.1 million as of December 31, 1993, or 25% of total
capitalization. Included in this amount is $30 million of Convertible Notes
issued in January 1990 to affiliates of CIGNA Corporation and Textron, Inc. The
principal balance of each Convertible Note is convertible, at the option of the
holder, into Common Shares at a current price of $13.214 per share.
 
  Capital expenditures for 1994 are budgeted at $17.9 million. The Company's
cash balances, operating cash flows and short-term lines of credit are expected
to be adequate for anticipated operating requirements in 1994.
 
  The Company has entered into its second consecutive multi-year supply
agreement with Ford (the "1994 Supply Agreement") which requires the absorption
of the effects of inflation and requires specified price reductions or
productivity offsets to price reductions. The Company believes that this type
of agreement is typical in the automotive supply business, and the Company's
ability to maintain gross margins at or near their present levels will be
dependent on its ability to substantially offset the effects of this and other
such agreements through productivity improvements, cost reduction programs and
implementation of value analysis/value engineering programs, which reduce part
weight and system costs to the customer.
 
  A chemical cleaning compound, trichloroethylene ("TCE"), has been found in
the soil and groundwater on the Company's property in Elkhart, Indiana, and, in
1981, TCE was found in a well field of the City of Elkhart in close proximity
to the Company's facility. The Company has been named as one of nine
potentially responsible parties ("PRPs") in the contamination of this site. The
United States Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") and the Indiana
Department of Environmental Management ("IDEM") have conducted a preliminary
investigation and evaluation of the site and have undertaken temporary remedial
action in the nature of air-stripping towers. In early 1992, the EPA issued a
Unilateral Order under Section 106 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation and Liability Act which required the Company and other PRPs to
undertake remedial work. The Company and the other PRPs have reached an
agreement regarding the funding of groundwater monitoring and the operation of
the air-strippers as required by the Unilateral Order. The Company was required
to install and operate a soil vapor extraction system to remove TCE from the
Company's property. As of February 1, 1994, the Company has installed and is
operating the equipment pursuant to the Unilateral Order. In addition, the EPA
and IDEM have asserted a claim for reimbursement of their investigatory costs
and the costs of installing and operating the air-strippers on the municipal
well field (the "EPA Costs"). On February 22, 1993, the United States filed a
lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Northern District of
Indiana against eight of the PRPs, including the Company. On July 20, 1993,
IDEM joined in the lawsuit. The lawsuit seeks recovery of the costs of
enforcement, prejudgment interest and an amount in excess of $6.8 million,
which represents costs incurred to date by the EPA and IDEM, and a declaration
that the eight defendant PRPs are liable for any future costs incurred by the
EPA and IDEM in connection with the site.
 
  The Company does not believe the annual cost to the Company of monitoring
groundwater and operating the soil vapor extraction system and the air-
strippers will be material. Each of the PRPs, including the Company, is jointly
and severally liable for the entire amount of the EPA Costs. Certain PRPs,
including the Company, are currently attempting to negotiate an agreed upon
allocation of such liability. The Company believes that adequate provisions
have been recorded for its costs and its anticipated share of EPA Costs and
that its cash on hand, unused lines of credit or cash from operations are
sufficient to fund any required expenditures.
 
  The EPA has also named the Company as a PRP for costs at three other disposal
sites. It has also asked the Company for information about contamination at
other sites. The Company believes it either has no liability as a responsible
party or that adequate provisions have been recorded for any costs to be
incurred.
 
INFLATION
 
  The impact of inflation on operating results for the years 1993, 1992 and
1991 was not significant. Raw material costs during these periods have
increased; however, use of LIFO inventory methods by the Company has minimized
any impact from inflation. The majority of the Company's property, plant and
equipment is of recent purchase, and depreciation charges are based on
historical cost.
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
 
                                    BUSINESS
 
GENERAL
 
  The Company is the leading independent designer, manufacturer and supplier of
window systems to the combined automobile, light truck and van, bus, heavy
truck and recreational vehicle markets in North America. The Company's window
systems include various types of automotive windshields; rear, vent, quarter,
push out and sliding windows; and window regulator systems, latches, door
frames and related components. The Company also manufactures door systems for
military and recreational vehicles and injection molded thermoplastic products
and other products primarily for sale to the automotive industry. The Company's
products are sold to major North American transportation OEMs, including Ford,
Chrysler, General Motors, AAI, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Fleetwood, Winnebago,
Navistar, Paccar (Peterbilt and Kenworth trucks) and the manufacturers of
virtually all of the intra and intercity buses in the United States and Canada.
 
BUSINESS STRATEGY
 
  The Company's business objective is to expand profitably its position as the
leading independent supplier of window systems to the combined automotive,
light truck and van, bus, heavy truck and recreational vehicle markets in North
America. It also intends to broaden its product offerings to these markets, as
well as expand its capabilities to complementary markets. Continued focus on
achieving recognition as a world class manufacturer is a key component of this
strategy. The Company continually strives for world class status through
technical innovation, quality excellence, cost competitiveness and strategic
alliances and acquisitions.
 
  Technical Innovation. The Company's most significant innovative achievement
has been the development of RIM modular windows in the mid-1980s. This value-
added product resulted from a long internal development effort and accounted
for 35% of net sales in 1993. In recent years, as automotive OEMs increasingly
shifted design, innovation, quality and product improvement responsibility to
their suppliers, the Company increased its research, engineering and
development expenditures (from $2.7 million in 1989 to $7.9 million in 1993),
including the addition of an advanced design group and Company-wide computer-
aided design capability. The Company has also added more sophisticated program
management and complex manufacturing information systems. The Company's
capabilities now include prototype and product development, specification
testing and manufacturing engineering assistance. This has resulted in
increased opportunities for the Company to participate earlier in the product
planning process and to add value by furnishing engineering and design services
and providing a broader range of parts required for vehicle assembly.
 
  Quality Excellence. The Company emphasizes a continuous improvement
philosophy to its employees on all facets of operations including product
quality. As a result of its commitment to quality, the Company has achieved Q1
and Pentastar quality ratings at its key manufacturing plants from Ford and
Chrysler, respectively, and has received quality awards from Fleetwood (a
recreational vehicle OEM), Nissan and other OEMs. At the corporate technical
center, engineers examine the Company's and its competitors' products to
evaluate alternative designs, suggest marketing opportunities and solve
potential production problems, all of which serve to improve and maintain the
Company's stringent quality standards.
 
  Competitive Cost. The Company strives to achieve a competitive cost to its
customers through its emphasis on quality excellence and its involvement in the
early stages of product development. The Company is a highly reliable and
timely supplier able to meet its customers' demanding delivery requirements,
while constantly focusing on reducing OEM inventory levels.
 
  Strategic Alliances. In 1986, Ford purchased 40% (which, as a result of the
Company's public offerings in 1992 and 1993, has been diluted to 24%) of the
Common Shares of the Company, paid the Company $19.3 million in cash, sold its
modular window manufacturing subsidiary to the Company and entered into the
Supply Agreement with the Company. Pursuant to the Supply Agreement, Ford
agreed to purchase from the Company at least 70% of the requirements by dollar
volume of Ford and Ford Canada for modular
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
 
framed glass parts using RIM and PVC technology, commencing with the 1990 model
year. Ford's purchase obligations are contingent upon the Company being
competitive as to technology, quality, service, price and delivery. The Supply
Agreement, which is currently scheduled to expire at the end of the 1998 model
year, has been complemented by the 1994 Supply Agreement, which extends through
the 1998 calendar year and which provides for Ford to purchase 100% of its
requirements for those parts currently supplied by the Company (including parts
other than modular windows), subject to specified annual price reductions.
Since 1990, the Company has and is continuing to supply at least 70% of Ford's
requirements for modular framed glass, which have predominately been modular
windows using RIM technology. The Company works closely with Ford during the
development and production by Ford of new products utilizing parts supplied by
the Company, and net sales to Ford have increased from $26.7 million in 1985 to
$373.1 million in 1993.
 
  The Company also benefits from an exclusive purchase and supply agreement
with H.S. Die & Engineering of Grand Rapids, Michigan. H.S. Die supplies the
molds (i.e., tooling) to the Company necessary to manufacture modular windows.
Working closely with OEMs and H.S. Die, the Company is able to move rapidly
from design to finished tooling for modular windows. As a result of this
alliance, preproduction lead-times on new programs have been decreased by more
than a year, which was demonstrated in Ford's development of the recently
introduced Mustang model.
 
  Another strategic alliance links the Company with Schade KG, a modular and
conventional window and door systems supplier located in Plettenberg, Germany.
Pursuant to a Reciprocal Technology License and Cooperative Venture Agreement,
both companies have cooperated in developing new business proposals. Schade
helped the Company develop technical capabilities in PVC modular windows. The
Company produces PVC windows for the Chrysler New Yorker at its Kentucky
manufacturing facility and has been sourced to supply PVC windows for certain
1995 Mitsubishi and Nissan models. In addition, technology acquired from the
Company's alliance with Schade has enabled the Company to supply door frames
for General Motors's 1994 Saturn Coupe.
 
  In 1992, the Company formed a joint venture with Pollone S.A., a Brazilian
automotive parts supplier, for the purpose of supplying encapsulated window
assemblies to South American automakers. Located near Sao Paulo, Brazil, the
joint venture, Pollexco, is owned 49% by the Company and 51% by Pollone, S.A.
Production of products for Autolatina, a joint venture between Ford and
Volkswagen, began in late 1993.
 
  Strategic Acquisitions. In acquisitions, the Company seeks processes,
products or markets which complement the Company's existing businesses. The
Company added high volume conventional window capacity to its product line as a
result of a 1986 acquisition from Irvin Industries. In the mid-1980s, Ford--
initially the Company's only RIM window customer--started its own subsidiary to
manufacture RIM windows in Fulton, Kentucky. The transactions between Ford and
the Company in 1986 included the sale to the Company of Ford's RIM window
subsidiary and manufacturing facility. In 1988, the Company acquired
Nyloncraft, Inc., which manufactures injection molded thermoplastic products
primarily for the automotive industry. Nyloncraft also supplies plastic
components to six of the Company's manufacturing facilities. In 1990, the
Company acquired the window regulator business operated by Hoover Universal,
Inc., a subsidiary of Johnson Controls, Inc. The Company's technical
capabilities, in particular the corporate technical center, have enabled it to
redesign several products, reduce operating expenses and improve overall
operations in the newly-acquired window regulator business.
 
MARKET DESCRIPTION AND INDUSTRY FACTORS
 
 Automotive Market
 
  General. The overall market for new cars and light trucks in North America is
large and cyclical, with average annual growth of 1% to 2%. However,
considerable growth or decline routinely occurs within specific product
segments or model lines. In particular, light truck sales have grown rapidly
over the last 15 years as compared to the demand for cars. This growth in light
truck demand primarily reflects the increased
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
 
use of mini-vans and sport utility vehicles. The Company believes it will
continue to be well-positioned as a supplier of window systems to OEMs in this
higher growth market segment.
 
  Changing Supplier Policies. Several developments have substantially altered
the competitive environment for automotive suppliers, including consolidation
among suppliers and increased outsourcing of key components by OEMs. During the
1980s, Ford, Chrysler and General Motors began to reduce their supplier base,
focusing on long-term sole-source contracts with more capable suppliers.
Increasingly, the criteria for selection include not only cost, quality and
responsiveness, but also certain full-service capabilities including design,
engineering and project management support. OEMs now have rigorous programs for
evaluating and rating suppliers which encompass quality, cost control,
reliability of delivery, new technology implementation, engineering competence,
continuous improvement programs and overall management. Under these programs,
each facility operated by a supplier is evaluated independently. The suppliers
who obtain superior ratings are favorably considered for new business; those
who do not may continue their existing contracts, but normally do not receive
additional business. As a result, these new supplier policies have sharply
reduced the number of component suppliers. In the 1990s, OEM supply agreements
have incorporated productivity provisions which specify annual price reductions
which may be offset by product improvements, manufacturing improvements and/or
various other mutually agreed upon methods.
 
  Transplants. Over the last ten years, Japanese manufactured vehicles have
gained an increasing share of the North American market. In addition, a growing
percentage of such vehicles are being made at North American operations of
Japanese manufacturers ("Transplants"). Transplants receive component parts
from a variety of sources including suppliers in Japan, Japanese suppliers who
establish U.S. facilities and existing U.S. component suppliers. Because of the
current market share of the Transplants, supplying them is an attractive
opportunity. To date, the Company has been selected to supply window systems
for certain Nissan, Mazda and Mitsubishi models manufactured in North America.
The Company has also been selected to supply fixed vent windows for the new BMW
model scheduled to be built in South Carolina in 1995.
 
 Non-Automotive Market
 
  The market for heavy trucks in North America is cyclical, and the Company
believes it is well positioned to take advantage of supply opportunities which
arise as aging fleets are replaced with new models. The availability of
federally funded programs and the price of gasoline and diesel fuel are factors
which affect the demand for intracity buses purchased for municipal mass
transit systems. The market for recreational vehicles is influenced
significantly by the strength of the economy and the level of consumer
discretionary spending. Recent growth trends in the sale of recreational
vehicles have been positive.
 
PRODUCTS
 
  The Company designs, engineers, manufactures and supplies plastic and metal
framed window assemblies, manual and power glass regulator systems and
injection molded thermoplastic products principally for North American car,
light truck and van, heavy truck, bus, military and recreational vehicle OEMs.
The Company does not manufacture or sell primary glass.
 
  Modular Window Systems. The Company's modular, plastic framed windows are
value-added parts because clips, weatherstripping and bright trim are attached
during the molding process. The module-manufacturing processes used by the
Company give the OEM designers great flexibility in window shape, sealing and
aerodynamics. The module supplied to the OEM also lowers its parts inventory,
reduces part weight and reduces assembly efforts. The Company produces modular
windshields and rear windows, as well as fixed quarter, sliding and push out
modular windows.
 
  The Company utilizes RIM technology and also PVC injection molding technology
to manufacture modular windows. In RIM technology, liquids are mixed and fed
into a mold that holds glass, framing and fastening components. The mixture
polymerizes, and the completed module is removed, trimmed, cleaned,
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
 
inspected and packed for shipment. In PVC injection molding, solid plastic
subjected to high temperature and pressure flows in liquid form into the mold
where it reverts without chemical reaction to a solid.
 
  Conventional Windows. The Company also produces conventionally framed window
assemblies utilizing painted cold-rolled steel, stainless steel, rubber and/or
aluminum. The glass or plastic glazed window assemblies supplied for mass
transit systems have durable aluminum frames and non-leak weatherstripping. The
Company supplies a wide variety of conventional windows to car, light truck and
heavy truck OEMs, including pivoting wing ventilator windows, fixed and movable
quarter windows and swing-out and sliding windows. The Company's flush-mount
recreational vehicle windows seal tightly and feature independent sliding
screens, removable storm windows and an anti-theft locking mechanism.
 
  Window Regulator Systems. The Company supplies manual and electrically
powered versions of regulators (the mechanisms for lifting and lowering
windows) for front and rear side windows and tailgate windows. The Company
stresses safety, weight, glass stability, window system integration, parts
reduction and enhanced vehicle design flexibility in its window regulators.
 
  Injection Molded Thermoplastic Products. The Company's Nyloncraft division
manufactures injection molded inside and outside door handles, door latch
components, fan shrouds, airspring pistons, window crank handles and a variety
of other custom engineered products. The Company molds parts from nylons,
polyesters, acetal and other engineered thermoplastic materials.
 
  Door Systems. The Company designs and manufactures preassembled doors for
Class A motorhomes and ballistic door/window systems for the Hummer tactical
military vehicle. The Company's preassembled door systems improve the OEMs'
installation productivity and assist in design flexibility.
 
CUSTOMERS AND MARKETING
 
  The Company supplies its products primarily to Ford, Chrysler and General
Motors. Historical sales of the Company by customer group are set forth below.
The loss of Ford, Chrysler or General Motors as a customer would have a
material adverse effect on the Company.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                         --------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   1991                     1992                     1993
                         ------------------------ ------------------------ ------------------------
                           NET    AS A PERCENT OF   NET    AS A PERCENT OF   NET    AS A PERCENT OF
                          SALES   TOTAL NET SALES  SALES   TOTAL NET SALES  SALES   TOTAL NET SALES
                         -------- --------------- -------- --------------- -------- ---------------
                                                   (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                      <C>      <C>             <C>      <C>             <C>      <C>
Ford.................... $243,577        69%      $310,579        73%      $373,116        72%
Chrysler................   27,279         8         36,944         9         56,445        11
General Motors..........   26,254         8         18,973         4         20,109         4
Other...................   55,158        15         60,377        14         66,011        13
                         --------       ---       --------       ---       --------       ---
    Total Net Sales..... $352,268       100%      $426,873       100%      $515,681       100%
                         ========       ===       ========       ===       ========       ===
</TABLE>
 
  Sales of the Company's products to OEMs are made directly by the Company's
sales and engineering personnel located at the Company's offices in the Detroit
area and Elkhart, Indiana. Through these sales and engineering offices, the
Company services its OEM customers and manages its continuing programs of
product design improvement and development.
 
  The Company's customers award contracts that normally cover parts to be
supplied for a particular vehicle model. Such contracts typically extend over
the life of the model, which is generally four to seven years. The primary risk
to the Company is that an OEM will produce fewer units of a model than
anticipated. In addition, the Company competes for new business to supply parts
for successor models and therefore runs the risk that the OEM will not select
the Company to produce parts on a successor model. In order to reduce its
reliance on any one model, the Company produces parts for a broad cross-section
of both new and more
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
 
mature models. The Company has been chosen as a supplier on a variety of
generally successful car, light truck and van models. The following table
presents a summary of the 1994 and 1995 models for which the Company is
producing or will produce component parts.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      COMPANY                   1994/1995 MODELS
      -------                   ----------------
      <S>                       <C>
      Ford..................... Escort, Explorer, Taurus, Sable, Aerostar,
                                Windstar, Ranger, Continental, Cougar, Mark
                                VIII, Bronco, Thunderbird, Town Car, Econoline,
                                Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis, Mustang, Probe,
                                Villager, F-Series Truck
      Chrysler................. LHS, LeBaron, Fifth Avenue, Imperial, Cherokee,
                                Wrangler, Comanche, Voyager, Avenger, Sebring,
                                Concorde, Intrepid, Vision, New Yorker, Dakota,
                                Ram Truck, Ram Van/Wagon, Talon
      General Motors........... Cavalier, Sunbird, Vandura Van, APV Mini-Van, S-
                                10 Truck, Saturn Coupe, Saturn Station Wagon
      Nissan................... Quest, Sentra GS, Nissan Truck
      Mazda.................... MX6
      Mitsubishi............... Eclipse
</TABLE>
 
  Based on its ability to service its OEM customers' needs effectively, the
Company believes it will be able to maintain its position on most existing
models, while also expanding into new models as further consolidation in the
OEM supplier base occurs. The Company believes that the presence of Transplants
represents an attractive growth opportunity over the next decade. The Company
is currently supplying products for Mazda, Nissan and Mitsubishi models. The
Company believes that it is favorably positioned to increase its business with
the Transplants because of the Company's reputation for technical innovation,
quality excellence, reliability and competitive cost.
 
  In the non-automotive markets, the Company sells various types of
conventional window systems to North American OEMs of medium and heavy trucks,
recreational vehicles and buses. The Company is the dominant supplier of wing
ventilator windows for medium and heavy trucks manufactured in the United
States and Canada. The Company's customers include Navistar, Freightliner,
Volvo GM Heavy Truck Corp., Mack Truck, Paccar (Kenworth and Peterbilt models)
and Ford. The Company supplies aluminum framed window systems to Fleetwood and
Winnebago, the leading recreational vehicle OEMs in North America, as well as a
number of other recreational vehicle manufacturers. The Company is the dominant
supplier of metal framed window systems to intra and intercity bus OEMs.
 
  The Company also manufactures preassembled doors for certain recreational
vehicle OEMs and door systems for the Hummer tactical military vehicle.
 
  The Company maintains separate sales and engineering groups at its corporate
offices in Elkhart, Indiana to service these non-automotive markets. The
Company has received "Supplier of the Year" and "Master of Quality" awards from
Fleetwood and Freightliner, respectively, as well as recognition for quality
and delivery accomplishments from other non-automotive OEMs. The Company
believes that its cost competitiveness, quality excellence and design and
engineering capabilities obtained in the automotive supply markets enable it to
compete effectively in non-automotive markets as well.
 
COMPETITION
 
  The Company operates in a highly competitive environment in each of its
markets. The number of the Company's competitors in the automotive markets is
expected to decrease due to the supplier consolidation resulting from changing
OEM policies. The Company's major competitors include Donnelly Corporation,
Libbey-Owens-Ford Co., Guardian Industries, Dura, Inc., Rockwell International,
Hehr International, OEM internal operations and a large number of smaller
operations.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
 
  The Company principally competes for new business both at the beginning of
the development of new models and upon the redesign of existing models by its
major customers. New model development generally begins two to four years prior
to the marketing of such models to the public. Once a producer has been
designated to supply parts to a new program, an OEM will generally continue to
purchase those parts from the designated producer for the life of the program.
Competitive factors in the market for the Company's products include product
quality, design and engineering competence, customer service, product mix, new
product innovation, cost and timely delivery. The Company believes that its
business strategy allows it to compete effectively in the markets for its
products.
 
  The Company believes that it is well-positioned to succeed in this highly
competitive supplier environment. The Company's size, emphasis on quality,
customer service orientation, manufacturing expertise and technological
leadership all contribute to the Company's success in the transportation supply
industry.
 
RESEARCH, ENGINEERING AND DEVELOPMENT
 
  The Company expended approximately $5.2 million, $5.5 million and $7.9
million on research, engineering and development during 1991, 1992 and 1993,
respectively. These increased expenditures have improved significantly the
Company's capacity to provide complete engineering and design services to
support its product lines. The Company also has a corporate technical center in
Elkhart, Indiana for basic research and development, as well as a large
engineering and design staff in the Detroit area which works closely with
automotive OEMs during all phases of new product development and production.
 
FOREIGN OPERATIONS
 
  In addition to its domestic facilities described below, the Company owns a
manufacturing facility in Aurora, Ontario, Canada and leases a manufacturing
facility in Juarez, Mexico. The financial information concerning the Canadian
operations of the Company is set forth in Notes 10 and 11 to the Company's
Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere herein.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
  The Company employs a total of approximately 3,500 persons, of whom
approximately 20% are covered by collective bargaining agreements. The Company
believes its relationship with its employees is good.
 
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
 
  The Company believes it is in substantial compliance with federal, state,
local and foreign laws regarding discharge of materials into the environment
and does not anticipate any material adverse effect on its future earnings,
capital expenditures or competitive position as a result of compliance with
such laws.
 
  For a discussion of potential environmental liabilities, see "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition--
Liquidity and Capital Resources" and Note 8 to the Company's Consolidated
Financial Statements included elsewhere herein.
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
 
                       PRINCIPAL AND SELLING SHAREHOLDERS
 
  Set forth below is certain information concerning (i) the only persons known
to the Company, as of February 15, 1994 and as adjusted for the sale of the
Common Shares offered hereby (assuming no exercise of the Underwriters' over-
allotment option), to beneficially own 5% or more of the outstanding Common
Shares and (ii) each Selling Shareholder. The percentages set forth for the
Convertible Note Holders in the columns entitled "Percent of Class" are
calculated by dividing the number of Common Shares listed for each Convertible
Note Holder in the "Number of Shares" columns by the sum of (i) 10,577,936
Common Shares outstanding on February 15, 1994 and (ii) the number of Common
Shares which the particular Convertible Note Holder has a right to acquire. The
percentages therefore represent the maximum percentage of outstanding Common
Shares that a particular Convertible Note Holder would own if only that
Convertible Note Holder, and no other, had converted the Convertible Notes held
by it. The percentages set forth for Common Shareholders are calculated
assuming no conversion of any of the Convertible Notes. Accordingly, all of the
percentages in the Percent of Class columns, including in particular the
percentages applicable to shareholders which do not hold any Convertible Notes,
are higher than they would be if some or all of the outstanding Convertible
Notes of the Company had been converted.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP             BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP
                            PRIOR TO OFFERING     SHARES      AFTER OFFERING
                          -----------------------  TO BE   -----------------------
  NAME AND ADDRESS OF     NUMBER OF     PERCENT   SOLD IN  NUMBER OF     PERCENT
    BENEFICIAL OWNER        SHARES     OF  CLASS OFFERING    SHARES     OF  CLASS
  -------------------     ------------ ------------------- ------------ ----------
<S>                       <C>          <C>       <C>       <C>          <C>
COMMON SHAREHOLDERS
  Ford Motor Company
   (1)..................     1,509,927     14.3% 1,509,927            0      0.0%
  The American Road
  P.O. Box 1899
  Dearborn, Michigan
  48121
  Ford Motor Company
   Fund (2).............     1,047,201      9.9% 1,047,201            0      0.0%
  The American Road
  P.O. Box 1899
  Dearborn, Michigan
  48121
  J.P. Morgan & Co. In-
   corporated (3).......     1,210,000     11.4%         0    1,210,000     11.4%
  23 Wall Street
  New York, New York
  10015
CONVERTIBLE NOTE HOLDERS
  CIGNA Corporation (4).       821,535      7.2%         0      821,535      7.2%
  One Liberty Place
  Philadelphia, Pennsyl-
  vania 19101
  CIGNA Mezzanine Part-
   ners II, L.P. (5)....       693,308      6.2%         0      693,308      6.2%
  900 Cottage Grove Road
  Bloomfield, Connecti-
  cut 06002
  Textron Investment
   Management Company,
   Inc. (6).............       756,773      6.7%         0      756,773      6.7%
  40 Westminster Street
  Providence, Rhode Is-
  land 02903
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Ford Motor Company has sole voting and investment power over the shares
    listed, although the Shareholders Agreement contains certain provisions
    with respect to the voting of Common Shares owned by the parties to the
    Shareholders Agreement. See "Background of Offering."
(2) In a Schedule 13D dated January 20, 1994 and delivered to the Company, the
    Ford Fund disclosed that it had acquired from Ford beneficial ownership of
    1,047,201 Common Shares. The Ford Fund has the sole power to vote and to
    dispose of all such shares, although it has assumed certain obligations of
    Ford under the Shareholders Agreement with respect to the shares acquired
    by the Ford Fund from Ford. See "Background of Offering."
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
 
(3) In a Schedule 13G dated December 31, 1993 and delivered to the Company,
    J.P. Morgan & Co. Incorporated ("Morgan") disclosed that it and its
    subsidiaries had acquired beneficial ownership of 1,210,000 Common Shares.
    Morgan and/or its subsidiaries have the sole power to dispose of all such
    shares and sole power to vote 881,400 of such shares.
   
(4) Represents (i) 820,238 Common Shares which may be acquired on conversion of
    the Convertible Notes of the Company owned by Connecticut General Life
    Insurance Company ("CGLIC") (703,061 shares) and Life Insurance Company of
    North America (117,177 shares), two subsidiaries of CIGNA Corporation
    (collectively "CIGNA") and (ii) 1,297 Common Shares indirectly owned by
    CGLIC. CIGNA will have sole voting and investment power over any shares
    acquired upon conversion of such Convertible Notes. CIGNA disclaims
    beneficial ownership of the Common Shares indirectly owned by CGLIC, but
    may be deemed to have shared voting and investment power with respect to
    such Common Shares.     
(5) Represents Common Shares which may be acquired on conversion of Convertible
    Notes owned by CIGNA Mezzanine Partners II, L.P. ("CMP"). CIGNA is the
    ultimate parent of the general partner of CMP. CMP will have sole voting
    and investment power over any shares acquired upon conversion of such
    Convertible Notes.
(6) Represents Common Shares which may be acquired on conversion of Convertible
    Notes owned by The Paul Revere Life Insurance Company (227,032 shares), The
    Paul Revere Protective Life Insurance Company (90,812 shares), Balboa
    Insurance Company (60,542 shares) and the Textron Collective Inv. Trust
    Fund B (378,387 shares), all of which are affiliates of Textron, Inc., the
    parent company of Textron Investment Management Company, Inc. ("TIMC").
    TIMC is an investment adviser and will have sole voting and investment
    power over any shares acquired upon conversion of such Convertible Notes.
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
 
                         DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL SHARES
 
  The Company's authorized capital stock consists of 20,000,000 Common Shares,
no par value, and 1,000,000 preferred shares, no par value.
 
COMMON SHARES
 
  Holders of Common Shares are entitled to receive such dividends as the Board
of Directors may declare out of funds legally available therefor. See
"Dividends and Price Range of Common Shares." Holders of Common Shares are
entitled to one vote per share on each matter submitted to the shareholders of
the Company. Cumulative voting for election of directors is not permitted;
consequently, the holders of more than 50% of the Common Shares can elect all
of the directors of the Company. Upon a liquidation of the Company, after
payment or provision for payment of all of the Company's obligations and
payments, if any, to holders of preferred shares, the holders of the Common
Shares share ratably in the remaining assets of the Company. The holders of
Common Shares are not entitled to preemptive rights.
 
  The outstanding Common Shares of the Company are, and the Common Shares
offered hereby will be, fully paid and nonassessable.
 
 Redemption Rights
 
  The holders of Common Shares, except "Controlling Persons" (as defined
below), have a right of redemption of their shares under certain circumstances
pursuant to Article VII, Section 2 of the Company's Articles of Incorporation.
A Controlling Person is defined as any person who acquires a 40% ownership
interest in the Company and has acquired any portion of such interest in a
hostile tender offer (i.e., a tender offer not approved by the Company's Board
of Directors). In the event that (i) any person becomes a Controlling Person;
(ii) any Controlling Person makes a further hostile tender offer or otherwise
acquires an additional ownership interest in the Company; or (iii) a
Controlling Person causes or permits the Board of Directors or management of
the Company to merge or consolidate the Company with or sell the Company's
assets to another corporation which is or will be controlled by the Controlling
Person, every holder of Common Shares, other than the Controlling Person or a
transferee of the Controlling Person, shall have the right, and the Company
shall be obligated, to redeem his shares. The redemption price would be the
greater of (i) the highest price or cash value paid by the Controlling Person
in acquiring any of its shares at any time; (ii) the highest price of the
Common Shares reported on the American Stock Exchange during the 18 months
prior to one of the events which triggers the redemption right; or (iii) book
value based on the latest annual report with quarterly adjustments. The right
of redemption provided by Article VII, Section 2 of the Articles of
Incorporation of the Company may not be amended, altered or repealed except on
the affirmative vote of 85% of the outstanding Common Shares of the Company,
but no amendment, alteration or repeal shall in any manner adversely affect any
rights of redemption then in existence.
 
 Indiana Statutes
 
  In the event any person acquires 10% of the Company's Common Shares (an
"Interested Shareholder"), then, for a period of five years after such
acquisition, the Indiana Business Corporation Law (the "BCL") prohibits certain
business combinations between the Company and such Interested Shareholder
unless prior to the acquisition of such Common Shares by the Interested
Shareholder, the Board of Directors of the Company approves of such acquisition
of Common Shares or approves of such business combination. After such five-year
period, only the following three types of business combinations between the
Company and such an Interested Shareholder are permitted: (i) a business
combination approved by the Board of Directors of the Company before the
acquisition of Common Shares by the Interested Shareholder, (ii) a business
combination approved by holders of a majority of the Common Shares not owned by
the Interested Shareholder, and (iii) a business combination in which the
shareholders receive a price for their Common Shares at least equal to a
formula price based on the highest price per Common Share paid by the
Interested
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
 
Shareholder. In addition, certain accretions of voting power may result in an
acquiring shareholder losing the right to vote the Common Shares acquired
unless such voting power is approved by a majority of the disinterested Common
Shares and, if authorized by an appropriate provision of the Company's articles
of incorporation or by-laws adopted prior to the time the person becomes an
Interested Shareholder, may permit the redemption of the acquiring
shareholder's Common Shares. The Company has not adopted such redemption
provisions.
 
  The provisions of the BCL discussed above do not apply with respect to the
acquisition of the Company's Convertible Notes or the acquisition of Common
Shares upon conversion of the Convertible Notes.
 
REGISTRATION RIGHTS
 
  Ford and the Ford Fund have exercised their right to require the Company to
use its good faith reasonable efforts to register the Ford Shares for sale
under the Securities Act. The holders of the Convertible Notes have the right
to require the Company to register the Common Shares which may be acquired upon
conversion of the Convertible Notes (the "Conversion Shares"). In addition, the
holders of the Convertible Notes have the right to require the Company to
register the Conversion Shares rather than any Common Shares proposed to be
registered by the Company (except with respect to Common Shares proposed to be
registered by the Company pursuant to a request from Ford or the Ford Fund) and
have the right, under certain circumstances, to require the Company to register
the Conversion Shares in addition to any Common Shares proposed to be
registered by the Company. The holders of the Convertible Notes have elected
not to exercise their registration rights with respect to this offering. Any
exercise of such rights may adversely affect the Company's future ability to
raise capital in the public markets.
 
PREFERRED SHARES
 
  The Board of Directors in its discretion may from time to time issue
preferred shares in series and is authorized to determine the designations,
relative rights, preferences, qualifications, limitations and restrictions
(other than voting rights) of any series, without further action or approval by
the shareholders of the Company. Holders of preferred shares are entitled to
one vote per share on each matter submitted to shareholders of the Company. No
preferred shares are outstanding and the Company has no present plans for
issuing any preferred shares.
 
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
 
  The transfer agent and registrar for the Company's Common Shares is Chemical
Bank, New York, New York.
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
 
                                  UNDERWRITING
 
  The Underwriters named below, for whom Dean Witter Reynolds Inc., Goldman,
Sachs & Co. and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. are acting as representatives (the
"Representatives"), have severally agreed, subject to the terms and conditions
of the Underwriting Agreement, to purchase from the Selling Shareholders the
number of Common Shares set forth opposite their respective names:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    NUMBER OF
           UNDERWRITERS                                           COMMON SHARES
           ------------                                           -------------
      <S>                                                         <C>
      Dean Witter Reynolds Inc...................................
      Goldman, Sachs & Co. ......................................
      J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. ...............................
                                                                    ---------
          Total..................................................   2,557,128
                                                                    =========
</TABLE>
 
  The Underwriters are committed to purchase all of the Common Shares, if any
Common Shares are purchased.
 
  The Selling Shareholders and the Company have been advised by the
Underwriters that the Underwriters propose to offer the Common Shares directly
to the public at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this
Prospectus and to certain dealers (who may include Underwriters) at the public
offering price less a concession not to exceed $   per share. Such dealers may
reallow a concession not to exceed $   per share in sales to other dealers.
After the initial public offering, the public offering price and concessions
and reallowances to dealers may be changed by the Underwriters.
 
  The Company and Ford have agreed to indemnify the Underwriters against
certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933
(the "Securities Act"), or to contribute to payments that the Underwriters may
be required to make in respect thereof.
 
  The Company has granted the Underwriters an option, exercisable within 30
days from the date of this Prospectus, to purchase from the Company up to an
additional 380,000 Common Shares at the same price
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
 
per share as the 2,557,128 Common Shares offered hereby, less underwriting
discounts and commissions. The Underwriters may exercise the option only for
the purpose of covering over-allotments, if any, made in connection with the
distribution of the Common Shares to the public.
 
  The Company has agreed that, until 120 days after the date of this
Prospectus, it will not, without the prior written consent of the
Representatives, sell, offer to sell, issue, distribute, contract to sell or
otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly, any Common Shares or any options,
rights or warrants with respect to any Common Shares or register for sale under
the Securities Act, any Common Shares except for Common Shares offered hereby
and except pursuant to the exercise of any currently outstanding rights,
warrants or options of the Company described in this Prospectus, or upon
conversion of the Company's outstanding Convertible Notes; provided that the
Company may grant options or Common Shares under its 1994 Stock Compensation
Plan and may sell Common Shares pursuant to its Employee Stock Purchase Plan,
as such Plans are in effect on the date hereof. Further, all directors and
officers of the Company have agreed not to offer, sell, contract or offer to
sell, or otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly, any Common Shares for a
period of 120 days after the date hereof without the prior written consent of
the Representatives.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
  The validity of the issuance of the Common Shares being offered hereby will
be passed upon for the Company by Sommer & Barnard, PC, Indianapolis, Indiana,
counsel for the Company. James K. Sommer, a director of the Company, is a
member of Sommer & Barnard. Mr. Sommer owns 3,501 Common Shares. Certain legal
matters in connection with sale of the Ford Shares will be passed upon for the
Selling Shareholders by John M. Rintamaki, Esq., Secretary, Ford. Certain legal
matters in connection with the issuance of the Common Shares will be passed
upon for the Underwriters by McDermott, Will & Emery, Chicago, Illinois.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
  The financial statements as of December 31, 1993 and 1992 and for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 1993 included in this Prospectus
have been so included in reliance on the report of Price Waterhouse,
independent accountants, given on the authority of said firm as experts in
auditing and accounting.
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
  The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act
and in accordance therewith files reports, proxy statements and other
information with the Commission. Reports, proxy statements and other
information filed by the Company can be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities maintained by the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549 and at the following Regional Offices of the Commission:
7 World Trade Center, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10048 and Suite 1400, 500
West Madison, Northwestern Atrium, Chicago, Illinois 60606. Copies of such
material can also be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the
Commission, Room 1024, at Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington,
D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. Such reports, proxy statements and other
information concerning the Company can also be inspected at the offices of the
American Stock Exchange, 86 Trinity Place, New York, New York 10006. This
Prospectus constitutes a part of a registration statement on Form S-3 (together
with all amendments and exhibits, the "Registration Statement") filed with the
Commission under the Securities Act with respect to this offering. This
Prospectus does not contain all of the information included in the Registration
Statement. Reference is made to the Registration Statement for further
information with respect to the Company and the Common Shares being offered
hereby.
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
 
                   INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           PAGE
                                                                           ----
<S>                                                                        <C>
Report of Independent Accountants......................................... F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 1993 and 1992.................. F-3
Consolidated Statement of Income for the three years ended December 31,
 1993..................................................................... F-4
Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity for the three years ended
 December 31, 1993........................................................ F-5
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the three years ended December
 31, 1993................................................................. F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements................................ F-7
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-1
<PAGE>
 
                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Board of Directors
and Shareholders of
Excel Industries, Inc.
 
  In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheet and the related
consolidated statements of income, of shareholders' equity and of cash flows
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Excel
Industries, Inc. and its subsidiaries at December 31, 1993 and 1992, and the
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended December 31, 1993, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles. 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 of these
statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards which
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, assessing the accounting principles
used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.
 
  As discussed in the notes to consolidated financial statements, effective
January 1, 1992, the Company changed its method of accounting for
postretirement health care benefits by adopting, on an immediate recognition
basis, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 106, "Employers'
Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions." The Company also
changed its method of accounting for income taxes, effective January 1, 1992,
by adopting Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, "Accounting
for Income Taxes."
 
PRICE WATERHOUSE
South Bend, Indiana
February 17, 1994
 
                                      F-2
<PAGE>
 
                             EXCEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
 
                             (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    DECEMBER 31,
                                                                  ------------------
                             ASSETS                                 1993      1992
                             ------                               --------  --------
<S>                                                               <C>       <C>
Current assets:
  Cash and short-term investments...............................  $  6,767  $ 27,510
  Marketable securities.........................................    39,786       --
  Accounts receivable--trade, less allowances of $725...........    23,485    16,222
- --related party.................................................    47,168    43,342
  Customer tooling to be billed.................................     9,161     5,887
  Inventories...................................................    29,867    26,746
  Prepaid expenses..............................................     6,113     4,764
                                                                  --------  --------
      Total current assets......................................   162,347   124,471
                                                                  --------  --------
Property, plant and equipment:
  Land..........................................................       937       939
  Buildings and improvements....................................    21,902    21,135
  Machinery and equipment.......................................    80,680    71,021
  Accumulated depreciation......................................   (53,773)  (51,031)
                                                                  --------  --------
                                                                    49,746    42,064
                                                                  --------  --------
Goodwill, net of accumulated amortization of $2,356 and $2,010,
 respectively...................................................     7,050     7,397
Deferred income taxes and other assets..........................    10,173     8,164
                                                                  --------  --------
                                                                  $229,316  $182,096
                                                                  ========  ========
<CAPTION>
              LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
              ------------------------------------
<S>                                                               <C>       <C>
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable--trade.......................................  $ 37,283  $ 28,460
         --related party........................................     9,700    13,601
  Accrued liabilities:
    Salaries and wages..........................................     5,712     3,983
    Income taxes................................................     1,208     2,132
    Other.......................................................    12,130    14,403
  Current installments on long-term debt........................     1,553     1,561
                                                                  --------  --------
      Total current liabilities.................................    67,586    64,140
                                                                  --------  --------
Long-term debt..................................................    35,094    34,592
Other long-term liabilities, primarily employee benefits........    20,200    16,334
Commitments and contingent liabilities..........................       --        --
Shareholders' equity:
  Preferred shares--no par value, 1,000 shares authorized, none
   issued.......................................................       --        --
  Common shares--no par value, 20,000 shares authorized; 10,575
   and 8,558, respectively, issued and outstanding..............    87,537    57,282
  Retained earnings.............................................    19,615    10,346
  Unrecognized pension actuarial losses, net of tax.............      (716)     (598)
                                                                  --------  --------
      Total shareholders' equity................................   106,436    67,030
                                                                  --------  --------
                                                                  $229,316  $182,096
                                                                  ========  ========
</TABLE>
 
         The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.
 
                                      F-3
<PAGE>
 
                             EXCEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
                        CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
 
                (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                    ----------------------------
                                                      1993      1992      1991
                                                    --------  --------  --------
<S>                                                 <C>       <C>       <C>
Net sales.........................................  $515,681  $426,873  $352,268
Costs and expenses:
  Cost of goods sold..............................   463,943   383,258   321,058
  Selling, administrative and engineering ex-
   penses.........................................    30,054    28,262    25,205
  Restructuring charge............................       --      4,500       --
  Interest expense................................     3,474     5,555     5,516
  Other (income) expense, net.....................    (2,015)     (713)      216
                                                    --------  --------  --------
      Total costs and expenses....................   495,456   420,862   351,995
                                                    --------  --------  --------
Income before income taxes and cumulative effect
 of changes
 in accounting....................................    20,225     6,011       273
Income tax provision..............................     7,785     2,434       122
                                                    --------  --------  --------
Income before cumulative effect of changes in ac-
 counting.........................................    12,440     3,577       151
Cumulative effect of adoption of SFAS 106 and 109.       --      3,195       --
                                                    --------  --------  --------
      Net income..................................  $ 12,440  $    382  $    151
                                                    ========  ========  ========
Net income (loss) per share:
  Before cumulative effect of changes in account-
   ing:
    Primary.......................................  $   1.23  $    .47  $    .02
    Fully diluted.................................      1.15       .47       .02
  Cumulative effect of adoption of SFAS 106 and
   109:
    Primary.......................................       --       (.42)      --
    Fully diluted.................................       --       (.42)      --
  Net income:
    Primary.......................................      1.23       .05       .02
    Fully diluted.................................      1.15       .05       .02
Cash dividends per share..........................       .30       .24       .24
</TABLE>
 
 
         The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.
 
                                      F-4
<PAGE>
 
                             EXCEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
                 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
                             (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            COMMON                      UNRECOGNIZED
                            SHARES                        PENSION    CUMULATIVE
                          ISSUED AND  COMMON  RETAINED   ACTUARIAL   TRANSLATION
                          OUTSTANDING SHARES  EARNINGS     LOSSES    ADJUSTMENT   TOTAL
                          ----------- ------- --------  ------------ ----------- --------
<S>                       <C>         <C>     <C>       <C>          <C>         <C>
Balance at December 31,
 1990...................     6,466    $35,949 $13,298      $(592)       $671     $ 49,326
Net income..............                          151                                 151
Dividends...............                       (1,558)                             (1,558)
Stock options exercised.        17         84                                          84
Shares issued under em-
 ployee stock purchase
 plan...................        19        160                                         160
Unrecognized pension ac-
 tuarial losses, net of
 tax....................                                     (12)                     (12)
Effect of exchange rate
 changes................                                                  30           30
                            ------    ------- -------      -----        ----     --------
Balance at December 31,
 1991...................     6,502     36,193  11,891       (604)        701       48,181
                            ------    ------- -------      -----        ----     --------
Net income..............                          382                                 382
Dividends...............                       (1,927)                             (1,927)
Share offering..........     2,013     20,759                                      20,759
Stock options exercised.        29        200                                         200
Shares issued under em-
 ployee stock purchase
 plan...................        14        130                                         130
Unrecognized pension ac-
 tuarial losses, net of
 tax....................                                       6                        6
Effect of exchange rate
 changes................                                                (701)        (701)
                            ------    ------- -------      -----        ----     --------
Balance at December 31,
 1992...................     8,558     57,282  10,346       (598)         --       67,030
                            ------    ------- -------      -----        ----     --------
Net income..............                       12,440                              12,440
Dividends...............                       (3,171)                             (3,171)
Share offering..........     2,000     30,019                                      30,019
Stock options exercised.         8         51                                          51
Shares issued under em-
 ployee stock purchase
 plan...................         9        185                                         185
Unrecognized pension ac-
 tuarial losses, net of
 tax....................                                    (118)                    (118)
                            ------    ------- -------      -----        ----     --------
Balance at December 31,
 1993...................    10,575    $87,537 $19,615      $(716)       $ --     $106,436
                            ======    ======= =======      =====        ====     ========
</TABLE>
 
 
         The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.
 
                                      F-5
<PAGE>
 
                             EXCEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
 
                             (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                   ---------------------------
                                                     1993      1992     1991
                                                   --------  --------  -------
<S>                                                <C>       <C>       <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net income...................................... $ 12,440  $    382  $   151
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
   provided by operating activities:
    Depreciation and amortization.................   10,145    10,082   10,637
    Deferred income taxes.........................      548    (3,837)  (2,207)
    Cumulative effect of changes in accounting....      --      3,195      --
    Other.........................................    3,443     2,661      939
    Changes in current assets and liabilities:
      Accounts receivable and prepaid expenses....  (13,418)  (17,169)   1,176
      Inventories and customer tooling............   (6,395)    6,774    4,286
      Accounts payable and accrued liabilities....    3,454    19,067      849
                                                   --------  --------  -------
        Total adjustments.........................   (2,223)   20,773   15,680
                                                   --------  --------  -------
        Net cash provided by operating activities.   10,217    21,155   15,831
                                                   --------  --------  -------
Cash flows from investing activities:
  Purchase of property, plant and equipment.......  (18,104)   (4,687)  (9,670)
  Investment in marketable securities, net........  (39,786)      --       --
  Other...........................................     (648)      461    3,810
                                                   --------  --------  -------
        Net cash used for investing activities....  (58,538)   (4,226)  (5,860)
                                                   --------  --------  -------
Cash flows from financing activities:
  Issuance of common shares.......................   30,255    21,089      244
  Payments of long-term debt......................   (2,001)  (14,615)  (4,207)
  Dividends.......................................   (3,171)   (1,927)  (1,558)
  Issuance of long-term debt......................    2,495       --       --
                                                   --------  --------  -------
        Net cash provided by (used for) financing
         activities...............................   27,578     4,547   (5,521)
                                                   --------  --------  -------
Net change in cash and short-term investments.....  (20,743)   21,476    4,450
Cash and short-term investments at beginning of
 period...........................................   27,510     6,034    1,584
                                                   --------  --------  -------
Cash and short-term investments at end of period.. $  6,767  $ 27,510  $ 6,034
                                                   ========  ========  =======
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash paid during the year for:
  Interest........................................ $  3,308  $  6,081  $ 5,634
  Income taxes, net of refunds....................    7,996     6,602      281
</TABLE>
 
         The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.
 
                                      F-6
<PAGE>
 
                             EXCEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
 
  Excel Industries, Inc. (Company) is engaged in the manufacture and sale of a
broad line of window assemblies, manual and electric window regulators, upper
door frames and injection molded thermoplastic parts. The Company's products
are used in the manufacture of automobiles, heavy and light trucks, buses and
recreational vehicles.
 
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
 Principles of consolidation
 
  The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and
its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions,
profits and balances are eliminated.
 
 Net income per share
 
  Primary net income per share is computed using the weighted average number of
shares outstanding during the period. Shares used to compute primary net income
per share were 10,122,000 for 1993, 7,553,000 for 1992 and 6,488,000 for 1991.
 
  Fully diluted earnings per share assumes, when dilutive, the conversion of
the 10% convertible subordinated notes which were issued on January 2, 1990.
 
  Stock dividends and splits are given retroactive effect in computing the
weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period.
 
 Short-term investments and marketable securities
 
  Short-term investments amounting to $5,771,000 at December 31, 1993 consist
of investments generally in money market funds.
 
  Marketable securities consist of U.S. Government securities, tax-free
municipal securities and municipal fund par value preferred shares with
maturities generally longer than 90 days.
 
  Such investments are carried at cost which approximates market.
 
  Other income includes interest income of $1,916,000 in 1993, $1,010,000 in
1992 and $674,000 in 1991.
 
 Inventories
 
  Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined
using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method for domestic inventories and the
first-in, first-out (FIFO) method for Canadian inventories.
 
 Properties
 
  Plant and equipment are carried at cost and include expenditures for new
facilities and those which substantially increase the useful lives of existing
plant and equipment.
 
 Depreciation
 
  The Company provides for depreciation of plant and equipment using methods
and rates designed to amortize the cost of such equipment over its useful life.
Depreciation is computed principally on accelerated
 
                                      F-7
<PAGE>
 
                             EXCEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
methods for new plant and equipment and the straight-line method for used
equipment. The estimated useful lives range from 10 to 40 years for buildings
and improvements and 2 to 20 years for machinery and equipment.
 
 Goodwill
 
  The excess of purchase price over the fair value of net assets of acquired
businesses (goodwill) is amortized on a straight-line basis over 20 to 40
years.
 
 Income taxes
 
  Deferred income taxes are provided using the liability method in accordance
with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 109, "Accounting
for Income Taxes."
 
3. RESEARCH, ENGINEERING AND DEVELOPMENT
 
  Research, engineering and development expenditures charged to operations
approximated $7,913,000 in 1993, $5,518,000 in 1992 and $5,200,000 in 1991.
 
4. RESTRUCTURING CHARGE
 
  In the fourth quarter of 1992, the Company provided a reserve of $4,500,000
for restructuring costs. The charge was equivalent to $2,900,000, or 34 cents
per share, after taxes. This charge represented estimated costs to downsize its
Aurora, Ontario, Canada plant and relocate production of certain light truck
and van windows to other manufacturing plants of the Company. A total of
$1,010,000 was incurred in 1993 to transfer a portion of the planned
production.
 
5. INVENTORIES
 
  Inventories consist of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                DECEMBER 31,
                                                               ----------------
                                                                1993     1992
                                                               -------  -------
                                                                (000 OMITTED)
      <S>                                                      <C>      <C>
      Raw materials........................................... $17,948  $15,302
      Work in process and finished goods......................  12,378   11,699
      LIFO reserve............................................    (459)    (255)
                                                               -------  -------
                                                               $29,867  $26,746
                                                               =======  =======
</TABLE>
 
6. PENSION AND OTHER EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
 
 Pension and profit sharing plans
 
  The Company and its subsidiaries provide retirement benefits to substantially
all employees through various pension, savings and profit sharing plans.
Defined benefit plans provide pension benefits that are based on the employee's
final average salary for salaried employees and stated amounts for each year of
credited service for hourly employees. Contributions and costs for the
Company's various other benefit plans are generally determined based on the
employee's annual salary. Total expense relating to the Company's various
retirement plans aggregated $2,199,000 in 1993, $2,102,000 in 1992 and
$1,712,000 in 1991.
 
                                      F-8
<PAGE>
 
                             EXCEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  Components of net pension expense for all defined benefit pension plans are
as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                      -------------------------
                                                       1993     1992     1991
                                                      -------  -------  -------
                                                           (000 OMITTED)
      <S>                                             <C>      <C>      <C>
      Service cost................................... $ 1,319  $ 1,312  $ 1,243
      Interest cost..................................   1,344    1,245    1,137
      Actual return on assets........................    (617)  (1,242)  (1,139)
      Net amortization and deferral..................    (582)     190      222
                                                      -------  -------  -------
      Net defined benefit pension expense............ $ 1,464  $ 1,505  $ 1,463
                                                      =======  =======  =======
</TABLE>
 
  The funded status of defined benefit pension plans is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                DECEMBER 31,
                                                              -----------------
                                                               1993      1992
                                                              -------  --------
                                                               (000 OMITTED)
      <S>                                                     <C>      <C>
      Plan assets at fair value.............................. $15,844   $14,868
      Projected benefit obligations..........................  20,421    17,869
                                                              -------  --------
                                                               (4,577)   (3,001)
      Unrecognized costs.....................................   1,862       472
                                                              -------  --------
      Net accrued pension costs.............................. $(2,715)  $(2,529)
                                                              =======  ========
      Actuarial present value of:
        Vested benefit obligations........................... $15,644   $13,853
                                                              =======  ========
        Accumulated benefit obligations...................... $16,655   $14,815
                                                              =======  ========
      Major assumptions:
        Discount rate........................................    7.5%        8%
        Rate of increase in compensation.....................      5%  5% to 8%
        Expected rate of return on plan assets...............      8%        8%
</TABLE>
 
  It is generally the Company's policy to fund the ERISA minimum contribution
requirement. Plan assets are invested primarily in corporate equity securities
and bonds and insurance annuity contracts.
 
 Supplemental and other postretirement benefits
 
  In addition to providing pension benefits, the Company provides certain
health care benefits to substantially all active employees and postretirement
health care benefits to management employees. The Company is primarily self-
insured for such benefits and prior to 1992 followed the practice of expensing
such benefits on a pay-as-you-go basis.
 
  In 1992, the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 106, "Employers'
Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions." The Company
elected to immediately recognize the Accumulated Postretirement Benefit
Obligation (APBO) as of January 1, 1992 in the amount of $6,447,000
(approximately $4,000,000 after-tax, or 61 cents per share).
 
                                      F-9
<PAGE>
 
                             EXCEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  Summary information on the Company's plan is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  DECEMBER 31,
                                                                  -------------
                                                                   1993   1992
                                                                  ------ ------
                                                                  (000 OMITTED)
      <S>                                                         <C>    <C>
      Retirees................................................... $1,504 $1,060
      Retirement-eligible actives................................    968  1,245
      Other active participants..................................  6,077  5,402
      Unrecognized gain..........................................    407    --
                                                                  ------ ------
      Accrued liability.......................................... $8,956 $7,707
                                                                  ====== ======
</TABLE>
 
 Accrued postretirement benefit cost
 
  The Company plans to continue the policy of funding these benefits on a pay-
as-you-go basis. The components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost are
as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  YEAR ENDED
                                                                 DECEMBER 31,
                                                                 -------------
                                                                  1993   1992
                                                                 ------ ------
                                                                 (000 OMITTED)
      <S>                                                        <C>    <C>
      Service costs, benefits attributed to employee service
       during the year.......................................... $  821 $  750
      Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obli-
       gation...................................................    578    510
                                                                 ------ ------
      Net periodic postretirement benefit cost.................. $1,399 $1,260
                                                                 ====== ======
</TABLE>
 
  The discount rate used in determining the APBO was 7.75% in 1993 and 8% in
1992. The assumed health care cost trend rate used in measuring the accumulated
postretirement benefit obligation was 10.25% declining by 1% per year to a rate
of 6.25%. An increase of 1% in the health care cost trend rate would increase
the accrued postretirement benefit cost at December 31, 1993 by $2,066,000 and
the 1993 annual expense by $384,000.
 
7. LONG-TERM DEBT
 
  Following is a summary of long-term debt of the Company:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                DECEMBER 31,
                                                               ----------------
                                                                1993     1992
                                                               -------  -------
                                                                (000 OMITTED)
      <S>                                                      <C>      <C>
      10% convertible subordinated notes...................... $30,000  $30,000
      Industrial revenue bonds................................   5,383    4,533
      Capital lease obligations...............................   1,264    1,620
                                                               -------  -------
                                                                36,647   36,153
      Current portion.........................................  (1,553)  (1,561)
                                                               -------  -------
                                                               $35,094  $34,592
                                                               =======  =======
</TABLE>
 
  During 1992, the Company prepaid the balance owing on its guaranteed senior
notes and was subject to a prepayment premium of approximately $1,300,000. Such
amount is included in the accompanying income statement in interest expense.
 
  The convertible notes are due on December 1, 2000 and require aggregate
prepayments of $8,000,000 in 1996, $7,000,000 in 1997, $6,000,000 in 1998,
$5,000,000 in 1999 and $4,000,000 in 2000. The holders of the notes have the
option to convert their notes at any time into common shares of the Company at
a current
 
                                      F-10
<PAGE>
 
                             EXCEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
conversion price of $13.214 per share. The notes are subject to prepayment at
the option of the Company if the market value of the Company's common shares
equals or exceeds 150% of the conversion price for a specified period. The note
agreements provide for maintaining a current ratio of 1.5 to 1, restrict the
amount of additional borrowings and limit the amount of dividends that can be
paid. Currently the Company has available for payment of dividends $19,615,000
of retained earnings.
 
  The industrial revenue bonds bear interest at rates of interest tied to
short-term Treasury rates. Certain plant and equipment purchased with the
proceeds of the bonds collateralize these obligations.
 
  The Company had available unused lines of credit of approximately $6,300,000
at December 31, 1993.
 
  Long-term debt maturities are $1,553,000 in 1994, $1,358,000 in 1995,
$9,557,000 in 1996, $8,072,000 in 1997, $6,580,000 in 1998 and $9,527,000
thereafter.
 
8. CONTINGENCIES
 
  A chemical cleaning compound, trichloroethylene (TCE), has been found in the
soil and groundwater on the Company's property in Elkhart, Indiana, and, in
1981, TCE was found in a well field of the City of Elkhart in close proximity
to the Company's facility. The Company has been named as one of nine
potentially responsible parties (PRPs) in the contamination of this site.
 
  The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Indiana
Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) have conducted a preliminary
investigation and evaluation of the site and have undertaken temporary remedial
action in the nature of air-stripping towers.
 
  In early 1992, the EPA issued a Unilateral Order under Section 106 of the
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act which
required the Company and other PRPs to undertake remedial work. The Company and
the other PRPs have reached an agreement regarding the funding of groundwater
monitoring and the operation of the air-strippers as required by the Unilateral
Order. The Company was required to install and operate a soil vapor extraction
system to remove TCE from the Company's property. As of February 1, 1994, the
Company has installed and is operating the equipment pursuant to the Unilateral
Order. In addition, the EPA and IDEM have asserted a claim for reimbursement of
their investigatory costs and the costs of installing and operating the air-
strippers on the municipal well field (the EPA Costs). On February 22, 1993,
the United States filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the
Northern District of Indiana against eight of the PRPs, including the Company.
On July 20, 1993, IDEM joined in the lawsuit. The lawsuit seeks recovery of the
costs of enforcement, prejudgment interest and an amount in excess of $6.8
million, which represents costs incurred to date by the EPA and IDEM, and a
declaration that the eight defendant PRPs are liable for any future costs
incurred by the EPA and IDEM in connection with the site.
 
  The Company does not believe the annual cost to the Company of monitoring
groundwater and operating the soil vapor extraction system and the air-
strippers will be material. Each of the PRPs, including the Company, is jointly
and severally liable for the entire amount of the EPA Costs. Certain PRPs,
including the Company, are currently attempting to negotiate an agreed upon
allocation of such liability. The Company believes that adequate provisions
have been recorded for its costs and its anticipated share of EPA Costs and
that its cash on hand, unused lines of credit or cash from operations are
sufficient to fund any required expenditures.
 
  The EPA has also named the Company as a PRP for costs at three other disposal
sites. It has also asked the Company for information about contamination at
other sites. The Company believes it either has no liability as a responsible
party or that adequate provisions have been recorded for any costs to be
incurred.
 
  There are claims and pending legal proceedings against the Company and its
subsidiaries with respect to taxes, workers' compensation, warranties and other
matters arising out of the ordinary conduct of the business. The ultimate
result of these claims and proceedings at December 31, 1993 is not
determinable, but, in the opinion of management, adequate provision for
anticipated costs has been made or insurance coverage exists to cover such
costs.
 
                                      F-11
<PAGE>
 
                             EXCEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
9. LEASES
 
  The Company leases certain of its manufacturing facilities, sales offices,
transportation and other equipment. Total rental expense for all leases was
approximately $3,416,000 in 1993, $2,998,000 in 1992 and $2,123,000 in 1991.
Future minimum lease payments under noncancellable operating leases are
$1,341,000 in 1994, $1,055,000 in 1995, $826,000 in 1996, $753,000 in 1997 and
$143,000 in 1998.
 
10. INCOME TAXES
 
  Effective January 1, 1992, the Company adopted SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for
Income Taxes." This statement mandates the liability approach for computing
deferred income taxes similar to SFAS No. 96 previously followed by the
Company. The cumulative effect of the change was to increase first quarter 1992
earnings by $800,000 (12 cents per share). The change had no impact on the 1992
income tax provision. Prior year financial statements have not been restated.
 
  Pre-tax income (loss) reported by U.S. and foreign subsidiaries was as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                       ------------------------
                                                        1993    1992     1991
                                                       ------- -------  -------
                                                            (000 OMITTED)
      <S>                                              <C>     <C>      <C>
      United States................................... $17,933 $ 8,688  $ 1,835
      Foreign.........................................   2,292  (2,677)  (1,562)
                                                       ------- -------  -------
                                                       $20,225 $ 6,011  $   273
                                                       ======= =======  =======
</TABLE>
 
  The provision (benefit) for income taxes is summarized below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                    ---------------------------
                                                     1993      1992      1991
                                                    -------  --------  --------
                                                          (000 OMITTED)
      <S>                                           <C>      <C>       <C>
      Current:
        U.S. federal...............................  $6,049   $ 5,007   $ 1,615
        Foreign....................................     465        38       --
        State......................................     645     1,226       714
                                                    -------  --------  --------
                                                      7,159     6,271     2,329
                                                    -------  --------  --------
      Deferred:
        U.S. federal...............................    (317)   (1,922)   (1,388)
        Foreign....................................     941    (1,256)     (685)
        State......................................       2      (659)     (134)
                                                    -------  --------  --------
                                                        626    (3,837)   (2,207)
                                                    -------  --------  --------
                                                     $7,785  $  2,434  $    122
                                                    =======  ========  ========
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-12
<PAGE>
 
                             EXCEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  Deferred income taxes are provided for the temporary differences between the
financial reporting basis and tax basis of the Company's assets and
liabilities. At December 31, 1993, current deferred income tax assets of
$2,886,000 are classified as prepaid expenses, long-term U.S. deferred income
tax assets of $6,094,000 are classified as other assets and $627,000 of long-
term foreign deferred income tax liabilities are classified as other long-term
liabilities. Deferred income taxes are comprised of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 DECEMBER 31,
                                                                ---------------
                                                                 1993    1992
                                                                ------- -------
                                                                 (000 OMITTED)
      <S>                                                       <C>     <C>
      Gross deferred tax liabilities:
        Property, plant and equipment.......................... $ 2,257 $ 2,571
        Inventories............................................     436     308
        Other..................................................     680     564
                                                                ------- -------
                                                                  3,373   3,443
                                                                ------- -------
      Gross deferred tax assets:
        Postretirement benefit obligations.....................   6,296   5,046
        Restructuring reserve..................................   1,103   1,655
        Other accrued liabilities..............................   3,708   4,210
        Loss carryforwards.....................................     619   1,453
                                                                ------- -------
                                                                 11,726  12,364
                                                                ------- -------
      Net deferred tax assets.................................. $ 8,353 $ 8,921
                                                                ======= =======
</TABLE>
 
  The provision for income taxes computed by applying the federal statutory
rate to income before income taxes is reconciled to the recorded provision as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER
                                                                  31,
                                                          ---------------------
                                                           1993    1992   1991
                                                          ------  ------  -----
                                                             (000 OMITTED)
      <S>                                                 <C>     <C>     <C>
      Tax at United States statutory rate................ $7,079  $2,044  $  93
      State income taxes, net of federal benefit.........    421     374    383
      Canadian rate differential on income (losses)......    344    (134)  (154)
      Other..............................................    (59)    150   (200)
                                                          ------  ------  -----
                                                          $7,785  $2,434  $ 122
                                                          ======  ======  =====
</TABLE>
 
  Provision has been made for U.S. and Canadian taxes on undistributed earnings
of the Company's Canadian subsidiary.
 
  The Company possesses approximately $10,570,000 of U.S. state income tax loss
carryforwards. U.S. state loss carryforwards expire to the extent of $1,002,000
in the year 2005, $4,758,000 in 2006 and $4,810,000 in 2007.
 
11. SEGMENT INFORMATION AND MAJOR CUSTOMERS
 
  The Company operates in predominately one industry segment: the design,
engineering and manufacture of certain components sold to manufacturers in the
ground transportation industry.
 
  The Company, through its subsidiaries, operates primarily in two countries:
the United States and Canada. The Company's Canadian subsidiary had net sales
of $36,074,000 in 1993, $29,421,000 in 1992 and $21,735,000 in 1991. Total
assets of the Canadian subsidiary were approximately $9,416,000 and $12,538,000
at December 31, 1993 and 1992, respectively. Intercompany sales were
insignificant.
 
                                      F-13
<PAGE>
 
                             EXCEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  Sales to three major customers, Ford Motor Company, Chrysler Corporation and
General Motors Corporation, were approximately 72%, 11% and 4%, respectively,
of the Company's net sales in 1993 as compared to 73%, 9% and 4% in 1992 and
69%, 8% and 8% in 1991. Accounts receivable from General Motors Corporation and
Chrysler Corporation approximated 68% of trade accounts receivable at December
31, 1993 and 48% at December 31, 1992. Amounts due from Ford Motor Company are
classified as "accounts receivable, related party" in the Company's balance
sheet at December 31, 1993 and December 31, 1992. Sales to customers outside of
the United States and Canada were not significant.
 
12. COMMON SHARES
 
  The Company has an incentive stock option plan covering key employees which
was approved by shareholders in 1984. The plan provides that options may be
granted at not less than fair market value and if not exercised, expire 10
years from the date of grant. At December 31, 1993, there were reserved 48,590
shares for the granting of options and options outstanding for 19,250 shares at
an average exercise price of $6.59. During 1993, options for 7,875 shares were
exercised at an average exercise price of $6.44. There were no options granted
nor did any options expire during 1993.
 
  The Company has an employee stock purchase plan and has reserved 353,717
common shares for this purpose. The plan allows eligible employees to authorize
payroll withholdings which are used to purchase common shares from the Company
at ninety percent (90%) of the closing price of the common shares on the date
of purchase. Through December 31, 1993, 96,296 common shares had been issued
under the plan.
 
  The Company has reserved 2,270,319 common shares for possible future issuance
in connection with its $30,000,000 convertible notes issued on January 2, 1990.
 
13. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
  Ford Motor Company owned 24% of the Company's common shares at December 31,
1993, 30% at December 31, 1992 and 40% at December 31, 1991. On January 11,
1994, Ford Motor Company donated 1,047,201 of the Company's common shares to
the Ford Motor Company Fund. On January 13, 1994, Ford Motor Company and the
Ford Motor Company Fund announced their intention to dispose of their combined
24% ownership in the Company through a secondary public offering. Ford
officials stated that the disposition of common shares would not impact the
customer-supplier relationship between Ford and the Company. Significant
related party transactions are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                      --------------------------
                                                        1993     1992     1991
                                                      -------- -------- --------
                                                            (000 OMITTED)
      <S>                                             <C>      <C>      <C>
      Product sales.................................. $373,000 $311,000 $244,000
      Product purchases..............................  124,000   77,000   58,000
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-14
<PAGE>
 
                             EXCEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONCLUDED)
 
14. QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
 
  The following table sets forth in summary form the quarterly results of
operations for the years ended December 31, 1993 and 1992.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         1993
                                          ------------------------------------
                                           FIRST     SECOND   THIRD    FOURTH
                                          QUARTER   QUARTER  QUARTER  QUARTER
                                          --------  -------- -------- --------
                                             (000 OMITTED EXCEPT PER SHARE
                                                       AMOUNTS)
   <S>                                    <C>       <C>      <C>      <C>
   Net sales............................  $127,340  $138,875 $114,888 $134,578
   Gross profit.........................    14,295    16,044   10,015   11,384
   Net income...........................     3,422     4,491    1,650    2,877
   Net income per share:
     Primary............................  $    .39  $    .43 $    .16 $    .27
     Fully diluted......................       .35       .38      .16      .26
<CAPTION>
                                                         1992
                                          ------------------------------------
                                           FIRST     SECOND   THIRD    FOURTH
                                          QUARTER   QUARTER  QUARTER  QUARTER
                                          --------  -------- -------- --------
   <S>                                    <C>       <C>      <C>      <C>
   Net sales............................  $ 98,432  $113,038 $102,516 $112,887
   Gross profit.........................    10,258    12,603    9,635   11,119
   Income (loss) before changes in
    accounting..........................     1,295     2,445      657     (820)
   Cumulative effect of adoption of SFAS
    Nos. 106 and 109....................    (3,195)      --       --       --
   Net income (loss)....................    (1,900)    2,445      657     (820)
   Net income (loss) per share before
    changes in accounting:
     Primary............................  $    .20  $    .37 $    .08 $   (.10)
     Fully diluted......................       .20       .33      .08     (.10)
   Cumulative effect of changes in
    accounting:
     Primary............................      (.49)      --       --       --
     Fully diluted......................      (.49)      --       --       --
   Net income (loss):
     Primary............................      (.29)      .37      .08     (.10)
     Fully diluted......................      (.29)      .33      .08     (.10)
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-15
<PAGE>
 
 
 
                            EXCEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
                                     LOGO
 
                                   2,557,128
                                 COMMON SHARES
 
                                  PROSPECTUS
 
                           DEAN WITTER REYNOLDS INC.
 
                             GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
 
                          J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES INC.
 
                                        , 1994
<PAGE>

                    GRAPHIC MATERIAL CROSS-REFERENCE PAGE


    PHOTO OF MODULAR WINDOWS APPEARS ON PAGE 2A.                              

    PHOTO OF CONVENTIONAL WINDOWS APPEARS ON PAGE 2A.

    PHOTO OF WINDOW REGULATORS APPEARS ON PAGE 2A. 

    PHOTO OF MASS TRANSIT WINDOWS APPEARS ON PAGE 2A.

    PHOTO OF RV WINDOWS APPEARS ON PAGE 2B.                              

    PHOTO OF VEHICLE DOOR SYSTEMS APPEARS ON PAGE 2B.

    PHOTO OF INJECTION MOLDED PARTS APPEARS ON PAGE 2B.

    COMPANY LOGO APPEARS ON PAGE 2A.



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