MAXCO INC
10-Q, 1996-11-14
MISCELLANEOUS NONDURABLE GOODS
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<PAGE>   1
================================================================================


                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549


                                   FORM 10-Q

               QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d)
                     OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934



               FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996


                         Commission File Number 0-2762


                                  MAXCO, INC.
             (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)



       Michigan                                                 38-1792842
       --------                                                 ----------
(State or other Jurisdiction of                              (I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization)                            Identification Number)
                                            

     1118 Centennial Way                        
      Lansing, Michigan                                               48917
(Address of principal executive offices)                           (Zip Code)



        Registrant's Telephone Number, including area code:  (517) 321-3130
                                                             --------------



Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all annual,
quarterly and other reports required to be filed by Section 12 or 15 (d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding twelve months and (2) has
been subject to the filing requirements for at least the past 90 days.

                                Yes  X     No
                                   -----     -----

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



          Class                        Outstanding at September 30, 1996
          -----                        ---------------------------------

       Common Stock                              3,706,880 shares





================================================================================


                                      1
<PAGE>   2


                                     PART I

                             FINANCIAL INFORMATION

                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                          MAXCO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 September 30,   March 31,      
                                                                     1996          1996        
                                                                                (Restated-     
                                                                                 Note 2)       
                                                                 -------------------------
                                                                       (in thousands)           
<S>                                                              <C>              <C>            
ASSETS                                                                                           
CURRENT ASSETS                                                                                 
 Cash and cash equivalents                                       $ 1,588          $   768      
 Marketable securities--Note 4                                    17,891                       
 Accounts and notes receivable, less allowance of                                              
  $392,000 in 1996 ($351,000 at March 31, 1996)                   14,115            7,420      
 Inventories--Note 3                                               5,409            4,529      
 Prepaid expenses and other                                          160              363      
 Net current assets of discontinued businesses--Note 2             1,332           26,286      
                                                                 -------        ---------      
                                      TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS        40,495           39,366      
MARKETABLE SECURITIES - LONG TERM--Note 4                         20,648           15,419      
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT                                                                         
 Land                                                                470              470      
 Buildings                                                         6,646            6,447      
 Machinery, equipment, and fixtures                                8,973            7,893      
                                                                 -------        ---------      
                                                                  16,089           14,810      
 Allowances for depreciation                                      (6,195)          (4,992)     
                                                                 -------        ---------      
                                                                   9,894            9,818      
OTHER ASSETS                                                                                   
 Investments                                                       3,085            3,056      
 Notes and contracts receivable and other                          3,707            1,072      
 Intangibles                                                       1,005            1,044      
 Net non-current assets of discontinued businesses--Note 2         3,277            9,843      
                                                                 -------        ---------      
                                                                  11,074           15,015      
                                                                 -------        ---------      
                                                                 $82,111          $79,618      
                                                                 =======        =========      
</TABLE>     
     
                                       2     
     

<PAGE>   3




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                 September 30,   March 31,      
                                                                     1996          1996        
                                                                                (Restated-     
                                                                                 Note 2)       
                                                                 -------------------------
                                                                       (in thousands)           
<S>                                                              <C>             <C>
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                                                                   
CURRENT LIABILITIES                                                                                    
 Notes payable                                                     $   226         $   236             
 Accounts payable                                                    8,583           5,281             
 Employee compensation                                               1,399             868             
 Taxes, interest, and other liabilities                             17,020             278             
 Current maturities of long-term obligations                         1,332           1,150             
                                                                 ---------      ----------             
                             TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES              28,560           7,813             

LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS, less current maturities--Note 5               7,536          26,903             
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES                                                5,143           8,476             
INTERESTS OF MINORITY HOLDERS IN                                                                       
 DISCONTINUED BUSINESS                                                              10,304             
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                                                                                   
 Preferred stock:                                                                                      
  Series Two: 12% cumulative redeemable, convertible,                                                  
   $50 par value; 18,000 shares issued                                 900             900             
  Series Three: 10% cumulative redeemable, $60 face                                                    
   value; 15,986 shares issued and outstanding                                                         
   (16,050 at March 31, 1996)                                          750             754             
 Common stock, $1 par value; 10,000,000 shares                                                         
  authorized, 3,706,880 issued shares (4,227,442 at                                                    
  March 31, 1996)                                                    3,707           4,227             
 Additional paid-in capital                                                            686             
 Net unrealized gain on marketable securities                        3,006           5,294             
 Retained earnings                                                  32,509          14,261             
                                                                 ---------      ----------             
                                                                    40,872          26,122             
                                                                 ---------      ----------             
                                                                 $  82,111      $   79,618             
                                                                 =========      ==========
</TABLE>

See notes to consolidated financial statements

                                       3


<PAGE>   4


                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                          MAXCO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         Three Months Ended September 30,
                                                                1996           1995
                                                            (Unaudited)    (Unaudited)
                                                                            (Restated-
                                                                              Note 2)
                                                          --------------  --------------
                                                                  (in thousands,
                                                              except per share data)
<S>                                                       <C>               <C>
Net sales                                                     $20,793           $17,727       
Costs and expenses:                                                                           
  Cost of sales and operating expenses                         17,297            14,559       
  Selling, general and administrative                           2,685             2,672       
  Depreciation and amortization                                   345               270       
                                                           ----------        ----------       
                                                               20,327            17,501       
                                                           ----------        ----------       
            OPERATING EARNINGS                                    466               226       
Other income (expense)                                                                        
  Gain on sale of subsidiary                                   35,242                         
  Investment income                                               402                 5       
  Interest expense                                               (194)             (468)      
                                                           ----------        ----------       
    INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS                                                     
              BEFORE FEDERAL INCOME TAXES                      35,916              (237)      
Federal income tax expense (benefit)                           13,485               (92)      
                                                           ----------        ----------       
    INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS                   22,431              (145)      
Income (loss) from discontinued businesses--Note 2                (66)              251       
                                                           ----------        ----------       
             NET INCOME                                        22,365               106       
Less preferred stock dividend and other                           (51)              (51)      
                                                           ----------        ----------       
             NET INCOME APPLICABLE                                                                       
               TO COMMON STOCK                                $22,314           $    55       
                                                           ==========        ==========       
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE--Primary                                                   
  Continuing operations                                       $  5.59           $  (.05)      
  Discontinued businesses                                        (.02)              .06       
                                                           ----------        ----------       
                                                              $  5.57           $   .01       
                                                           ==========        ==========       
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE--Fully Diluted             
 Continuing operations                                        $  5.29                         
 Discontinued businesses                                         (.02)                        
                                                           ----------                         
                                                              $  5.27                         
                                                           ==========                         
Weighted average number of shares of common stock and                                         
common stock equivalents outstanding                            4,004             4,384       
                                                           ==========        ==========
</TABLE>                                                
                                                        
See notes to consolidated financial statements

                                       4


<PAGE>   5


                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                          MAXCO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            Six Months Ended September 30,
                                                                 1996             1995
                                                              (Unaudited)      (Unaudited)
                                                                                (Restated-
                                                                                 Note 2)
                                                             -----------------------------
                                                                   (in thousands,
                                                                except per share data)
<S>                                                          <C>               <C>            
Net sales                                                       $39,990           $36,765     
Costs and expenses:                                                                           
 Cost of sales and operating expenses                            33,367            30,212     
 Selling, general and administrative                              5,265             5,329     
 Depreciation and amortization                                      671               521     
                                                             ----------        ----------     
                                                                 39,303            36,062     
                                                             ----------        ----------     
            OPERATING EARNINGS                                      687               703     
Other income (expense)                                                                        
 Gain on sale of subsidiary                                      35,242                       
 Investment income                                                  406                 9     
 Interest expense                                                  (714)             (905)    
                                                             ----------        ----------     
    INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS                                                     
              BEFORE FEDERAL INCOME TAXES                        35,621              (193)    
Federal income tax expense (benefit)                             13,388               (86)    
                                                             ----------        ----------     
      INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS                   22,233              (107)    
Income from discontinued businesses--Note 2                         464               569     
                                                             ----------        ----------     
            NET INCOME                                           22,697               462     
Less preferred stock dividend and other                            (102)             (102)    
                                                             ----------        ----------     
             NET INCOME APPLICABLE                                                                       
               TO COMMON STOCK                                  $22,595           $   360     
                                                             ==========        ==========               
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE--Primary                                                   
   Continuing operations                                        $  5.32           $  (.05)    
   Discontinued businesses                                          .11               .13     
                                                             ----------        ----------               
                                                                $  5.43           $   .08     
                                                             ==========        ==========     

NET INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE--Fully Diluted               
   Continuing operations                                        $  5.05                       
   Discontinued businesses                                          .11                       
                                                             ----------           
                                                                $  5.16                       
                                                             ==========                       
   Weighted average number of shares of common stock and                                         
   common stock equivalents outstanding                           4,160             4,392     
                                                             ==========        ==========

</TABLE>

See notes to consolidated financial statements

                                       5


<PAGE>   6


               CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONDENSED)
                          MAXCO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
MAXCO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                                                              Six Months Ended September 30,
                                                                                  1996                   1995
                                                                              (Unaudited)            (Unaudited)
                                                                                                      (Restated-
                                                                                                       Note 2)
                                                                            -------------------------------------
                                                                                       (in thousands)
<S>                                                                         <C>                 <C>                       
OPERATING ACTIVITIES                                                                                                      
 Net Income                                                                     $ 22,697                  $  462          
 Income from Discontinued Businesses                                                (464)                   (569)         
                                                                            ------------        ----------------          
 Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations                                         22,233                    (107)         
 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided                                                                 
   by (used in) operating activities:                                                                                     
      Advance to discontinued business                                              (152)                 (1,491)         
      Gain of sale of subsidiary                                                 (35,242)                                 
      Deferred taxes                                                              (2,152)                                 
      Depreciation                                                                   630                     478          
      Amortization                                                                    41                      43          
      Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                                                                        
          Accounts receivable                                                     (6,143)                 (4,164)         
          Inventories                                                               (880)                   (969)         
          Prepaid expenses and other                                                 202                    (148)         
          Accounts payable and other current liabilities                          15,864                   2,398          
                                                                            ------------        ----------------          
                     NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES                        (5,599)                 (3,960)         
INVESTING ACTIVITIES                                                                                                      
  Investment in long term marketable securities                                  (26,529)                                 
  Investment in real estate company                                                                       (2,588)         
  Cash received from sale of subsidiary                                           58,517                                  
  Purchases of property and equipment                                               (739)                 (1,429)         
  Other                                                                               13                      (9)         
                                                                            ------------        ----------------          
    NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED) IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES                           31,262                  (4,026)         
FINANCING ACTIVITIES                                                                                                      
  Redemption of preferred stock                                                       (4)                                 
  Proceeds from long-term obligations                                                446                   8,351          
  Repayments on long-term obligations and notes payable                          (19,630)                   (287)         
  Proceeds from exercise of stock options                                            170                      10          
  Acquisition and retirement of common stock                                      (5,723)                   (434)         
  Dividends paid on preferred stock                                                 (102)                   (102)         
                                                                            ------------        ----------------          
    NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES                          (24,843)                  7,538          
                                                                            ------------        ----------------          
       INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS                              820                    (448)         
       CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD                              768                     647          
                                                                            ------------        ----------------          
             CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD                         $  1,588                  $  199          
                                                                            ============        ================          
</TABLE>

See notes to consolidated financial statements

                                       6


<PAGE>   7


                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                          MAXCO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                               SEPTEMBER 30, 1996




NOTE 1 - Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies
  The accompanying unaudited, condensed, consolidated financial statements have
  been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for
  interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and
  Article 10 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the
  information and notes required by generally accepted accounting principles
  for complete financial statements.  In the opinion of management, all
  adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary
  for a fair presentation of the results of the interim periods covered have
  been included.  For further information, refer to the consolidated financial
  statements and notes thereto included in Maxco's annual report on Form 10-K
  for the year ended March 31, 1996.

  The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not
  necessarily indicative of the results for the full year.  The effect of stock
  options and potential conversion of redeemable convertible preferred stock
  was antidilutive for the three and six months ended September 30, 1995.

  Effective April 1, 1996, the Company adopted FASB Statement No. 121,
  Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets
  to be Disposed Of, which requires impairment losses to be recorded on
  long-lived assets used in operations when indicators of impairment are
  presented and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those
  assets are less than the assets carrying amount.  This statement also
  addresses the accounting for long-lived assets that are expected to be
  disposed.  The effect of adopting FASB Statement No. 121 was not material.

NOTE 2 - DISCONTINUED BUSINESSES

  On July 9, 1996, Maxco completed an agreement to sell its 4,045,000 shares
  (67 percent interest) of FinishMaster, Inc. and for Maxco to enter into an
  agreement not to compete for a total consideration of $62.6 million.  More
  than 90 percent of the total consideration was in cash, including an initial
  payment on the non-compete agreement, with the balance payable over the five
  year term of the non-compete agreement.  As a result of this transaction, an
  after tax gain of $22.0 million was recognized in the second quarter.

  Effective October 31, 1996, Maxco sold the business and substantially all the
  assets (consisting principally of accounts receivable, inventory and fixed
  assets) of Maxco's wholly owned subsidiary, Wright Plastic Products, Inc.,
  including substantially all the assets of Wright's subsidiary, Pacer Tool and
  Mold, Inc. to Plastic Acquisition Co. LLC, a privately held company who will
  continue to operate as Wright Plastic Products.  The assets of approximately
  $10 million were purchased for cash, assumption of certain liabilities and a
  note.  The assets were sold at approximately book value.

                                       7


<PAGE>   8


             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                          MAXCO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES


NOTE 2 - Discontinued Businesses - Continued
  As a result of the sale, the results of operations for Wright, previously
  representing the automotive components products portion of the manufactured
  product segment, have been reported separately as discontinued  operations in
  the consolidated statements of operations.  Prior year consolidated financial
  statements have been restated to include Wright Plastics as a discontinued
  unit.

  Selected operating results for Maxco's discontinued businesses (Wright and
  FinishMaster) are presented in the following table for the three and six
  month periods ended September 30.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended
                                      September 30,         September 30,
                                     1996       1995       1996       1995
                                   ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                      (in thousands)        (in thousands)
<S>                                <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Net sales                            $4,318    $31,151    $42,000    $58,623
Cost and expenses                     4,417     30,280     40,942     56,779
                                   --------   --------   --------   --------
Income before income taxes              (99)       871      1,058      1,844
Income tax expense (benefit)            (33)       312        365        662
                                   --------   --------   --------   --------
Net income                              (66)       559        693      1,182
Minority interest in net earnings
  of discontinued businesses                      (308)      (229)      (613)
                                   --------   --------   --------   --------
Total income (loss) from
  discontinued businesses            $  (66)   $   251    $   464    $   569
                                   ========   ========   ========   ========
</TABLE>

Net assets of Maxco's discontinued businesses at September 30, 1996 and March   
31, 1996 were:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   September 30,     March 31,
                                                       1996            1996
                                                   ----------------------------
                                                        (in thousands)
<S>                                                <C>               <C>
Current assets                                          $ 4,448      $ 45,512
Current liabilities                                      (3,116)      (19,226)
                                                   ------------  ------------
  Net current assets                                      1,332        26,286
                                                   ------------  ------------
Property and equipment                                    4,316        10,921
Intangible and other                                      1,267        21,216
Non-current liabilities                                  (2,306)      (22,294)
                                                   ------------  ------------
Net non-current assets of discontinued business           3,277         9,843
                                                   ------------  ------------
  Net assets                                            $ 4,609      $ 36,129
                                                   ============  ============
</TABLE>


                                       8


<PAGE>   9


             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                          MAXCO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES



NOTE 3 - Inventories
  The major classes of inventories, at the dates indicated were as follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               September 30,                 March 31,
                                  1996                         1996
                               -----------                   ---------
                               (Unaudited)               (Restated-Note 2)
                                            (In Thousands)
           <S>                 <C>                          <C>             
           Raw materials            $1,110                       $955
           Finished goods and
            work in progress         1,938                      1,995
           Purchased products
            for resale               2,361                      1,579
                               -----------                  ---------
                                    $5,409                     $4,529
                               ===========                  =========
</TABLE>



NOTE 4 - Marketable Securities
  The Company classifies its marketable securities as securities available for
  sale under FASB 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity
  Securities.  Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value, with
  the unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported as a separate component
  of stockholders' equity.  Application of this method resulted in an
  unrealized gain net of deferred tax of approximately $3.0 million and $5.3
  million being reported as part of stockholders' equity at September 30, 1996
  and March 31, 1996, respectively.

  The following is a summary of marketable securities held at September 30,
  1996.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       Gross       Gross
                          Amortized  Unrealized  Unrealized  Estimated
                            Cost       Gains        Loss     Fair Value
                          ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                         (in thousands)
<S>                       <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>
Medar, Inc. Common Stock    $ 7,396    $  4,549       $         $11,945
Corporate Securities         17,374                      21      17,353
U.S. Government Notes         9,214          27                   9,241
                          ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                            $33,984    $  4,576       $  21     $38,539
                          =========  ==========  ==========  ==========
</TABLE>

At September 30, 1996, Maxco owned 1,737,405 shares of Medar's common stock
(aggregate market value of $11.9 million) representing less than 20% of Medar's
total common stock outstanding.  Subsequent to September 30, 1996, Maxco
purchased in excess of 150,000 shares of Medar stock bringing its ownership
percentage to over 20%.  As a result, Maxco will no longer report its Medar
stock as marketable securities and will revert to recording its ownership of
Medar stock on an equity basis beginning in the quarter ended December 31,
1996.

                                       9


<PAGE>   10


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                          MAXCO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES


  The amortized cost and estimated fair value of marketable securities at
  September 30, 1996, by contractual maturity is as follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        Amortized  Estimated
                                          Cost     Fair Value
                                           (in thousands)
<S>                                     <C>        <C>
Available-for-Sale
Medar, Inc. Common Stock                  $ 7,396     $11,945
Due in one year or less                    17,921      17,891
Due after one year through five years       4,485       4,499
Due after five years through ten years      4,182       4,204
                                        ---------   ---------
                                          $33,984     $38,539
                                        =========   =========
</TABLE>

NOTE 5 - Long-Term Debt
  As a result of the sale of FinishMaster on July 9, 1996, Maxco's revolving
  line of credit was reduced to zero at that date.  Maxco's revolving credit
  agreement allows Maxco to borrow up to $12.0 million on an unsecured basis.
  There was no balance outstanding under this line on September 30, 1996.


                                       10

<PAGE>   11


                    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                 FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

                          MAXCO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                               SEPTEMBER 30, 1996



MATERIAL CHANGES IN FINANCIAL CONDITION

Maxco's cash and cash equivalents increased $820,000 in the first six months of
1996, primarily due to the Company's investing activities.

On July 9, 1996, Maxco completed an agreement to sell its 67 percent interest
in FinishMaster, Inc.  The agreement called for Maxco to sell its 4,045,000
shares of FinishMaster and for Maxco to enter into an agreement not to compete
for a total consideration of $62.6 million.  More than 90 percent of the total
consideration was in cash, including an initial payment on the non-compete
agreement, with the balance payable over the five year term of the non-compete
agreement.  As a result of this transaction, an after tax gain of $22.0 million
was reported during the second quarter.

$21.3 million of the proceeds were used to retire Maxco's revolving line of
credit on that date.  The credit agreement was subsequently amended to allow
Maxco to borrow up to $12.0 million on an unsecured basis.  Remaining net
proceeds from the sale were invested in marketable securities.

Financing activities other than the repayment of debt was the acquisition and
retirement of approximately 608,000 shares of Maxco's common stock for $5.7
million.  Net cash used in operating activities was $5.6 million because of the
seasonal increase in accounts receivable and inventory offset by taxes due on
the FinishMaster sale.

Effective October 31, 1996, Maxco sold the business and substantially all the
assets of Wright Plastic Products, Inc.  The assets of approximately $10
million were purchased for cash, the assumption of certain liabilities, and a
note.

The Company believes that its current financial resources, together with cash
generated from operations, cash received from the sale of its discontinued
businesses, and its available resources under its unsecured line of credit will
be adequate to meet its cash requirements for the next year.


                                       11


<PAGE>   12


                    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                 FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
                          MAXCO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                  (CONTINUED)


MATERIAL CHANGES IN RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Three Months Ended September 30, 1996 Compared to 1995

Net sales from continuing operations increased to $20.8 million compared to
$17.7 million in last year's second quarter.  Second quarter results reflect
earnings from continuing operations of approximately $22.4 million compared to
a loss of $145,000 for the comparable period in 1995.  Net income was $22.4
million or $5.27 per share on a fully diluted basis compared to last year's
$106,000 or $.01 per share.

The sales growth for the three months ended September 30, 1996, was primarily
attributable to the construction supplies group (Ersco and Wisconsin Wire).
Sales increased $2.2 million at Maxco's construction supplies businesses as a
result of increased market share.

The most significant impact on earnings during the quarter was the recognition
of a $22.0 million after tax gain on the sale of Maxco's 4,045,000 shares (67
percent interest) of FinishMaster common stock which Maxco sold on July 9,
1996.

Earnings from operations improved from the prior year due to higher operating
earnings at Pak-Sak, primarily as a result of an $800,000 increase in sales
caused by increased market penetration and an improvement in gross margin
percentage at this unit.

Operating earnings at the construction supplies group were comparable with 1995
despite their $2.2 million increase in sales.  Gross margin percentage at this
unit was reduced as a result of a highly competitive market for the resteel
portion of their business.

Another significant impact to the improvement in net income was the generation
of interest income during the current quarter as a result of the investment of
the cash proceeds for the sale of Maxco's interest in FinishMaster.  Interest
expense was reduced also as a portion of the proceeds were used to retire $21.3
million in debt under its revolving line of credit agreement.

Six Months Ended September 30, 1996 Compared to 1995

Net sales from continuing operations increased to $40.0 million compared to
$36.8 million in last year's six month period.  Six month results reflect
earnings from continuing operations of $22.2 million compared to a loss of
$107,000 for the comparable period in 1995.  Net income was $22.7 million or
$5.16 on a fully diluted basis per share compared to last year's $462,000 or
$.08 per share.

The primary contribution to the increase in volume for the six months was the
construction supplies group.  Sales increased $2.7 million at Maxco's
construction supplies businesses as a result of increased market share.  Sales
also improved at Pak-Sak due to improved market share during this period.

                                       12


<PAGE>   13


                    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                 FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
                          MAXCO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                  (CONTINUED)


The most significant impact on income from continuing operations for this six
month period was the recognition of a $22.0 million after tax gain on the sale
of Maxco's 4,045,000 shares (67 percent interest) of FinishMaster stock which
occurred on July 9, 1996.

Earnings from operations decreased slightly from the comparable period of the
prior year, despite the increased volumes experienced by the Company during the
first six months.  An increase in operating earnings at Pak-Sak, due primarily
to its sales volume increase, was offset by a reduction in operating earnings
at Akemi.

Akemi experienced a $250,000 greater operating loss in 1996, compared to the
first six months of 1995.  This was due to a reduction in sales volume, coupled
with a lower gross margin percentage than the prior year.  In addition,
operating earnings at the construction supplies group increased modestly
despite the sales volume increase for this unit.  Operating earnings at this
unit were affected due to gross margin percentage at this unit being reduced
due to a highly competitive market for the resteel portion of their business.

Generation of interest income coupled with reduction in interest expense during
this period contributed to the improvement in earnings for the respective
period.


                                       13


<PAGE>   14


                                    PART II

                               OTHER INFORMATION


Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

         None

Item 2.  Changes in Securities

         None

Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities

         None

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

         The annual meeting of shareholders was held on August 27, 1996.  The
         matters voted upon were the election of directors and other business
         which may come before the meeting (of which there was none).  The
         results of the votes were as follows:



                                  For         Withheld   
                               ---------     ---------           
         Max A. Coon           4,108,455       18,290   
         Eric L. Cross         4,093,403       33,342   
         Charles J. Drake      4,113,903       12,842   
         Joel I. Ferguson      4,091,903       34,842   
         Richard G. Johns      4,113,903       12,842   
         Vincent Shunsky       4,113,888       12,857   
         J. Michael Warren     4,113,903       12,842   
         James F. White        4,095,703       31,042   
         Andrew S. Zynda       4,095,988       30,757   


Item 5.  Other Information

         None

Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K


3        Restated Articles of Incorporation and By-laws are hereby incorporated
         by reference from Form S-4 dated November 4, 1991 (File No. 33-43855).

4.1      Resolution establishing Series Two Preferred Shares is hereby
         incorporated by reference from Form S-4 dated November 4, 1991 (File
         No. 33-43855).

4.2      Resolution establishing Series Three Preferred Shares is hereby
         incorporated by reference from Form S-4 dated November 4, 1991 (File
         No. 33-43855).


                                       14


<PAGE>   15


10.1     Incentive stock option plan adopted August 15, 1983, including
         the amendment (approved by shareholders August 25, 1987) to increase
         the authorized shares on which options may be granted by two hundred
         fifty thousand (250,000), up to five hundred thousand (500,000) shares
         of the common stock of the company is hereby incorporated by reference
         from the registrant's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
         ended March 31, 1988.

10.3     Amended and restated loan agreement between Comerica Bank and
         Maxco, Inc. dated as of October 31, 1994 is hereby incorporated by
         reference from registrant's Form 10-K dated June 13, 1995.

10.4     First amendment to the amended and restated loan agreement
         between Comerica Bank and Maxco, Inc., dated as of May 9, 1995 is
         hereby incorporated by reference from registrants Form 10-K dated June
         13, 1995.

10.5     Second amendment to the amended and restated loan agreement
         between Comerica Bank and Maxco, Inc., dated as of September 8, 1995,
         is hereby incorporated by reference from registrants Form 10-Q dated
         November 10, 1995.

10.6     Third amendment to the amended and restated loan agreement
         between Comerica Bank and Maxco, Inc., dated as of May 15, 1996, is
         hereby incorporated by reference from registrants Form 10-K dated June
         18, 1996.

10.7     Fourth amendment to amended and restated loan agreement dated
         as of July 9, 1996 is hereby incorporated by reference from
         registrants Form 10-Q dated August 9, 1996.

10.8     Stock Purchase Agreement (sale of FinishMaster, Inc.) effective
         July 9, 1996, is hereby incorporated by reference from registrants
         Form 10-K dated June 18, 1996.

10.9*    Asset purchase agreement - Wright Plastic Products, Inc.

10.10*   Amended and restated loan agreement between Comerica Bank and Maxco,
         Inc. dated September 30, 1996.


11*      Statement Re:  Computation of Per Share Earnings

27*      Financial Data Schedule

         A report on Form 8-K was filed, dated July 9, 1996, disclosing
         that Maxco had completed an agreement to sell its 67 percent interest
         in FinishMaster, Inc. 






*Filed herewith

                                       15


<PAGE>   16


                                 SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

                                  MAXCO, INC.




Date  November 14, 1996          \S\ VINCENT SHUNSKY
      -----------------          ---------------------------------------
                                 Vincent Shunsky, Vice President-Finance
                                 and Treasurer (Principal Financial and
                                 Accounting Officer)


                                       16


<PAGE>   17
                                EXHIBIT INDEX


EXHIBIT NO.     DESCRIPTION
- -----------     -----------
10.9            Asset Purchase Agreement
10.10           Amended and restated loan agreement between Comerica Bank and
                Maxco, Inc. dated September 30, 1996.           
11              Computation of per share earnings
27              Financial Data Schedule

<PAGE>   1


                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.9


                            ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT


         ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT, dated as of October 31, 1996, by and among
MAXCO, INC., a Michigan corporation ("Maxco"), WRIGHT PLASTIC PRODUCTS, INC., a
Michigan corporation ("WPP") and PACER TOOL AND MOLD, INC., a Michigan
corporation ("Pacer" and, together with WPP, jointly, severally and
collectively referred to as the "Sellers") and PLASTICS ACQUISITION CO., LLC,
an Ohio limited liability company ("Purchaser"), with reference to the
following RECITALS:

         A.      WPP is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CMC, Inc., a Michigan
corporation ("CMC").  CMC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Maxco.  Pacer is a
wholly-owned subsidiary of WPP.

         B.      WPP and Pacer are engaged, in part, in the business of
fabricating injection molded custom plastic products and related molds and
tooling (such business operations, together with all of the business operations
incidental thereto or connected therewith, the "Business").  Such business
operations of WPP and Pacer have been carried on as distinct businesses within
such corporations and are united only by WPP's stock ownership of Pacer.

         C.      Subject only to the limitations and exclusions contained in
this Agreement and on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, Sellers
desire to sell, and Purchaser desires to purchase, the Business, its
operations, and substantially all of the assets of the Sellers, including all
such assets used in the conduct of the Business.

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the recitals and of the respective
covenants, representations, warranties and agreements herein contained, and
intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto hereby agree as
follows:

                        ARTICLE I  -  PURCHASE AND SALE

         1.1  Agreement to Sell.  At the Closing hereunder (as defined in
Section 2.1 hereof), Sellers shall grant, sell, convey, assign, transfer and
deliver to Purchaser, upon and subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement, all right, title and interest of Sellers in and to:

                 (a) the Business as a going concern;

                 (b) the names "WRIGHT PLASTIC PRODUCTS, INC.", "PACER TOOL AND
         MOLD, INC.", "PACER ENGINEERED PRODUCTS" and any and all variations
         thereof used in the Business (collectively, the "Operating Names") and
         all goodwill associated therewith; and
<PAGE>   2

                 (c) all of the assets, properties and rights described in
         Section 1.1.1 hereof (which assets, properties and rights, together
         with the Business, Operating Names and associated goodwill, are herein
         sometimes called the "Assets").

Sellers agree that the Assets will be conveyed, assigned, transferred and
delivered to Purchaser free and clear of all mortgages, liens, pledges,
security interests, charges, claims, restrictions and encumbrances of any
nature whatsoever except for (i) liens for current real or personal property
taxes not yet due and payable, (ii) worker's, carrier's and materialman's
liens, (iii) liens that are immaterial in character, amount, and extent, and
which do not detract from the value or interfere with the present or proposed
use of the properties they affect, (iv) any "Permitted Real Estate Exceptions"
(as herein defined) and (v) such liens, if any, as are itemized and described
on SCHEDULE 1.1 attached hereto (collectively, the "Permitted Liens").

                 1.1.1  Included Assets.  Except as otherwise expressly set
forth in Section 1.1.2 hereof, the Assets shall include, without limitation,
the following assets, properties and rights:

                 (a)  that certain real property described on SCHEDULE 1.1.1(A)
         attached hereto, together with all structures, improvements and
         fixtures and all water lines, rights of way, uses, licenses,
         easements, hereditaments, tenements and appurtenances belonging or
         appertaining thereto (collectively, the " Owned Real Property");

                 (b)  the rights of Pacer in and to that certain real property
         and related improvements and fixtures located at 64 Range Road,
         Marysville, Michigan (the "Leased Real Property" and, together with
         the Owned Real Property, the "Real Property") under and pursuant to
         the terms of that certain Lease dated January 1, 1995 between Mark C.
         Ward (the "Lessor"), as successor-in-interest to C. Warren Ward and
         Delma Ward and Pacer (the "Marysville Plant Lease");

                 (c)(i)  all machinery, equipment, tools, vehicles, furniture,
         furnishings, leasehold improvements, goods, and other tangible
         personal property described or listed in that certain Appraisal (FMV)
         dated August 15, 1996 as prepared by Collateral Evaluation Associates
         and (ii) to the extent of the right, title and interest of the Sellers
         therein, all such other machinery, equipment, tools, vehicles,
         furniture, furnishings, leasehold improvements, goods, and other
         tangible personal property owned by the Sellers or otherwise used,
         directly or indirectly, in the conduct of the Business (collectively,
         the "Machinery and Equipment" and, together with the Real Property,
         the Fixed Assets");

                 (d)  all accounts receivable, notes receivable and other
         rights or claims to the payment of monies, whether for goods sold or
         leased or services rendered or otherwise, together with all unbilled
         costs and fees, whether arising out of the conduct of the Business or
         otherwise owned by the Sellers;

                 (e)  all raw materials, work-in-process and finished goods
         inventories, shipping materials, supplies and other personal property
         held for sale or lease or used or consumed in the manufacture of
         finished goods, together with all office supplies and other supplies
         of any nature, used, directly or indirectly, in the conduct of the
         Business or otherwise owned by the
<PAGE>   3

         Sellers;

                 (f)  to the extent the assignment thereof is permitted by
         applicable law, all federal, state, local or foreign governmental
         franchises, licenses, registrations, permits, certifications and other
         similar governmental authorizations which are held by Sellers in
         connection with (i) the operation of the Business or (ii) the
         ownership, use or operation of any of the Assets (collectively, the
         "Authorizations"), including, without limitation, all such
         Authorizations listed on SCHEDULE 1.1.1(F) attached hereto;

                 (g)  subject to the provisions of Section 2.3 below, all
         rights of the Sellers in, to and under all contracts, agreements,
         commitments, purchase orders, bids, quotations and other arrangements
         of any nature, written or oral, to which either of the Sellers are a
         party or pursuant to which either such Seller or any of its assets or
         properties are bound (collectively, the " Contracts"), including,
         without limitation, the Marysville Plant Lease and such other
         Contracts listed on SCHEDULE 1.1.1(G) attached hereto (the Marysville
         Plant Lease and such listed Contracts, together with all such other
         Contracts not otherwise "Excluded Contracts" as defined in Section
         1.1.2(e) below, being referred to as the " Assumed Contracts");

                 (h)  all right, title and interest of the Sellers in and to
         all (i) patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names and
         copyrights, whether registered or unregistered, and any applications
         therefor, used in the Business or under development and (ii)
         technologies, methods, formulations, data bases, trade secrets,
         know-how, inventions and other intellectual property used in the
         Business or under development (collectively, the "Intellectual
         Property");

                 (i)  all right, title and interest of the Sellers in and to
         all computer software used in the conduct of the Business (other than
         any such software as is otherwise generally commercially available,
         the "Software"), including all related documentation and related
         object and source codes;

                 (j)  all rights under express or implied warranties relating
         to the Assets and all rights in, to and under any representations,
         warranties, covenants and guaranties made or provided to either of the
         Sellers by any third parties with respect to any of the Assets or
         under any Assumed Contracts;

                 (k)  all information, files, records, data, plans, customer
         lists, supplier lists and other recorded knowledge related to the
         Business or any of the Assets;
<PAGE>   4

                 (l)  such right, title and interest of the Sellers, if any, in
         and to such tangible personal property, including molds, materials and
         other products in the possession or control of either of the Sellers
         which is owned by any customer or supplier of the Business (herein
         referred to as " Property Held as Bailee"); and

                 (m)  all right, title and interest of the Sellers in and to
         such other assets, properties, rights and interests of every kind and
         description, tangible and intangible, and wherever situated, used in,
         arising out of the conduct of, or comprising a part of, the Business,
         including, without limitation, all such assets and properties
         otherwise reflected on the "Consolidated Closing Balance Sheet" as
         defined in Section 1.6.

The Purchaser acknowledges (x) that the Sellers expressly disclaim any
representation, express or implied, that the Sellers have any exclusive right
to use the Operating Names and (y) that the Seller's interest in any Software
used in the conduct of the Business is limited to the right to use such
software and source codes as a licensee thereof and that Sellers do not warrant
their respective ownership of any such Software.

                 1.1.2  Excluded Assets.  Notwithstanding the provisions of
Section 1.1.1 above, the Assets shall not include any of the following (the
"Excluded Assets"):

                 (a)  cash or cash equivalents in transit, on hand or in bank
         accounts, provided, that, remittances received by Sellers after
         Closing in respect of accounts receivable shall not be deemed an
         Excluded Asset hereunder;

                 (b)  prepaid items not otherwise included in the "Total Assets
         to be Sold" as defined in Section 1.3.1 below;

                 (c)  the corporate seals, certificates of incorporation,
         minute books, stock books, tax returns or other records having to do
         with corporate organization of Sellers;

                 (d)  WPP's right, title and interest in and to the capital
         stock of Pacer;

                 (e)  the following Contracts to which either of the Sellers
         may be a party or pursuant to which either such Seller or any of its
         assets or properties are bound (collectively, the "Excluded
         Contracts"):

                          (i)  employee benefit plans, whether formal or
         informal, whether or not set forth in writing, and whether covering
         one person or more than one person, sponsored or maintained by the
         Sellers or Maxco for employees of Sellers, including, without
         limitation, any plans, funds, programs, policies, arrangements,
         practices, customs and understandings providing benefits of economic
         value to any employee, former employee, or present or former
         beneficiary, dependent or assignee of any such employee or former
         employee, including, without limitation (x) plans or policies relating
         to sick pay, vacation pay and the like, (y) any employee welfare
         benefit plans within the meaning of section 3(1) of the Employee
         Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (" ERISA") and (z)
         employee pension benefit plans within the meaning of section 3(2) of
         ERISA (collectively, the "Employee Benefit Plans");

                          (ii)  any Contract under which either of the Sellers
         has outstanding, or the right or obligation to incur, any
         indebtedness, obligation (including, without limitation, by way of a
<PAGE>   5

         guaranty) or liability for borrowed money or the deferred purchase
         price of property (collectively, ("Debt Instruments"), excepting,
         however , the "Ward Note Obligations" as defined in Section 1.3.2 (c)
         below; and

                         (iii)  such other Contracts, if any (x) as listed on
         SCHEDULE 1.1.2(E) attached hereto or (y) which, at the election of the
         Purchaser, are excluded, to the extent required to be disclosed by
         Seller's hereunder under the provisions of Section 3.1.19 hereof and
         not so disclosed;

                 (f)  the rights which accrue or will accrue to Sellers under
         this Agreement;

                 (g)  the rights to any of Sellers' claims for any federal,
         state, local, or foreign tax refunds, excluding, however, any rights
         Sellers may have for any real estate or personal property tax
         abatement.

         1.2  Agreement to Purchase.  Subject otherwise to the terms and
conditions of this Agreement and in reliance on the representations, warranties
and covenants of Sellers and Maxco contained herein, Purchaser shall purchase
the Assets from Sellers at the Closing hereunder and, in exchange therefor,
Purchaser shall, at the Closing:

                 (a)      assume and agree to pay, discharge or perform, as
         appropriate, those liabilities and obligations of Sellers which
         Purchaser agrees to assume as provided in Section 1.4 of this
         Agreement (the "Assumed Liabilities"); and

                 (b)      make the payments and deliveries in respect of the
         "Cash Amount" as further described in Section 1.3.2 hereof.

         1.3  Purchase Price.  For purposes of this Agreement, the "Purchase
Price" shall mean the sum of (a) the amount determined under Section 1.3.1
below (as finally determined pursuant to the provisions of Section 1.7 hereof,
the "Cash Amount") plus (b) the amount of the "Closing Assumed Operating
Liabilities" as defined in Section 1.3.1 below and finally determined pursuant
to the provisions of Section 1.7 hereof.

                 1.3.1  Cash Amount.  The Cash Amount shall be an amount equal
                        to:

                          (a)  $7,338,178 (the "Base Net Book Value");

                          (b)  (i)  less, the amount, if any, by which the
         "Closing Net Book Value" (as hereinafter defined in this Section
         1.3.1) is less than the Base Net Book Value; or

                               (ii) plus, the amount, if any, by which such
         Closing Net Book Value exceeds the Base Net Book Value.

The term "Closing Net Book Value" means the net book value of the "Total Assets
to be Sold", less the net book value of the "Closing Assumed Operating
Liabilities", less the remaining balance of the Ward Note Obligations
(inclusive of accrued interest) in each instance as determined as of the
Closing Date and as reflected on the Consolidated Closing Balance Sheet.  For
purposes of the foregoing, (x) the term "Total Assets to be Sold" shall mean
the accounts receivable of the Sellers (net of allowance for bad debts) and
inventory of the Sellers (net of reserves) and other assets of the Sellers of
the nature itemized as "Total Assets to be Sold" on Schedule 1.3.1 attached
hereto (the "Adjusted September

<PAGE>   6

Balance Sheet") outstanding as of the Closing Date and (y) the term "Closing
Assumed Operating Liabilities" shall mean those liabilities of the Sellers of
the nature itemized as "Operating Liabilities Assumed" on the Adjusted
September Balance Sheet outstanding as of the Closing Date.

                 1.3.2  Payment of Cash Amount.  The Cash Amount shall be
payable to the Sellers as follows:

                 (a)      on the Closing Date, Purchaser shall pay Sellers the
         amount of $6,038,178 (the "Cash Closing Payment") payable by wire
         transfer of immediately available funds to such account as Sellers
         shall designate;

                 (b)      on the Closing Date, Purchaser shall deliver to
         Sellers a Promissory Note in substantially the same form as EXHIBIT A
         attached hereto (" Subordinated Note"), made payable to the Sellers in
         the original principal balance of $1,300,000 (the "Note Amount" and,
         together with the Cash Closing Payment, the "Closing Payment Amount"),
         duly executed by the Purchaser; and

                 (c)      within seven days after the "Adjustment Date" (as
         defined in Section 1.7 hereof):

                          (i)  if the Cash Amount exceeds the Closing Payment
         Amount, Purchaser shall pay such excess to Sellers by delivery to
         Sellers of a certified or bank cashier's check in the amount of such
         excess; or

                          (ii)  if the Closing Payment Amount exceeds the Cash
         Amount, Sellers shall pay such excess to Purchaser by delivery to
         Purchaser of a certified or bank cashier's check in the amount of such
         excess.

                 1.3.3  Allocation of Purchase Price.  The Purchase Price as
finally determined shall be allocated among the Assets acquired hereunder as
described on SCHEDULE 1.3.3 attached hereto (the "Allocation Schedule").  Maxco
and Purchaser each hereby covenant and agree that it will not take a position
on any income tax return, before any governmental agency charged with the
collection of any income tax, or in any judicial proceeding that is in any way
inconsistent with the terms of the Allocation Schedule.

         1.4  Assumption of Liabilities.  At the Closing hereunder, and except
as otherwise specifically provided in respect of "Excluded Liabilities" as
defined in Section 1.5 hereof, Purchaser shall assume and agree to pay,
discharge or perform, as appropriate, the following liabilities and obligations
of Sellers:

                 (a)  the Closing Assumed Operating Liabilities, but only if
         and to the extent that the same are accrued or reserved for on the
         Consolidated Closing Balance Sheet;

                 (b)  such liabilities and obligations of Sellers arising in
         respect of the performance of the Assumed Contracts after the Closing
         Date, except to the extent:

                          (i)  such liabilities or obligations are of a nature
         or character which under generally accepted accounting principles
         should be accrued or reserved for on a balance sheet or the notes
         thereto as a liability or obligation, if and to the extent that the
         same are not accrued or reserved for on the Consolidated Closing
         Balance Sheet; or
<PAGE>   7


                         (ii)  such liabilities or obligations arise out of any
         breach by Sellers of any provision of any such Contract, including but
         not limited to liabilities or obligations arising out of Sellers'
         failure to perform such Contract in accordance with its terms prior to
         the Closing, excluding, however, any liability arising out of the
         assignment of such Contract to the Purchaser in violation of the terms
         thereof; and

                           (iii)  such liabilities and obligations of Sellers
         arising in respect of the Ward Note Obligations, other than the
         guaranty from Maxco in respect thereof.

         1.5  Excluded Liabilities.  Except as specifically provided in Section
1.4 hereof, Sellers shall remain liable and responsible for all liabilities or
obligations of the Business or Sellers of every kind, nature and description
whatsoever, howsoever and whenever arising, whether known or unknown and
whether contingent or matured (such liabilities and obligations being referred
to herein as the "Excluded Liabilities").  Without limiting the foregoing,
Sellers expressly acknowledge and agree that the Excluded Liabilities shall
include the following:

                 (a)  except as related to the Ward Note Obligations, any
         liabilities or obligations of either the Sellers or Maxco in respect
         of borrowed money, including any indebtedness arising out of any Debt
         Instrument, loan or other financing arrangement of similar nature,
         including any purchase-money financing or capital lease obligations;

                 (b)  any claim, including, without limitation, product
         liability or similar claims for injury to person or property,
         regardless of when made or asserted, which arises out of or is based
         upon any express or implied representation, warranty, agreement or
         guarantee made by Sellers, or alleged to have been made by Sellers, or
         which is imposed, or asserted to be imposed, by operation of law, in
         connection with any service performed or product manufactured by or on
         behalf of Sellers prior to the Closing Date, including without
         limitation any claim relating to any product delivered in connection
         with the performance of such service and any claim seeking recovery
         for consequential damage, lost revenue or income;

                 (c)(i) any federal, state, local or foreign taxes,
         assessments, interest, penalties, deficiencies, fees or other
         governmental charges or impositions, including, without limitation,
         all income tax, unemployment compensation, social security, payroll,
         sales and use, excise, privilege, property, ad valorem, franchise,
         license, school and any other tax or similar governmental charge or
         imposition under laws of the United States or any state or municipal
         or political subdivision thereof or any foreign country or political
         subdivision thereof, payable by either of the Sellers or Maxco with
         respect to the business, assets, properties or operations of Sellers
         or Maxco or any member of any affiliated group of which either is a
         member for any period prior to the Closing Date (" Taxes") or (ii) any
         federal, state, local or foreign taxes, assessments, interest,
         penalties, deficiencies, fees or other governmental charges or
         impositions incident to or arising as a consequence of the negotiation
         or consummation by Sellers or Maxco or any member of any affiliated
         group of which either is a member of this Agreement and the
         transactions contemplated hereby;

                 (d)  any liability or obligation under or in connection with
         any Excluded Assets;

                 (e)  any liability or obligation arising out of the violation
         of any federal, state or local statute, regulation, rule, ordinance or
         law of other nature relating to or regulating (i) the emission,
         discharge or release of pollutants, contaminants, chemicals, or
         industrial, toxic or
<PAGE>   8

         hazardous substances or wastes into the environment (including without
         limitation ambient air, surface water, groundwater, or land), or (ii)
         the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage,
         disposal, transport, or handling of pollutants, contaminants,
         chemicals, or industrial. toxic or hazardous substances or wastes
         (collectively, " Environmental Laws"), to the extent such liability or
         obligation relates to or arises out of the condition of the Real
         Property or the conduct of the Business prior to Closing.

                 (f)  any liability or obligation arising prior to, or as a
         result of, the Closing to any employees, agents or independent
         contractors of Sellers, whether or not employed by Purchaser after the
         Closing, or under any benefit arrangement with respect thereto, except
         as expressly set forth in Section 7.1 hereof; or

                 (g)  any liability or obligation of Sellers or Maxco arising
         or incurred in connection with the negotiation, preparation and
         execution of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby
         and fees and expenses of counsel, accountants and other experts.
<PAGE>   9

         1.6  Closing Balance Sheet.  Not later than 60 days after the Closing
Date, Purchaser shall deliver a balance sheet setting forth the Purchaser's
determination of the Closing Net Book Value (the "Consolidated Closing Balance
Sheet").  The Consolidated Closing Balance Sheet shall be so prepared in a
manner consistent with the principles employed by Sellers in the preparation of
the Year-End Financials (as defined in Section 3.1.6 hereof), provided, that:

                 (a)  in determining the Closing Assumed Operating Liabilities
         such adjustments shall be made as may otherwise be required by
         generally accepted accounting principles, consistently applied; and

                 (b)  in determining the book value of the inventory of the
         Business at the Closing Date, and in addition to the accounting
         principles to be otherwise employed in such determination, (i)
         inventory will be determined by a physical count as of Closing Date,
         (ii) regrind and all defective or unmerchantable inventory will be
         allocated no (or a zero) value, (iii) mixes (i.e. virgin material to
         which less than 50% regrind has been added) will be valued using the
         lower of last cost or market value of the raw material included in
         such raw material inventory, (iv) other raw materials inventory will
         be valued using the lower of last cost or market values, provided,
         that , such value shall in no event exceed the net realizable value of
         such inventory, (v) finished goods inventory will be valued at 75% of
         net selling price and (vi) slow-moving inventory (i.e. more than
         120-day supply based on current unshipped orders) will be valued at
         net realizable value.

         Subject to the foregoing agreed-upon valuation standards, the
Consolidated Closing Balance Sheet shall be prepared by the Purchaser and
reviewed by Purchaser's independent accountants ("Purchaser's Auditors") in
accordance with a standard of review consistent with the "review" provisions of
Statement No. 1, entitled "Compilation and Review of Financial Statements"
(December 1978) of the Accounting and Review Services Committee of the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants.  The Consolidated Closing Balance
Sheet as so delivered to Sellers shall include a report of the Purchaser's
Auditors to the effect that such balance sheet fairly presents the Closing Net
Book Value, determined in conformity with the principles to be applied under
the terms of this Section 1.6 and also include a schedule setting forth the
calculation of the Cash Amount and the Purchase Price.  In rendering the
foregoing review and report, Purchaser's Auditors shall consult with Sellers'
independent accountants ("Sellers' Auditors"), and permit Sellers' Auditors at
the earliest practicable date to review the report of Purchaser's Auditors,
including all work papers, schedules and calculations related thereto, prior to
the issuance thereof.  Sellers' Auditors shall commence its review of said work
papers, schedules and calculations as soon as practicable after Purchaser's
Auditors has completed the field work phase of its review.

         1.7  Review and Finalization of Consolidated Closing Balance Sheet.
The report of Purchaser's Auditors, including the determination of the Cash
Amount and the Purchase Price as therein set forth, shall be final and binding
upon the parties unless Sellers shall give the Purchaser written notice (a
"Dispute Notice") of their dispute with the Consolidated Closing Balance Sheet
or the determination of the Cash Amount and the Purchase Price as made by the
Purchaser's Auditors, specifying the nature and amount of such dispute(s) with
reasonable specificity, within 15 days after the issuance of the report of
Purchaser's Auditors.  Subject to the delivery by the Sellers of a Dispute
Notice as so provided, any such dispute which may arise between Sellers and
Purchaser as to the Consolidated Closing Balance Sheet or the determination of
the Cash Amount and the Purchase Price as made by the Purchaser's Auditors
shall be resolved in the following manner:

                 (a)  during the 15 day period following the date of such
         Dispute Notice, Sellers and
<PAGE>   10


         Purchaser shall attempt to resolve such dispute and to determine the
         appropriateness of the Consolidated Closing Balance Sheet, the Cash
         Amount or the Purchase Price; and

                 (b)  if, at the end of the 15 day period specified in
         subsection (b) above, Sellers and Purchaser shall have failed to reach
         a written agreement with respect to such dispute, the matter shall be
         referred to, Arthur Andersen & Co., independent certified public
         accountants (the "Arbitrator"), which shall act as an arbitrator and
         shall use its best efforts to issue its report as to such matters in
         dispute within sixty (60) days after such dispute is referred to the
         Arbitrator.  Each of the parties hereto shall bear all costs and
         expenses incurred by it in connection with such arbitration, except
         that the fees and expenses of the Arbitrator hereunder shall be borne
         equally by Sellers and Purchaser.  This provision for arbitration
         shall be specifically enforceable by the parties and the decision of
         the Arbitrator in accordance with the provisions hereof shall be final
         and binding and there shall be no right of appeal therefrom.

         The term "Consolidated Closing Balance Sheet" as used elsewhere in
this Agreement shall mean the Consolidated Closing Balance Sheet as prepared,
reviewed and finally determined as described in Section 1.6 and this Section
1.7.  The term "Adjustment Date" shall mean the date which is the later of the
15th day after delivery of the report of Purchaser's Auditors pursuant hereto
or the date upon which any dispute concerning the Consolidated Closing Balance
Sheet, Cash Amount or the amount of the Purchase Price is otherwise finally
resolved.

           ARTICLE II  -  CLOSING, ITEMS TO BE DELIVERED, THIRD PARTY
                 CONSENTS CHANGE IN NAME AND FURTHER ASSURANCES

         2.1  Closing.  The closing (the "Closing") of the sale and purchase of
the Assets shall take place at 10:00 A.M., local time, on October 31, 1996 at
the offices of Arter & Hadden, 1100 Huntington Building, 925 Euclid Avenue,
Cleveland, Ohio 44115 or on such other date as may be mutually agreed upon in
writing by Purchaser and Sellers.  The date of the Closing is sometimes herein
referred to as the "Closing Date".

         2.2  Items to be Delivered at Closing.  At the Closing and subject to
the terms and conditions herein contained:

                 (a)  Sellers shall deliver to Purchaser the following:

                          (i)  such bills of sale, with warranty of title,
         assignments, endorsements, deeds, and other good and sufficient
         instruments and documents of conveyance and transfer, in form
         reasonably satisfactory to Purchaser and its counsel, as shall be
         necessary and effective to transfer and assign to, and vest in,
         Purchaser all of Sellers' right, title and interest in and to the
         Assets, including without limitation, (A) good and valid title in and
         to all of the Assets owned by Sellers, (B) good and valid leasehold
         interests in and to all of the Assets leased by Sellers as lessee, and
         (C) all of Sellers' rights under all Contracts, Authorizations and
         other documents included in the Assets, as determined on the Closing
         Date; and

                          (ii)  an owner's title insurance policy issued by
         Ticor Title Insurance Company, as of the Closing Date, in the amount
         of $1,390,000 insuring fee simple title to the real property described
         in the Preliminary Title Report attached as EXHIBIT B as of Closing.

         Simultaneously with such deliveries, all such steps will be taken as
         may be required to put Purchaser in actual possession and operating
         control of the Assets.
<PAGE>   11

                 (b)  Purchaser shall deliver to Sellers the following:

                          (i)  the Cash Closing Payment in accordance with
         Section 1.3.2 (a) hereof;

                          (ii)  an undertaking whereby Purchaser will assume
         and agree to pay, discharge or perform, as appropriate, Sellers'
         liabilities and obligations to the extent and as provided in Section
         1.4 hereof in form reasonably satisfactory to Sellers and its counsel.

                          (iii)  the Subordinated Note.

                 (c)  At or prior to the Closing, the parties hereto  shall
         also deliver to each other the agreements, opinions, certificates and
         other documents and instruments referred to in Article V hereof.

         2.3  Third Party Consents.  To the extent that Sellers' rights under
any Assumed Contract, Authorization or other Asset to be assigned to Purchaser
hereunder may not be assigned without the consent of another person which has
not been obtained, this Agreement shall not constitute an agreement to assign
the same if an attempted assignment would constitute a breach thereof or be
unlawful.  If any such consent shall not be obtained or if any attempted
assignment would be ineffective or would impair Purchaser's rights under the
Asset in question so that Purchaser would not in effect acquire the benefit of
all such rights, Sellers, to the maximum extent permitted by law, shall act
after the Closing as Purchaser's agent in order to obtain for it the benefits
thereunder and shall cooperate, to the maximum extent permitted by law, with
Purchaser in any other reasonable arrangement designed to provide such benefits
to Purchaser, provided, that, in such event, Purchaser shall indemnify and hold
harmless Sellers from and against, and reimburse Sellers for, any and all
liability or out-of-pocket costs or expense incurred by Sellers in providing
such benefits to Purchaser, other than any suchliabilities or obligations as
may relate to or arise out of any claim that the Contract or Authorization has
been violated by the assignment of the same in any instance where the Purchaser
loses the benefit of the use of such Contract or Authorization.

         2.4  Change of Names.  On the Closing Date, Sellers and Maxco shall
deliver to Purchaser all such executed documents as may be required to change
the corporate names, or any registered tradenames or ficticious names, of each
of the Sellers to another name bearing no similarity to the Operating Names.
Such documents shall include, without limitation, name change amendments with
the Secretary of State of Michigan and an appropriate name change notice for
each state where Sellers is qualified to do business.

         2.5  Further Assurances.  Sellers, from time to time after the
Closing, at Purchaser's request, will execute, acknowledge and deliver to
Purchaser such other instruments of conveyance and transfer and will take such
other actions and execute and deliver such other documents, certifications and
further assurances as Purchaser may reasonably require in order to vest more
effectively in Purchaser, or to put Purchaser more fully in possession of, any
of the Assets, or to better enable Purchaser to complete, perform or discharge
any of the liabilities or obligations assumed by Purchaser at the Closing
pursuant to Section 1.4 hereof.  Each of the parties hereto will cooperate with
the other and execute and deliver to the other parties hereto such other
instruments and documents and take such other actions as may be reasonably
requested from time to time by any other party hereto as necessary to carry
out, evidence and confirm the intended purposes of this Agreement.

<PAGE>   12


                 ARTICLE III  -  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

         3.1  Representations and Warranties of Maxco and Sellers.  Maxco and
each of the Sellers hereby jointly and severally represent and warrant to
Purchaser that:

                 3.1.1  Corporate Existence.  Each of the Sellers is a
corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the
laws of the State of Michigan.  Neither of the Sellers are otherwise required
to be qualified or licensed to do business as a foreign corporation in any
other jurisdiction.

                 3.1.2  Corporate Power: Authorization; Enforceable
Obligations.  Maxco and the Sellers each have (or will have upon their
respective board approval) the corporate power, authority and legal right to
execute, deliver and perform this Agreement.  The execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement by Maxco and Sellers will, by Closing, have been
duly authorized by all necessary corporate and shareholder action.  This
Agreement has been, and the other agreements, documents and instruments
required to be delivered by Sellers or Maxco in accordance with the provisions
hereof (the "Seller Documents") will be, duly executed and delivered on behalf
of Maxco and Sellers by duly authorized officers of Maxco and Sellers, and this
Agreement constitutes, and the Seller Documents when executed and delivered
will constitute, the legal, valid and binding obligations of Maxco and Sellers,
to the extent a party thereto, enforceable against such party in accordance
with their respective terms.

                 3.1.3  No Interest in Other Entities.  Except for the interest
of WPP in Pacer, neither of the Sellers own any shares of any other corporation
or any ownership or other investment interest, either of record, beneficially
or equitably, in any association, partnership, joint venture or other legal
entity.

                 3.1.4  Validity of Contemplated Transactions, etc.  The
execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Maxco and Sellers does
not and will not:

                 (a)  violate, conflict with or result in the breach of any
         term, condition or provision of (i) any existing law, ordinance, or
         governmental rule or regulation to which Sellers or Maxco is subject,
         (ii) any judgment, order, writ, injunction, decree or award of any
         court, arbitrator or governmental or regulatory official, body or
         authority which is applicable to Sellers or Maxco, (iii) the charter
         documents of Sellers or Maxco or any securities issued by Sellers or
         Maxco, (iv) any Excluded Contract or any mortgage, indenture,
         agreement, contract, commitment, lease, plan, permit, authorization or
         other instrument, document or understanding, oral or written, to which
         Maxco is a party or by which Maxco may be bound or affected or (v)
         except as may relate to, or arise by reason of, the failure to obtain
         any consent otherwise required thereunder, any Authorization or
         "Material Contract" (as defined in Section 3.1.19 hereof); or

                 (b)  except as may relate to, or arise by reason of, the
         failure to obtain any consent otherwise required thereunder, give any
         person with rights under any Authorization or Material Contract, the
         right to terminate, modify, accelerate or otherwise change the
         existing rights or obligations of Sellers under such Authorization or
         Material Contract.

Except as may relate to filings required to be made by Maxco with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, no authorization, approval or consent of,
and no registration or filing with, any governmental or regulatory official,
body or authority is required in connection with the execution, delivery or
performance of this Agreement by Sellers or Maxco.
<PAGE>   13

                 3.1.5  No Third Party Options.  There are no existing
agreements, options, commitments or rights with, of or to any person to
acquire, directly or indirectly, any of the Assets or any interest therein,
except for those contracts entered into in the normal course of business
consistent with past practice for the sale of inventory of Sellers.

                 3.1.6  Financial Statements.  The balance sheet of WPP at
March 31, 1994 and the consolidated and consolidating balance sheets of Sellers
at March 31, 1995 and 1996, and the related statements of income (consolidated
and consolidating, where applicable) for the fiscal years then ended attached
as SCHEDULE 3.1.6A hereto (the "Year-End Financials") and the consolidated and
consolidating balance sheets of Sellers at September 30, 1996 and related
statements of income for the period then ended attached as SCHEDULE 3.1.6B
hereto (the "Interim Financials" and, together with the Year-End Financials,
the "Financials") fairly present the financial position of the Sellers at the
dates indicated and the results of operations of Sellers for the periods
indicated.  Sellers have otherwise disclosed to the Purchaser all material
variations from generally accepted accounting principles used in the
preparation of the Financials and any adjustments necessary to fairly present
the financial position of the Sellers for the periods then ended.  The Adjusted
September Balance Sheet has been prepared on a basis consistent with the
preparartion of the Interim Financials.   References in this Agreement to the
"Year-End" shall be deemed to refer to March 31, 1996.

                 3.1.7  Accounts Receivable.  The accounts receivable of
Sellers arising from the Business are valid and genuine and have arisen solely
out of bona fide sales and deliveries of goods, performance of services and
other business transactions in the ordinary course of business consistent with
past practice.

                 3.1.8  Inventory. The raw materials, work-in-process and
finished goods inventory of Sellers used in the conduct of the Business consist
of goods of a quality, quantity and condition which will be usable or saleable
by the Purchaser in the ordinary course of the Business.  Neither of the
Sellers is under any liability or obligation with respect to the return of
inventory in the possession of wholesalers, retailers or other customers.

                 3.1.9  Tax and Other Returns and Reports.  All federal, state,
local and foreign tax returns, reports, statements and other similar filings
required to be filed by Maxco or the Sellers (the "Tax Returns") with respect
to the Taxes have been (or, to the extent not yet due, will be) filed with the
appropriate governmental agencies in all jurisdictions in which such Tax
Returns are required to be filed, and all such Tax Returns properly reflect (or
will properly reflect) the liabilities of Maxco and/or Sellers for Taxes for
the periods, property or events covered thereby.  All Taxes relating to past
periods of operations, whether reflected on the Tax Returns or otherwise
claimed to be due by any taxing authority, have been properly accrued or paid.
There are not any pending tax examinations of, or tax claims asserted against,
either of the Sellers, Maxco or any of the Assets in respect of any Taxes or
Tax Returns.  Sellers have no knowledge of any basis for any additional
assessment of any Taxes.  Sellers have made all deposits required by law to be
made with respect to employees' withholding and other employment taxes,
including without limitation the portion of such deposits relating to taxes
imposed upon Sellers.

                 3.1.10  Books of Account.  The books, records and accounts of
Sellers maintained with respect to the Business accurately and fairly reflect,
in reasonable detail, the transactions, assets, liabilities, costs and expenses
of Sellers with respect to the Business.

                 3.1.11  Existing Condition.  Except as set forth on SCHEDULE
3.1.11 attached hereto,
<PAGE>   14

since Year-End, Sellers have not, with respect to the Business:

                 (a)  incurred any liabilities or discharged or satisfied any
         liabilities other than in the ordinary course of business consistent
         with past practice, or failed to pay or discharge any liabilities,
         which failure has caused, or will cause, any material damage or risk
         of material loss to the Business or any of the Assets;

                 (b)  sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of any assets or
         properties which would have been included in the Assets if the Closing
         had been held at Year-End or on any date since then, except for (i)
         such assets or properties as have been used or consumed in the
         ordinary course of business, (ii) the sale of inventory in the
         ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and (iii)
         the disposition of any such assets or properties (x) which were
         obsolete and immaterial in value and (y) which has otherwise been
         fully reflected in the Adjusted August Balance Sheet;

                 (c)(i)  suffered any damage, destruction or loss, whether or
         not covered by insurance, (x) materially and adversely affecting the
         Business or Assets or (y) of any item or items carried on its books of
         account individually or in the aggregate at more than $50,000.00, or
         (ii) suffered any repeated, recurring or prolonged shortage, cessation
         or interruption of supplies or utility or other services required to
         conduct the Business;

                 (d)  suffered any material adverse change in its business,
         operations, assets, properties, prospects or condition (financial or
         otherwise);

                 (e)(i)  made any advance (excluding advances for ordinary and
         necessary business expenses) or loan to, any of its employees or (ii)
         other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
         practice, increased the salaries or other compensation payable to, or
         made any increase in, or any addition to, other benefits provided to,
         any of its employees;

                 (f)  changed any of the accounting principles followed by it,
         or the methods of applying such principles, in any material respect;
         or

                 (g)  entered into any transaction other than in the ordinary
         course of business consistent with past practice.

                 3.1.12  Title to Properties.  The Sellers are, respectively,
the owners of all real, personal and mixed properties and assets used in the
conduct of the Business, except for:

                 (a)  the Leased Real Property;

                 (b)  such tangible personal property leased by either of the
         Sellers as set forth on SCHEDULE 3.1.12A attached hereto (the "Leased
         Personalty"); and

                 (c)  the Property Held as Bailee as identified on SCHEDULE
         3.1.12B attached hereto.

The Sellers have good, valid and marketable title to its owned properties and
assets, and all other properties and assets reflected on the August Adjusted
Balance Sheet or thereafter acquired (except for inventory sold in the ordinary
course of business consistent with past practice), free and clear of all
mortgages, liens, pledges, security interests, charges, claims, restrictions
and other encumbrances and defects of title of any nature whatsoever, except
for (i) Permitted Liens and (ii) such liens disclosed on
<PAGE>   15

SCHEDULE 3.1.12C attached hereto which will be otherwise released and
discharged as of Closing.

                 3.1.13  Condition of Tangible Assets.  Except for normal wear
and maintenance requirements and as otherwise set forth on SCHEDULE 3.1.13
attached hereto, all Fixed Assets material to the conduct of the Business,
including all Property Held as Bailee:

                 (a)  will be in working condition at Closing;

                 (b)  conform to all applicable laws, ordinances, codes, rules
         and regulations and all Authorizations relating to their construction,
         use and operation; and

                 (c)  have been maintained and serviced by Sellers in the
         ordinary course of business.

The Property Held as Bailee as identified on SCHEDULE 3.1.12B attached hereto
constitutes all such property in the possession of the Sellers and all such
property of such a nature in respect of which Sellers may have any liability or
obligation of any nature to any third party.  Sellers are in compliance with
all of their respective obligations in respect of all  Property Held as Bailee
and, except as set forth on SCHEDULE 3.1.13, the physical and mechanical
condition of all such property is such that Seller would not have any liability
to the owner thereof if returned to such owner in its present condition.

                 3.1.14  Compliance with Laws.  Except as otherwise described
on SCHEDULE 3.1.14 attached hereto or otherwise permitted under the provisions
of Section 3.1.15 hereof or elsewhere herein, Sellers have complied with each,
and neither Seller is in violation of any, law, ordinance, or governmental or
regulatory rule or regulation, whether federal, state, local or foreign, to
which Sellers' business, operations, assets or properties is subject
("Applicable Laws").  To the knowledge of Maxco and Sellers, neither Maxco, nor
Sellers, have received any notice of any claim that Sellers are currently in
violation of any Applicable Laws.

                 3.1.15  Authorizations.  The Authorizations constitute all of
the franchises, licenses, permits, registrations, certifications and other
authorizations which are in any manner necessary, or otherwise required to be
held by any Applicable Laws, for the conduct of the Business as now or
previously conducted or for the ownership and use of the Assets, other than any
such franchise, license, permit, registration, certification or other
authorization:

                 (a) which is otherwise procurable by Purchaser without the
         incurrence of any material cost or delay or the requirement to comply
         with any special qualification procedure; and

                 (b) which, if not so held in connection with the operation of
         the Business, would not (i) subject Purchaser to any penalty, fine or
         other liability (other than such of the foregoing as may be nominal in
         amount) or (ii) result in any cessation or interruption in the conduct
         of the Business.

To the knowledge of Maxco and Sellers, neither Maxco, nor Sellers, have
received any notice of any claim that Sellers are currently in violation of any
their respective obligations under or with respect to any such Authorization.
Insofar as known to Maxco and Sellers, all Authorizations are renewable in the
ordinary course of business without the need to comply with any special
qualification procedures or any requirement to pay any amounts other than
customary renewal fees and none of such Authorizations will be adversely
affected by consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.

                 3.1.16  Transactions With Affiliates, Etc.  To the knowledge
of the Sellers and Maxco:
<PAGE>   16


                 (a) no business arrangements or transactions between either of
         the Sellers and either (i) Maxco, (ii) any entity in which Maxco,
         directly or indirectly, has an ownership interest of in excess of 20%
         (a " Maxco Corporate Affiliate") or (iii) any corporation or other
         business entity in which any director or officer of either Maxco, the
         Sellers or any other Maxco Corporate Affiliate has an ownership
         interest of in excess of 20% (an "Indirect Affiliate") are material in
         any respect to either the operation of the Business or the results of
         operations of the Sellers as reflected in the Financials;

                 (b)  neither (i) Maxco, (ii) any other Maxco Corporate
         Affiliate or (iii) any Indirect Affiliate is engaged in, or otherwise
         owns or controls any corporation or other entity which is engaged in,
         direct or indirect competition with the Business in any material
         respect;

                 (c)  no portion of either of the sales or other ongoing
         business relationships of either of the Sellers is dependent upon the
         friendship or the personal relationships (other than those customary
         within business generally) between Maxco or any of the officers or
         directors of Maxco and any customer or supplier of the Business; and

                 (d)  neither Maxco or either of Sellers, nor any person acting
         on behalf of Maxco or either of the Sellers, has, in connection with
         the Business, (i) violated the published business policies of any
         third party with respect to gifts, services or corporate business
         practices or (ii) engaged in any business practice in the operations
         of the nature referred to in the Report of the Securities and Exchange
         Commission ("SEC") dated May 12, 1976, on Questionable and Illegal
         Corporate Payments & Practices.

                 3.1.17  Litigation.  Except as set forth in SCHEDULE 3.1.17
attached hereto, no litigation, including any arbitration, investigation or
other proceeding of or before any court, arbitrator or governmental or
regulatory official, body or authority is pending or, to the knowledge of
Sellers and Maxco, threatened against Sellers or which relates to the Business,
the Assets or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, nor does Maxco
or either Seller know of any reasonably likely basis for any such litigation,
arbitration, investigation or proceeding, the result of which could adversely
affect the Business, the Assets or the transactions contemplated hereby.
Neither of the Sellers is a party to or subject to the provisions of any
judgment, order, writ, injunction, decree or award of any court, arbitrator or
governmental or regulatory official, body or authority which may adversely
affect such Seller, its assets or the transactions contemplated hereby.

                 3.1.18  Insurance.  Neither Maxco, nor either of the Sellers,
is aware of any existing condition relating to the operation of the Business,
or the nature or condition of any of the Assets, which could form the basis for
the denial of coverage under any of the insurance policies under which the
operations of the Business and the Assets are currently insured.  Neither of
the Sellers has been refused any insurance, nor has its coverage been limited,
by any insurance carrier to which it has applied for insurance or with which it
has carried insurance during the past five years.  No bonds or other surety
arrangements are currently issued or otherwise existing in connection with the
Business or any Assumed Contract, and the capability to obtain any such bonding
or other surety arrangement has historically been immaterial to the operation
of the Business.

                 3.1.19  Contracts and Commitments.  Except to the extent
described in  SCHEDULE 3.1.19 attached hereto, neither of the Sellers is a
party to any Contract of the following nature (together with the Marysville
Plant Lease, a "Material Contract"), whether written or oral:
<PAGE>   17


                 (a)  any Contract with any present employee, agent or
         consultant for the employment of such person, to the extent not
         otherwise terminable by the Sellers, without liability or cost, on no
         more than thirty (30) days notice;

                 (b)  to the extent not otherwise terminable by Sellers without
         liability or cost, any Contract for (i) the purchase by Sellers of, or
         payment by Sellers for,  (x) tooling, design or similar engineering
         services to the extent such Contract involves a cost of in excess of
         $20,000 remaining unpaid or (y) the purchase of raw materials,
         supplies or other products (other than tooling), to the extent such
         Contract involves a cost of in excess of $25,000 remaining unpaid or
         (ii) the provision of services by a third party (except for tooling,
         design or similar engineering services), to the extent the annualized
         cost of such Contract is in excess of $10,000;
<PAGE>   18


                 (c)  to the extent not otherwise terminable by Sellers without
         liability or cost, any Contract ("Sales Contract") to (i) sell or
         supply products (excluding tooling, design or similar engineering
         services), to the extent such Contract involves annualized sales
         (based on the Sellers' 1997FYE sales forecast) of $100,000 or more  or
         (ii) any Contract to provide tooling, design or similar services, to
         the extent such Contract involves an amount in excess of $25,000;

                 (d)  any agreement, contract or commitment relating to the
         Business (and not otherwise of the nature covered by paragraphs (b)
         and (c) above) which, if violated by Sellers, could result in the
         incurrence of a liability or cost (including damages) of in excess of
         $10,000;

                 (e)  any distribution, dealer, representative or sales agency
         agreement, contract or commitment relating to the Business;

                 (f)  any lease under which either of the Sellers is either
         lessor or lessee, relating to any personal property or any real
         property at which the Assets are located, other than (i) the
         Marysville Plant Lease and (ii) any such lease relating to the lease
         by either of the Sellers, as lessee, of personal property not
         otherwise having an annual cost of in excess of $5,000;

                 (g)  any commitment or agreement for any capital expenditures
         or leasehold improvements relating to the Business exceeding, in the
         aggregate, the amount of $10,000;

                 (h)(i)  any Contract limiting or restraining Sellers, the
         Business or any successor thereto from engaging or competing in any
         manner in any business, (ii) insofar as known to Maxco or either of
         the Sellers, any such similar Contract to which any employee of the
         either of the Sellers is subject and (iii) any confidentiality or
         nondisclosure agreements to which either of the Sellers is a party;

                 (i)  any license, royalty or other similar agreement which
         relates in whole or in part to any Intellectual Property, other than
         customary license agreements relating to any commercially available
         Software not otherwise proprietary to the Sellers;

                 (j)  any tax abatement agreement or similar arrangement; or

                 (k)  any material agreement, contract or commitment relating
         to the Business not made in the ordinary course of business.

                 Purchaser has been provided with true and correct copies (or,
where oral, written summaries) of all such Material Contracts, as amended to
date, together with the standard forms of written purchase and sales orders and
product warranty used by Sellers.
<PAGE>   19

                 Each of the Material Contracts is valid and enforceable by
Sellers in accordance with its terms, and the Sellers, and to knowledge of
Maxco and Sellers, all other parties thereto, are each in material compliance
with the provisions thereof and no event has occurred which, with or without
the giving of notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute a default or
grounds for termination thereunder.

                 No information has been brought to the attention of Sellers or
Maxco which has led any of them to believe that (1) any customer of Sellers who
within the 12 months previous to the Closing Date has purchased more than
$100,000.00 worth of products from Sellers intends to cease purchasing from
either of the Sellers or intends to alter in any material respect such
purchases or (2) there are any quality or performance problems with respect to
any molds or products used or sold in the conduct of the Business, other than
in the usual and ordinary course of business.

                 In the reasonable opinion of Sellers, no Sales Contract
otherwise required to be disclosed on SCHEDULE 3.1.19 contains any contractual
requirement with which there is a reasonable likelihood Sellers or any other
party thereto will be unable to comply.  SCHEDULE 3.1.19 otherwise sets forth a
good faith reasonable estimate, as of the date hereof, of (i) the costs which
will be incurred in fulfilling the remaining balance of such Contract and (ii)
whether or not Sellers have any reason to believe that its profit margin with
respect to such goods subject to the contract might be less than it has
customarily achieved in the past for similar contracts.

                 3.1.20  Employee Matters.  Schedule 3.1.20 contains accurate
lists and summary descriptions of the following:

                 (a)  the names and titles of and current annual base salary or
         hourly rates for all employees of Sellers engaged in the conduct of
         the Business, together with a statement of the full amount and nature
         of any other remuneration, whether in cash or kind, paid to each such
         person during the past or current fiscal year or payable to each such
         person in the future and the bonuses accrued for, the vacation and
         severance benefits to which, each such person is entitled; and

                 (b)  the names of any officer or other key employee of Sellers
         who terminated employment with such entity since December 31, 1994 or
         otherwise transferred from Sellers to another operation of Maxco.

To the knowledge of Maxco or either of the Sellers, no key employee of the
Sellers is considering the termination of such employee's employment, and
neither Maxco, nor any Maxco Corporate Affiliate has offered to employ any of
the Sellers' key operating employees, not otherwise already an employee of
Maxco, other than upon the condition that such employee is not otherwise
offered employment by the Purchaser.

                 3.1.21  Labor Matters.  Sellers have not suffered any strike,
slowdown, picketing or work stoppage by any union or other group of employees
affecting the Business and, to the knowledge of Maxco and Sellers, no such
action has been threatened by any such union or group of employees.  Neither of
the Sellers is a party to any collective bargaining agreement, no such
agreement determines the terms and conditions of employment of any employee of
Sellers, no collective bargaining agent has been certified as a representative
of any of the employees of Sellers, and no representation campaign or election
is now in progress with respect to any of the employees of Sellers.

                 3.1.22  Employee Benefit Plans and Arrangements.  SCHEDULE
3.1.22 attached hereto
<PAGE>   20

contains a complete list of all Employee Benefit Plans and designates each plan
providing benefits which are funded through a policy of insurance by the word
"insured" placed by the listing of the plan.

                 3.1.23  Intellectual Property Matters.  The Intellectual
Property, other than trade secrets, general know-how and similar property not
suseptible to summary or itemization, is listed on SCHEDULE 3.1.23A attached
hereto and, except as disclosed thereon, all Intellectual Property is owned by
the Sellers and is free and clear of any liens, claims, charges or
encumbrances, including, without limitation, any claims, or any proprietary,
financial or other interest, of any person, including any present or former
employee of Maxco, either of the Sellers or any predecessor of Sellers.  To the
knowledge of Maxco and Sellers (a) neither of the Sellers infringe upon, or
otherwise unlawfully or wrongfully use, any patent, trademark, tradename,
service mark, copyright or trade secret owned or claimed by another and (b) no
claim of any such infringement has been made by any third party. SCHEDULE
3.1.23B otherwise lists all confidentiality or nondisclosure agreements
executed by any of the employees of the Sellers, to the extent in favor of
either of the Sellers.

                 3.1.24  The Software.

                 (a)  Performance.  To the best of Sellers' knowledge, the
Software performs free from material defects in programming and operation, is
in machine readable form and includes all computer programs, materials, tapes,
know-how, object and source codes, other written materials, know-how and
processes material to the use and performance of such Software in the conduct
of the Business.

                 (b)  Nonproprietary Nature.  All of the Software is generally
commercially available to third-party users and is not otherwise proprietary to
Sellers in nature or subject to any material enhancements developed by, or on
behalf of, the Sellers.

                 (c)  Title.  The Sellers have the absolute right to use the
Software, and such right, and all related licenses, are fully transferable to
the Purchaser.  Sellers do not have any obligation to compensate any person for
the development, use, sale or exploitation of the Software, nor have Sellers
granted to any other person or entity any license, option or other rights to
develop, use, sell or exploit in any manner the Software whether requiring the
payment of royalties or not.

                 (d)  Protection of Proprietary Information.  Sellers have
taken all appropriate measures to protect any confidential or proprietary
information which may be stored in any machine readable form, including without
limitation the access to source and object codes for the Software.

                 3.1.25  Environmental Matters.  Except as set forth in
SCHEDULE 3.1.25 attached hereto:

                 (a)  Sellers have obtained all permits, licenses and other
authorizations which are required under any Environmental Laws.

                 (b)  Sellers are in full compliance in the conduct of the
Business with all terms and conditions of all required permits, licenses and
authorizations, and is also in full compliance with all other limitations,
restrictions, conditions, standards, prohibitions, requirements, obligations,
schedules and timetables under any Environmental Laws or contained in any
order, decree, judgment, injunction, notice or demand letter issued, entered,
promulgated or approved thereunder.

                 (c)  There are no conditions or circumstances, and neither of
the Sellers have engaged in any activities or practices, which may interfere
with or prevent compliance or continued compliance
<PAGE>   21

with any Environmental Laws or any order, decree, judgment, injunction, notice
or demand letter issued, entered, promulgated or approved thereunder, or which
may give rise to any common law or legal liability, or otherwise form the basis
of any claim, action, demand, suit, proceeding, hearing, study or
investigation, based on or related to the manufacture, processing,
distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transport, or handling, or the
emission, discharge, release or threatened release into the environment, of any
pollutant, contaminant, chemical, or industrial, toxic or hazardous substance
or waste.

                 (d)  There is no civil, criminal or administrative action,
suit, demand, claim, hearing, notice or demand letter, notice of violation,
investigation or proceeding pending or threatened against Sellers in connection
with the conduct of the Business or the condition of the Real Property relating
in any way to any claimed violation of any Environmental Laws or any order,
decree, judgment, injunction, notice or demand letter issued, entered,
promulgated or approved thereunder.

                 (e)  Sellers agree to cooperate with Purchaser in connection
with Purchaser's application for the transfer, renewal or issuance of any
permits, licenses, approvals or other authorizations or to satisfy any related
regulatory requirements involving the Business.

                 3.1.26  Real Property.

                 (a)  Use of Real Property.  The Real Property constitutes all
of the real property (including, without limitation, all interests in and
rights to real property) and improvements which are owned or leased by Sellers
or otherwise used in connection with the Business.

                 (b)  Title to Owned Real Property.  With respect to the Owned
Real Property, title to such Real Property is, and at Closing shall be, good
and marketable, fee simple absolute, free and clear of all liens, adverse
claims and other matters affecting Sellers' title to or possession of such Real
Property, including, but not limited to, all encroachments, boundary disputes,
covenants, restrictions, easements, rights of way, mortgages, security
interests, leases, encumbrances and title objections, excepting only such
easements, restrictions and covenants presently of record which will not, in
Purchaser's sole judgment, interfere with or impair Purchaser's intended use of
any of the Real Property, reduce the value of any of the Real Property, or
prevent Purchaser from obtaining financing of Purchaser's acquisition of the
Real Property (the "Permitted Real Estate Exceptions").

                 (c)  Zoning.  Sellers use of the Real Property is in
compliance with all applicable zoning and other land use requirements
applicable thereto.

                 (d)  Utility Services.  The water, electric, gas and sewer
utility services and any septic tank or storm drainage facilities currently
available to the Real Property are adequate for the present use of the Real
Property by Sellers in conducting the Business.

                 (e)  Assessments or Hazards. Neither Maxco nor Sellers have
received notices, oral or written, from any governmental body, that the
assessed value of the Real Property has been determined to be greater than that
upon which county, township or school tax was paid for the tax year applicable
to each such tax, or from any insurance carrier of Sellers of fire hazards with
respect to the Real Property.  If, at the time of Closing, the Real Property or
any portion thereof is affected by any assessment which is or may become
payable in annual installments, of which one or more is then payable or has
been paid, then for the purpose of this Agreement, all the unpaid installments
of any such assessment including, without limitation, those which are to become
due and payable after Closing, shall be deemed to be liens on the Real Property
and shall be paid or discharged at or prior to
<PAGE>   22

Closing.

                 (f)  Eminent Domain.  Sellers have received no notices, oral
or written, and have no reason to believe, that any governmental body having
the power of eminent domain over any of the Real Property has commenced or
intends to exercise the power of eminent domain or a similar power with respect
to all or any part of the Real Property.

                 (g)  Public Improvements.  No work for municipal improvements
has been commenced on or in connection with the Real Property or any street
adjacent thereto.  No assessment for public improvements has been made against
the Real Property which remains unpaid.  No notice from any county, township or
other governmental body has been served upon the Real Property or received by
Sellers requiring or calling attention to the need for any work, repair,
construction, alteration or installation on or in connection with the Real
Property which has not been complied with.

                 3.1.27  Availability of Documents.  Sellers have made
available to Purchaser copies of all documents, including without limitation
all agreements, contracts, commitments, insurance policies, leases, plans,
instruments, undertakings authorizations, permits, licenses, patents,
trademarks, tradenames, service marks, copyrights and applications therefor
listed in any Schedules or otherwise referred to therein.  Such copies are true
and complete and include all amendments, supplements and modifications thereto
or waivers currently in effect thereunder.

                 3.1.28  Adequacy of Assets.  Other than as may arise by reason
of the exclusion of any of the Excluded Assets, the Assets, as existing at
Closing, will constitute all of the properties, assets and rights or interests
necessary for the Purchaser to conduct the Business in the manner heretofore
conducted by the Sellers and, except for the Excluded Assets, neither Maxco,
nor Sellers, are aware of any other properties, assets, rights or interests
used in, or are otherwise necessary to, the conduct of the Business in such
manner which will not otherwise be a part of the Assets.

                 3.1.29  Restrictions.  Sellers are not a party to any
indenture, agreement, contract, commitment, lease, plan, license, permit,
authorization or other instrument, document or understanding, oral or written,
or subject to any charter or other corporate restriction or any judgment,
order, writ, injunction, decree or award which materially adversely affects or
materially restricts or, so far as Sellers can now reasonably foresee, may in
the future materially adversely affect or materially restrict, the business,
operations, assets, properties, prospects or condition (financial or otherwise)
of the Business after consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.

                 3.1.30  Conditions Affecting Sellers.  There is no fact,
development or threatened development with respect to the markets, products,
services, customers, facilities, computer software, data bases, personnel,
vendors, suppliers, operations, assets or prospects of the Business which are
known to Sellers or Maxco which would materially adversely affect the business,
operations or prospects of Sellers considered as a whole, other than such
conditions as may affect as a whole the economy generally.  Sellers have used
their best efforts to keep available for Purchaser the services of the
employees, agents, customers and suppliers of Sellers active in the conduct of
the Business.  Sellers do not have any reason to believe that any loss of any
employee, agent, customer or supplier or other advantageous arrangement will
result because of the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.

                 3.1.31  Completeness of Disclosure.  No representation or
warranty by Sellers or Maxco in this Agreement nor any certificate, schedule,
statement, document or instrument furnished or to be furnished to Purchaser
pursuant hereto, or in connection with the negotiation, execution or
<PAGE>   23

performance of this Agreement, contains or will contain any untrue statement of
a material fact or omits or will omit to state a material fact required to be
stated herein or therein or necessary to make any statement herein or therein
not misleading.
<PAGE>   24

         3.2  Representations and Warranties of Purchaser.  Purchaser
represents and warrants to Sellers as follows:

                 3.2.1  Corporate Existence.  Purchaser is a limited liability
company duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of
the State of Ohio.

                 3.2.2  Corporate Power and Authorization.  Purchaser has the
power, authority and legal right to execute, deliver and perform this
Agreement.  The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by
Purchaser have been duly authorized by all necessary action.  This Agreement
has been duly executed and delivered by Purchaser and constitutes the legal,
valid and binding obligation of Purchaser enforceable against Purchaser in
accordance with its terms.

                 3.2.3  Validity of Contemplated Transactions, etc.  The
execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Purchaser does not and
will not violate, conflict with or result in the breach of any term, condition
or provision of, or require the consent of any other party to, (a) any existing
law, ordinance, or governmental rule or regulation to which Purchaser is
subject, (b) any judgment, order, writ, injunction, decree or award of any
court, arbitrator or governmental or regulatory official, body or authority
which is applicable to Purchaser, (c) the Operating Agreement of, or any
securities issued by, Purchaser, or (d) any mortgage, indenture, agreement,
contract, commitment, lease, plan or other instrument, document or
understanding, oral or written, to which Purchaser is a party or by which
Purchaser is otherwise bound.  No authorization, approval or consent of, and no
registration or filing with, any governmental or regulatory official, body or
authority is required in connection with the execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement by Purchaser.

         3.3  Survival of Representations and Warranties.  All representations
and warranties made by the parties in this Agreement or in any certificate,
schedule, statement, document or instrument furnished hereunder or in
connection with negotiation, execution and performance of this Agreement shall
survive the Closing for a period of two years except for (a) the warranties and
representations contained in Sections 3.1.1, 3.1.2, 3.1.4, 3.1.5, 3.1.12,
3.1.25, 3.2.1, 3.2.2 and 3.2.3 which shall survive Closing for a period of ten
years and (b) the representations and warranties contained in Section 3.1.10,
which shall survive Closing until the expiration of the statute of limitations
(including an extensions) applicable to tax returns or other forms relating to
any period prior to the Closing.  Notwithstanding any investigation or audit
conducted before or after the Closing Date or the decision of any party to
complete the Closing, each party shall be entitled to rely upon the
representations and warranties set forth herein and therein.

                   ARTICLE IV  -  AGREEMENTS PENDING CLOSING.

         4.1  Agreements of Sellers Pending the Closing.  Sellers covenant and
agree that, pending the Closing and except as otherwise agreed to in writing by
Purchaser:

                 4.1.1  Business in the Ordinary Course.  The Business shall be
conducted solely in the ordinary course consistent with past practice.

                 4.1.2  Existing Condition.  Sellers shall not cause nor permit
to occur any of the events or occurrences described in Section 3.1.12 hereof.

                 4.1.3  Maintenance of Physical Assets.  Sellers shall continue
to maintain and service the physical assets used in the conduct of the Business
in the same manner as has been its consistent past practice.
<PAGE>   25

                 4.1.4  Employees and Business Relations.  Sellers shall use
its best efforts to keep available the services of the present employees and
agents of the Business and to maintain the relations and goodwill with the
suppliers, customers, distributors and any others having business relations
with the Business.

                 4.1.5  Maintenance of Authorizations etc.  Sellers shall use
their best efforts to maintain in full force and effect all Authorizations.

                 4.1.6  Compliance with Laws. etc.  Sellers shall comply with
all laws, ordinances, rules, regulations and orders applicable to the Business,
or Sellers' operations, assets or properties in respect thereof, the
noncompliance with which might materially affect the Business or the Assets.

                 4.1.7  Update Schedules.  Sellers shall promptly disclose to
Purchaser any information contained in its representations and warranties or
the Schedules which, because of an event occurring after the date hereof, is
incomplete or is no longer correct as of all times after the date hereof until
the Closing Date; provided, however, that none of such disclosures shall be
deemed to modify, amend or supplement the representations and warranties of
Sellers or the schedules hereto for the purposes of Article V hereof, unless
Purchaser shall have consented thereto in writing.

                 4.1.8  Conduct of Business.  Sellers shall use their best
efforts to conduct its respective business in such a manner that on the Closing
Date the representations and warranties of Maxco and Sellers contained in this
Agreement shall be true, except as specifically contemplated by this Article
IV, as though such representations and warranties were made on and as of such
date.  Furthermore, Maxco and Sellers shall cooperate with Purchaser and use
their best efforts to cause all of the conditions to the obligations of
Purchaser and Sellers under this Agreement to be satisfied on or prior to the
Closing Date.

                 4.1.9  Sale of Assets; Negotiations.  Neither Maxco nor
Sellers shall, directly or indirectly, sell or encumber all or any part of the
Assets, other than in the ordinary course of the Business consistent with past
practice, or initiate or participate in any discussions or negotiations or
enter into any agreement to do any of the foregoing.  Maxco and Sellers shall
not provide any confidential information concerning the Business or its
properties or assets to any third party other than in the ordinary course of
business.
<PAGE>   26

                 4.1.10  Access.  Maxco and Sellers shall give to Purchaser's
officers, employees, counsel, accountants and other representatives free and
full access to and the right to inspect, during normal business hours, all of
the premises, properties, assets, records, contracts and other documents
relating to the Business and shall permit them to consult with the officers,
employees, accountants, counsel and agents of Sellers for the purpose of making
such investigation of the Business, including without limitation the
Consolidated Interim Balance Sheet, as Purchaser shall desire to make,
provided, that, such investigation shall not unreasonably interfere with the
business operations of the Sellers.  Furthermore, Sellers shall furnish to
Purchaser all such documents and copies of documents and records and
information with respect to the affairs of the Business and copies of any
working papers relating thereto as Purchaser shall from time to time reasonably
request and shall permit Purchaser and its agents to make such physical
inventories and inspections of the Assets as Purchaser may request from time to
time.

         4.2  Agreements of Purchaser Pending the Closing.  Purchaser covenants
and agrees that, pending the Closing and except as otherwise agreed to in
writing by Sellers:

                 4.2.1  Actions of Purchaser.  Purchaser will not knowingly
take any action which would result in a breach of any of its representations
and warranties hereunder.  Furthermore, Purchaser shall cooperate with Sellers
and use its best efforts to cause all of the conditions to the obligations of
Purchaser and Sellers under this Agreement to be satisfied on or prior to the
Closing Date.

                 4.2.2  Confidentiality.  Unless and until the Closing has been
consummated, Purchaser will hold, and shall cause their counsel, independent
certified public accountants, appraisers and investment bankers to hold in
confidence any confidential data or information made available to Purchaser in
connection with this Agreement with respect to the Business using the same
standard of care to protect such confidential data or information as is used to
protect Purchaser's confidential information.  If the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement are not consummated, Purchaser agrees that it shall return or
cause to be returned to Sellers all written materials and all copies thereof
that were supplied to Purchaser by Sellers and that contain any such
confidential data or information.

         4.3  Press Releases.  The parties agree that prior to the Closing
Date, no party shall make any public announcement or press release with respect
to the contemplated purchase and sale of the Business without mutual consent,
provided, that, Purchaser acknowledges and agrees that the foregoing
restriction shall not be deemed to apply to such public disclosures, releases
and announcements as Maxco may be required to make or provide or under
applicable securities law.  In any event, each party will, in any case, give
the other party a copy of such contemplated announcement or release two
business days prior to its being made public.

               ARTICLE V  -  CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE CLOSING

         5.1  Conditions Precedent to Purchaser's Obligations.  All obligations
of Purchaser under this Agreement are subject to the fulfillment or
satisfaction, prior to or at the Closing, of each of the following conditions
precedent:

                 5.1.1  Representations and Warranties True as of the Closing
Date.  The representations and warranties of Sellers and Maxco contained in
this Agreement or in any schedule, certificate or document delivered by Sellers
or Maxco to Purchaser pursuant to the provisions hereof shall have been true on
the date hereof without regard to any schedule updates furnished by Sellers or
Maxco after the date hereof and shall be true on the Closing Date with the same
effect as though such
<PAGE>   27

representations and warranties were made as of such date.

                 5.1.2  Compliance with this Agreement.  Sellers and Maxco
shall have performed and complied with all agreements and conditions required
by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by them prior to or at the
Closing.

                 5.1.3  Closing Certificate.  Purchaser shall have received a
certificate from Sellers dated the Closing Date, certifying in such detail as
Purchaser may reasonably request that the conditions specified in Sections
5.1.1 and 5.1.2 hereof have been fulfilled and certifying that Sellers have
obtained all consents and approvals required with respect to it or the Business
by Section 5.1.6 hereof.

                 5.1.4  Opinions of Counsel for Sellers.  Warren, Price,
Cameron, Faust & Asciutto P.C., counsel for Sellers, shall have delivered to
Purchaser a written opinion, dated the Closing Date, in such form, and
containing such opinions, as shall be in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to the Purchaser and its counsel.

                 5.1.5  No Threatened or Pending Litigation.  On the Closing
Date, no suit, action or other proceeding, or injunction or final judgment
relating thereto, shall be threatened or be pending before any court or
governmental or regulatory official, body or authority in which it is sought to
restrain or prohibit or to obtain damages or other relief in connection with
this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, and
no investigation that might result in any such suit, action or proceeding shall
be pending or threatened.

                 5.1.6  Consents and Approvals.  Purchaser shall have received
such consents and approvals to the transactions contemplated hereby, in form
satisfactory to the Purchaser, from:

                 (a)  the Lessors (as to the assignment of the Marysville Lease
         to Purchaser and as to the landlord waiver agreement referred in
         Section 5.1.12 below); and

                 (b)  the holders of the Ward Note Obligations and those
         parties to the Contracts listed on Schedule 1.1.1(g) hereto.

                 5.1.7  Material Adverse Changes.  The business, operations,
assets, properties or prospects of the Business shall not have been and shall
not be threatened to be materially adversely affected in any way as a result of
any event or occurrence.

                 5.1.8  Approval of Counsel; Corporate Matters.  All actions,
proceedings, resolutions, instruments and documents required to carry out this
Agreement or incidental hereto and all other related legal matters shall have
been approved on the Closing Date by Arter & Hadden, counsel for Purchaser, in
the exercise of their reasonable judgment.  Maxco and Sellers shall also have
delivered to Purchaser such other documents, instruments, certifications and
further assurances as such counsel may reasonably require.
<PAGE>   28

                 5.1.9  Lien Releases.  Purchaser shall be provided with
reasonable evidence that the Sellers have, at their expense, obtained the
release of all liens, claims, encumbrances and other restrictions of any
nature, not otherwise Permitted Liens, which may relate to any of the Assets,
including all related UCC filings, and such lienholder releases, if any, which
may otherwise be appropriate to evidence the release of any rights which such
lienholder may otherwise have against the Purchaser, any of the Assets or any
of the indebtedness secured by any such lien, provided, that, to the extent any
portion of the Cash Closing Payment is required for the purpose of discharging
any such lien, Sellers shall procure a payoff letter from such lienholder which
evidences the amount required to be so paid and the Purchaser shall have the
right to establish such reasonable procedures to ensure that the portion of the
Cash Closing Payment required to be paid to secure such lien release is paid
directly to the lienholder, conditional upon such lienholder's release of the
related lien.

                 5.1.10  Non-Disclosure Agreement.  Maxco and Sellers will
execute a Non-Disclosure Agreement substantially in the form attached as
EXHIBIT C.

                 5.1.11  Delivery of MESC Form 1027.  At least two days prior
to the Closing Date, Purchaser shall have been furnished with the MESC Form
1027.

                 5.1.12  Financing Arrangements.  Sellers, and such other
parties as Purchaser's lender shall deem necessary, shall have executed all
such agreements, instruments or other documents as may be reasonably required
by the Purchaser's lender as a condition to its financing, including, without
limitation, all such agreements, certificates, consents and the like as such
lender may require in connection with the subordination of the Subordinated
Note and the Ward Note Obligations and the assignment of Purchaser's rights to
sums due under this Agreement.  Purchaser's lender shall otherwise be
satisfied, and have received such reasonable evidence, that all liens, security
interests, restrictions, claims and other encumbrances of any nature in or upon
the Assets, other than Permitted Liens, have been fully released and, in
respect of the Leased Real Property, such lender shall have received a
landlord's waiver, executed by the Lessor, waiving any and all claims, liens or
rights of levy and distraint which such Lessor may have in respect of any of
the Assets located at such Real Property and otherwise containing such
agreements as the lender may reasonably require.

                 5.1.13  Title Insurance.  Title to the Owned Real Property
shall be insurable by Ticor Title Insurance Company, at such company's regular
rates pursuant to an ALTA 1987 owner's form of policy, free of all exceptions,
including the so-called standard exceptions and survey exceptions, except the
Permitted Real Estate Exceptions.

                 5.1.14  Surveys.  Purchaser shall have obtained an ALTA survey
of the Owned Real Property sufficient in detail to delete the so-called survey
exceptions to the title insurance policy and otherwise satisfactory to
Purchaser's lender.

                 5.1.15     Transfer of IBM Mainframe Computer.  Purchaser
shall have received a bill of sale, executed by Maxco, together with such
releases or other lien terminations, as Purchaser may reasonably require to
evidence the to transfer to Purchaser, free and clear of all liens, claims and
encumbrances of any nature, the mainframe computer system (IBM Application
System AS400, Model 9404 currently used by WPP in its business operations.

         5.2  Conditions Precedent to the Obligations of Sellers.  All
obligations of Sellers under this Agreement are subject to the fulfillment or
satisfaction, prior to or at the Closing, of each of the following conditions
precedent:
<PAGE>   29

                 5.2.1  Representations and Warranties True as of the Closing
Date.  The representations and warranties of Purchaser contained in this
Agreement or in any list, certificate or document delivered by Purchaser to
Sellers pursuant to the provisions hereof shall be true on the Closing Date
with the same effect as though such representations and warranties were made as
of such date.

                 5.2.2  Compliance with this Agreement.  Purchaser shall have
performed and complied with all agreements and conditions required by this
Agreement to be performed or complied with by them prior to or at the Closing.

                 5.2.3  Closing Certificates.  Sellers shall have received a
certificate from Purchaser dated the Closing Date certifying in such detail as
Sellers may reasonably request that the conditions specified in Sections 5.2.1
and 5.2.2 hereof have been fulfilled.

                 5.2.4  Opinion of Counsel for Purchaser.  Arter & Hadden,
counsel to Purchaser, shall have delivered to Sellers a written opinion, dated
the Closing Date, in such form, and containing such opinions, as shall be in
form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Sellers and its counsel.

                 5.2.5  No Threatened or Pending Litigation.  On the Closing
Date, no suit, action or other proceeding, or injunction or final judgment
relating thereto, shall be threatened or be pending before any court or
governmental or regulatory official, body or authority in which it is sought to
restrain or prohibit or to obtain damages or other relief in connection with
this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, and
no investigation that might result in any such suit, action or proceeding shall
be pending or threatened.

                 5.2.6  Maxco Board Approval.  The execution of this Agreement
and each of the other Seller Documents to which Maxco will be a party, and the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, shall have been approved
by the Board of Directors of Maxco.

                 5.2.7  Backstop Guaranty/Indemnity.  Sellers and Maxco shall
have received a guaranty, executed and delivered by such members of the
Purchaser or other persons, and including such terms and conditions, as shall
be satisfactory to Maxco in its sole discretion, whereby such members or other
persons agree to guaranty the payment of the Ward Note Obligations and
otherwise indemnify Sellers and Maxco from and against any liability, loss or
other claims in respect thereof.

                 5.2.8  Approval of Counsel; Corporate Matters.  All actions,
proceedings, resolutions, instruments and documents required to carry out this
Agreement or incidental hereto and all other related legal matters shall have
been approved on the Closing Date by Warren, Price, Cameron, Faust & Asciutto
P.C., counsel for Sellers, in the exercise of their reasonable judgment.
Purchaser shall also have delivered to Sellers and Maxco such other documents,
instruments, certifications and further assurances as such counsel for Sellers
may reasonably require.

                         ARTICLE VI  -  INDEMNIFICATION

         6.1  General Indemnification Obligation of Sellers and Maxco.  From
and after the Closing, each of Sellers and Maxco, jointly and severally, will
reimburse, indemnify and hold harmless Purchaser and its successors and assigns
(an "Indemnified Purchaser Party") against and in respect of:

                 (a)  any and all damages, losses, deficiencies, liabilities,
costs and expenses incurred or suffered by any Indemnified Purchaser Party that
result from, relate to or arise out of:
<PAGE>   30

                          (i)    any and all Excluded Liabilities;

                          (ii)   any misrepresentation, breach of warranty or
         nonfulfillment of any agreement or covenant on the part of Sellers or
         Maxco under this Agreement, or from any misrepresentation in or
         omission from any certificate, schedule, statement, document or
         instrument furnished to Purchaser pursuant hereto or in connection
         with the negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement; or

                          (iii)  any loss or liability incurred by the
         Purchaser by reason of the denial, by any applicable governmental
         authority, of approval of the transfer of any industrial tax exemption
         certificate currently held by WPP to the Purchaser, it being
         acknowledged that, following closing, Purchaser will apply for the
         transfer of such tax exemption certificates pursuant to the provisions
         of applicable law; and

                 (b)  any and all actions, suits, claims, proceedings,
investigations, demands, assessments, audits, fines, judgments, costs and other
expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable legal fees and expenses)
incident to any of the foregoing or to the enforcement of this Section 6.1.

         6.2  General Indemnification Obligation of Purchaser.  From and after
the Closing, Purchaser will reimburse, indemnify and hold harmless Sellers and
Maxco and their successors or assigns (an "Indemnified Sellers Party") against
and in respect of:

                 (a)  Any and all damages, losses, deficiencies, liabilities,
costs and expenses incurred or suffered by any Indemnified Sellers Party that
result from, relate to or arise out of:

                       (i)   any and all Assumed Liabilities;

                       (ii)  any misrepresentation, breach of warranty or
         non-fulfillment of any agreement or covenant on the part of Purchaser
         under this Agreement, or from any misrepresentation in or omission
         from any certificate, schedule, statement, document or instrument
         furnished to Sellers pursuant hereto or in connection with the
         negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement; and

                       (iii)  any and all loss, claims or damages incurred by,
         or asserted against, any Indemnified Sellers Party by reason of any
         claim relating to the condition of any Property Held as Bailee, to the
         extent such claim arises by reason of any failure of the Purchaser to
         properly maintain any such property after the Closing Date or the loss
         or destruction of any such property after the Closing Date; and

                 (b)  any and all actions, suits, claims, proceeding,
investigations, demands, assessments, audits, fines, judgments, costs and other
expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable legal fees and expenses)
incident to any of the foregoing or to the enforcement of this Section 6.2.

         6.3  Method of Asserting Claims, Etc.  In the event that any claim or
demand for which Sellers or Maxco would be liable to an Indemnified Purchaser
Party hereunder is asserted against or sought to be collected from an
Indemnified Purchaser Party by a third party, the Indemnified Purchaser Party
shall promptly notify Sellers and Maxco of such claim or demand, specifying the
nature of such claim or demand and the amount or the estimated amount thereof
to the extent then feasible (which estimate
<PAGE>   31

shall not be conclusive of the final amount of such claim and demand) (the
"Claim Notice").  Sellers and Maxco shall have ten days from the personal
delivery or mailing of the Claim Notice (the "Notice Period") to notify the
Indemnified Purchaser Party of (i) whether or not they dispute their liability
to the Indemnified Purchaser Party hereunder with respect to such claim or
demand and (ii) whether or not, notwithstanding any such dispute, they desire,
at their sole cost and expense, to defend the Indemnified Purchaser Party
against such claim or demand.

                 (a)  If Sellers or Maxco disputes its liability with respect
to such claim or demand or the amount thereof (whether or not Sellers or Maxco
desires to defend the Indemnified Purchaser Party against such claim or demand
as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) below), such dispute shall be resolved in
accordance with Section 6.5 hereof.  Pending the resolution of any dispute by
Sellers or Maxco of its liability with respect to any claim or demand, such
claim or demand shall not be settled without the prior written consent of the
Indemnified Purchaser Party.

                 (b)  In the event that Sellers or Maxco notifies the
Indemnified Purchaser Parties within the Notice Period that they desire to
defend the Indemnified Purchaser Party against such claim or demand then,
except as hereinafter provided, Sellers or Maxco, respectively, shall have the
right to defend the Indemnified Purchaser Party by appropriate proceedings,
which proceedings shall be promptly settled or prosecuted by them to a final
conclusion in such a manner as to avoid any risk of Indemnified Purchaser Party
becoming subject to liability for any other matter; provided, however, Sellers
and Maxco shall not, without the prior written consent of the Indemnified
Purchaser Party, consent to the entry of any judgment against the Indemnified
Purchaser Party or enter into any settlement or compromise which does not
include, as an unconditional term thereof, the giving by the claimant or
plaintiff to the Indemnified Purchaser Party of a release, in form and
substance satisfactory to the Indemnified Purchaser Party, as the case may be,
from all liability in respect of such claim or litigation.  If any Indemnified
Purchaser Party desires to participate in, but not control, any such defense or
settlement, it may do so at its sole cost and expense.  If, in the reasonable
opinion of the Indemnified Purchaser Party, any such claim or demand or the
litigation or resolution of any such claim or demand involves an issue or
matter which could have a materially adverse effect on the business,
operations, assets, properties or prospects of the Indemnified Purchaser Party,
including without limitation the administration of the tax returns and
responsibilities under the tax laws of any Indemnified Purchaser Party, then
the Indemnified Purchaser Party shall have the right to control the defense or
settlement of any such claim or demand and its reasonable costs and expenses
shall be included as part of the indemnification obligation of Sellers and
Maxco hereunder; provided, however, that the Indemnified Purchaser Party shall
not settle any such claim or demand without the prior written consent of
Sellers or Maxco, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.  If the
Indemnified Purchaser Party should elect to exercise such right, Sellers or
Maxco shall have the right to participate in, but not control, the defense or
settlement of such claim or demand at its sole cost and expense.

                 (c) (i)  If Sellers or Maxco elect not to defend the
Indemnified Purchaser Party against such claim or demand, whether by not giving
 the Indemnified Purchaser Party timely notice as provided above or otherwise,
then the amount of any such claim or demand, or if the same be defended by
Sellers or Maxco or by the Indemnified Purchaser Party (but none of the
Indemnified Purchaser Party shall have any obligation to defend any such claim
or demand), then that portion thereof as to which such defense is unsuccessful,
in each case shall be conclusively deemed to be a liability of Sellers and
Maxco hereunder, unless Sellers and Maxco shall have disputed their liability
to the Indemnified Purchaser Party hereunder, as provided in (a) above, in
which event such dispute shall be resolved as provided in section 6.5 hereof.

                     (ii)  In the event an Indemnified Purchaser Party should
have a claim against 
<PAGE>   32

Sellers or Maxco hereunder that does not involve a claim or demand being
asserted against or sought to be collected from it by a third party, the
Indemnified Purchaser Party shall promptly send a Claim Notice with respect to
such claim to Sellers and Maxco.  If Sellers or Maxco dispute its liability
with respect to such claim or demand, such dispute shall be resolved in
accordance with Section 6.5 hereof; if Sellers or Maxco do not notify the
Indemnified Purchaser Party within the Notice Period that it disputes such
claim, the amount of such claim shall be conclusively deemed a liability of
Sellers or Maxco, respectively, hereunder.

                 (d)  All claims for indemnification by an Indemnified Sellers
Party under this Agreement shall be asserted and resolved under the procedures
set forth above substituting in the appropriate place "Indemnified Sellers
Party" for "Indemnified Purchaser Party" and variations thereof and "Purchaser"
for "Sellers and Maxco".

         6.4  Payment.  Upon the determination of the liability under Section
6.3 or 6.5 hereof, the appropriate party shall pay to the other, as the case
may be, within ten days after such determination, the amount of any claim for
indemnification made hereunder.  In the event that the indemnified party is not
paid in full for any such claim pursuant to the foregoing provisions promptly
after the other party's obligation to indemnify has been determined in
accordance herewith, it shall have the right, notwithstanding any other rights
that it may have against any other person, firm or corporation, to setoff the
unpaid amount of any such claim against any amounts owed by it under any
agreements entered into pursuant to this Agreement, the Sellers' Documents or
the Purchaser's Documents.  Upon the payment in full of any claim, either by
setoff or otherwise, the entity making payment shall be subrogated to the
rights of the indemnified party against any person, firm or corporation with
respect to the subject matter of such claim.

         6.5  Arbitration.  (a)  All disputes under this Article VI shall be
settled by arbitration in Detroit, Michigan, before a single arbitrator
pursuant to the rules of the American Arbitration Association.  Arbitration may
be commenced at any time by any party hereto giving written notice to each
other party to a dispute that such dispute has been referred to arbitration
under this Section 6.5.  The arbitrator shall be selected by the joint
agreement of Sellers and Purchaser, but if they do not so agree within 20 days
after the date of the notice referred to above, the selection shall be made
pursuant to the rules from the panels of arbitrators maintained by such
Association.  Any award rendered by the arbitrator shall be conclusive and
binding upon the parties hereto; provided, however, that any such award shall
be accompanied by a written opinion of the arbitrator giving the reasons for
the award.  This provision for arbitration shall be specifically enforceable by
the parties and the decision of the arbitrator in accordance herewith shall be
final and binding and there shall be no right of appeal therefrom.  Each party
shall pay its own expenses of arbitration and the expenses of the arbitrator
shall be equally shared; provided, however, that if in the opinion of the
arbitrator any claim for indemnification or any defense or objection thereto
was unreasonable, the arbitrator may assess, as part of his award, all or any
part of the arbitration expenses of the other party (including reasonable
attorneys' fees) and of the arbitrator against the party raising such
unreasonable claim, defense or objection.

                 (b)  To the extent that arbitration may not be legally
permitted hereunder and the parties to any dispute hereunder may not at the
time of such dispute mutually agree to submit such dispute to arbitration, any
party may commence a civil action in a court of appropriate jurisdiction to
solve disputes hereunder.  Nothing contained in this Section 6.5 shall prevent
the parties from settling any dispute by mutual agreement at any time.

         6.6  Compliance with Bulk Sales Laws.  Purchaser and Sellers hereby
waive compliance by
<PAGE>   33

Purchaser and Sellers with the bulk sales law and any other similar laws in any
applicable jurisdiction in respect of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.  Sellers and Maxco shall indemnify Purchaser from, and hold it
harmless against, any liabilities, damages, costs and expenses resulting from
or arising out of (i) the parties' failure to comply with any of such laws in
respect of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, or (ii) any action
brought or levy made as a result thereof, other than those liabilities which
have been expressly assumed, on such terms as expressly assumed, by Purchaser
pursuant to this Agreement.

         6.7  Other Rights and Remedies Not Affected.  The indemnification
rights of the parties under this Article VI are independent of and in addition
to such rights and remedies as the parties may have at law or in equity or
otherwise for any misrepresentation, breach of warranty or failure to fulfill
any agreement or covenant hereunder on the part of any party hereto, including
without limitation the right to seek specific performance, rescission or
restitution, none of which rights or remedies shall be affected or diminished
hereby.

         6.8  Indemnity Basket.  Purchaser agrees that it shall have no right
to indemnity under the provisions of this Article VI until such time, and only
to such extent, that the aggregate amount of its indemnity claims exceeds One
Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000), provided, that, the foregoing limitation
shall not apply to:

                 (a) any claim for indemnity made by the Purchaser arising out
         of (i) the failure of the Sellers to pay and discharge any Excluded
         Liabilities or (ii) the failure of Sellers to discharge any lien,
         security interest, claim or other encumbrance required to be released
         as a condition to this Agreement;

                 (b) any claim for indemnity made by the Purchaser in respect
         of loss, liability, cost or expense incurred by Purchaser arising out
         of the breach or innacuracy of the representations and warranties made
         by the Sellers under the provisions of Sections 3.1.2 and 3.1.12
         hereof; and

                 (c) the breach by Sellers of their obligations under the terms
         of Sections 7.8 or 7.9 of this Agreement.
<PAGE>   34


                      ARTICLE VII  -  POST CLOSING MATTERS

         7.1  Employee Benefits.  Except for such benefits or other amounts as
may be accrued in the Closing Assumed Operating Liabilities, Sellers shall pay
directly to each employee of the Business that portion of all benefits
(including such benefits under the Employee Benefit Plans) which have been
accrued on behalf of that employee (or is attributable to expenses properly
incurred by that employee) as of the Closing Date, and Purchaser shall assume
no liability therefor.  No portion of the assets of any Employee Benefit Plan
or other plan, fund, program or arrangement, written or unwritten, heretofore
sponsored or maintained by Sellers (and no amount attributable to any such
Employee Benefit Plan or other plan, fund, program or arrangement) shall be
transferred to Purchaser, and Purchaser shall not be required to continue any
such Employee Benefit Plan or other plan, fund, program or arrangement after
the Closing Date.  The amounts payable on account of all benefit arrangements
shall be determined with reference to the date of the event by reason of which
such amounts become payable, without regard to conditions subsequent, and
Purchaser shall not be liable for any claim for insurance, reimbursement or
other benefits payable by reason of any event which occurs prior to the Closing
Date.  All amounts payable directly to employees, or to any Employee Benefit
Plan or other fund, program, arrangement or plan maintained by Sellers therefor
shall be paid by Sellers within 30 days after the Closing Date to the extent
that such payment is not inconsistent with the terms of such Employee Benefit
Plan or other fund, program, arrangement or plan.  All employees of Sellers who
are employed by Purchaser on or after the Closing Date shall be new employees
of Purchaser and any prior employment by Sellers of such employees shall not
affect entitlement to, or the amount of, salary or other cash compensation,
current or deferred, which Purchaser may make available to its employees.

         7.1A Purchaser 401(k) Plan.  Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions
of Section 7.1 above, the Purchaser agrees to adopt and sponsor a 401(k) plan
which will allow employees of the Sellers who become employees of the Purchaser
("carryover employees") to rollover amounts which are otherwise held for the
account of such employees under the 401(k) plan currently sponsored by Maxco
(the "Maxco 401(k) Plan") and, in connection therewith, Purchaser agrees that
it will provide bridge loans, up to an aggregate amount of $60,000, to
carryover employees who currently have loans outstanding from the Maxco 401(k)
Plan for the purpose of repaying such loans to the Maxco 401(k) Plan, provided,
that, (a) the entire account balance of such carryover employees held under the
Maxco 401(k) Plan is rolled-over to the Purchaser's 401(k) plan and (b)
promptly following such roll-over, such bridge loans are repaid to the
Purchaser by such carryover employees from the proceeds of new loans made to
such employees from the Purchaser's 401(k) plan.  The parties acknowledge that
the obligation of the Purchaser to make the bridge loans referred to in this
Section 7.1A is subject otherwise to Purchaser's receipt, at the time of making
such bridge loan, of satisafctory evidence of the existance and amount of any
such outstanding loan obligation of the carryover employee and adequate
assurances that the conditions set forth in clauses (a) and (b) above will be
satisfied.
<PAGE>   35

         7.2  Non-Solicitation.  As of the Closing Date, Purchaser shall offer
employment to, and Sellers shall use its best efforts to assist Purchaser in
employing as new employees of Purchaser, all persons presently engaged in the
Business who are identified by Purchaser prior to the Closing Date (the
"Employees").  Sellers shall terminate, effective as of the Closing Date, all
employment agreements it has with any of the Employees.  Until the third
anniversary of the Closing Date, Sellers will not directly or indirectly
solicit or offer employment to any Employee (i) who elected not to accept
employment from Purchaser, (ii) who is then an employee of Purchaser, or (iii)
who has terminated such employment without the consent of Purchaser within 180
days of such solicitation or offer, and Purchaser will not directly or
indirectly solicit or offer employment to any person who, after the Closing
Date is then an employee of Sellers or who has terminated such employment
without the consent of Sellers within 180 days of such solicitation or offer.

         7.3  Discharge of Business Obligations.  From and after the Closing
Date, Sellers shall pay and discharge all Excluded Liabilities in accordance
with past practice, but not less than on a timely basis.

         7.4  Maintenance of Books and Records.  Purchaser shall preserve until
the tenth anniversary of the Closing Date all records possessed or to be
possessed by Purchaser relating to any of the assets, liabilities or business
of the Business prior to the Closing Date.  After the Closing Date, where there
is a legitimate purpose, such party shall provide the other parties with
access, upon prior reasonable written request specifying the need therefor,
during regular business hours, to (i) the officers and employees of such party
and (ii) the books of account and records of such party, but, in each case,
only to the extent relating to the assets, liabilities or business of the
Business prior to the Closing Date, and the other parties and their
representatives shall have the right to make copies of such books and records;
provided, however, that the foregoing right of access shall not be exercisable
in such a manner as to interfere unreasonably with the normal operations and
business of such party; and further, provided, that, as to so much of such
information as constitutes trade secrets or confidential business information
of such party, the requesting party and its officers, directors and
representatives will use due care to not disclose such information except (i)
as required by law, (ii) with the prior written consent of such party, which
consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, or (iii) where such information
becomes available to the public generally, or becomes generally known to
competitors of such party, through sources other than the requesting party, its
affiliates or its officers, directors or representatives.  Such records may
nevertheless be destroyed by a party if such party sends to the other parties
written notice of its intent to destroy records, specifying with particularity
the contents of the records to be destroyed.  Such records may then be
destroyed after the 30th day after such notice is given unless another party
objects to the destruction in which case the party seeking to destroy the
records shall deliver such records to the objecting party.

         7.5  Payments Received.  Sellers and Purchaser each agree that after
the Closing they will hold and will promptly transfer and deliver to the other,
from time to time as and when received by them, any cash, checks with
appropriate endorsements (using their best efforts not to convert such checks
into cash), or other property that they may receive on or after the Closing
which properly belongs to the other party, including without limitation any
insurance proceeds, and will account to the other for all such receipts.  From
and after the Closing, Purchaser shall have the right and authority to endorse
without recourse the name of Sellers on any check or any other evidences of
indebtedness received by Purchaser on account of the Business and the Assets
transferred to Purchaser hereunder.

         7.6  Use of Name.  From and after the Closing Date, Sellers will cease
using the Operating Names in the conduct of any business or for any other
purpose, unless expressly permitted by the Purchaser.
<PAGE>   36

         7.7  UCC Matters.  From and after the Closing Date, Sellers will
promptly refer all inquiries with respect to ownership of the Assets or the
Business to Purchaser.  In addition, Sellers will execute such documents as
Purchaser may reasonably request from time to time to evidence transfer of the
Assets to Purchaser, including any necessary assignments of financing
statements.

         7.8  Covenant Not to Compete.  Maxco and each of the Sellers agree
that for a period of five years after the Closing Date, neither it nor any of
the other Maxco Corporate Affiliates now or hereafter existing, will, directly
or indirectly, own, manage, operate, join, control or participate in the
ownership, management, operation or control of, any business whether in
corporate, proprietorship or partnership form or otherwise as more than a five
percent owner in such business where such business is competitive with the
Business.  The parties hereto specifically acknowledge and agree that the
remedy at law for any breach of the foregoing will be inadequate and that the
Purchaser, in addition to any other relief available to it, shall be entitled
to temporary and permanent injunctive relief without the necessity of proving
actual damage.  In the event that the provisions of this Section 7.8 should
ever be deemed to exceed the limitation provided by applicable law, then the
parties hereto agree that such provisions shall be reformed to set forth the
maximum limitations permitted.

         7.9     Trade Accounts Receivable.  Sellers warrant the full
collection of the trade receivables of the Business, outstanding at Closing, as
set forth on the Consolidated Closing Balance Sheet (the "Closing Receivables")
within a period ending one hundred twenty days after the Closing Date (such one
hundred twenty-day period being the "Collection Period").  On and after the
Closing Date, Sellers shall promptly (within one business day after the date
received) forward to Purchaser any Closing Receivables payments that Sellers
receive.  During the Collection Period, Purchaser shall use reasonable efforts
consistent with prudent business practices to collect the full amount of the
Closing Receivables, provided such efforts shall not require the institution of
any litigation or other proceeding for purposes of collection, and Sellers
shall cooperate with Purchaser in all reasonable respects in assisting
Purchaser, by way of testimony or otherwise, in the collection of all Closing
Receivables.  Collections received in respect of the Closing Receivables during
the Collection Period shall, unless otherwise specifically designated by the
account debtor thereof, be applied in chronological order starting with the
oldest receivable owing by such account debtor.  Within ten days after the end
of the Collection Period, to the extent there remains any uncollected Closing
Receivables, and provided such uncollected amount exceeds the collection
reserve, if any, set forth on the Consolidated Closing Balance Sheet, Sellers
shall wire transfer an amount equal to such excess uncollected balance of the
Closing Receivables to Purchaser and Purchaser shall assign such uncollected
Closing Receivables to Sellers.

                         ARTICLE VIII  -  MISCELLANEOUS

         8.1  Termination.  (a)  Anything herein or elsewhere to the contrary
notwithstanding, this Agreement may be terminated by written notice of
termination at any time before November 1, 1996 only as follows:

                 (i)  by mutual consent of Sellers and Purchaser;

                 (ii)  by Purchaser, (x) at any time if the representations and
         warranties of Sellers contained in Section 3.1 hereof were incorrect
         in any material respect when made or at any time thereafter, or (y)
         upon written notice to Sellers given at any time after (or such later
         date as shall have been specified in a writing authorized on behalf of
         Sellers and Purchaser) if all of the conditions precedent set forth in
         Section 5.1 hereof have not been met or (z) if, between the date of
         this Agreement and Closing, (A) the Real Property or any portion
         thereof or interest
<PAGE>   37

         therein shall be taken or condemned as a result of the exercise of the
         power of eminent domain, or if a governmental body having the power of
         eminent domain informs Sellers or the Purchaser that it intends to
         take or condemn all or part of the Real Property or (B) any material
         portion of the Fixed Assets are destroyed or damaged by any casualty,
         whether or not insured; or

                 (iii)  by Sellers, (x) at any time if the representations and
         warranties of Purchaser contained in Section 3.2 hereof were incorrect
         in any material respect when made or at any time thereafter, or (y)
         upon written notice to Purchaser given at any time after (or such
         later date as shall have been specified in a writing authorized on
         behalf of Sellers and Purchaser) if all of the conditions precedent
         set forth in Section 5.2 hereof have not been met.

                 (iv)   by either party, (x) if Purchaser is unable to obtain a
         financing commitment from an institutional lender on terms and
         conditions satisfactory to Purchaser within four weeks of the
         execution of this Agreement or (y) if the proposed purchase and sale
         is not closed prior to November 1, 1996, provided, that, no such party
         shall be permitted to exercise such right to the extent it is then in
         default of any of its obligations hereunder or otherwise in breach in
         any of its' representations or warranties hereunder as of such date.

                 (b)  In the event of the termination and abandonment hereof
pursuant to the provisions of this Section 8.1, this Agreement (except for
Section 4.2.2 which shall continue) shall become void and have no effect,
without any liability on the part of any of the parties or their directors or
officers or stockholders in respect of this Agreement, unless the termination
was the result of the representations and warranties of a party being
materially incorrect when made or the material breach by such party of a
covenant hereunder in which event the party whose representations and
warranties were incorrect or who breached such covenant shall be liable to the
other party for all costs and expenses of the other party in connection with
the preparation, negotiation, execution and performance of this Agreement.

                 (c)  In the event of the occurrence of any event described in
paragraph (b)(ii)(z) above, and provided the Purchaser does not elect to
terminate this Agreement (i) the Purchaser shall have the sole right, in the
name of Sellers, if the Purchaser so elects, to negotiate for, claim, contest
and receive all damages on account thereof, (ii) Sellers shall be relieved of
its obligation to convey to the Purchaser the Real Property taken or condemned
(and such Real Property shall be deemed an Excluded Asset), (iii) at Closing,
Sellers shall assign to the Purchaser all of Sellers' rights to all damages
payable for such taking or injury of the Real Property and shall pay to the
Purchaser all damages theretofore paid to Sellers by reason thereof, and (iv)
following Closing, Sellers shall give the Purchaser such further assurances of
such rights and assignment as the Purchaser may from time to time reasonably
request; or

         8.2  Brokers' and Finders' Fees.

                 (a)  Sellers represent and warrant to Purchaser that all
negotiations relative to this Agreement have been carried on by it with the
help of P&M Corporate Finance, LLC ("P&M"), who may be entitled to a brokerage
or finder's fee or other commission in respect of this Agreement or the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, and Sellers agree to
indemnify and hold harmless Purchaser against any and all claims, losses,
liabilities and expenses which may be asserted against or incurred by it as a
result of Sellers' dealings, arrangements or agreements with P&M or any other
such person.

                 (b)  Purchaser represents and warrants that all negotiations
relative to this Agreement have been carried on by it directly without the
intervention of any person who may be entitled to any
<PAGE>   38

brokerage or finder's fee or other commission in respect of this Agreement or
the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, and Purchaser agrees
to indemnify and hold harmless Sellers and Maxco against any and all claims,
losses, liabilities and expenses which may be asserted against or incurred by
it as a result of Purchaser's dealings, arrangements or agreements with or any
such person.

         8.3  Sales, Transfer and Documentary Taxes, etc.  Sellers shall pay
all federal, state and local sales, documentary and other transfer taxes, if
any, due as a result of the purchase, sale or transfer of the Assets in
accordance herewith whether imposed by law on Sellers or Purchaser and Sellers
shall indemnify, reimburse and hold harmless Purchaser in respect of the
liability for payment of or failure to pay any such taxes or the filing of or
failure to file any reports required in connection therewith.

         8.4  Expenses.  Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, each
party hereto shall pay its own expenses incidental to the preparation of this
Agreement, the carrying out of the provisions of this Agreement and the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.

         8.5  Contents of Agreement; Parties in Interest; etc.  This Agreement
sets forth the entire understanding of the parties hereto with respect to the
transactions contemplated hereby.  It shall not be amended or modified except
by written instrument duly executed by each of the parties hereto.  Any and all
previous agreements and understandings between or among the parties regarding
the subject matter hereof, whether written or oral, are superseded by this
Agreement.

         8.6  Assignment and Binding Effect.  This Agreement may not be
assigned prior to the Closing by any party hereto without the prior written
consent of the other parties.  Subject to the foregoing, all of the terms and
provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of
and be enforceable by the successors and assigns of Maxco, Sellers and
Purchaser.

         8.7  Waiver.  Any term or provision of this Agreement may be waived at
any time by the party entitled to the benefit thereof by a written instrument
duly executed by such party.

         8.8  Notices.  Any notice, request, demand, waiver, consent, approval
or other communication which is required or permitted hereunder shall be in
writing and shall be deemed given only if delivered personally or sent by
telegram or by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, as follows:

                 If to Purchaser, to:

                          Plastics Acquisition Co., LLC
                          1422 Euclid Avenue
                          8th Floor Annex, Suite 801
                          Cleveland, Ohio 44115-1975
                          Attention:  Robert W. Luce

                 With a required copy to:

                          Arter & Hadden
                          925 Euclid Avenue, Suite 1100
                          Cleveland, Ohio 44115-1475
                          Attention:  Michael E. Elliott, Esquire

                 If to Sellers or Maxco, to:
<PAGE>   39


                          Maxco, Inc.
                          1118 Centennial Way
                          Lansing, Michigan 48917
                          Attention: Vincent Shunsky, Vice President-Finance



                 With a required copy to:

                          Warren, Price, Cameron, Faust & Asciutto, P.C.
                          P.O. Box 26067
                          Lansing, Michigan 48909
                          Attention:  J. Michael Warren, Esquire

or to such other address as the addressee may have specified in a notice duly
given to the sender as provided herein.  Such notice, request, demand, waiver,
consent, approval or other communication will be deemed to have been given as
of the date so delivered, telegraphed or mailed.

         8.9  Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed by and
interpreted and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan.

         8.10 No Benefit to Others.  The representations, warranties, covenants
and agreements contained in this Agreement are for the sole benefit of the
parties hereto and, in the case of Article VI hereof, the other Indemnified
Parties, and their heirs, executors, administrators, legal representatives,
successors and  assigns, and they shall not be construed as conferring any
rights on any other persons except that Purchaser may, if required, assign
Purchaser's rights and benefits hereunder, including indemnification rights, to
its institutional lender.

         8.11 Headings, Gender and "Person".  All section headings contained in
this Agreement are for convenience of reference only, do not form a part of
this Agreement and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of
this Agreement.  Words used herein, regardless of the number and gender
specifically used, shall be deemed and construed to include any other number,
singular or plural, and any other gender, masculine, feminine, or neuter, as
the context requires.  Any reference to a "person" herein shall include an
individual, firm, corporation, partnership, trust, governmental authority or
body, association, unincorporated organization or any other entity.

         8.12 Schedules and Exhibits.  All Exhibits and Schedules referred to
herein are intended to be and hereby are specifically made a part of this
Agreement.  An item listed in any Schedule or otherwise referred to therein in
response to one Section of this Agreement shall not be deemed disclosed in
response to any other Section unless otherwise specifically provided in this
Agreement.

         8.13 Severability.  Any provision of this Agreement which is invalid
or unenforceable in any applicable jurisdiction shall be ineffective to the
extent of such invalidity or unenforceability without invalidating or
rendering unenforceable the remaining provisions hereof, and any such
invalidity or unenforceability in any applicable jurisdiction shall not
invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.

         8.14 Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts and any party hereto may execute any such  counterpart, each of
which when executed and delivered shall be deemed to be an original and all of
which counterparts taken together shall constitute but one and the

<PAGE>   40

same instrument.  This Agreement shall become binding when one or more
counterparts taken together shall have been executed and delivered by the
parties.  It shall not be necessary in making proof of this Agreement or any
counterpart hereof to produce or account for any of the other counterparts.

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this
Agreement on the date first written.


PACER TOOL & MOLD, INC.           PLASTICS ACQUISITION CO. LLC



By /s/ Vincent Shunsky                     By /s/ Robert W. Luce         
  ---------------------------                --------------------------
Name   Vincent Shunsky                     Name   Robert W. Luce        
    -------------------------                  ------------------------
Title  Secretary                           Title  President
     ------------------------                   -----------------------       

MAXCO, INC.                                WRIGHT PLASTIC PRODUCTS, INC.



By /s/ Vincent Shunsky                     By /s/ Vincent Shunsky         
  ---------------------------                --------------------------
Name   Vincent Shunsky                     Name   Vincent Shunsky       
    -------------------------                  ------------------------
Title  Vice President                      Title  Secretary                   
     ------------------------                   -----------------------       





<PAGE>   1
                              AMENDED AND RESTATED
                                 LOAN AGREEMENT


     THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED LOAN AGREEMENT, made and delivered as of the
30th of September, 1996, by and between MAXCO, INC., a Michigan corporation,
and COMERICA BANK, a Michigan banking corporation.

                                  WITNESSETH:
     WHEREAS, the Borrower desires to borrow up to $12,000,000 from the Bank
from time to time for the working capital needs of the Borrower and up to
$900,000 from the Bank from time to time for machinery and equipment;

     WHEREAS, the Bank is willing to supply such financing subject to the terms
and conditions set forth in this Agreement;

     WHEREAS, the Borrower and the Bank entered into a certain Amended and
Restated Loan Agreement dated October 31, 1994, as amended by First Amendment
to Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated May 9th, 1995; as further amended
by Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated September 8,
1995; as further amended by Third Amendment to Amended and Restated Loan
Agreement dated May 15, 1996; and, as further amended by Fourth Amendment to
Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated July 9th, 1996 (the "Prior
Agreement"); and

     WHEREAS, the Borrower and the Bank desire to restate and amend the Prior
Agreement in its entirety;

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual promises
herein contained, the Borrower and the Bank agree as follows:


SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS.



<PAGE>   2



     1.1 Defined Terms.  As used herein, the following terms shall have the
following respective meanings:

     "Accounts," "Documents," "Equipment," "Goods," and "Inventory" shall have
the meanings assigned to them in the UCC on the date of this Agreement.

     "Acknowledgement and Consent" shall mean a letter agreement in the form of
Exhibit B to this Agreement.

     "Agreement" shall mean this Amended and Restated Loan Agreement.

     "Akemi" shall mean Akemi, Inc., a Michigan corporation.

     "Akemi Real Estate" shall mean the land, buildings, improvements and other
real estate owned by Akemi and commonly described as 1611 Hults Drive, Eaton
Rapids, Michigan.

     "Balances" shall mean the net free collected balances existing from time
to time in Borrower's demand deposit accounts with the Bank.

     "Bank" shall mean Comerica Bank, a Michigan banking corporation.

     "Bankruptcy Code" shall mean Title 11 of the United States Code, as
amended, or any successor act or code.

     "Borrower" shall mean Maxco, Inc., a Michigan corporation.

     "Business Day" shall mean a day on which the Bank is open to carry on its
normal commercial lending business.

     "CJF" shall mean CJF Partnership, a Michigan co-partnership.

     "Collateral" shall mean the property of the Borrower or the Guarantors in
the possession of the Bank, any amount in any deposit account of the Borrower
or the Guarantors with the Bank, the Real Property, the Subsidiaries' Notes,
plus any machinery, equipment and/or other assets which were or in the future
are acquired by Borrower or the Guarantors, with the proceeds of a Term Loan
and which are, thereby, the subject of a Purchase Money Security Interest,
together with all replacements thereof, substitutions therefor and all proceeds
hereof.

     "Commitment Amount" shall mean $12,000,000 (or such lesser amount to which
the Commitment Amount may be reduced by the Borrower from time to time under
Section 2.8.1 of this Agreement).

     "Consolidated Funded Debt" shall mean, as of any applicable date of



                                     -2-



<PAGE>   3

determination, that portion of consolidated Debt which consists of (a)
indebtedness for borrowed money, including indebtedness for borrowed money
which is evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures or other similar instruments or
(b) obligations under installment sales contracts or capital leases, less cash
and cash equivalents of Borrower and/or the Guarantors as of the applicable
date.

     "Contract Rate" shall mean, as of any date of determination, the interest
rate determined in accordance with Section 2.4 of this Agreement.

     "Debt" shall mean, as of any applicable date of determination, all items
of indebtedness, obligation or liability of a person, whether matured or
unmatured, liquidated or unliquidated, direct or indirect, absolute or
contingent, joint or several, that should be classified as liabilities in
accordance with GAAP.

     "Default" shall mean a condition or event which, with the giving of notice
or the passage of time, or both, would become an Event of Default.

     "Disbursement Date" shall mean each date upon which the Bank makes a loan
to, or issues a letter of credit for the benefit of, the Borrower under Section
2 of this Agreement.

     "ERISA" shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended, or any successor act or code.

     "Ersco" shall mean Ersco Corporation, a division of Maxco, Inc.

     "Eurodollar-based Rate" shall mean the Eurodollar-based Rate as defined
and determined in the Note.

     "Event of Default" shall mean any of those conditions or events listed in
Section 8.1 of this Agreement.

     "Financial Statements" shall mean all those balance sheets, earnings
statements and other financial data (whether of the Borrower, any Subsidiary or
otherwise) which have been furnished to the Bank for the purposes of, or in
connection with, this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.

     "Financing Statements" shall mean UCC financing statements describing the
Bank as secured party and the Borrower or a Guarantor as debtor covering the
Collateral and otherwise in such form, for filing in such jurisdictions and
with such filing offices as the Bank shall reasonably deem necessary or
advisable.

     "GAAP" shall mean, as of any applicable date of determination, generally
accepted accounting principles consistently applied.

     "Guarantors" shall mean Akemi, Ersco, Pak-Sak and Wisconsin.




                                     -3-



<PAGE>   4


     "Guaranty" shall mean an unlimited guaranty in such form as  shall be
required by the Bank pursuant to which each Guarantor unconditionally
guarantees to the Bank repayment of all of the Indebtedness.

     "Indebtedness" shall mean all loans, advances and indebtedness of the
Borrower to the Bank under this Agreement (whether evidenced by a Note, a
Letter of Credit or otherwise), together with all other indebtedness,
obligations and liabilities whatsoever of the Borrower to the Bank, whether
matured or unmatured, liquidated or unliquidated, direct or indirect, absolute
or contingent, joint or several, due or to become due, now existing or
hereafter arising.

     "Legal Rate" shall mean the maximum interest rate permitted to be paid by
corporate debtors or received by the Bank with respect to the indebtedness
represented by a Note under applicable law.

     "Letter of Credit" shall mean a commercial or standby letter of credit
issued by the Bank for the benefit of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries under
Section 2.1(c) of this Agreement on a Disbursement Date, including but not
limited to the Letter of Credit issued by the Bank relative to the Michigan
Strategic Fund Tax Exempt Variable Rate Demand Limited Obligation Revenue Bond
(Akemi, Inc. Project, Series 1996).

     "Liquid Assets" shall mean, as of the applicable date of determination,
all cash and cash equivalents plus all marketable securities and other
investments having a maturity of less than one year, or which can be readily
liquidated in less than one year.

     "Medar" shall mean Medar, Inc., a Michigan corporation.

     "Mortgages" shall mean one or more continuing collateral mortgages in such
form as shall be required by the Bank to perfect a security interest in the
Collateral, for the purpose of securing Term Loans and pursuant to which Akemi
granted the Bank a mortgage on the Akemi Real Estate.

     "Tangible Net Worth" shall mean, as of any applicable date of
determination, the excess of (i) the net book value of all assets of a person
(other than patents, patent rights, trademarks, trade names, franchises,
copyrights, licenses, goodwill, and similar intangible assets) after all
appropriate deductions (including, without limitation, reserves for doubtful
receivables, obsolescence, depreciation and amortization), all as determined in
accordance with GAAP, over (ii) all Debt of such person.

     "Note" shall mean the Revolving Credit Note or the Term Note and "Notes"
shall mean both the Revolving Credit Note and the Term Note.

     "Pak-Sak" shall mean Pak-Sak Industries, Inc., a Michigan corporation.

     "PBGC" shall mean the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation or any person





                                     -4-



<PAGE>   5

succeeding to the present powers and functions of the Pension Benefit Guaranty 
Corporation.                                                                  

     "Permitted Liens" shall mean:

           (a)   Liens and encumbrances in favor of the Bank;

           (b)   Liens for taxes, assessments or other governmental charges
      incurred in the ordinary course of business and not yet past due or being
      contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and, if requested by
      the Bank, bonded in a manner satisfactory to the Bank;

           (c)   Liens not delinquent created by statute in connection with
      worker's compensation, unemployment insurance, social security and
      similar statutory obligations;

           (d)   Liens of mechanics, materialmen, carriers, warehousemen or
      other like statutory or common law liens securing obligations incurred in
      good faith in the ordinary course of business that are not yet due and
      payable;

           (e)   Encumbrances consisting of zoning restrictions, rights-of-way,
      easements or other restrictions on the use of real property, none of
      which materially impairs the use of such property by the Borrower or any
      Subsidiary in the operation of the business for which it is used and none
      of which is violated in any material respect by any existing or proposed
      structure or land use;

           (f)   Existing liens described on Schedule 5.6 attached hereto;

           (g)   Purchase money security interests in fixed assets granted to
      secure not more than 80% of the purchase price (or, if lesser, the fair
      market value) of such fixed assets, provided that such lien or security
      interest is created contemporaneously, or substantially
      contemporaneously, with the acquisition of such fixed assets, and
      provided, further, that the lien or security interest does not extend to
      any property other than the fixed asset so financed and provided,
      further, that any such purchase giving rise to such security interest
      does not violate any other provision of this Agreement; and

           (h)   The interests of lessors under a lease of fixed assets,
      provided that no such lease shall have a term (including renewal options
      of the lessor or lessee) greater than the useful life of such assets and
      provided, further, that neither the entering into nor compliance with
      such lease shall violate any other provision of this Agreement.

      "Person" shall mean any individual, corporation, partnership, joint
venture, association, trust, unincorporated association, joint stock company,
government, municipality, political subdivision or agency or other entity.






                                     -5-



<PAGE>   6

     "Prime Rate" shall mean that annual rate of interest designated by the
Bank as its prime rate, which rate may not be the lowest rate of interest
charged by the Bank to any of its customers, and which is changed by the Bank
from time to time.                                                          


     "Purchase Money Security Interest" shall mean a first priority lien in
Collateral which was or in the future will be acquired by Borrower or the
Guarantors, in whole or in part, with the proceeds of a Term Loan.

     "Real Estate" shall mean the Akemi Real Estate, together with any other
land, buildings and improvements which from time to time may become the subject
of a Purchase Money Security Interest.

     "Revolving Credit Note" shall mean a promissory note conforming to Section
2.3(a) of this Agreement and in the form of Exhibit A-1 to this Agreement.

     "Revolving Loan" shall mean an advance made by the Bank to the Borrower
under Section 2.1(a) of this Agreement on a Disbursement Date.

     "Riverview Associates" shall mean Riverview Associates, a Michigan
co-partnership, of Lansing, Michigan.

     "Securities" shall mean (i) all of the issued and outstanding capital
stock of the Subsidiaries and (ii) all of the shares of capital stock of Medar
owned by the Borrower or any Subsidiary.

     "Security Agreements" shall mean security agreements in such form as shall
be required by the Bank pursuant to this Agreement, which the Borrower and the
Guarantors have previously or in the future will grant, to the Bank, security
interests in the Collateral now owned or hereafter acquired, together with all
replacements thereof, substitutions therefor and all proceeds thereof, for the
purpose of securing Term Loans.

     "Series Two Preferred Stock" shall mean 18,000 issued shares of 12%
cumulative redeemable, convertible preferred stock with a $50 par value.

     "Series Three Preferred Stock" shall mean up to 50,000 shares of 10%
voting cumulative preferred stock.

     "Subsidiaries" shall mean the Guarantors and any other corporation of
which more than fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding voting securities shall,
as of any applicable date of determination, be owned directly, or indirectly
through one or more intermediaries, by the Borrower.

     "Subsidiaries' Note" shall mean all promissory notes from a Subsidiary to
the Borrower, together with all rights to the collateral or other security for
such notes, if any, for the benefit of or held by Borrower.




                                     -6-



<PAGE>   7

     "Term Loan(s)" shall mean advances made by the Bank to the Borrower under
Section 2.1(b) of this Agreement on a Disbursement Date.

     "Term Note" shall mean a promissory note conforming to Section 2.3(b) of
this Agreement and in the form of Exhibit A-2 to this Agreement.
                                                                              
     "Termination Date" shall mean August 1, 1998 (or such earlier date on
which the Borrower shall permanently terminate the Bank's commitment under
Section 2.8.1 of this Agreement).

     "UCC" shall mean Public Act 174 of 1962 of the State of Michigan, as
amended.

     "Wisconsin" shall mean Wisconsin Wire & Steel, Inc., a Wisconsin
corporation.

     1.2 Accounting Terms.  All accounting terms not specifically defined in
this Agreement shall be construed in accordance with GAAP.

     1.3 Singular and Plural.  Where the context herein requires, the singular
number shall be deemed to include the plural, and vice versa.

SECTION 2. COMMITMENT, INTEREST AND FEES.

     2.1 Commitment.  (a) Subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement, the Bank agrees to make loans to the Borrower on a revolving basis
of such amount as the Borrower shall request pursuant to Section 2.2 of this
Agreement at any time from the date of this Agreement until the Termination
Date, up to an aggregate principal amount outstanding at any time not to exceed
the Commitment Amount, provided that each Disbursement Date under this
Agreement must be a Business Day, and the principal amount of each Revolving
Loan made under this Agreement shall be in the aggregate amount of $10,000 or
an integral multiple thereof, and provided further, that the principal amount
of each Revolving Loan made under this Agreement, for which Borrower elects to
pay interest at the Eurodollar-based Rate, shall be in the aggregate amount of
$1,000,000 or greater in $500,000 increments thereafter.

     (b) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Bank agrees
to make term loans for the purchase of machinery and equipment to the Borrower
of such amounts as the Borrower shall request pursuant to Section 2.2 of this
Agreement at any time from the date of this Agreement until the Termination
Date, up to an aggregate principal amount outstanding at any time not to exceed
Nine Hundred Thousand Dollars ($900,000.00), at variable rates of interest
equal to the Prime Rate, and with such maturity dates, as the Bank and the
Borrower shall from time to time agree (such agreement to be evidenced by the
Borrower's execution and the Bank's acceptance of, and disbursement against, a
Term Note).  Those term loans to the Borrower currently outstanding and
described on Schedule 2.1(b) shall constitute Term Loans under this Agreement
and the promissory notes evidencing such loans shall constitute Term Notes
under this 


                                     -7-



<PAGE>   8
Agreement and the principal amount of such loans shall be taken into
account in determining the aggregate principal amount of term loans outstanding
under this Section 2.1(b).                                                     

     (c) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, to the
Borrower's execution and delivery to the Bank of a reimbursement agreement
satisfactory to the Bank in its sole discretion and to the Borrower's payment
of Bank's letter of credit fees, the Bank shall issue standby and commercial
letters of credit on behalf of the Borrower or any Subsidiary in aggregate
amounts not to exceed Six Hundred Twenty-Eight Thousand Six Hundred Twenty-Four
Dollars ($628,624) at any one time outstanding and with expiration dates not to
exceed three hundred sixty five (365) days.


     2.2  Borrowing Procedures.

          2.2.1  Notice of Request for Loan and Letters of Credit.  The Borrower
     may with the consent of the Bank request a Revolving Loan, a Term Loan or
     a Letter of Credit and make payments thereon by telephonic or other
     electronic authorization to the Bank in accordance with such terms and
     procedures as the Bank shall from time to time establish or may give the
     Bank at least two Business Days' prior written notice of the Borrower's
     desire for a Revolving Loan, Term Loan or Letter of Credit.  Such notice
     shall be signed by an authorized officer of the Borrower and shall specify
     the proposed Disbursement Date and the principal amount of the proposed
     advance for such Revolving Loan, Term Loan or the amount of such Letter of
     Credit.

         2.2.2  Bank Obligation to Make Loans or to Issue Letters of Credit. 
     The Bank agrees to make the Revolving Loan or Term Loan, or to issue the
     Letter of Credit, on the Disbursement Date as set forth in a notice to the
     Bank from the Borrower conforming to the requirements of Section 2.2.1 by
     crediting the Borrower's general deposit account with the Bank in the
     amount of such Revolving Loan or Term Loan, or by delivering the Letter of
     Credit to the Borrower, provided, however, that the Bank shall not be so
     obligated if:

                 (a) Any of the conditions precedent set forth in Section 4 (or
            any other Section) of this Agreement shall not have been satisfied
            or waived by the Bank in accordance with Section 9.3 of this
            Agreement;

                 (b) Any such proposed Revolving Loan or Letter of Credit would
            cause the aggregate unpaid principal amount of the Revolving Loans
            outstanding under this Agreement to exceed the Commitment Amount on
            the Disbursement Date;

                 (c) Any such proposed Term Loan would cause the aggregate
            unpaid principal amount of the Term Loans outstanding under this
            Agreement to exceed Nine Hundred Thousand Dollars ($900,000)




                                     -8-



<PAGE>   9

                 (d) The Bank and the Borrower shall be unable to agree as to
            the maturity applicable to any Term Loan.

     2.3 Notes.  (a) The Revolving Loans shall be evidenced by the Revolving
Credit Note, executed by the Borrower, dated the date of this Agreement,
payable to the Bank on the Termination Date (unless sooner accelerated pursuant
to the terms of this Agreement), and in the principal amount of the Commitment
Amount.  The date and amount of each Revolving Loan made by the Bank and of
each repayment of principal thereon received by the Bank shall be recorded by
the Bank in its records.  The aggregate unpaid principal amount so recorded by
the Bank shall constitute the best evidence of the principal amount owing and
unpaid on the Note, provided, however, that the failure by the Bank so to
record any such amount or any error in so recording any such amount shall not
limit or otherwise affect the obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement
or the Note to repay the principal amount of all the Revolving Loans together
with all interest accrued or accruing thereon. 

     (b) The Term Loans shall each be evidenced by a Term Note, executed by the
Borrower, dated the respective Disbursement Date, payable to the Bank on the
maturity date agreed to by the Bank and the Borrower (unless sooner accelerated
pursuant to the terms of this Agreement) and in the principal amount of such
Term Loan.

     2.4 Interest.  (a) The Revolving Credit Note shall bear interest on the
outstanding principal balance from time to time outstanding at a rate equal to
the Prime Rate, minus fifty basis points (.5%), or the Eurodollar-based Rate,
as elected by the Borrower under the terms of the Revolving Credit Note, until
maturity, whether by acceleration or otherwise, and thereafter at a rate equal
to three percent (3%) per annum plus the rate otherwise prevailing hereunder.
Interest shall be payable in accordance with the terms of the Revolving Credit
Note.
     (b) The Term Note shall bear interest on the outstanding principal balance
from time to time outstanding at the Prime Rate, and payable at such times, as
is agreed to by the Bank and the Borrower and set forth in the Term Note.

     2.5  Maximum Rate.  If at any time the Contract Rate payable on any Note
exceeds the Legal Rate, interest payable on any Note shall be reduced to the
Legal Rate.  Thereafter, if the Contract Rate declines below the Legal Rate,
interest shall again accrue and be payable at the lesser of the Contract Rate
or the Legal Rate.


     2.6  Fees.

          2.6.1  Revolving Credit Commitment Fee.  The Borrower agrees to pay to
     the Bank a revolving credit commitment fee for the period from and
     including the date of this Agreement to the Termination Date equal to (a)
     one-quarter of one percent (1/4%) per annum on the Commitment Amount
     (without reduction for the outstanding amount of Letters of Credit) plus
     (b) one-quarter of one percent (1/4%) per annum on the average daily
     difference between the Commitment Amount (without reduction for the
     outstanding amount of Letters of Credit) and 




                                     -9-



<PAGE>   10

     the aggregate unpaid principal balance of the Revolving Loans.  Such
     commitment fee shall be payable on the last Business Day of each March,
     June, September and December during the term of this Agreement, and on the
     Termination Date, for the periods ending on such dates. 

         2.6.2  Fee in Lieu of Compensating Balances.  If, at any time, the
     Balances shall be less than five percent (5%) of the Commitment Amount
     (without reduction for the outstanding amount of Letters of Credit),
     Borrower shall pay to the Bank a fee equal to the product of such
     deficiency and the Contract Rate applicable to the Revolving Credit Loans
     in effect at the time of the incurrence of such deficiency.  This fee will
     be calculated by the Bank, for each day on which such deficiency exists,
     and shall be payable on the last Business Day of each March, June,
     September and December during the term of this Agreement, and on the
     Termination Date, for the periods ending on such dates.          


         2.6.3  Preparation Fees.  Simultaneously with the execution of this
     Agreement, the Borrower shall pay to the Bank the amount of the Bank's
     expenses (including attorney's fees and costs) incurred by the Bank in
     connection with the preparation of this Agreement and related instruments.

         2.6.4  Letter of Credit Fees.  Simultaneously with the issuance of each
     Letter of Credit, the Borrower shall pay to the Bank the amount of the
     Bank's customary fees for the issuance and establishment of a standby or
     commercial letter of credit.

     2.7 Basis of Computation.  The amount of all interest and fees hereunder
shall be computed for the actual number of days elapsed on the basis of a year
consisting of 360 days.

     2.8 Changes in Commitment and Prepayments.

         2.8.1  Termination or Reduction in Commitment.  The Borrower may, at
     any time and from time to time, upon at least five (5) Business Days' prior
     written notice received by the Bank, permanently terminate the Bank's
     commitments under this Agreement or permanently reduce the Commitment
     Amount by an integral multiple of $500,000, provided, however, that the
     Borrower, on the effective date of such termination or reduction, (a)
     shall pay to the Bank, in the case of a termination, the aggregate unpaid
     principal amount of all Revolving Loans and Term Loans (together with, in
     the case of Term Loans, any prepayment penalty or premium provided by the
     Term Notes or otherwise required by the Bank) and shall deposit with the
     Bank in cash an amount (adjusted, as deemed necessary by the Bank, for any
     applicable reserve or other requirements) equal to the Bank's maximum
     liability under all Letters of Credit then outstanding, or (b) shall pay
     to the Bank, in the case of a reduction, the amount, if any, by which the
     aggregate unpaid principal amount of all Revolving Loans exceeds the then
     reduced Commitment Amount, together in either case with all interest
     accrued and unpaid on the principal amounts so prepaid.  After any such
     reduction, the commitment fee provided under Section 2.6.1 of this
     Agreement shall be calculated 



                                    -10-



<PAGE>   11

     on the Commitment Amount as so reduced and the Commitment Amount may not
     be increased or otherwise reinstated without the express written agreement
     of the Bank. 

         2.8.2  Mandatory Prepayments.  In addition to the mandatory prepayment
     required under Section 2.8.1 of this Agreement, the Borrower shall pay to
     the Bank the amount, if any, by which the aggregate unpaid principal
     amount of all Revolving Loans from time to time exceeds the Commitment
     Amount, together with all interest accrued and unpaid on the amount of
     such excess, but without other premium or penalty.  Such prepayment shall
     be immediately due and owing upon the occurrence of any such excess,
     provided, however, that any mandatory prepayment made under this Section
     2.8.2 shall not reduce the Commitment Amount.

         2.8.3  Optional Prepayments.  (a) The Borrower may, at any time and
     from time to time, upon at least one (1) Business Day's prior written
     notice received by the Bank, prepay the unpaid principal amount of the
     Revolving Loans in whole or in part without premium or penalty, provided,
     however, that any such optional prepayment shall be made in an integral
     multiple of $10,000 and provided, further, that any optional prepayment
     made under this Section 2.8.3 shall not reduce the Commitment Amount.

           (b) The Borrower may prepay the unpaid principal amount of the Term
     Loans only if permitted by, and on the terms of, the Term Notes.

     2.9  Basis of Payments.  All sums payable by the Borrower to the Bank
under this Agreement shall be paid directly to the Bank at its principal office
in immediately available funds, without setoff, deduction or counterclaim.  In
its sole discretion, the Bank may charge any deposit account of the Borrower
with the Bank for all or any part of any amount due hereunder.

SECTION 3.  SECURITY.

     To secure full and timely performance of the Borrower's covenants set out
in this Agreement relating to the Term Loans and to secure the repayment of the
Term Notes the Borrower agrees to grant and assign, and to cause the Guarantors
to grant and assign, Purchase Money Security Interests and other security
interests in the Collateral pursuant to the Security Agreements, the Financing
Statements, the Mortgages and other instruments and agreements satisfactory to
the Bank.  Any security interest in Collateral securing a Term Loan shall also
be deemed as security for all other Term Loans made pursuant to this Agreement.

SECTION 4.  CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF BANK.

     4.1 Conditions to First Disbursement.  The obligations of the Bank under
this Agreement are subject to the occurrence, prior to or on the Disbursement
Date first


                                    -11-



<PAGE>   12

occurring, the Borrower shall have executed (or caused to be executed) and
delivered to the Bank and, as appropriate, there shall have been filed with
such filing offices as the Bank shall deem appropriate, the following:

                  (a) The Revolving Credit Note;

                  (b)  The Guaranty from each Guarantor;

                  (c)  The Acknowledgement and Consent;

     4.2 Conditions to All Disbursements.  The obligation of the Bank under
this Agreement on any Disbursement Date, including, but not limited to, the
Disbursement Date first occurring, are subject to the occurrence of each of the
following conditions, any or all of which may be waived in whole or in part by
the Bank in writing:

           4.2.1  Bank Satisfaction.  The Bank shall not know or have any
      reasonable reason to believe that, as of such Disbursement Date:

                 (a) Any Default or Event of Default has occurred and is
            continuing;
                                                                       
                 (b) Any warranty or representation set forth in Section 5 of
            this Agreement shall not be true and correct; or

                 (c) Any provision of law, any order of any court or other
            agency of government or any regulation, rule or interpretation
            thereof shall have had any material adverse effect on the validity
            or enforceability of this Agreement, the Notes, the Security
            Agreements, the Financing Statements, the Mortgages or the
            Guaranties.
 
            4.2.2  Approval of Bank Counsel.  All actions, proceedings,
      instruments and documents required to carry out the transactions
      contemplated by this Agreement or incidental thereto and all other
      related legal matters shall have been satisfactory to and approved by
      Messrs. Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone, P.L.C., as legal counsel for
      the Bank, and said counsel shall have been furnished with such certified
      copies of actions and proceedings and such other instruments and
      documents as they shall have reasonably requested.

            4.2.3  Other Conditions.  All other conditions to such obligation
      set forth in this Agreement shall have satisfied.

SECTION 5.  WARRANTIES AND REPRESENTATIONS.

     The Borrower represents and warrants to the Bank, on the date of this
Agreement and on each Disbursement Date, that:



                                    -12-



<PAGE>   13
     5.1 Corporate Existence and Power.  (a) The Borrower is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of
Michigan, (b) each of the Subsidiaries is a corporation duly organized, validly
existing and in good standing under the law of its state of incorporation, (c)
the Borrower and each of the Subsidiaries have the corporate power and
authority to own their respective properties and assets and to carry out their
respective businesses as now being conducted and are qualified to do business
and in good standing in every jurisdiction wherein such qualification is
necessary, (d) the Borrower has the corporate power and authority to execute,
deliver  and perform this Agreement, to borrow money in accordance with its
terms, to execute and deliver the Notes and other documents contemplated
hereby, to grant to the Bank the Purchase Money Security Interests in the
Collateral as hereby contemplated and to do any and all other things required
of it hereunder, (e) each of the Guarantors has the corporate power and
authority to execute, deliver and perform the Guaranty, the Acknowledgement and
Consent and the other documents contemplated hereby, to grant to the Bank
liens, mortgages and security interests in the Collateral, and to do any and
all other things required of it hereunder, and (f) except as disclosed in
Schedule 5.1, neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary conducts business under
any assumed or trade name.

     5.2 Authorization and Approvals.  The execution, delivery and performance
of this Agreement, the borrowings hereunder and the execution and delivery of
the Notes, and other documents contemplated hereby by the Borrower (a) have
been duly authorized by all requisite corporate action, (b) do not require
registration with or consent or approval of, or other action by, any federal,
state or other governmental authority or regulatory body, or, if such
registration, consent or approval is required, the same has been obtained and
disclosed in writing to the Bank, (c) will not violate any provision of law,
any order of any court or other agency of government, the Articles of
Incorporation or Bylaws of the Borrower, any provision of any indenture,
agreement or other instrument to which the Borrower is a party, or by which it
or any of its properties or assets are bound, (d) will not be in conflict with,
result in a breach of or constitute (with or without notice or passage of time)
a default under any such indenture, agreement or other instrument, and (e) will
not result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance of
any nature whatsoever upon any of the properties or assets of the Borrower
other than in favor of the Bank and as contemplated hereby.  The execution,
delivery and performance of the Guaranties and other documents contemplated
thereby by the Guarantors (a) do not require registration with or consent or
approval of, or other action by, any federal, state or other governmental
authority or regulatory body, or, if such registration, consent or approval is
required, the same has been obtained and disclosed in writing to the Bank, (b)
will not violate any provision of law, any order of any court or other agency
of government, any provision of any indenture, agreement or other instrument to
which any Guarantor is a party, or by which any of their properties or assets
are bound, (c) will not be in conflict with, result in a breach of or
constitute (with or without notice or passage of time) a default under any such
indenture, agreement or other instrument, and (d) will not result in the
creation or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance of any nature
whatsoever upon any of the properties or assets of any Guarantor other than in
favor of the Bank and as contemplated hereby.


                                    -13-



<PAGE>   14

     5.3 Valid and Binding Agreement.  This Agreement is, and the Notes and all
other documents contemplated hereby will be, when delivered, valid and binding
obligations of the Borrower, and the Guaranties and all other documents
contemplated thereby will be valid and binding obligations of the Guarantors,
in each case enforceable in accordance with their respective terms, except as
enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency and similar laws and
equitable principles affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally.

     5.4 Actions, Suits or Proceedings.  Except as disclosed on Schedule 5.4,
there are no actions, suits or proceedings, at law or in equity, and no
proceedings before any arbitrator or by or before any governmental commission,
board, bureau or other administrative agency, pending, or, to the best
knowledge of the Borrower, threatened against or affecting the Borrower or any
of the Subsidiaries or any properties or rights of the Borrower or any of the
Subsidiaries which, if adversely determined, could materially impair the right
of the Borrower or any of the Subsidiaries to carry on business substantially
as now conducted or could have a material adverse effect upon the financial
condition of the Borrower or any of the Subsidiaries.

     5.5 Subsidiaries.  The Guarantors are the only wholly owned Subsidiaries
of the Borrower.  The Borrower also owns approximately 20% of the capital stock
of Medar, a 25% general partnership interest in CJF and a 2% limited
partnership interest in Riverview Associates.

     5.6 No Liens, Pledges, Mortgages or Security Interests.  Except for
Permitted Liens, none of the Borrower's or the Subsidiaries' assets and
properties, including the Collateral, is subject to any mortgage, pledge, lien,
security interest or other encumbrance of any kind or character.

     5.7 Accounting Principles.  The Financial Statements have been prepared in
accordance with GAAP and fully and fairly present the financial condition of
the Borrower and the Subsidiaries as of the dates, and the results of their
operations for the periods, for which the same are furnished to the Bank.  To
the best of Borrower's knowledge and belief, the Borrower has no material
contingent obligations, liabilities for taxes, long-term leases or unusual
forward or long-term commitments not disclosed by, or reserved against in, the
Financial Statements.

     5.8 No Adverse Changes.  There has been no material adverse change in the
business, properties or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower or
any of the Subsidiaries since the date of the latest of the Financial
Statements.

     5.9 Conditions Precedent.  As of each Disbursement Date, all appropriate
conditions precedent referred to in Section 4 hereof shall have been satisfied
(or waived in writing by the Bank).

     5.10 Taxes.  The Borrower and the Subsidiaries have filed by the due date
therefor all federal, state and local tax returns and other reports they are
required by law 


                                    -14-



<PAGE>   15

to file and which are material to the conduct of their respective businesses,
have paid or caused to be paid all taxes, assessments and other governmental
charges that are shown to be due and payable under such returns, and have made
adequate provision for the payment of such taxes, assessments or other
governmental charges which have accrued but are not yet payable.  The Borrower
has no knowledge of any deficiency or assessment in a material amount in
connection with any such taxes, assessments or other governmental charges not
adequately disclosed in the Financial Statements. 

     5.11 Compliance with Laws.  The Borrower and the Subsidiaries have
complied with all applicable laws, to the extent that failure to comply would
materially interfere with the conduct of the business of the Borrower or any of
the Subsidiaries.  Without limitation of the foregoing, the Borrower has not
used Hazardous Materials (as defined hereinafter) on or in connection with any
premises at which the Borrower has a place of business in any manner which
violates federal, state or local laws, ordinances, statutes, rules, regulations
or judgments governing the use, storage, treatment, handling, manufacture,
transportation, or disposal of Hazardous Materials ("Environmental Laws") and,
to the best of the Borrower's knowledge, no prior owner of such premises or any
current or prior occupant has used Hazardous Materials on or affecting the
premises in any manner which violates Environmental Laws.  The Borrower
covenants and agrees that neither it nor any occupant shall use, introduce or
maintain Hazardous Materials on the premises in any manner unless done in
strict compliance with all Environmental Laws.  The Borrower has never received
any notice of any violations of Environmental Laws and, to the best of the
Borrower's knowledge, there have been no actions commenced or threatened by any
party against Borrower for noncompliance with any Environmental Laws.
"Hazardous Materials" includes, without limitation, any flammable explosives,
radioactive materials, hazardous materials, hazardous wastes, hazardous or
toxic substances or related materials defined in the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended (42
U.S.C. Sections 9601, et seq.), the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, as
amended (49 U.S.C. Section 1801, et seq.), the Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. Sections 6901, et seq.) and in the
regulations adopted and publications promulgated pursuant thereto, or any other
federal, state or local governmental law, ordinance, rule, or regulation.

     5.12 Indebtedness.  Except as disclosed on Schedule 5.12, the Borrower and
the Subsidiaries have no indebtedness for money borrowed and no direct or
indirect obligations under any leases (whether or not required to be
capitalized under GAAP) or any agreements of guarantee or surety except for the
endorsement of negotiable instruments by the Borrower and the Subsidiaries in
the ordinary course of business for deposit or collection.

     5.13 Material Agreements.  Except as disclosed on Schedule 5.13, the
Borrower and the Subsidiaries have no material leases, contracts or commitments
of any kind (including, without limitation, employment agreements, collective
bargaining agreements, powers of attorney, distribution contracts, patent or
trademark licenses, contracts for future purchase or delivery of goods or
rendering of services, bonus, pension


                                    -15-



<PAGE>   16

and retirement plans, or accrued vacation pay, insurance and welfare
agreements); to the best knowledge of Borrower, all parties to such agreements
(including the Borrower and the Subsidiaries) have complied with the provisions
of such leases, contracts or commitments; and to the best knowledge of
Borrower, no party to such agreements (including the Borrower and the
Subsidiaries) is in default thereunder, nor has there occurred any event which
with notice or the passage of time, or both, would constitute such a default.

     5.14 Margin Stock.  Neither the Borrower nor any of the Subsidiaries is
engaged principally, or as one of its important activities, in the business of
extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any "margin stock"
within the meaning of Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System, and no part of the proceeds of any loan hereunder will be used,
directly or indirectly, to purchase or carry any margin stock or to extend
credit to others for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any margin stock or
for any other purpose which might violate the provisions of Regulation G, T, U
or X of the said Board of Governors.

     5.15 Pension Funding.  Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary has
incurred any material accumulated funding deficiency within the meaning of
ERISA or has incurred any material liability to the PBGC in connection with any
employee benefit plan established or maintained by the Borrower or any of the
Subsidiaries and no reportable event or prohibited transaction, as defined in
ERISA, has occurred with respect to such plans.

     5.16 Misrepresentation.  No warranty or representation by the Borrower
contained herein or in any certificate or other document furnished by the
Borrower pursuant hereto contains any untrue statement of material fact or
omits to state a material fact necessary to make such warranty or
representation not misleading in light of the circumstances under which it was
made.

     5.17 Shares and Shareholders.  The Borrower's entire authorized capital
stock consists of 10,000,000 shares of common stock, $1.00 par value, and
100,000 shares of Preferred Stock, of which 18,000 shares of Series Two
Preferred Stock are issued and outstanding, and of which 16,219 shares of
Series Three Preferred Stock are issued and outstanding.  The Guarantors'
entire outstanding capital stock is owned both beneficially and of record by
the Borrower, and the Guarantors' authorized and outstanding capital stock
consists of the following: 


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  Authorized                        Outstanding
Guarantor:        Capital Stock:    Par Value:      Capital Stock
- ----------        --------------    ----------     ----------------
<S>               <C>                 <C>          <C>

Akemi                 50,000           $1.00              1,000
Ersco                 50,000           $1.00                300
Pak-Sak                5,000          $10.00              3,768
Wisconsin Common       1,250          no par                290
     Preferred           250         $100.00                250
</TABLE>



                                     -16-



<PAGE>   17

The Borrower owns 1,737,405 shares of the outstanding capital stock of Medar,
which constitutes approximately 20% of the aggregate outstanding capital stock
of Medar.  Except as disclosed on Schedule 5.17, there are no outstanding
options, warrants or rights to purchase, nor any agreement for the
subscription, purchase or acquisition of, any shares of the capital stock of
the Borrower or any Subsidiary.

SECTION 6. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS.

      From the date hereof until the later of the Termination Date or the date
when the principal of and interest on the Notes and other Indebtedness is paid
in full and the Bank's commitment hereunder terminated, the Borrower covenants
and agrees that it will:

      6.1  Financial and Other Information.

           6.1.1  Annual Financial Reports.  Furnish to the Bank in form
      satisfactory to the Bank not later than ninety (90) days after the close
      of each fiscal year of the Borrower, on a consolidated and consolidating
      basis, a balance sheet as at the close of each such fiscal year,
      statements of income and retained earnings and changes in financial
      position for each such fiscal year, and such other comments and financial
      details as are usually included in similar reports.  Such reports shall
      be prepared in accordance with GAAP by independent certified public
      accountants of recognized standing selected by the Borrower and
      acceptable to the Bank and shall contain unqualified opinions as to the
      fairness of the statements therein contained.

           6.1.2  Quarterly Financial Statements.  Furnish to the Bank not
      later than forty-five (45) days after the close of each quarter of each
      fiscal year of the Borrower financial statements containing the
      consolidated and consolidating balance sheet of the Borrower and the
      Subsidiaries as of the end of each such period, consolidated and
      consolidating statements of income and retained earnings of the Borrower
      and the Subsidiaries and a consolidated statement of changes in financial
      position of the Borrower and Subsidiaries for the portion of the fiscal
      year up to the end of such period.  These statements shall be prepared on
      substantially the same accounting basis as the statements required in
      Section 6.1.1 of this Agreement and shall be in such detail as the Bank
      may require, and the accuracy of the statements shall be certified by the
      chief executive or financial officer of the Borrower.

           6.1.3  No Default Certificate.  Together with each delivery of the
      financial statements required by Sections 6.1.1 and 6.1.2 of this
      Agreement, furnish to the Bank a certificate of its chief executive or
      financial officer stating that no Event of Default or Default has
      occurred, or if any such Event of Default or Default exists, stating the
      nature thereof, the period of existence thereof and what action the
      Borrower proposes to take with respect thereto.


                                     -17-



<PAGE>   18
                                         
           6.1.4  Accounts Receivable Reporting.  Furnish to the Bank (a) by
      the 25th of each month (as of the end of the prior month) (i) a report in
      such form as the Bank shall from time to time require as to the Accounts
      of Borrower and the Subsidiaries; (ii) an aging of the Accounts of
      Borrower and the Subsidiaries in a form satisfactory to the Bank and (iv)
      a report in such form as the Bank shall from time to time require as to
      the Inventory of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries and (b) by the 30th
      day of each calendar quarter (as of the end of the prior quarter) an
      aging of the Accounts of Borrower and the Subsidiaries in a form
      satisfactory to the Bank.

           6.1.5  Adverse Events.  Promptly inform the Bank of the occurrence
      of any Event of Default or Default, or of any other occurrence which has
      or could reasonably be expected to have a materially adverse effect upon
      the Borrower's business, properties, financial condition or ability to
      comply with its obligations hereunder.

           6.1.6  Shareholder Reports.  Promptly furnish to the Bank upon
      becoming available a copy of all financial statements, reports, notices,
      proxy statements and other communications sent by the Borrower to its
      stockholders, and all regular and periodic reports filed by the Borrower
      with any securities exchange, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the
      corporations or securities administrators of the State of Michigan or
      other state or any governmental authorities succeeding to any or all of
      the functions of said Commission or administrators.

           6.1.7  Management Letters.  Furnish to the Bank, promptly upon
      receipt thereof, copies of all management letters and other reports of
      substance submitted to the Borrower or any Subsidiary by independent
      certified public accountants in connection with any annual or interim
      audit of the books of the Borrower or any Subsidiary.

           6.1.8  Other Information As Requested.  Promptly furnish to the Bank
      such other information regarding the operations, business affairs and
      financial condition of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries as the Bank may
      reasonably request from time to time and permit the Bank, its employees,
      attorneys and agents, to inspect all of the books, records and properties
      of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries at any reasonable time.  Without
      limitation of the foregoing, the Borrower shall permit the Bank, not less
      frequently than once per year, to audit the Accounts of Borrower and the
      Subsidiaries.

      6.2 Insurance.  Keep its insurable properties and the insurable
properties of the Subsidiaries (including but not limited to the Collateral)
adequately insured and maintain (a) insurance against fire and other risks
customarily insured against by companies engaged in the same or a similar
business to that of the Borrower or the Subsidiaries, (b) necessary worker's
compensation insurance, (c) public liability and product liability insurance,
and (d) such other insurance as may be required by law or as may be reasonably
required in writing by the Bank, all of which insurance shall be in such


                                     -18-



<PAGE>   19
                                         
amounts, containing such terms, in such form, for such purposes and written by
such companies as may be satisfactory to the Bank.  All such policies shall
contain a provision whereby they may not be canceled except upon thirty days'
prior written notice to the Bank.  The Borrower will deliver to the Bank, at the
Bank's request, evidence satisfactory to the Bank that such insurance has been
so procured and, with respect to casualty insurance, made payable to the Bank. 
If the Borrower fails to maintain satisfactory insurance as herein provided, the
Bank shall have the option to do so, and the Borrower agrees to repay the Bank,
with interest at 3 percent per annum plus the Prime Rate, all amounts so
expended by the Bank. The Borrower hereby appoints the Bank as Borrower's
attorney-in-fact, which appointment is coupled with an interest and irrevocable,
to endorse any check or draft payable to the Borrower in connection with
returned or unearned premiums on said insurance or the proceeds of said
insurance, and any amount so collected may be applied toward satisfaction of the
Indebtedness, provided, however, that the Bank shall not be required hereunder
so to act.

     6.3  Taxes. Pay promptly and within the time that they can be paid without
interest or penalty all taxes, assessments and similar imposts and charges of
every kind and nature lawfully levied, assessed or imposed upon the Borrower,
the Subsidiaries and their respective property, except to the extent being
contested in good faith and, if requested by the Bank, bonded in a manner
satisfactory to the Bank.  If the Borrower shall fail to pay such taxes and
assessments by their due date, the Bank shall have the option to do so, and the
Borrower agrees to repay the Bank, with interest at 3 percent per annum plus
the Prime Rate, all amounts so expended by the Bank.

     6.4  Maintain Corporation and Business.  Do or cause to be done all things
necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect the Borrower's and the
Subsidiaries' corporate existence, rights and franchises and comply with all
applicable laws; continue to conduct and operate their respective businesses
substantially as conducted and operated during the present and preceding
calendar year; at all times maintain, preserve and protect all franchises and
trade names and preserve all the remainder of their respective property used or
useful in the conduct of their respective businesses and keep the same in good
repair, working order and condition; and from time to time make, or cause to be
made, all needed and proper repairs, renewals, replacements, betterments and
improvements thereto so that the business carried on in connection therewith
may be properly and advantageously conducted at all times.

     6.5 Intentionally Omitted.

     6.6 Maintain Consolidated Funded Debt to EBITDA.  On a Consolidated Basis,
maintain the ratio of Consolidated Funded Debt to earnings before interest,
taxes, depreciation and amortization (determined on a rolling four quarters
basis) ("EBITDA") of not more than 3.0 to 1.0.

     6.7 Intentionally Omitted.

     6.8 Intentionally Omitted.


                                     -19-



<PAGE>   20
                                         
     6.9 ERISA.  (a) At all times meet and cause each of the Subsidiaries to
meet the minimum funding requirements of ERISA with respect to the Borrower's
and the Subsidiaries' employee benefit plans subject to ERISA; (b) promptly
after the Borrower knows or has reason to know (i) of the occurrence of any
event, which would constitute a reportable event or prohibited transaction
under ERISA, or (ii) that the PBGC or the Borrower (or any Subsidiary) has
instituted or will institute proceedings to terminate an employee pension plan,
deliver to the Bank a certificate of the chief financial officer of the
Borrower setting forth details as to such event or proceedings and the action
which the Borrower (or such Subsidiary) proposes to take with respect thereto,
together with a copy of any notice of such event which may be required to be
filed with the PBGC; and (c) furnish to the Bank (or cause the plan
administrator to furnish the Bank) a copy of the annual return (including all
schedules and attachments) for each plan covered by ERISA, and filed with the
Internal Revenue Service by the Borrower (or any Subsidiary), not later than
ten (10) days after such report has been so filed.

     6.10 Use of Loan Proceeds.  Use the proceeds of the loan hereunder for the
purposes set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

     6.11 Maintain Liquid Assets to Current Maturities of Long Term Debt Ratio.
On a consolidated and non-consolidated basis, maintain the ratio of Liquid
Assets to Current Maturities of Long Term Debt (as defined by GAAP) of not less
than 3.0 to 1.0 through June 30, 1997, then not less than 2.0 to 1.0
thereafter; provided that the ratio of Cash Flow to Current Maturities of Long
Term Debt (as defined by GAAP) is 1.2 to 1.0 or greater at March 31, 1997.

SECTION 7. NEGATIVE COVENANTS.

     From the date hereof until the later of the Termination Date or the date
when the principal of and interest on the Notes and other Indebtedness is paid
in full and the Bank's commitment hereunder terminated, the Borrower covenants
that and agrees that it will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to:

     7.1 Dividends.  Declare or pay any dividend (other than dividends payable
solely in shares of its capital stock) on, or make any other distribution with
respect to (whether by reduction of capital or otherwise), any shares of its
capital stock, except that (i) dividends from any Subsidiary to the Borrower
are permitted, (ii) dividends of up to $110,000 annually on Borrower's Series
Two Preferred Stock are permitted, (iii) dividends of up to $300,000 annually
on the Borrower's Series Three Preferred Stock are permitted.

     7.2 Stock Issuance.  Issue any additional shares of its capital stock, or
any warrant, right or option relating thereto or any security convertible into
any of the foregoing, except in connection with (i) the conversion of
Borrower's Series Two Preferred Stock into Borrower's common stock pursuant to
the terms of Borrower's preferred stock, or (ii) pursuant to the Borrower's
employee stock option plan.

                                     -20-



<PAGE>   21
                                         

     7.3 Stock Acquisition.  Purchase, redeem, retire or otherwise acquire any
of the shares of its capital stock, or make any commitment to do so, except in
connection with the conversion of Borrower's preferred stock into Borrower's
common stock pursuant to the terms of Borrower's preferred stock, and except
for the repurchase of any number of shares of the Borrower's capital stock, at
the Borrower's option, provided that (i) Borrower maintains a Tangible Net
Worth which is equal to or exceeds Thirty Million ($30,000,000.00) Dollars and
(ii) Borrower maintains a ratio of Debt to Tangible Net Worth of no greater
than 1:1.

     7.4 Liens and Encumbrances.  Create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any
mortgage, pledge, encumbrance, security interest, lien or charge of any kind
(including any charge upon property purchased or acquired under a conditional
sales or other title retaining agreement or lease required to be capitalized
under GAAP) upon any of its property or assets whether now owned or hereafter
acquired other than Permitted Liens.

     7.5 Indebtedness.  Incur, create, assume or permit to exist any
indebtedness or liability on account of deposits or advances or any
indebtedness or liability for borrowed money, or any other indebtedness or
liability evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures or similar obligations, or any
other indebtedness whatsoever, except for (a) the Indebtedness, (b)
indebtedness subordinated to the prior payment in full of the Indebtedness upon
terms and conditions approved in writing by the Bank, (c) existing indebtedness
to the extent set forth on Schedule 5.12, (d) trade indebtedness incurred and
paid in the ordinary course of business, (e) contingent indebtedness to the
extent permitted by Section 7.7 of this Agreement, (f) indebtedness secured by
Permitted Liens, and (g) obligations to the extent permitted by Section 7.11 of
this Agreement.

     7.6 Extension of Credit.  Make loans, advances or extensions of credit to
any Person, except for sales on open account and otherwise in the ordinary
course of business and advances to the Guarantors for working capital.

     7.7 Guarantee Obligations.  Guarantee or otherwise, directly or
indirectly, in any way be or become responsible for obligations of any other
Person, whether by agreement to purchase the indebtedness of any other Person,
agreement for the furnishing of funds to any other Person through the
furnishing of goods, supplies or services, by way of stock purchase, capital
contribution, advance or loan, for the purpose of paying or discharging (or
causing the payment or discharge of) the indebtedness of any other Person, or
otherwise, except for (i) the endorsement of negotiable instruments by the
Borrower or the Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business for deposit or
collection, (ii) the guaranty by the Borrower of any and all obligations of any
Subsidiary wholly-owned by Borrower, (iii) the guaranty by the Borrower of the
indebtedness of MESI described in Schedule 5.12,  (iv) the guaranty by the
Borrower of the indebtedness of Riverview Associates described in Schedule
5.12, and (v) the Guaranties of the Guarantors.

     7.8 Subordinate Indebtedness.  Subordinate any indebtedness due to it from
a Person to indebtedness of other creditors of such Person.

                                     -21-



<PAGE>   22
                                         
     7.9 Property Transfer, Merger or Lease-Back.  (a) Sell, lease, transfer
or otherwise dispose of all or, except as to the sale of Inventory in the
ordinary course of business, any material part of its properties and assets
(whether in one transaction or in a series of transactions), (b) change its
name, consolidate with or merge into any other corporation, permit another
corporation to merge into it, acquire all or substantially all the properties or
assets of any other Person, enter into any reorganization or recapitalization or
reclassify its capital stock, or (c) enter into any sale-leaseback transaction;
provided, however, that a Subsidiary wholly owned by the Borrower may be merged
into, or consolidated with, the Borrower or another Subsidiary wholly owned by
the Borrower, and such Subsidiary may sell, lease or transfer all or a
substantial part of its assets to the Borrower or another Subsidiary wholly
owned by the Borrower, and the Borrower or such Subsidiary may acquire all or
substantially all of the properties and assets of the Subsidiary so to be merged
into, or consolidated with, it or so to be sold, leased or transferred to it.

     7.10 Acquire Securities.  Purchase or hold beneficially any stock or other
securities of, or make any investment or acquire any interest whatsoever in,
any other Person except for the common stock of the Guarantors, Medar and the
partnership interests in Riverview Associates and CJF, in each case limited to
the interest owned by the Borrower on the date of this Agreement, and except
for certificates of deposit with maturities of one year or less of United
States commercial banks with capital, surplus and undivided profits in excess
of $100,000,000, direct obligations of the United States Government maturing
within one year from the date of acquisition thereof, and high grade commercial
paper and high grade fixed-income securities (e.g., corporate bonds).

     7.11 Pension Plans.  (a) Allow any fact, condition or event to occur or
exist with respect to an employee pension or profit sharing plan which might
constitute grounds for termination of any such plan or for the appointment by a
United States District Court of a trustee to administer any such plan, or (b)
permit any such plan to be the subject of termination proceedings (whether
voluntary or involuntary) from which termination proceedings there may result a
liability of the Borrower or any of the Subsidiaries to the PBGC which, in the
opinion of the Bank, will have a materially adverse effect upon the operations,
business, property, assets, financial condition or credit of the Borrower.

     7.12 Misrepresentation.  Furnish the Bank with any certificate or other
document that contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to
state a material fact necessary to make such certificate or document not
misleading in light of the circumstances under which it was furnished.

     7.13 Margin Stock.  Apply any of the proceeds of the Notes to the purchase
or carrying of any "margin stock" within the meaning of Regulation U of the
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, or any regulations,
interpretations or rulings thereunder.

                                     -22-


<PAGE>   23

SECTION 8.  EVENTS OF DEFAULT - ENFORCEMENT - APPLICATION
                 OF PROCEEDS.

       8.1 Events of Default.  The occurrence of any of the following events and
the expiration of any notice or cure periods, if any, set forth in Section 8.2
shall constitute an Event of Default hereunder:

           8.1.1  Failure to Pay Monies Due.  If any principal of or interest
      on any Note, any fees under Section 2.6 of this Agreement or any other
      Indebtedness shall not be paid when due.

           8.1.2  Misrepresentation.  If any warranty or representation of the
      Borrower in connection with or contained in this Agreement, or if any
      financial data or other information now or hereafter furnished to the
      Bank by or on behalf of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, shall prove to be
      false or misleading in any material respect.

           8.1.3  Noncompliance with Bank Agreement.  If the Borrower or any
      Subsidiary shall fail to perform any of its obligations and covenants
      under, or shall fail to comply with any of the provisions of, this
      Agreement or any other agreement with the Bank to which it may be a
      party.

           8.1.4  Other Defaults.  If the Borrower or any Subsidiary shall
      default in the due payment of any of its indebtedness (other than the
      Indebtedness) or in the observance or performance of any term, covenant
      or condition in any agreement or instrument evidencing, securing or
      relating to such indebtedness, and such default shall be continued for a
      period sufficient to permit acceleration of the indebtedness,
      irrespective of whether any such default shall be forgiven or waived by
      the holder thereof.

           8.1.5  Judgments.  If there shall be rendered against the Borrower
      or any Subsidiary, one or more judgments or decrees involving an
      aggregate liability of $50,000 or more, which has or have become
      non-appealable and shall remain undischarged, unsatisfied by insurance
      and unstayed for more than 20 days, whether or not consecutive; or if a
      writ of attachment or garnishment against the property of the Borrower or
      any of the Subsidiaries shall be issued and levied in an action claiming
      $50,000 or more and not released or appealed and bonded in a manner
      satisfactory to the Bank.

           8.1.6  Business Suspension, Bankruptcy, Etc.  If the Borrower or any
      Subsidiary shall voluntarily suspend transaction of its business; or if
      the Borrower or any Subsidiary shall not pay its debts as they mature or
      shall make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; or
      proceedings in bankruptcy, or for reorganization or liquidation of the
      Borrower or any Subsidiary, under the Bankruptcy Code or under any other
      state or federal law for the relief of debtors shall be commenced by the
      Borrower or any Subsidiary or shall be commenced 


                                     -23-



<PAGE>   24

      against the Borrower or any Subsidiary and shall not be discharged
      within thirty (30) days of commencement; or a receiver, trustee or
      custodian shall be appointed for the Borrower or any Subsidiary or for any
      substantial portion of its respective properties or assets.
 
           8.1.7  Change of Management.  If Max A. Coon is no longer the
      President of the Borrower, whether by reason of death, resignation or
      otherwise, and if any such change of office holder adversely impacts, in
      the sole judgment of the Bank, upon the ability of the Borrower to carry
      on its business as theretofore conducted. 

           8.1.8  Inadequate Funding or Termination of Employee Benefit
      Plan(s).  If the Borrower (or any Subsidiary) shall fail to meet its
      minimum funding requirements under ERISA with respect to any employee
      benefit plan established or maintained by the Borrower (or any
      Subsidiary), or if any such plan shall be the subject of termination
      proceedings (whether voluntary or involuntary) and there shall result
      from such termination proceedings a liability of Borrower (or any
      Subsidiary) to the PBGC which in the opinion of the Bank will have a
      materially adverse effect upon the operations, business, property,
      assets, financial condition or credit of the Borrower (or any
      Subsidiary).

           8.1.9  Occurrence of Certain Reportable Events.  If there shall
      occur, with respect to any pension plan maintained by the Borrower or any
      Subsidiary, any reportable event (within the meaning of Section 4043(b)
      of ERISA) which the Bank shall determine in good faith constitutes a
      ground for the termination of any such plan, and if such event continues
      for 30 days after the Bank gives written notice to the Borrower, provided
      that termination of such plan or appointment of such trustee would, in
      the opinion of the Bank, have a materially adverse effect upon the
      operations, business, property, assets, financial condition or credit of
      the Borrower (or any Subsidiary).

     8.2 Acceleration of Indebtedness.  Upon the occurrence of any of the
Events of Default described in Section 8.1.3 hereunder which is not cured by
the Borrower or waived by the Bank within 30 days after the earlier of the date
of notice to the Borrower by the Bank of such Default or the date the Bank is
notified, or should have been notified, pursuant to Borrower's obligation under
Section 6.1.5 of this Agreement, of such Default, or upon the occurrence of any
of the Events of Default described in Section 8.1.1, Section 8.1.2 or Sections
8.1.4 through 8.1.10, all Indebtedness shall be due and payable in full
forthwith at the option of the Bank without presentation, demand, protest,
notice of dishonor or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby
expressly waived.   Unless all of the Indebtedness is then fully paid, the Bank
shall have and may exercise any one or more of the rights and remedies for
which provision is made for a secured party under the UCC, under the Security
Agreements, the Mortgages or under any or other document contemplated hereby,
including, without limitation, the right to take possession and sell, lease or
otherwise dispose of any or all of the Collateral and to setoff against the
Indebtedness any amount owing by the Bank to the Borrower.  The Borrower
agrees, upon request of the Bank, to assemble the Collateral and make it
available to the Bank at 

                                     -24-



<PAGE>   25


any place designated by the Bank which is reasonably convenient to the Bank and
the Borrower. 

     8.3 Application of Proceeds.  The proceeds of any sale or other
disposition of the Collateral authorized by this Agreement shall be applied by
the Bank, first upon all expenses authorized by the Uniform Commercial Code and
all reasonable attorneys' fees and legal expenses incurred by the Bank; the
balance of the proceeds of such sale or other disposition shall be applied in
the payment of the Indebtedness, first to interest, then to principal; and the
surplus, if any, shall be paid over to the Borrower or to such other Person or
Persons as may be entitled thereto under applicable law.  The Borrower shall
remain liable for any deficiency, which the Borrower shall pay to the Bank
immediately upon demand.

     8.4 Cumulative Remedies.  The remedies provided for herein are cumulative
to the remedies for collection of the Indebtedness as provided by law or by any
mortgage, security agreement or other document contemplated hereby.  Nothing
herein contained is intended, nor should it be construed, to preclude the Bank
from pursuing any other remedy for the recovery of any other sum to which the
Bank may be or become entitled for the breach of this Agreement by the
Borrower.

SECTION 9. MISCELLANEOUS.

     9.1 Independent Rights.  No single or partial exercise of any right, power
or privilege hereunder, or any delay in the exercise thereof, shall preclude
other or further exercise of the rights of the parties to this Agreement.

     9.2 Covenant Independence.  Each covenant in this Agreement shall be
deemed to be independent of any other covenant, and an exception in one
covenant shall not create an exception in another covenant.

     9.3 Waivers and Amendments.  No forbearance on the part of the Bank in
enforcing any of its rights under this Agreement, nor any renewal, extension or
rearrangement of any payment or covenant to be made or performed by the
Borrower hereunder, shall constitute a waiver of any of the terms of this
Agreement or of any such right.  No Default or Event of Default shall be waived
by the Bank except in a writing signed and delivered by an officer of the Bank,
and no waiver of any Default or Event of Default shall operate as a waiver of
any other Default or Event of Default or of the same Default or Event of
Default on a future occasion.  No other amendment, modification or waiver of,
or consent with respect to, any provision of this Agreement or the Notes or
other documents contemplated hereby shall be effective unless the same shall be
in writing and signed and delivered by an officer of the Bank.
     9.4 Governing Law.  This Agreement, and each and every term and provision
hereof, shall be construed in accordance with the internal law of the State of
Michigan.  If any provisions of this Agreement shall for any reason be held
invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect
any other provision hereof, but this Agreement shall be construed as if such
invalid or unenforceable provisions had never 



                                     -25-



<PAGE>   26

been contained herein.

     9.5 Survival of Warranties, Etc.  All of the Borrower's covenants,
agreements, representations and warranties made in connection with this
Agreement and any document contemplated hereby shall survive the borrowing and
the delivery of the Notes hereunder and shall be deemed to have been relied
upon by the Bank, notwithstanding any investigation heretofore or hereafter
made by the Bank.  All statements contained in any certificate or other
document delivered to the Bank at any time by or on behalf of the Borrower
pursuant hereto or in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby
shall constitute representations and warranties by the Borrower in connection
with this Agreement.

     9.6 Attorneys' Fees.  The Borrower agrees that it will pay all reasonable
costs and expenses, including legal fees of the Bank in connection with the
enforcement of the Bank's rights and remedies under this Agreement and all
reasonable expenses, costs and legal fees incurred in both state collection
actions (formal or informal) and federal bankruptcy proceedings, and in
connection with the preparation or making of any amendments, modifications,
waivers or consents with respect to this Agreement. 

     9.7 Payments on Saturdays, Etc.  Whenever any payment to be made hereunder
or under the Notes shall be stated to be due on a Saturday, Sunday or any other
day which is not a Business Day, such payment may be made on the next
succeeding Business Day, and such extension, if any, shall be included in
computing interest in connection with such payment.

     9.8 Binding Effect.  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and
shall be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and
assigns; provided, however, that the Borrower may not assign or transfer its
rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the Bank.

     9.9 Maintenance of Records.  The Borrower will keep all of its records
concerning the Collateral at its or a Guarantor's principal place of business.
The Borrower will give the Bank prompt written notice of any change in its or a
Guarantor's principal place of business, or in the location of said records.

     9.10 Notices.  All notices and communications provided for herein or in
any document contemplated hereby or required by law to be given shall be
effective when received or, in the case of notices from the Bank to the
Borrower, upon sending by first class mail, postage prepaid, addressed as
follows: (a) If to the Borrower, to: 1118 Centennial Way, P.O. Box 80737 ,
Lansing, Michigan 48908-0737, Attn: Vincent Shunsky, and (b) If to the Bank,
to:  MC 7834, 101 N. Washington Square, Lansing, Michigan 48933-1677, Attn:
David G. Grantham, Vice President, or to such other address as a party shall
have designated to the other in writing.  The giving of at least five (5) days'
notice before the Bank shall take any action described in any notice shall
conclusively be deemed reasonable for all purposes.





                                     -26-



<PAGE>   27

     9.11 Counterparts.  This Agreement may be signed in any number of
counterparts with the same effect as if the signatures were upon the same
instrument.

     9.12 Headings.  Article and section headings in this Agreement are
included for the convenience of reference only and shall not constitute a part
of this Agreement for any purpose.

THE UNDERSIGNED AND THE BANK ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE RIGHT TO TRIAL BY  JURY IS A
CONSTITUTIONAL ONE, BUT THAT IT MAY BE WAIVED.  EACH PARTY, AFTER CONSULTING
(OR HAVING HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONSULT) WITH COUNSEL OF THEIR CHOICE,
KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY, AND FOR THEIR MUTUAL BENEFIT, WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO
TRIAL BY JURY IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION REGARDING THE PERFORMANCE OR
ENFORCEMENT OF, OR IN ANY WAY RELATED TO, THIS AGREEMENT.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Borrower and the Bank have caused this Agreement
to be executed by their duly authorized officers as of the day and year first
written above.


                                    MAXCO, INC.


                                    By    /s/ Vincent Shunsky
                                       ------------------------------
                                            Vincent Shunsky
                                            Its Vice President



                                    COMERICA BANK


                                    By    /s/ David G. Grantham
                                       ------------------------------
                                            David G. Grantham
                                            Its Vice President





                                     -27-



<PAGE>   1


                                  MAXCO, INC.
         EXHIBIT 11 - STATEMENT RE:  COMPUTATION OF PER SHARE EARNINGS


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                Three Months Ended September 30,
                                                                    1996                1995
                                                             ------------------  ------------------
                                                              (In thousands except per share data)
<S>                                                          <C>                 <C>
NET INCOME FOR COMPUTATION
 OF PER SHARE AMOUNTS
- ----------------------------------------------------------
Net income (loss) from continuing operations                        $   22,431          $     (145)
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations                             (66)                251
                                                             -----------------   -----------------
Net income                                                              22,365                 106
Preferred stock series 2 dividend                                          (27)                (27)
Preferred stock series 3 dividend                                          (24)                (24)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable To Common Stock-Primary
  Continuing operations                                                 22,380                (196)
  Discontinued operations                                                  (66)                251
                                                             -----------------   -----------------
                                                                        22,314                  55
                                                             =================   =================
Net Income (Loss) Attributable To Common Stock-Fully
Diluted
  Continuing operations                                                 22,407                (169)
  Discontinued operations                                                  (66)                251
                                                             -----------------   -----------------
                                                                        22,341                  82
                                                             =================   =================
PRIMARY
- ----------------------------------------------------------
Average shares outstanding                                           3,917,606           4,262,611
Net effect of dilutive stock options--based on the
 Treasury Stock Method using average market price                       86,700             121,356
                                                             -----------------   -----------------
                                                      TOTAL          4,004,306           4,383,967
Net income (loss) per share:
 Continuing operations                                              $     5.59          $     (.05)
 Discontinued operations                                                  (.02)                .06
                                                             -----------------  ------------------
                                                                    $     5.57          $      .01
                                                             =================   =================
FULLY DILUTED
- ----------------------------------------------------------
Average shares outstanding                                           3,917,606           4,262,611
Net effect of dilutive stock options--based on the Treasury
 Stock Method using the quarter-end market price if
 higher than average market price                                       86,700             121,356
Assumed conversion of series two 12% cumulative
 redeemable convertible preferred stock                                231,840             231,840
                                                             -----------------  ------------------
                                                      TOTAL          4,236,146           4,615,807
Net income (loss) per share:
 Continuing operations                                              $     5.29          $     (.04)
 Discontinued operations                                                  (.02)                .06
                                                             -----------------  ------------------
                                                                    $     5.27          $      .02
                                                             =================   =================
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   2

                                  MAXCO, INC.
         EXHIBIT 11 - STATEMENT RE:  COMPUTATION OF PER SHARE EARNINGS


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  Six Months Ended September 30,
                                                                    1996                1995
                                                             ------------------  ------------------
                                                              (In thousands except per share data)
<S>                                                          <C>                 <C>
NET INCOME FOR COMPUTATION
 OF PER SHARE AMOUNTS
Net income (loss) from continuing operations                        $   22,233          $     (107)
Net income from discontinued operations                                    464                 569
                                                             -----------------   -----------------
Net income                                                              22,697                 462
Preferred stock series 2 dividend                                          (54)                (54)
Preferred stock series 3 dividend                                          (48)                (48)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable To Common Stock-Primary
 Continuing operations                                                  22,131                (209)
 Discontinued operations                                                   464                 569
                                                             -----------------   -----------------
                                                                        22,595                 360
                                                             =================   =================
Net Income (Loss) Attributable To Common Stock-Fully
Diluted
 Continuing operations                                                  22,185                (155)
 Discontinued operations                                                   464                 569
                                                             -----------------   -----------------
                                                                        22,649                 414
                                                             =================   =================
PRIMARY
- -------
Average shares outstanding                                           4,074,533           4,272,052
Net effect of dilutive stock options--based on the
 Treasury Stock Method using average market price                       85,221             119,559
                                                             -----------------   -----------------
                                                      TOTAL          4,159,754           4,391,611
Net income (loss) per share:
 Continuing operations                                              $     5.32          $     (.05)
 Discontinued operations                                                   .11                 .13
                                                             -----------------   -----------------
                                                                    $     5.43          $      .08
                                                             =================   =================
FULLY DILUTED
- -------------
Average shares outstanding                                           4,074,533           4,272,052
Net effect of dilutive stock options--based on the Treasury
 Stock Method using the quarter-end market price if
 higher than average market price                                       85,221             119,559
Assumed conversion of series two 12% cumulative
 redeemable convertible preferred stock                                231,840             231,840
                                                             -----------------   -----------------
                                                      TOTAL          4,391,594           4,623,451
Net income (loss) per share:
 Continuing operations                                              $     5.05          $     (.03)
 Discontinued operations                                                   .11                 .12
                                                             -----------------   -----------------
                                                                    $     5.16          $      .09
                                                             =================   =================
</TABLE>


<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY
REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES THERETO
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          MAR-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             APR-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1996
<CASH>                                           1,588
<SECURITIES>                                    17,891
<RECEIVABLES>                                   14,507
<ALLOWANCES>                                     (392)
<INVENTORY>                                      5,409
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                40,495
<PP&E>                                          16,089
<DEPRECIATION>                                 (6,195)
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  82,111
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           28,560
<BONDS>                                          7,536
                                0
                                      1,650
<COMMON>                                         3,707
<OTHER-SE>                                      35,515 
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    82,111
<SALES>                                         39,990
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                39,990
<CGS>                                           33,367
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   39,303
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                 714
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 35,621
<INCOME-TAX>                                    13,388
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             22,233
<DISCONTINUED>                                     464
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    22,697
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     5.43
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     5.16
        

</TABLE>


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