FIBREBOARD CORP /DE
8-K, 1997-05-06
SAWMILLS & PLANTING MILLS, GENERAL
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<PAGE>

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                             Washington, D.C. 20549

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

                                    FORM 8-K


                Current Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
                       The Securities Exchange Act of 1934



          Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) May 5, 1997



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


           Delaware                    0-016951               94-0751580
- ----------------------------    -----------------------   -------------------
(State or other jurisdiction    (Commission file number)     (IRS Employer
     of incorporation)                                     Identification No.)


                  2200 ROSS AVE., SUITE 3600, DALLAS, TX  75201
                  ---------------------------------------------
                      (Address of principal executive offices)


                                 (214) 954-9500
             ---------------------------------------------------
             (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)



                                     None
          -------------------------------------------------------------
          (Former name or former address, if changed since last report)


<PAGE>

ITEM 2.   ACQUISITION OR DISPOSITION OF ASSETS

On May 5, 1997, Fibreboard Corporation ("Fibreboard") acquired all of the
outstanding capital stock of Fabwel, Inc. ("Fabwel"), an Indiana Subchapter S
Corporation headquartered in Elkhart, Indiana.  Fibreboard purchased the stock
from a consortium of investors among Fabwel's management.  Fabwel produces and
supplies customized exterior components for the recreational vehicle,
manufactured housing, building and construction and transportation/cargo
industries.  Operations are conducted from eight plant locations in Indiana,
Georgia, Florida and Texas.

The initial purchase price was approximately $120 million and is subject to
adjustment based on the amount of Fabwel's net assets reflected on the audited
closing balance sheet.  Fibreboard funded the purchase with available cash on
hand and funds provided under its revolving credit facility.  Further
information concerning the purchase is set forth in Fibreboard's May 6, 1997
press release, which is attached hereto as an exhibit and incorporated herein by
reference.

ITEM 7.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS

(A)  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF FABWEL, INC.:

     The following Financial Statements of Fabwel, Inc. are included herewith:
                                             
     Independent Auditor's Report
     Balance sheets as of December 31, 1996 and 1995
     Statements of income for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995
     Statements of stockholders' equity for the years ended December 31, 1996 
      and 1995
     Statement of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995
     Notes to financial statements
     Consent of Independent Certified Public Accountants

(B)  PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION.
   
     The pro forma financial information required by this item will be filed 
     when practicable, but in no event later than July 18, 1997.

(C)  EXHIBITS.
   
     The following Exhibits are included herewith:

     10.1  Share Purchase Agreement dated May 5, 1997, among Fibreboard
           Corporation, Fabwel, Inc. and the shareholders of Fabwel.
     99.1  Press release dated May 5, 1997, issued by Fibreboard.

<PAGE>

                                 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.


                                       Fibreboard Corporation
                                       -----------------------
                                            (Registrant)




Dated: May 6, 1997                     By: /s/ Garold E. Swan
                                          ------------------------------------
                                          Garold E. Swan
                                          Vice President, Finance


<PAGE>










                                  FABWEL, INC.

                                FINANCIAL REPORT

                                DECEMBER 31, 1996


<PAGE>






                                   Contents
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT                                                 1
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      

Balance sheets                                                               2
Statements of income                                                         3
Statements of stockholders' equity                                           4
Statements of cash flows                                                     5
Notes to financial statements                                             6-13
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<PAGE>


                                    [logo]



                         INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT


To the Board of Directors
FABWEL, INC.
Elkhart, Indiana


We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of FABWEL, INC. as of December
31, 1996 and 1995, and the related statements of income, stockholders' equity,
and cash flows for the years then ended.  These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management.  Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.


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


In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of FABWEL, INC. as of December 31,
1996 and 1995, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the
years then ended, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.


                                       /s/ McGladrey & Pullen, LLP



Elkhart, Indiana
February 18, 1997


<PAGE>

FABWEL, INC.

BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          1996        1995
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASSETS

Current Assets
  Cash                                              $    586,164   $  1,143,606
  Accounts receivable                                 11,754,359     12,073,839
  Inventories                                         29,875,153     24,851,241
  Prepaid expenses                                       156,377        122,296
                                                    ------------   ------------
      TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS                            42,372,053     38,190,982
Property and Equipment, at depreciated cost           22,534,989     17,930,078
Other Assets                                          18,087,494     17,792,021
                                                    ------------   ------------
                                                    $ 82,994,536   $ 73,913,081
                                                    ------------   ------------
                                                    ------------   ------------
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current Liabilities
  Current maturities of long-term debt              $  3,019,867   $  3,013,091
  Accounts payable                                    11,249,014     11,966,399
  Accrued compensation                                 2,819,274      1,975,784
  Other accrued expenses                               1,124,816        816,707
                                                    ------------   ------------
      TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES                       18,212,971     17,771,981
                                                    ------------   ------------
Long-Term Debt, less current maturities               34,972,832     32,801,546
                                                    ------------   ------------
Executive Benefit Obligation                           4,154,656      3,656,579
                                                    ------------   ------------
Commitments and Contingencies

Stockholders' Equity
  Preferred shares, no par value; 10,000,000
   shares authorized; none issued                              -              -
  Common shares, no par value; 30,000,000 shares
    authorized; 1996 4,776,000 shares issued; 1995
    4,761,000 shares issued                            8,155,143      8,050,143
  Retained earnings                                   17,498,934     11,632,832
                                                    ------------   ------------
                                                      25,654,077     19,682,975
                                                    ------------   ------------
                                                    $ 82,994,536   $ 73,913,081
                                                    ------------   ------------
                                                    ------------   ------------

See Notes to Financial Statements.


                                       2

<PAGE>


FABWEL, INC.

STATEMENTS OF INCOME
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      1996             1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net sales                                         $194,178,303     $173,780,012

Cost of goods sold                                 165,245,847      150,934,392
                                                  -----------------------------

    GROSS PROFIT                                    28,932,456       22,845,620

Selling, general, and
administrative expenses                             14,990,465       12,363,804
                                                  -----------------------------

    OPERATING INCOME                                13,941,991       10,481,816

Interest expense                                     2,918,256        3,141,211
                                                  -----------------------------

    NET INCOME                                    $ 11,023,735     $  7,340,605
                                                  -----------------------------
                                                  -----------------------------


See Notes to Financial Statements.






                                       3

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
FABWEL, INC.

STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     Preferred      Common      Retained
                                       Stock        Stock       Earnings         Total
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                     <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Balance, December 31, 1994             $  -       $7,984,143   $ 8,796,181   $16,780,324
  Issuance of 65,113 shares
   of common stock                        -          274,136           -         274,136
  Repurchase and retirement of
   54,113 shares of common stock          -         (208,136)          -        (208,136)
  Net income                              -              -       7,340,605     7,340,605
  S Corporation distributions             -              -      (4,503,954)   (4,503,954)
                                       --------------------------------------------------
Balance, December 31, 1995                -        8,050,143    11,632,832    19,682,975 
  Issuance of 15,000 shares of
   common stock                           -          105,000           -         105,000
  Net income                              -              -      11,023,735    11,023,735
  S Corporation distributions             -              -      (5,157,633)   (5,157,633)
                                       --------------------------------------------------
Balance, December 31, 1996             $  -       $8,155,143   $17,498,934   $25,654,077
                                       --------------------------------------------------
                                       --------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


See Notes to Financial Statements.



                                             4
<PAGE>

FABWEL, INC.

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          1996        1995
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash Flows From Operating Activities 
  Net income                                         $ 11,023,735  $  7,340,605
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
    cash provided by operating activities:
    Depreciation                                        2,353,421     1,867,666
    Amortization                                          737,620       737,620
    Loss on sale of assets                                239,997       106,650
    Change in assets and liabilities, net of effects 
      of sale of assets
      Decrease (increase) in:
        Accounts receivable                               319,480    (1,671,197)
        Inventories                                    (5,023,912)   (3,403,693)
        Other                                             (34,081)       54,844
      Increase in accounts payable
        and accrued expenses                              434,214     1,260,152
                                                     ------------  ------------
         NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES     10,050,474     6,292,647
                                                     ------------  ------------
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
  Marketable securities: 
   Maturities                                           1,196,506       314,716
   Purchases                                           (1,788,349)     (882,098)
  Purchase of property and equipment                   (7,238,408)   (4,452,658)
  Proceeds from sale of assets                             40,079     2,144,278
  Other                                                    56,827      (128,051)
                                                     ------------  ------------
         NET CASH (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES       (7,733,345)   (3,003,813)
                                                     ------------  ------------
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
  Net borrowings on line of credit agreement            5,266,153     2,259,767
  Proceeds from long-term borrowings                            -       119,482
  Principal payments on long-term borrowings           (3,088,091)     (995,080)
  Proceeds from issuance of common stock                  105,000       274,136
  Repurchase and retirement of common stock                     -      (208,136)
  S Corporation distributions                          (5,157,633)   (4,503,954)
                                                     ------------  ------------
         NET CASH (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES       (2,874,571)   (3,053,785)
                                                     ------------  ------------
         INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH                     (557,442)      235,049
Cash, beginning                                         1,143,606       908,557
                                                     ------------  ------------
Cash, ending                                         $    586,164  $  1,143,606
                                                     ------------  ------------
                                                     ------------  ------------

See Notes to Financial Statements.

                                     5

<PAGE>

FABWEL, INC.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE 1.  NATURE OF BUSINESS, USE OF ESTIMATES, AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING
         POLICIES

NATURE OF BUSINESS:

Fabwel, Inc. is engaged in the design, fabrication, and distribution of
aluminum, steel, vinyl, and fiberglass exterior coverings for the building and
construction, manufactured housing, recreational vehicle, and other markets.  

Credit is generally granted on an unsecured basis for terms of 30 days. 
Periodic credit evaluations of customers are conducted and appropriate
allowances are established.

USE OF ESTIMATES:

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

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

CASH:

The Company has cash on deposit at various financial institutions which, at
times, may be in excess of FDIC insurance limits.

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE:

Accounts receivable in the accompanying balance sheets at December 31, 1996 and
1995 are stated net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $250,000 and
$300,000 respectively.

INVENTORIES:

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost determined by use of the first-in,
first-out (FIFO) method or market.

MARKETABLE SECURITIES:

Marketable securities consist primarily of U.S. Government Agency debt
securities and are classified as held-to-maturity and carried at amortized cost.

DEPRECIATION:

Depreciation of property and equipment is computed by the straight-line method
over the estimated useful lives of the assets.


                                       6

<PAGE>

FABWEL, INC.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AMORTIZATION:

Loan fees incurred in connection with long-term debt financing are amortized by
the straight-line method over the six-year average term of the related debt.

Goodwill, the excess of cost over the fair value of net assets acquired, is
amortized by the straight-line method over 10 to 40 year periods.  At each
balance sheet date, management assesses whether there has been a permanent
impairment in the value of goodwill.  In the event that an impairment is
evident, the Company records an expense for the impairment.  Factors considered
by management include current operating results, anticipated future cash flows,
trends and prospects, as well as the effects of obsolescence, demand,
competition, and other economic factors.

WARRANTIES:

The Company follows the policy of accruing estimated liabilities for warranties
at the time the warranted products are sold.

REVENUE RECOGNITION:

The Company ships product based on specific orders from customers.  Shipments
are generally made by the Company only after receiving authorization from the
customer.  Revenue is recognized upon delivery.

NOTE 2.  BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION

INVENTORIES:

The composition of inventories at December 31, 1996 and 1995 is as follows:

                                               1996            1995
                                          -------------   -------------

     Raw materials                        $  26,084,612   $  20,834,221 
     Work in process and finished goods       3,790,541       4,017,020 
                                          -------------   -------------
                                          $  29,875,153   $  24,851,241 
                                          -------------   -------------
                                          -------------   -------------


                                       7

<PAGE>

FABWEL, INC.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:

The cost of property and equipment and the related accumulated depreciation at
December 31, 1996 and 1995 are as follows:

                                            1996             1995
                                       -------------     ------------- 
     Land                              $     798,032   $       126,005 
     Buildings and improvements            8,128,765         4,877,750 
     Leasehold improvements                  874,166           729,305 
     Machinery and equipment              16,411,473        13,899,473 
     Transportation equipment                641,714           555,324 
     Furniture and fixtures                2,037,683         1,852,918 
                                       -------------     ------------- 
                                          28,891,833        22,040,775 
     Less accumulated depreciation         6,356,844         4,110,697 
                                       -------------     ------------- 
                                       $  22,534,989     $  17,930,078 
                                       -------------     ------------- 
                                       -------------     ------------- 

OTHER ASSETS:

Other assets at December 31, 1996 and 1995 consist of the following:

                                           1996              1995
                                       -------------     ------------- 
     Intangible assets: 
        Loan fees                      $     510,709     $    510,709 
        Goodwill                          14,175,389       14,175,389 
                                       -------------     ------------- 
                                          14,686,098       14,686,098 
        Less accumulated amortization      2,379,326        1,641,706 
                                       -------------     ------------- 
                                          12,306,772       13,044,392 
     Cash value of life insurance          3,023,874        2,582,624 
     Marketable securities                 2,756,848        2,165,005 
                                       -------------     ------------- 
                                       $  18,087,494     $ 17,792,021 
                                       -------------     ------------- 
                                       -------------     ------------- 


                                       8

<PAGE>

FABWEL, INC.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE 3.  PLEDGED ASSETS AND LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt at December 31, 1996 and 1995 consists of the following:

<TABLE>
                                                               1996          1995
                                                            -----------   -----------
<S>                                                         <C>           <C>
Term note, unsecured, interest at 9.36%, due in annual in-
 stallments of $2,388,889 commencing December 15,
 1996 with interest payable quarterly, final payment due
 December 15, 2004                                          $19,111,111   $21,500,000

Line of credit, unsecured, maximum borrowing not to ex-
 ceed $20,000,000, final payment due April 30, 1999          13,100,000     7,833,847

Subordinated notes, stockholders, unsecured, interest at
 one-year U.S. Treasury Bill rate (5.56% at December
 21, 1996) plus 3.75%, due December 22, 2004                  4,550,000     4,625,000

Subordinated note, individual, unsecured, interest at one-
 year U.S. Treasury Bill rate (5.54% at October 28,
 1996), due in quarterly installments of $137,500 plus
 interest, final payment due December 1, 1998                 1,100,000     1,650,000

Other                                                           131,588       205,790
                                                            -----------   -----------
                                                             37,992,699    35,814,637
  Less current maturities                                     3,019,867     3,013,091
                                                            -----------   -----------
                                                            $34,972,832   $32,801,546
                                                            -----------   -----------
                                                            -----------   -----------
</TABLE>

The term note and line of credit note include covenants relating to cash flow,
debt, tangible net worth, and dividends and restrict certain interest and
principal payments on the subordinated notes and common stock redemptions, in
the event that certain income levels are not attained, or in any event of
default.

Interest on the components of the line of credit note vary with prime and LIBOR.
The rates on this note at December 31, 1996 range from 6.8477% (LIBOR plus
1.25%) to 8.25% (prime).

Aggregate maturities of long-term debt for the years ending December 31, 1998
through 2001 and thereafter are as follows:

    1998                     $ 2,989,499
    1999                      15,488,889
    2000                       2,388,889
    2001                       2,388,889
    Thereafter                11,716,666
                             -----------
                             $34,972,832
                             -----------
                             -----------

                                     9
<PAGE>

FABWEL, INC.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In December 1994, the Company completed an in-substance defeasance of notes
payable, which have therefore been excluded from long-term debt.  This
defeasance was accomplished by irrevocably placing U.S. Government obligations
in trust to be used solely for satisfying scheduled payments of both interest
and principal of the respective debt.  The note balance at December 31, 1996 was
$750,000.

NOTE 4.  INCOME TAXES

The Company, with the consent of its stockholders, has elected to be taxed as an
S Corporation.  In lieu of federal and state corporation income taxes, the
stockholders account for their proportionate shares of the Company's items of
income, deductions, losses and credits.  Therefore, the financial statements do
not include any provision for corporation income taxes.

The Company pays quarterly S Corporation distributions in amounts which are at
least sufficient to cover the stockholders' tax obligations with respect to S
Corporation earnings.  On January 7, 1997, the Company paid $1,312,390.

NOTE 5.  COMPENSATION PLANS

401(k) PROFIT-SHARING PLAN:

The Company has a qualified employee 401(k) profit-sharing plan covering
substantially all full-time employees.  Contributions to the plan are at the
discretion of the Board of Directors.  Generally, participants may contribute
up to 10% of their annual wages.  Profit-sharing expense for the years ended
December 31, 1996 and 1995 was $1,002,688 and $908,552 respectively.

INCENTIVE PAY:

The Company has an incentive plan pursuant to which certain officers and other
employees of the Company receive discretionary incentive pay principally based
upon the achievement by the Company of annual performance goals.  Historically,
bonus arrangements have been informal and determined annually.  For the years
ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, discretionary incentive pay amounted to
$2,703,020 and $1,303,957 respectively.

STOCK OPTION PLANS:

The Company has established stock option plans for the benefit of its employees
and outside directors.  Under the plans, the options must be granted at the
current market price of the stock on the date of the grant.  The Company has
reserved 599,000 shares for issue under the plans.

                                     10
<PAGE>

FABWEL, INC.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Following is a summary of stock option transactions for the years ended
December 31, 1996 and 1995:

                                         1996           1995
                                       --------        -------
Outstanding, beginning of year          214,116        213,700
  Granted during the year:
    Exercisable at $7.00 per share       15,000             -
    Exercisable at $6.00 per share           -          25,116

    Canceled during the year           (214,116)       (13,700)
    Exercised during the year           (15,000)       (11,000)
                                       --------        -------
Outstanding, end of year                     -         214,116
                                       --------        -------
                                       --------        -------
Eligible, end of year for exercise
 currently at:
  $11.00 per share                           -         200,000
  $6.00 per share                            -          14,116
                                       --------        -------
                                             -         214,116
                                       --------        -------
                                       --------        -------

NOTE 6.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The Company leases certain office and manufacturing facilities and equipment
under operating leases which expire through December 2003.  The agreements
contain renewal options and provide for minimum annual rentals plus the payment
of property taxes, insurance, and normal maintenance.  Certain of the leases are
with an affiliated company.

The future minimum rental commitment under the leases at December 31, 1996 is
due as follows:

       1997                    $1,908,302
       1998                     1,534,968
       1999                     1,084,548
       2000                       883,864
       2001                       657,153
       Thereafter                 802,715
                               ----------
                               $6,871,550
                               ----------
                               ----------

Rental expense under all operating leases was $2,053,275 and $1,899,777 for the
years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995 respectively, of which $216,856 and
$201,398 respectively was paid to the affiliate.

                                     11

<PAGE>

FABWEL, INC.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Company is involved in various routine legal proceedings and environmental
matters which are incidental to the conduct of its business.  Management
believes that the Company is not a party to any pending legal or governmental
proceedings which, if decided adversely to the Company, would individually or in
the aggregate be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company.

NOTE 7.   EXECUTIVE BENEFIT PLAN

The Company has contracts with certain executives which provide for fixed
retirement benefits to be paid over a ten-year period beginning at retirement. 
Benefits are at amounts determined by the Board of Directors and are not
directly tied to compensation.  The cost of these agreements is being accrued
over the executives' service periods prior to retirement.  Vesting is at age 55
with a minimum of 15 years of service.

Projected and accumulated benefit obligations at December 31, 1996 and 1995
attributed to services already performed are reflected below.  In computing the
obligations, a 7.5% discount rate was used.

                                                   1996             1995
                                               ------------     ------------

     Vested benefit obligation                 $  2,004,198     $  1,727,110 
                                               ------------     ------------
                                               ------------     ------------
     Accumulated benefit obligation            $  4,331,355     $  3,696,341 
                                               ------------     ------------
                                               ------------     ------------
     Projected benefit obligation              $  4,331,355     $  3,696,341 
     Unrecognized net (loss)                       (176,699)         (39,762) 
                                               ------------     ------------
        Liability on balance sheets            $  4,154,656     $  3,656,579 
                                               ------------     ------------
                                               ------------     ------------

Expense components for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995 were as
follows:

                                                   1996             1995
                                               ------------     ------------

     Service cost                              $    307,411     $    273,847
     Interest on projected benefit obligation       305,423          261,002 
     Amortization of unrecognized net loss           25,243            5,680 
                                               ------------     ------------
                                               $    638,077     $    540,529 
                                               ------------     ------------
                                               ------------     ------------

The Company is the beneficiary of life insurance policies on certain covered
executives.  In the event of death, insurance proceeds are available to help pay
the Company's obligation under the plan.  The cash value of the policies is
included in the accompanying balance sheets.

The Company has contributed marketable securities with an amortized cost of
$2,756,848 and $2,165,005 as of December 31, 1996 and 1995 respectively to a
"Rabbi" trust for the purpose of funding the Executive Benefit Plan.


                                      12

<PAGE>

FABWEL, INC.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The amortized cost and fair value of debt securities, by contractual maturity,
as of December 31, 1996 are as follows: 

                                                Amortized        Fair
                                                   Cost          Value
                                               ------------   ------------ 

     Due within one year                       $    747,740   $    744,726 
     Due after one year through three years         812,419        825,442 
     Due after three years through five years       246,328        263,165 
     Due after five years                           859,961        847,488 
     Mortgage-backed securities                      90,400         90,434 
                                               ------------   ------------ 
                                               $  2,756,848   $  2,771,255 
                                               ------------   ------------ 
                                               ------------   ------------ 

NOTE 8.   STOCK REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS

Under the terms of its stock repurchase agreements, the Company has the option
to purchase the shares of any stockholder in the event of death, disability, or
termination of employment of the stockholder.  The purchase price for the stock
is based on a price as specified in the agreement.  As explained in Note 3,
terms of the term note and line of credit restrict aggregate payments under
these agreements.

NOTE 9.   CASH FLOWS INFORMATION

Supplemental information relative to the statements of cash flows for the years
ended December 31, 1996 and 1995 is as follows:
                                                           1996        1995
                                                       -----------   ----------
  Supplemental disclosures of cash flows information:
    Cash payments for interest                         $ 3,071,019  $ 3,302,273
                                                       -----------   ----------
                                                       -----------   ----------



                                      13

<PAGE>

               CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statement (File Nos. 33-60412, 33-26449, 33-26450, 333-16551, and 333-25305) on
Form S-8 of our report, dated February 18, 1997, with respect to the financial
statements of Fabwel, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 1996, which are
included in the Current Report on Form 8-K of Fibreboard Corporation dated May
5, 1997.




                                         /s/  McGLADREY & PULLEN, LLP



Elkhart, Indiana
May 6, 1997


<PAGE>


                           SHARE PURCHASE AGREEMENT



                                    BETWEEN



                            FIBREBOARD CORPORATION
                                  AS PURCHASER



                                      AND



                         SHAREHOLDERS OF FABWEL, INC.
                                   AS SELLERS





                                   Dated as of

                                   May 5, 1997

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                            SHARE PURCHASE AGREEMENT


     This Share Purchase Agreement (the "Agreement") is made and entered into
effective as of the 5th day of May, 1997, by and among Fibreboard Corporation, a
Delaware corporation, as the purchaser (the "Purchaser"), Edward P. Welter
("Welter"), Raymond M. Stout ("Stout"), John W. Gardner ("Gardner"), Roger H.
Gowdy and Utah G. White as the key selling shareholders (the "Key
Shareholders"), those individuals listed on Exhibit "A" and executing this
Agreement as the remaining selling shareholders (the "Remaining Shareholders")
(the Key Shareholders and Remaining Shareholders are holders of an aggregate of
4,776,000 issued and outstanding common shares, no par value (the "Shares") of
Fabwel, Inc., an Indiana corporation (the "Company")), and the Company for
certain limited purposes.

                                R E C I T A L S:

     A.   The Key Shareholders and the Remaining Shareholders (collectively, the
"Shareholders") own all of the issued and outstanding capital shares of the
Company (as further defined in Section 3.2 (the "Shares")).

     B.   The Purchaser desires to purchase the Shares from the Shareholders,
and the Shareholders desire to sell the Shares to the Purchaser, on the terms
and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

                               A G R E E M E N T:

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, representations and
covenants set forth in this Agreement, and intending to be legally bound, the
Purchaser, the Shareholders and the Company agree as follows:

                                    ARTICLE I

                           PURCHASE AND SALE OF SHARES

     1.1  PURCHASE OF SHARES.  At the Closing (defined below), subject to the
terms and conditions, and on the basis of the representations, warranties,
covenants and agreements set forth in this Agreement, the Shareholders shall
sell the Shares to the Purchaser, and the Purchaser shall purchase the Shares
from the Shareholders (the "Purchase").

     1.2  PURCHASE PRICE.  In consideration of the Shareholders' sale of the
Shares to the Purchaser, the Purchaser shall pay to the Shareholders an amount
in cash in the aggregate equal to $119 million, as adjusted pursuant to Sections
1.4 and 1.5 (the "Purchase Price").  The Purchase Price shall be allocated among
the Shareholders pro rata based upon the number of Shares sold by each
Shareholder to the Purchaser ("Pro Rata"). 

<PAGE>

     1.3  PAYMENT AT CLOSING. 

          (a)  Three (3) business days prior to the Closing Date, the
     Shareholder Representative (defined in Section 1.8 below) shall provide to
     the Purchaser a good faith estimate of the adjustments to the Purchase
     Price required by Section 1.4 together with the detail utilized by the
     Shareholder Representative in making his calculation (the "Good Faith
     Estimate").  The Good Faith Estimate shall be calculated in a manner
     consistent with Schedule 1.4 and shall be certified by the Chief Financial
     Officer of the Company.

          (b)  At the Closing, the Purchase Price, as adjusted pursuant to the
     Good Faith Estimate (the "Closing Payment"), shall be retained and
     distributed as follows:

               (i)   the Purchaser shall make a contribution to the capital of
          the Company in an amount equal to the Company's Funded Debt, and shall
          cause the Company to pay the Funded Debt in full at Closing.  For
          purposes of this Agreement, "Funded Debt" shall mean all indebtedness
          of the Company, including accrued interest thereon and any prepayment
          penalties, except for the items described in Sections 1.4(a) (i)
          through (iv) below under the definition of Net Assets.
          
               (ii)  an amount sufficient to pay the entire tax liability of the
          Company attributable to its recognition of taxable gain under Section
          1374 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended as a result of
          the election under Section 338(h)(10) of the Code to be made pursuant
          to Section 5.1 of this Agreement [estimated currently to be $6
          million] shall be withheld from the Purchase Price and used by the
          Purchaser to pay such tax on behalf of the Company and the
          Shareholders (the "Tax Payment Amount");

               (iii) an amount equal to the sum of the fees payable to
          McDonald & Company (in the amount of $1,062,500) and the amount
          payable to Carleton/McCreary (in the amount of $1,617,500) shall be
          withheld from the Purchase Price and paid to such companies; 

               (iv)  an amount equal to $1,000,000 shall be deposited into 
          escrow and shall be administered and distributed in accordance with
          the terms of the Escrow Agreement attached as Exhibit "B" in order to
          fund the payment of any liability of the Key Shareholders and the 
          Shareholders to the Purchaser under Section 12.1 of this Agreement; 
          and
          
               (v)   the balance of the Closing Payment, after deducting the
          amounts as set forth in (i) through (iv) above, shall be paid to the
          Shareholders Pro Rata, by wire transfer or certified check in
          immediately available funds; provided, however, the Purchaser shall
          pay the balance of the Closing Payment to the Shareholder
          Representative on behalf of the Shareholders, and the Shareholder
          Representative will be responsible for distributing such amount among
          the Shareholders in 


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          accordance with this Agreement.  Payment to the Shareholder 
          Representative shall be deemed to be payment to each of the 
          Shareholders.

          (c)  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this
     Section 1.3, the amounts withheld by the Purchaser from the Closing Payment
     as set forth in Section 1.3(b)(i), (ii) and (iii) above are and will be
     used by the Purchaser to pay direct obligations of the Company which the
     Shareholders agreed to pay or cause to be paid before Closing (such that
     any deduction attributable thereto shall be deemed to occur prior to
     Closing). As a matter of convenience, these amounts are being withheld by
     the Purchaser from the Closing Payment to pay these obligations.  However,
     under all circumstances, if the amounts withheld are not sufficient to pay
     the entire amounts owed, the Shareholders are obligated to pay, and shall
     pay timely, any deficit. 

     1.4  PURCHASE PRICE ADJUSTMENT.  The Purchase Price shall be increased by
an amount equal to the excess of the Net Assets as of the Closing Date over $63
million.  If the Net Assets are less than $63 million, the Purchase Price shall
be reduced by such deficit.  The "Net Assets" shall be an amount equal to the
excess of the value of all of the assets of the Company less the sum of (i) the
Company's Current Liabilities (as shown on the Closing Balance Sheet, excluding
the Current Portion of Long Term Debt, but including all accrued and unpaid
expenses attributable to the Purchase such as legal fees, accounting fees, and
anticipated costs required to prepare the Closing Balance Sheet), (ii) the
liabilities accrued on the Closing Balance Sheet relating to the Company's 1985
Executive Benefit Plan, (iii) the financial obligations of the Company under
that certain equipment lease between the Company and IBM Credit Corp. governing
the IBM AS400 computer with monthly payments of approximately $12,032, and (iv)
the outstanding balance of the Sullivan Note (including all accrued but unpaid
interest and any prepayment penalty).  A calculation of the Company's Net Assets
as reflected on the Company's 1996 Estimated Balance Sheet is attached hereto as
Exhibit "C."  The value of the Company's assets and the sum of its liabilities
shall be the amounts set forth in the Closing Balance Sheet as defined and
provided for in Section 1.5(a).

     Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the assets acquired, the Funded
Debt incurred, if any, and the expenditures incurred, by the Company in
conjunction with the Laminating Start-Up Operation (as defined in Section 14.1),
shall be disregarded for the purposes of, and shall not have an affect on, the
calculation of the Net Assets and Funded Debt of the Company.

     1.5  ADJUSTMENT SCHEDULE.  

          (a)  As soon as practical after the Closing Date (but in any event not
     more than 60 days after the Closing Date), the Shareholder Representative
     shall cause to be prepared and delivered to the Purchaser a balance sheet
     for the Company as of the Closing Date with related information and
     supporting detail (the "Closing Balance Sheet") and a schedule with
     supporting detail which shows the calculation of the Tax Payment Amount and
     the adjustments required by Section 1.4 (the "Adjustment Schedule").  The
     Closing Balance Sheet shall be prepared in accordance with generally
     accepted accounting principles consistently applied utilizing the same
     methodology and adjustments as were used in 


                                     -3-

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     preparing the Company's 1996 Estimated Balance Sheet.  The Closing Balance
     Sheet and the Adjustment Schedule (collectively, the "Closing Adjustments")
     shall be audited by the Company's accounting firm (McGladrey & Pullen, 
     L.L.P.) at the Company's expense (any unpaid portion of which will be 
     accrued on the books of the Company and reflected on the Closing Balance 
     Sheet).

          (b)   The Purchaser shall have 30 days from its receipt of the Closing
     Adjustments to examine the Closing Adjustments and notify the Shareholder
     Representative of any good faith objections it has to it.  The objections
     shall be made in writing with a reasonably specific description of the
     objections and the dollar amount of each objection.

          (c)  The Purchaser and the Shareholder Representative shall attempt to
     resolve the objections within ten days of the Shareholder Representative's
     receipt of them.  If the Shareholder Representative and the Purchaser are
     unable to resolve all of the objections within such 10-day period, they
     shall jointly appoint a mutually acceptable independent certified public
     accounting firm (or if they cannot agree, their respective accounting firms
     shall select such firm) within five days of the end of such 10-day period. 
     The selected accounting firm shall resolve all remaining objections.  Such
     firm's resolution of the objections shall be conclusive and binding upon
     the Purchaser and the Shareholders. The fees of such selected firm shall be
     shared equally between the Purchaser and the Shareholders, as a group. 

          (d)  The Closing Adjustments shall be deemed complete and the final
     Purchase Price established upon the earlier of (i) the 31st day after the
     Shareholder Representatives's delivery of the Closing Adjustments to the
     Purchaser, unless prior to such day the Purchaser has notified the
     Shareholder Representative of an objection, pursuant to Section 1.5(b), and
     (ii) the resolution of all objections pursuant to Section 1.5(c).  Within
     five business days following the completion of the Closing Adjustments and
     the establishment of the final Purchase Price, either

               (i)  the Purchaser shall pay to the Shareholders, Pro Rata, the
          amount by which the Purchase Price, as adjusted pursuant to Sections
          1.4 and 1.5, exceeds the Closing Payment; or

               (ii) the Shareholders shall pay to the Purchaser the amount by
          which the Closing Payment exceeds the Purchase Price as adjusted
          pursuant to Sections 1.4 and 1.5.

     All payments pursuant to this Section 1.5 shall be by wire transfer or
     certified check in immediately available funds.  Notwithstanding the
     provisions of subsection (d)(i), the Purchaser shall pay the balance of the
     Purchase Price, if any, to the Shareholder Representative on behalf of the
     Shareholders, and the Shareholder Representative will be responsible for
     distributing such amount among the Shareholders in accordance with this
     Agreement.


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     1.6  TIME AND PLACE OF CLOSING.  The closing of the Purchase (the
"Closing") will take place at the offices of Warrick & Boyn, Suite 400, 121 West
Franklin Street, Elkhart, Indiana at 10:00 a.m. (Elkhart, Indiana time) on May
5, 1997, or at such other time and place as may be mutually agreed upon by the
Purchaser and the Shareholder Representative (the "Closing Date").

     1.7  DELIVERY OF CERTIFICATES.  At the Closing, the Shareholders shall
deliver to the Purchaser share certificates representing the Shares duly
endorsed to the Purchaser, in form sufficient to vest record and beneficial
title of the Shares fully in the Purchaser with the signatures either notarized
or guaranteed by a commercial bank or by a member firm of the New York Stock
Exchange.  Against such delivery, the Purchaser shall deliver to the
Shareholders the Purchase Price in accordance with Section 1.3.  The
Shareholders and the Purchaser will cause to be delivered all other documents
required by such party pursuant to Article X, and all other appropriate and
customary documents as may reasonably be requested by a party for the purpose of
consummating the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.  All actions taken
at the Closing shall be deemed to have been taken simultaneously at the time the
last of any such actions is taken or completed.

     1.8  APPOINTMENT OF SHAREHOLDER REPRESENTATIVE.  Each Shareholder hereby
irrevocably constitutes and appoints, collectively and not individually, Welter,
Stout and Gardner (collectively, the "Shareholder Representative") as such
Shareholder's attorney-in-fact and representative, to (i) do any and all things
specifically provided for in this Agreement and the other documents contemplated
hereby, and (ii) negotiate, execute and deliver any and all documents
contemplated by this Agreement and necessary to close the Purchase, including,
without limitation, the Section 338(h)(10) election to be filed with the
Internal Revenue Service, Shareholder resolutions of the Company, the Escrow
Agreement contemplated in Section 1.3(b)(iv), consents, certificates, stock
powers to convey the Shares to the Purchaser and other conveyance documents. 
The Purchaser and any other third party shall be entitled to rely upon any
document or other writing executed by the Shareholder Representative pursuant to
the authority granted in this Section 1.8, as being binding upon each
Shareholder, and neither the Purchaser nor any other party shall be liable to
any Shareholder for any action taken or omitted to be taken in reliance upon
this Section 1.8.  If any person so appointed as the Shareholder Representative
dies or becomes incapacitated, the remaining persons so appointed as 
Shareholder Representatives shall act as Shareholder Representative.  The death
or incapacity of any other Shareholder shall not terminate the authority or
agency of the Shareholder Representative.  This power of attorney is irrevocable
and coupled with an interest.

     1.9  EMPLOYEE BENEFITS.  Purchaser covenants and agrees as follows:

          (a)  MEDICAL BENEFITS PROGRAM.  The Purchaser shall cause the Company
     to maintain and continue until January 1, 1998, the Company's medical
     benefits programs, which include benefits for medical expenses, disability,
     dental expenses and group life insurance.  At any time after January 1,
     1998, the Company may adopt the medical benefits program of the Purchaser,
     which provides substantially similar benefits, and, correspondingly, may
     terminate its existing programs; provided, that such plan adoption does not
     result in a loss of coverage or a pre-existing condition limitation for any
     covered 


                                     -5-

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     employee.  Nothing in this provision prohibits the Purchaser from 
     subsequently amending all or any of its benefit plans.

          (b)  SECTION 401(k) PLAN.  The Purchaser shall cause the Company to
     maintain and continue until January 1, 1998, the Company's 401(k) benefit
     plan.  At any time after January 1, 1998, the Company may merge its 401(k)
     profit sharing plan with the Purchaser's 401(k) plan.  If the plans are
     merged, the Purchaser will amend its 401(k) employee benefit plan effective
     as of the merger date to permit the Company to elect the option to have the
     Company contribute the same or substantially similar combination of
     matching and employer contributions equivalent to the Company's current
     100% match of the employee contribution, up to the 10% cap currently in the
     Company's plan.  Except as provided in subsections 1.9(c) and (d), nothing
     in this provision prohibits the Purchaser from subsequently amending all or
     any of its employee benefit plans.

          (c)  EXECUTIVE BENEFIT PLAN.  The Purchaser intends to continue in
     effect the Company's Executive Benefit Plan, as evidenced by separate
     Executive Benefit Agreements with each participating employee of the
     Company (the "Executive Benefit Agreements"), the separate Trust Agreement
     dated January 31, 1994, with NBD Bank, N.A., as Trustee, as amended by that
     certain Amendment to Trust Under Fabwel, Inc. Executive Benefit Plan 
     adopted prior to the execution of this Agreement (collectively, the
     "Trust") and the separate life insurance policies owned by the Company on
     the lives of each participating employee (the "Life Insurance").  The
     Purchaser agrees to cause the Company to assume the obligations and
     liabilities under the separate Executive Benefit Agreements with the
     participating employees as of the Closing Date for as long as the Executive
     Benefit Agreements, or any of them, remain in full force and effect.  The
     Purchaser further agrees to cause the Company to provide sufficient 
     funding, whether through the funds held in the Trust, the Life Insurance or
     otherwise, for timely payment of any and all financial obligations under
     the Executive Benefit Agreements, or any of them, for as long as the
     Executive Benefit Agreements, or any of them, remain in full force and
     effect.  Nothing herein shall be construed so as to prohibit the Purchaser
     or the Company from exercising any rights of the Company under the
     Executive Benefit Agreements after Closing, nor shall the Purchaser or the
     Company be required to continue funding obligations under any of the
     Executive Benefit Agreements once said Agreements have been terminated and
     all benefits paid in accordance with their respective terms.

          (d)  ACCRUED BONUSES. At the Closing, the Company shall pay all l997
     incentive bonuses due employees through the Closing Date, except that the
     Company's Christmas Bonus to employees shall be paid in December l997 in
     accordance with standard company practice.  All bonuses, including without
     limitation, the l997 Christmas bonus, allocable to the period of the fiscal
     year occurring prior to Closing, shall be accrued as an expense on the
     books of the Company and reflected on the Closing Balance Sheet.

     1.10 EMPLOYEES.   It is the Purchaser's intention not to engage in a
sufficient number of employment terminations after the Closing of persons who
were employees of the Company at the 


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Closing Date such that prior notice by the Company would be required prior to 
Closing under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act.  Nothing 
in the preceding sentence shall, however, be deemed to limit in any way the 
right of the Company or Purchaser to terminate the employment of any person 
after the Closing Date, to limit the rights of the Company or the Purchaser 
to change its intentions in the future, or to create any rights to continued 
employment in favor of any such persons, and no such person shall be deemed 
to be a third party beneficiary of this Section.

     1.11 TAX MATTERS.   After Closing, the Company will timely provide all
information reasonably required by the Shareholders to prepare and file their
federal, state and local tax returns and filings with respect to the operations
of the Company prior to the Closing Date.  The Company shall take such actions,
provide such information and make available such personnel as are reasonably
necessary for the Shareholders to prepare and file their individual tax returns.
The Company shall be given reasonable notice of the needs of the Shareholders
in this regard.

                                   ARTICLE II

                         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
                               OF THE SHAREHOLDERS

     Each Shareholder, severally and not jointly, represents to the Purchaser
that:

          (a)  such Shareholder has good and marketable title to his Shares;

          (b)  other than with respect to the Share Purchase and Buy Out
     Agreement between the Company and each Shareholder (the "Repurchase
     Agreement"), such Shareholder's Shares are free and clear of any lien,
     claim, mortgage, pledge, purchase option, right of first refusal, voting
     trust, shareholders' agreement, restriction on sale, proxy or encumbrance;

          (c)  such Shareholder has full power and authority to enter into and
     perform this Agreement and to carry out the transactions contemplated
     herein; 

          (d)  this Agreement constitutes the legal, valid and binding
     obligation of the Shareholder enforceable against him in accordance with
     its terms, except as may be limited by equitable remedies or by applicable
     bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws affecting
     creditor's rights generally; and

          (e)  other than as set forth on Schedule 2, neither the execution and
     delivery by the Shareholder of this Agreement, nor the consummation by the
     Shareholder of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, will (i)
     violate or conflict with, or constitute a default under (or give rise to
     any right of termination, cancellation or acceleration under), or result in
     the creation of any lien on any of the properties or assets of the
     Shareholder's Shares to any agreement, indenture, mortgage or other
     instrument to which the Shareholder 


                                     -7-

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     is a party or by which the Shareholder or his or her assets may be bound 
     or affected, other than the Repurchase Agreement, (ii) violate any 
     statute, law, rule or regulation or any order, writ, injunction or decree
     of any court or governmental authority, or (iii) require the approval, 
     authorization or consent of any third party other than as may be required
     under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as 
     amended (the "HSR Act"), applicable to such Shareholder.

                                   ARTICLE III

                         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
                             OF THE KEY SHAREHOLDERS

     Except as set forth in the correspondingly numbered section of the
disclosure schedule attached to this Agreement as Schedule 3 (the "Disclosure
Schedule"), each of the Key Shareholders, severally and not jointly, represents
and warrants to the Purchaser the truth and accuracy of all of the matters set
forth in this Article III. 

     3.1  ORGANIZATION AND AUTHORITY TO CONDUCT BUSINESS.  The Company is a
corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws
of the State of Indiana and has full corporate power and authority to own,
license and lease its properties and to carry on its business as presently
conducted.  The Company is duly qualified or otherwise authorized as a foreign
corporation to transact business and is in good standing in the respective
jurisdictions set forth on Schedule 3.1.  No other jurisdiction has claimed, in
writing or otherwise, that the Company is required to qualify or otherwise be
authorized as a foreign corporation therein.

     3.2  CAPITAL STRUCTURE.  The authorized capital shares of the Company
consist solely of ten million (10,000,000) preferred shares, none of which are
issued and outstanding, and thirty million (30,000,000) common shares, no par
value per share, of which four million seven hundred seventy-six thousand
(4,776,000) shares are issued and outstanding and owned by the Shareholders
(the "Shares") in the amounts set forth opposite the Shareholders' names on
Exhibit "A."  All of the Shares are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid
and nonassessable.  None of the Shares were issued in violation of the statutory
or contractual preemptive rights of any person.  The Company does not have any
outstanding subscriptions, options, warrants, convertible debt, rights of first
refusal, rights or other agreements, commitments or understandings, including
options to acquire any of the foregoing, whether or not contingent or currently
exercisable, which obligate it to issue its capital shares or any securities
convertible into or having the right to purchase shares of its capital shares.

     3.3  INVESTMENT IN OTHERS. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.3, the Company
does not own any shares, partnership interest, beneficial interest or equity
interest in any other entity.  The Company has not made, nor is it obligated to
make, any investment, either in the form of debt or equity, directly or
indirectly, in any person, corporation or other entity.  The Company is not a
party to any joint venture, partnership, or other arrangement or contract which
could be treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes.  


                                     -8-

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     3.4  AUTHORITY; NO BREACH.  The Company has full power and authority to
enter into and perform the applicable provisions of this Agreement and to carry
out the transactions to be carried out by the Company in accordance with this
Agreement.  The Company has taken all requisite action to approve the execution
and delivery of this Agreement and the applicable transactions contemplated
hereby.  The applicable provisions of this Agreement constitute the legal, valid
and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against it in accordance
with its terms, except as may be limited by the availability of equitable
remedies or by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or
other laws affecting creditors' rights generally.  Neither the execution and
delivery by the Company of this Agreement nor the consummation by it of the
transactions contemplated hereby will: (i) conflict with or result in a breach
of the articles of incorporation or bylaws of the Company; (ii) to the
knowledge of the Key Shareholders, violate any statute, law, rule or regulation
or any order, writ, injunction or decree of any court or governmental authority;
(iii) except as set forth in Schedule 3.4, violate or conflict with or
constitute a default under (or give rise to any right of termination,
cancellation or acceleration under), or result in the creation of any lien on
any of the properties or assets of the Company pursuant to, any material
agreement, indenture, mortgage or other instrument to which the Company is a
party or by which it or its assets may be bound or affected, or (iv) require the
approval, authorization or consent of any third party other than as may be
required under the HSR Act.

     3.5  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.  The Key Shareholders have caused to be
delivered to the Purchaser the following financial statements of the Company
audited by McGladrey & Pullen, L.L.P., the Company's independent public
accountants:

          (a)  Balance Sheets  as of December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994;

          (b)  Statements of Income and Retained Earnings for the years ended
     December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994; and

          (c)  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended
     December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.

In addition, the Key Shareholders have delivered to the Purchaser the unaudited
Balance Sheet of the Company as of February 28, 1997 together with the related
unaudited Statement of Income and Retained Earnings and Statement of Cash Flows
for the period ending on that date (all the balance sheets and statements
referenced in this Section 3.5 are collectively referred to as the "Financial
Statements").  The Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis and
fairly present the financial condition of the Company as of the respective dates
and for the respective periods indicated in the Financial Statements subject, in
the case of the February 28, 1997 statements, to the absence of footnotes and
normal recurring year end adjustments.  The books and records of the Company
have been and are being maintained in accordance with normal and customary
business practice, are complete and correct in all material respects, subject to
normal year-end adjustments, and accurately reflect in all material respects the
basis for the financial condition of the Company set forth in the Financial


                                     -9-

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Statements. Since December 31, 1996, there has been no change in accounting
principles applicable to, or methods of accounting utilized by, the Company.

     3.6  OBLIGATIONS AND LIABILITIES.  To the knowledge of the Key
Shareholders, Schedule 3.6 contains a complete and accurate list of all
liabilities of the Company as of December 31, 1996, listing material liabilities
of any kind, character and description, whether accrued, absolute or
conditional, including potential liabilities under the Company's employee
benefit plans, together with, in the case of those liabilities which are not
fixed, an estimate of the maximum amount which may be payable. Except for debts,
liabilities or obligations listed on Schedule 3.6, debts, liabilities or
obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business between December 31,
1996 and the date of this Agreement and debts, liabilities or obligations
incurred after the date of this Agreement in accordance with the terms of this
Agreement, at the Closing, to the knowledge of the Shareholders, the Company
will not have any material debt, liability, or obligation of any nature. Except
as set forth on Schedule 3.6, all such liabilities and obligations incurred
after December 31, 1996 shall be incurred only in the ordinary course of
business, and shall be usual and normal in amount both individually and in the
aggregate and shall be provided for, reflected on or reserved against in the
books of account of the Company in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles.

     3.7  RECEIVABLES.  Schedule 3.7 contains a complete and accurate list of
the accounts, notes, and other receivables of the Company as of December 31,
1996 (the "Receivables").  Except to the extent of the reserve for bad debts
reflected in Schedule 3.7, the Receivables are collectible by the Company in the
amounts shown on Schedule 3.7, and except for "other receivables" listed on
Schedule 3.7, the Receivables represent valid and binding obligations arising
from sales actually made.  To the knowledge of the Key Shareholders, the Company
has not received any claims of set-off rights which would be material to the
amount of the receivables shown on its Financial Statements.

     3.8  FIXED ASSETS.  Schedule 3.8 contains a complete and accurate list and
complete description of all material fixed assets of the Company as of December
31, 1996.  All material assets used by the Company in the operation of its
businesses are either owned by the Company or leased under an agreement
reflected on Schedule 3.16.

     3.9  INVENTORIES.  The Company's inventories consist of items of a quality
and quantity usable and salable (according to industry standards) in the
ordinary course of business by the Company and are not obsolete or defective,
except for inventory that is obsolete or defective in the ordinary course of
business.  All items included in the inventories at December 31, 1996 are the
property of the Company, except for sales made in the ordinary course of
business since December 31, 1996; for each of these sales either the buyer has
made full payment or the buyer's liability to make payment is reflected in the
books of the Company, subject to established reserves.  Except as set forth on
Schedule 3.9, no items included in the inventories have been pledged as
collateral or are held by the Company on consignment from others. The inventory
item in the unaudited Balance Sheet of the Company as of February 28, 1997 is
valued at the lower of cost or market value, on a first-in first-out basis.


                                    -10-

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     3.10  ABSENCE OF CERTAIN CHANGES OR EVENTS. Except as set forth on Schedule
3.10, since December 31, 1996 through the date of this Agreement, the Company
has not:

          (a)  sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of, or agreed to sell,
     transfer or otherwise dispose of, in a single transaction or series of
     transactions, any assets or properties material to the operation of the
     Company; or entered, or agreed to enter, into any agreement granting any
     rights to purchase any of said material assets or properties or requiring
     the consent of any party to the transfer and assignment of any such
     material assets or properties, other than in the ordinary course of
     business; 

          (b)  canceled or compromised, or agreed to cancel or compromise, any
     material debts owed to it or claims in favor of it; 

          (c)  declared, set aside or paid, directly or indirectly, any dividend
     or other distribution (excepting distributions to the Shareholders to pay
     taxes) with respect to the Shares, redeemed any of the Shares, or made any
     agreement to do so; 

          (d)  granted any increase in or otherwise changed the compensation of
     any of its directors or officers, paid or accrued any bonus or similar
     payment to any of such persons or entered into a new or amended an existing
     agreement, transaction or relationship with any of its officers, directors,
     shareholders, employees or other affiliates outside the ordinary course of
     business of the Company or in a manner inconsistent with the past
     practices;

          (e)  changed any of its accounting policies, practices or methods; 

          (f)  incurred or become subject to any direct, or to the knowledge of
     the Key Shareholders, indirect or contingent obligation or liability, other
     than current obligations or liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of
     business or the Laminating Start-Up Operation; 

          (g)  had any event or condition occur or exist which materially and
     adversely affected, or which may have a materially adverse effect upon, the
     assets, liabilities, business, financial condition, prospects or other
     condition of the Company;

          (h)  mortgaged, pledged or consented to the filing of any lien, charge
     or encumbrance on any portion of the Company's assets;

          (i)  to the knowledge of the Key Shareholders, waived or released any
     right of any material value;

          (j)  entered into any material agreement outside the ordinary course
     of business not terminable on thirty days or less notice without cause or
     liability;

          (k)  accelerated, terminated, modified or canceled any material
     contract, lease or other agreement or instrument outside the ordinary
     course of business; 

                                     -11-
<PAGE>

          (l)  engaged in any other transaction or entered into any material
     commitment other than in the ordinary course of business;

          (m)  revalued any of its assets for financial accounting purposes;

          (n)  suffered a material adverse change in the financial condition,
     liabilities, assets, business, or prospects of the Company;

          (o)  suffered material destruction, damage to or loss of any material
     asset of the Company (whether or not covered by insurance);

          (p)  had commenced against it, received notice of or, to the knowledge
     of the Key Shareholders, had threatened against it the commencement of any
     civil litigation or any government proceeding;

          (q)  had organized labor disputes, or a claim of wrongful discharge or
     other unlawful labor practice or action levied against it;

          (r)  issued or sold any of its capital shares, or any other security;

          (s)  to the knowledge of the Key Shareholders, terminated or modified
     any relationship or arrangement of the Company with any of its major
     suppliers, distributors, customers or clients; or

          (t)  to the knowledge of the Key Shareholders, agreed to do any of the
     things described in the preceding clauses (a) through (s).
     
     3.11  LITIGATION.

          (a)  Except as set forth in Schedule 3.11, there are no claims,
     actions, suits, proceedings or inquiries, investigations, pending or, to
     the knowledge of the Key Shareholders, threatened against or affecting the
     Company at law, in equity or otherwise, or before or by any federal, state,
     foreign, municipal or other governmental department, commission, board,
     bureau, agency or instrumentality or arbitrative tribunal wherever located.
     

          (b)  The Company is not in default with respect to any judgment,
     order, writ, injunction, decree, award, or to the knowledge of the Key
     Shareholders, rule or regulation of any court, arbitrator or governmental
     department, commission, board, bureau, agency or instrumentality. 

     3.12  GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORIZATIONS. To the knowledge of the Key
Shareholders, the Company has all charters, licenses, tariffs, permits and other
governmental authorizations and 

                                     -12-
<PAGE>

approvals legally required to conduct its business as it is presently 
conducted.  To the knowledge of the Key Shareholders, the Company has 
complied in all material respects with all applicable federal, state and local 
laws, rules, regulations and orders relating to the conduct of its business.  
There are no actions or proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of the Key 
Shareholders, threatened to revoke or rescind any of such charters, 
authorizations, licenses, tariffs, permits or approvals. The execution, 
delivery, and performance of this Agreement, and the consummation of the 
Purchase and other transactions contemplated hereby will not violate any 
material provision of, or constitute a default under, any license, charter, 
tariff, permit or other governmental authorization, or any order, writ, 
injunction or decree of any court or other governmental agency or 
instrumentality applicable to or binding upon the Company or require any 
additional governmental authorization or approval other than as may be 
required under the HSR Act. 

     3.13  USE OF ASSETS.  To the knowledge of the Key Shareholders, the
ownership and use of the assets of the Company are not in violation of any
existing material law, code, rule, regulation, ordinance, license or permit
applicable to the Company or building, zoning, environmental or employee health
and safety matters, and the ownership and use of such assets by the Company
following the consummation of the Purchase which is consistent with their
ownership and use prior to the purchase, will not violate any such law, code,
rule, regulation or ordinance or any law, code, rule, regulation or ordinance
known to the Company to be pending.  No notice from any federal, state or local
governmental body or agency has been served upon the Company claiming 
violations of such material laws, codes, rules, regulations, ordinances,
licenses or permits or requiring or calling attention to the need for any work,
repairs, construction, alteration or improvement of the assets of the Company
which are still pending.  Neither the whole nor any portion of the assets of the
Company has been condemned, requisitioned or otherwise taken by any public
authority or pursuant to any power of eminent domain since December 31, l996,
and no such condemnation, requisition or taking is, to the knowledge of the Key
Shareholders, threatened or contemplated. 

     3.14  TITLE TO PROPERTIES AND ASSETS.  The Company has good and legal title
to (or in the case of leased property, has leasehold interests that are valid,
effective and enforceable in accordance with their terms in) all properties and
assets (whether real or personal and whether tangible or intangible) material to
the conduct of the business of the Company.  All such property and assets are
reflected in the Financial Statements or acquired since that date, except for
those assets disposed of in the ordinary course of business since December 31,
1996.  Except for liens for taxes not yet due and payable, the assets and
properties owned by the Company are free and clear of all liens, mortgages,
pledges, encumbrances and charges of every kind except for liens set forth in
Schedule 3.14 ("Permitted Liens").  With respect to real property leased by the
Company, the Company has not received any notice or claim, nor are the Key
Shareholders aware of any notice or claim, that the rent, royalties, fees and
additional payments required to be paid under the leases for rights in such real
property have not been paid for all periods prior to the date of this Agreement
and to the knowledge of the Key Shareholders all other actions on the part of
the Company with respect to such real properties necessary to retain such leases
in full force and effect through the date of this Agreement have been performed.

     3.15  TAX RETURNS; PAYMENTS.  

                                     -13-
<PAGE>

          (a)  The Company is an S corporation as defined in Section 1361 of the
     Code. The Company's  taxable year ends December 31. 

          (b)  Except as set forth on Schedule 3.15, all tax returns and reports
     required to be filed by or on behalf of the Company with respect to any
     income, properties or operations of the Company with any taxing authority
     have been timely and duly filed.  Except as set forth on Schedule 3.15, all
     taxes, including interest, penalties and additions to tax, shown to be
     payable on any such returns or reports, or on subsequent assessments with
     respect thereto have been paid in full on a timely basis.  Except as set
     forth on Schedule 3.15, no other taxes are payable by the Company with
     respect to any such returns or with respect to any period prior to the date
     of this Agreement, or  adequate provision for the payment thereof has been
     made on the books of the Company.  All such returns and reports are true
     and correct in all material respects.  There are no agreements for the
     extension of time with respect to the assessment of any tax deficiency
     relating to any income, properties or operations of the Company.  There is
     no action, suit, proceeding, investigation, audit or claim now pending or
     asserted against the Company, nor, except as set forth on Schedule 3.15,
     has any claim for additional taxes, assessments, interest or penalties been
     asserted by any tax authority against the Company.  To the knowledge of the
     Key Shareholders, there are no threatened federal, state or local tax
     audits of, or assessments against, the Company, or of any other claims for
     unpaid taxes or additions to tax which may be asserted against the Company.
     There are no liens for federal, state or local taxes upon the assets of the
     Company except for statutory liens for taxes or assessments not yet
     delinquent.  The Company is not a party to or bound by (nor will the
     Company become a party to or bound by) any tax indemnity, tax sharing or
     tax allocation agreement.  Except as set forth on Schedule 3.15, the
     Company is not a party to any agreement, contract, arrangement or plan that
     has resulted or would result, separately or in the aggregate, in the
     payment of any "excess parachute payments" within the meaning of
     section 280G of the Code.

     3.16  AGREEMENT AND COMMITMENTS.  Schedule 3.16 contains a complete and
accurate list of all of the material contracts, agreements, debt instruments and
leases binding on the Company or to which the Company is a party, except for
purchase orders or commitments with customers, regular orders of the Company
placed with its suppliers and accounts payable incurred in the ordinary course
of business, but including the following categories of contracts and agreements
to which the Company is bound at the date hereof: (i) employee benefit plans,
employment agreements, consulting contracts or similar agreements; (ii)
contracts that involve remaining aggregate payments by the Company in excess of
$100,000 and which have a term in excess of one year; (iii) insurance policies;
(iv) contracts or commitments for the guaranty of any obligation for the
borrowing of money or otherwise, excluding endorsements made for collection;
(v) any collective bargaining agreement; (vi) guarantees, letters of credit, or
similar contracts or commitments providing for contingent liability of the
Company; (vii) contracts to purchase or sell securities of any type;
(viii) contracts or commitments for capital expenditures; (ix) contracts or
options to purchase, sell or lease any real property; or (x) contracts and
agreements other than the foregoing, which are material to the Company
(collectively the "Material Contracts").  For purposes of this Section 3.16, any
contract or agreement which requires or may require the performance of services
or the delivery 

                                     -14-
<PAGE>

of goods, except for purchase orders or commitments with customers, regular 
orders of the Company placed with its suppliers and accounts payable incurred 
in the ordinary course of business, in an amount exceeding $100,000, 
individually or in the aggregate, shall be deemed material.  True and complete 
copies of the foregoing listed on the Disclosure Schedule have been furnished 
to the Purchaser.

     3.17  CONTRACT DEFAULTS.  The Company is not in default under the terms of
any Material Contract binding upon it or to which it is a party, or under its
Articles of Incorporation or bylaws, and no event has occurred which, with
notice or lapse of time, or both, may be or becomes such a default on the part
of the Company under any Material Contract or under such Articles of
Incorporation or bylaws.  To the knowledge of the Key Shareholders, none of the
other parties to the Material Contracts is in default thereunder or has
repudiated any of its obligations thereunder.  Each Material Contract is valid,
binding and enforceable in accordance with its terms.  

     3.18  INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.  Schedule 3.18 sets forth a complete and
accurate list of each patent, patent application, trademark (whether or not
registered), trademark application, trade name, service mark, copyright and
proprietary intellectual property (collectively, "Intellectual Property") owned,
used or licensed by the Company and a description of whether such Intellectual
Property is owned or licensed by the Company.  Except as set forth on Schedule
3.18, to the knowledge of the Key Shareholders, the Company has the right to use
such Intellectual Property and the current use by the Company of such
Intellectual Property does not infringe upon the rights of any other person.  To
the knowledge of the Key Shareholders, no other person is materially infringing
upon the rights of the Company in any such Intellectual Property and no
proceedings have been instituted, are pending or have been threatened by the
Company, or except as set forth on Schedule 3.18, to the knowledge of the Key
Shareholders, by a person adverse to the Company, which challenge the validity,
enforceability, use or ownership thereof.

     3.19  EMPLOYEES AND PLANS.

          (a)  Schedule 3.19(a) is a complete and accurate list of all
     employment and consulting contracts not terminable at will, collective
     bargaining agreements, and all pension, bonus, profit-sharing, share
     option, or other agreements or arrangements providing for employee
     remuneration or benefits to which the Company is a party or by which the
     Company is bound. Except as set forth in Schedule 3.19, all of said
     contracts and arrangements are in full force and effect, and neither the
     Company nor to the knowledge of the Key Shareholders, any other party is in
     default under them. There have been no claims of defaults and, to the
     knowledge of the Key Shareholders, there are no facts or conditions that if
     continued, or on notice, will result in a default, under these contracts or
     arrangements. There is no pending or, to the Key Shareholders' knowledge,
     threatened labor dispute, strike, or work stoppage affecting the Company's
     business.  To the knowledge of the Key Shareholders, the Company has
     complied in all material respects with all applicable laws relating to its
     employee benefit plans, including the provisions of the Employee Retirement
     Income Security Act (ERISA) if and to the extent applicable.  There are no 
     pending, or to the knowledge of the Key Shareholders, threatened  claims by
     or on behalf of any employee 

                                     -15-
<PAGE>

     or such benefit plan, by or on behalf of any employee covered under any 
     such plan, or otherwise involving any employee or such benefit plan, that 
     allege a breach of fiduciary duties or violation of other applicable 
     state or federal law, nor is there, to the Key Shareholders' knowledge, 
     any basis for such a claim.  Except as set forth in Schedule 3.19, the 
     Company has not entered into any severance or similar arrangement in 
     respect of any present or former employee that will result in any 
     obligation, absolute or contingent, of the Purchaser or the Company, to 
     make any payment to any present or former employee following the 
     termination of employment.

          (b)  To the knowledge of the Key Shareholders, no Key Employee
     (defined below) is currently a party to, or is otherwise bound by, any
     agreement or arrangement, including any confidentiality, noncompetition, or
     proprietary rights agreement, between such employee and any other person
     that in any way adversely affects or will affect (i) the performance of his
     or her duties as an employee  of the Company, or (ii) the ability of the
     Company to conduct its business.

     3.20 ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS.  Except as set forth on Schedule 3.20:

          (a)   To the knowledge of the Key Shareholders, the Company has not
     caused, is not causing, has not allowed and is not allowing, any disposal,
     releases or threatened releases of any Hazardous Material on or under any
     properties which it (i) owns, leases, occupies or operates, or (ii)
     previously owned, leased, occupied or operated during the period the
     Company owned, leased, occupied or operated its properties.  Without
     conducting an independent investigation, the Key Shareholders have no
     actual knowledge  that any such disposal or releases from Company
     properties occurred before the Company took title to, or possession or
     operation of, any of such properties, or that any such disposal or releases
     are migrating or have migrated off of such properties in subsurface soils,
     groundwater or surface waters;

          (b)  To the knowledge of the Key Shareholders, the Company has not (i)
     arranged for or had arranged for it the disposal or treatment of Hazardous
     Material at any facility or site owned or operated by another person from
     which facility or site there has been a release or there is a release or
     threatened release of a Hazardous Material, or (ii) accepted any Hazardous
     Material for transport to disposal or treatment facilities or other sites
     selected by the Company, from which facilities or sites there has been a
     release or there is a release or, to the knowledge of the Key Shareholders,
     threatened release of a Hazardous Material.  Any facility or site to which
     the Company arranged for the disposal or treatment of Hazardous Material
     under (i) above was duly licensed in accordance with applicable laws and
     has not been listed in connection with the Comprehensive Environmental
     Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) by the United States
     Environmental Protection Agency's National Priorities List (N.L.) or any
     equivalent or like listing of sites under state or local law (whether for
     potential releases of substances listed in CERCLA or other substances) or
     for properties in jurisdictions other than the United States, any
     equivalent or like listing of sites under the laws of such other
     jurisdictions;

                                     -16-
<PAGE>

          (c)  Without conducting an independent investigation, to the actual
     knowledge of the Key Shareholders, there has not been any release or
     threatened release of any Hazardous Material originating from a property
     other than those owned, leased or operated by the Company that has or will
     come to be located on or under properties owned, leased, occupied or
     operated by the Company;

          (d)  The Company has not installed, used, buried or removed any
     surface impoundment or underground tank or vessel or sump, drain or
     pipeline which holds or held Hazardous Materials on properties owned,
     leased, occupied or operated by the Company;

          (e)  To the knowledge of the Key Shareholders, the Company is, and has
     been, in material compliance with all federal, state or local laws and
     permits relating to air emissions, water, industrial hygiene and worker
     health and safety, pollution, hazardous or toxic wastes, materials or
     substances, pollutants or contaminants and discharge of Hazardous
     Materials, and to the knowledge of the Key Shareholders, no condition
     exists at any of the real property owned by, leased by or used in the
     respective businesses of the Company that would constitute a material
     violation of any such law or permit or that constitutes or threatens to
     constitute a public or private nuisance; and

          (f)  There has been no claim, including without limitation any
     litigation, administrative proceedings or investigations or any other
     actions, claims, demands, notices of potential responsibility or requests
     for information brought or threatened, against the Company or, to the
     actual knowledge of the Key Shareholders without conducting an independent
     investigation, against any predecessor owner or operator of any of the
     properties referenced in subparagraph (i) above, alleging the presence,
     disposal, release or threatened release of any Hazardous Material on, from
     or under any of such properties or otherwise relating to potential
     environmental liabilities, or any settlement reached by the Company
     relating to any of the foregoing.

          (g)  The Company has not manufactured, assembled, sold, distributed,
     installed or abated any product which contains or contained asbestos as a
     component thereof, and is not currently doing so.

As used in this Agreement, "Hazardous Material" means any material, substance,
waste or component thereof (whether a liquid, solid, or gas) that is prohibited,
controlled, or regulated by any governmental entity having jurisdiction as a
contaminant, pollutant, dangerous substance, toxic substance, hazardous waste,
hazardous substance, hazardous material, dangerous good or petroleum, its
derivatives, by-products or other hydrocarbons, pursuant to any United States,
state, or local environmental or health and safety law, rule, or regulation.

               3.21 LOSS OF CUSTOMERS OR SUPPLIERS.  None of the customers of
the Company constituting more than $500,000 of the Company's total revenue as of
December 31, 1996, and none of the suppliers of the Company constituting more
than $500,000 of the Company's total purchases, has terminated its relationship
with the Company since December 31, l996 to the date of this 

                                     -17-
<PAGE>

Agreement.  To the knowledge of the Key Shareholders, no such customers or 
suppliers intend to terminate, or are considering terminating, its 
relationship with the Company, other than as set forth on Schedule 3.21.

     3.22  TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES.  At the time of the Closing and other 
than as specifically contemplated by this Agreement or as set forth on 
Schedule 3.22, no Shareholder nor any Affiliate of the Company will conduct 
business with the Company, nor have any interest in or own any property or 
right used principally in the conduct of the business or operations of the 
Company. The term "Affiliate" shall mean the Shareholder, any partner of the 
Shareholder, or any member of the immediate family (including brother, sister, 
descendant, ancestor or in-law) of such persons, or any corporation, 
partnership, trust or other entity in which the Shareholder or any such family 
member has a substantial interest or is a director, officer, partner or 
trustee.   

     3.23  REAL ESTATE.

          (a)  Schedule 3.23(a) contains a complete and accurate list of all 
     of the real property owned by the Company (the "Owned Property").

          (b)  Schedule 3.23(b) contains a complete and accurate list of the 
     addresses of all of the real property leased to the Company or otherwise 
     used by the Company and not listed in Schedule 3.23(a) (the "Leased 
     Property"). The Company is in possession of all of the Leased Property, 
     and all of the buildings, fixtures and leasehold improvements used by the 
     Company in its business are located on the Leased Property or the Owned 
     Property.

          (c)  (i) No claims have been asserted that any applicable zoning 
     ordinances do not permit the operation of the business on the Owned 
     Property and the Leased Property (collectively, the "Real Property"); 
     (ii) the Company has not received notice of any pending or threatened 
     termination of any easement or right, including easements for all 
     utilities, services, roadways and other means of ingress and egress, 
     necessary to operate the business on the Real Property; (iii) neither the 
     whole nor any portion of the Owned Property listed on the December 31, 
     l996 Financial Statements, nor to the knowledge of the Key Shareholders, 
     the Leased Property, has been condemned, requisitioned or otherwise taken 
     by any public authority, and no notice of any such condemnation, 
     requisition or taking has been received.  No such condemnation, 
     requisition or taking is, to the knowledge of the Key Shareholders, 
     threatened or contemplated. Except as set forth in Schedule 3.23, no 
     contract or agreement has been entered into by the Company granting 
     occupancy rights to a third party.

          (d)  The Key Shareholders have no knowledge of any material 
     violation of any zoning, building, health, fire, water, use or similar 
     statute, ordinance, law, regulation or code in connection with the Real 
     Property.

     3.24  CONDITION OF ASSETS.  To the knowledge of the Key Shareholders, all 
of the Company's material assets are in good condition and working order, 
ordinary wear and tear 

                                     -18-
<PAGE>

excepted, and are suitable for the uses for which intended, free from any 
known defects except such minor defects as do not substantially interfere with 
the continued use thereof.

     3.25  LABOR RELATIONS.  The employees of the Company are not represented 
by any labor union, and the Company does not have any collective bargaining 
agreements with any labor union or other representative of the employees.  
There is no organizing activity pending, or to the knowledge of the Key 
Shareholders, threatened by any labor organization or group of employees. 
There is not, and has not been in the last two years, any pending, or to the 
knowledge of the Key  Shareholders, threatened (i) labor strike, dispute, 
slowdown or work stoppage, (ii) unfair labor practice complaint, (iii) 
grievance or arbitration proceeding attributable to a collective bargaining 
agreement, or (iv) law, contract or other agreement which will obligate the 
Company to make any severance payment as a result of this Agreement or the 
transactions contemplated herein other than as set forth in Schedule 3.25.

     3.26  INSURANCE.  Schedule 3.26 contains a complete and accurate list and 
description (including effective dates, premiums and coverage amounts) of all 
insurance policies carried by the Company as of the date hereof. All such 
insurance policies are in full force and effect as of the date hereof.

     3.27  ORGANIZATIONAL DOCUMENTS. The Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws 
of the Company, as amended, in the respective forms provided to the Purchaser 
are complete and correct.

     3.28  PRODUCT LIABILITY.  To the knowledge of the Key Shareholders, 
except as set forth in Schedule 3.28, the Company's products are made and 
manufactured in accordance with applicable laws and contain no design defects. 
The Company has furnished the Purchaser with a copy or summary of all 
material, written, express warranties, relating to the sale of the Company's 
products during the past three (3) years.  Except as set forth on Schedule 
3.28, there are no existing, or to the knowledge of  the Key Shareholders, 
threatened claims against the Company for services or products furnished by 
the Company which are defective or fail to meet any service or product 
warranties, which are not reflected on, or reserved for, on the Closing 
Balance Sheet.

     3.29  BROKERS AND FINDERS.  Any agent's, broker's or finder's fee or 
commission payable as the result of the consummation of the Purchase is or 
will be payable by the Shareholders at Closing, or by the Company if such fee 
or commission  is accrued as an expense and reflected on the Closing Balance 
Sheet.

     3.30  ACCURACY OF DISCLOSURES; NOTICE.  The representations and 
warranties of the Company and Key Shareholders contained in this Agreement, 
the Financial Statements, the Disclosure Schedule and the Exhibits attached 
hereto do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state 
any material fact required to make the statements contained therein, in light 
of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. 

                                     -19-
<PAGE>

                                   ARTICLE IV

                   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PURCHASER

     The Purchaser hereby represents and warrants to the Shareholders as 
follows: 

     4.1  ORGANIZATION AND GOOD STANDING.  The Purchaser is a corporation duly 
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State 
of Delaware.  

     4.2  DUE AUTHORIZATION.  The Purchaser has full power and authority to 
enter into this Agreement and to carry out its obligations hereunder.  The 
execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the 
transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary 
corporate action on the part of the Purchaser.  This Agreement has been duly 
executed and delivered by the Purchaser and constitutes its legal, valid and 
binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, 
except as may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, 
moratorium or other laws affecting creditors' rights generally or general 
equitable principles.

     4.3  EXECUTION AND DELIVERY.  Neither the execution and delivery by the 
Purchaser of this Agreement nor the consummation of the transactions 
contemplated hereby will:  (i) conflict with or result in a breach of the 
Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Purchaser; (ii) violate any law, 
statute, rule or regulation or any order, writ, injunction or decree of any 
court or governmental authority; or (iii) violate or conflict with or 
constitute a default under (or give rise to any right of termination, 
cancellation or acceleration under) any agreement, indenture, mortgage, lease, 
contract or other instrument to which the Purchaser is a party or by which it 
is bound or affected.

     4.4  LITIGATION.  There is no order of any court, governmental agency or 
authority and no action, suit, proceeding or investigation, judicial, 
administrative or otherwise that is pending or, to the knowledge of the 
Purchaser, threatened against or affecting the Purchaser which challenges the 
validity or propriety of any of the transactions contemplated by this 
Agreement. 

     4.5  CONSENTS.  Except for the filings required under the HSR Act, no 
consent, approval, authorization, license, exemption of, filing or 
registration with any court, governmental authority, commission, board, 
bureau, agency or instrumentality, domestic or foreign, is required by the 
Purchaser in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement or 
the consummation by it of any transaction contemplated hereby.  No approval, 
authorization or consent of any other third party is required in connection 
with the execution and delivery by Purchaser of this Agreement and the 
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.

     4.6  BROKERS.  All negotiations relative to this Agreement and the 
transactions contemplated hereby have been carried on by the Purchaser 
directly with the Key Shareholders without the intervention of any person as 
the result of any act by the Purchaser in such manner as to give rise to any 
valid claim against any of the parties hereto for a brokerage commission, 
finder's fee or like payment.

                                     -20-

<PAGE>

     4.7  INVESTMENT PURPOSE.  The Purchaser is purchasing the Shares for 
investment only and not with a view to resale in connection with any 
distribution of Shares, except in compliance with the Securities Act of 1933, 
as amended, and all other applicable securities laws.

     4.8  AMOUNTS WITHHELD FROM CLOSING PAYMENT.  The amounts withheld from 
the Closing Payment by the Purchaser pursuant to Section 1.3, shall be applied 
by the Purchaser in the manner stated in Section 1.3

                                ARTICLE V

                  338(H)(10) ELECTION; PAYMENT OF TAXES

     5.1  SECTION 338(h)(10) ELECTION; RESULTING TAXES.  The Purchaser,  the 
Shareholders and the Company shall cooperate in the filing of an election 
under Section 338(h)(10) of the Code so that the Purchase will be treated as a 
sale of assets by the Company for federal income tax purposes.  The 
Shareholders are solely responsible for the payment of, and shall pay, all 
federal, state and local taxes (including sales and use taxes), penalties and 
interest of the Company and the Shareholders attributable to the election 
under Section 338(h)(10) of the Code.

     5.2  RESPONSIBILITY FOR TAXES.  The Shareholders are solely responsible 
for all federal, state and local taxes (including sales and use taxes), 
penalties and interest of the Company and the Shareholders attributable to, or 
arising prior to Closing or from the Purchase.  All such taxes, penalties and 
interest shall be paid timely by the Shareholders; provided, however that, to 
the extent such taxes, penalties and interest have been accrued on the books 
of the Company and reflected on the Closing Balance Sheet, such taxes, 
penalties and interest shall be paid by the Company.

                               ARTICLE VI

                              BEST EFFORTS

     Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, each of the 
parties hereto agrees to use their respective commercially reasonable best 
efforts to fulfill the conditions set forth in Articles VII, VIII and IX over 
which they have control or influence and to consummate and effect the 
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.  In case at any time after the 
Closing any further action is necessary or desirable to carry out the purposes 
of this Agreement, each party to this Agreement shall take all such action as 
is reasonable and necessary to effect the transactions covered by this 
Agreement. The parties will execute any additional instruments necessary to 
consummate, perfect or evidence the transactions contemplated hereby.

                                     -21-
<PAGE>

                                  ARTICLE VII

                          CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF
                       THE PURCHASER AND THE SHAREHOLDERS

     The obligations of the Purchaser and the Shareholders to consummate the 
Purchase and the transactions contemplated in this Agreement will be subject 
to the satisfaction on or before the Closing Date of all of the following 
conditions, except as such party may waive such conditions in writing:

     7.1  APPROVALS AND CONSENTS.  The applicable waiting period, including 
any extension thereof, under the HSR Act shall have expired or been terminated 
and neither the Department of Justice nor the Federal Trade Commission shall 
have instituted any litigation to enjoin or delay the consummation of the 
transactions contemplated hereby.  All orders, consents and approvals of all 
other applicable governmental authorities, in form and substance reasonably 
satisfactory to the parties hereto and their respective counsel, necessary for 
consummation of the Purchase will have been obtained.

     7.2  LITIGATION.  On the Closing Date, there will not be pending or 
threatened litigation in any court or any proceeding by any governmental 
commission, board or agency, seeking to restrain or prohibit consummation of 
the Purchase or in which it is sought to obtain divestiture, rescission or 
damages in connection with the Purchase or the consummation of the Purchase, 
and to the knowledge of the parties hereto, no investigation by any third 
party will be pending or threatened which might result in any such suit, 
action or other proceeding. 

                                  ARTICLE VIII

                  CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE SHAREHOLDERS

     The obligation of the Shareholders to consummate the Purchase and other 
transactions contemplated by this Agreement is subject to the satisfaction on 
or before the Closing Date of all of the following conditions, unless the 
Shareholders waive such conditions in writing: 

     8.1  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. All representations and warranties 
of the Purchaser contained in this Agreement will be true and correct on and 
as of the Closing Date as if such representations and warranties were made on 
and as of the Closing Date.

     8.2  PERFORMANCE.  The Purchaser will have performed all agreements and 
covenants required by this Agreement to be performed by it on or prior to the 
Closing Date.

     8.3  CLOSING DELIVERIES.  The Shareholder's Representative shall have 
received the cash and each of the documents or items required to be delivered 
to them pursuant to Section 10.2.

                                     -22-
<PAGE>

     8.4  APPROVAL OF COUNSEL FOR THE COMPANY AND THE SHAREHOLDERS. All 
actions and proceedings hereunder and all documents and other papers required 
to be delivered by the Purchaser hereunder or in connection with the 
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, and all other related 
matters have been reasonably approved by counsel to the Company and the 
Shareholders prior to Closing, as to their form and substance.

     8.5  FURTHER AGREEMENTS.  The offers of employment to the individuals 
listed in Schedule 8.5, pursuant to the form of agreement attached as Exhibit 
"D", have been made and have not been revoked by the Company.

                                   ARTICLE IX

                   CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE PURCHASER

     The obligation of the Purchaser to consummate the Purchase and the other 
transactions contemplated by this Agreement is subject to the satisfaction on 
or before the Closing Date of all of the following conditions, except as the 
Purchaser may waive all or any part of such conditions in writing:

     9.1  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.  All representations and warranties 
of the Shareholders contained in this Agreement will be true and correct on 
and as of the Closing Date as if such representations and warranties were made 
on and as of the Closing Date.

     9.2  ADVERSE CHANGES.  There will have been no changes after December 31, 
1996 in the results of operations, assets, liabilities, financial condition or 
properties of the Company which, in the aggregate, are materially adverse in 
the reasonable determination of the Purchaser. 

     9.3  SATISFACTION OF COVENANTS.  The Company and each of the Shareholders 
shall have satisfied each and every one of their covenants and obligations set 
forth in this Agreement.

     9.4   FURTHER AGREEMENTS.  The terms of each of the agreements listed in 
Schedule 8.5 shall have been agreed to and executed, as necessary, by the 
Company, the Shareholders and the Purchaser.

     9.5  DUE DILIGENCE.  The Purchaser shall have approved, the results of 
its legal, financial, and environmental due diligence review of the Company.

     9.6. S CORPORATION STATUS.  The Company will be an S corporation as such 
term is defined under Section 1361 of the Code from the date of this Agreement 
to Closing.

     9.7  CLOSING DELIVERIES.  The Purchaser has received each of the 
documents or items required to be delivered to it pursuant to Section 10.1.

                                     -23-
<PAGE>

     9.8  CONSENTS.  The Shareholders will have obtained all consents required 
of third parties for its consummation of the Purchase and the other 
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including, without limitation, 
all consents required under the Material Contracts.

     9.9  TITLE INSURANCE.  Purchaser, at its own expense, shall have obtained 
an owner's title insurance policy dated the Closing Date covering the Owned 
Property, insuring the fee simple estate of the Company in the Owned Property, 
subject only to (i) the standard exceptions to title customarily contained in 
such title policies, (ii) liens for current state and local property taxes 
which are not delinquent or subject to penalty, (iii) liens and encumbrances 
that do not materially detract from, or materially interfere with, the present 
use of the Owned Property or affect the value thereof in any trial respect, 
and (iv) the Permitted Liens, issued by a responsible title insurance company 
(the "Title Company"); provided, however, that neither the Company not the 
Shareholders shall have any obligation to cure any defects in title.

                                    ARTICLE X

                      DOCUMENTS TO BE DELIVERED AT CLOSING

     10.1 TO PURCHASER.  At the Closing, there shall be delivered to the 
Purchaser:

          (a)  share certificates representing the Shares duly endorsed to the 
     Purchaser, in form sufficient to vest record and beneficial title of the 
     Shares fully in the Purchaser with the signatures notarized or guaranteed 
     by a commercial bank or by a member firm of the New York Stock Exchange 
     in form satisfactory to the Purchaser and its counsel;

          (b)  resignation of all directors and officers of the Company;

          (c)  a certificate of incorporation, certificate of existence and 
     good standing issued by the appropriate authorities in the State of 
     Indiana and such other states as the Purchaser may request;

          (d)  a certificate, signed by the President or chief executive 
     officer of the Company as to the fulfillment of the covenants and 
     conditions set forth in Articles VII and IX;

          (e)  opinions of counsel to the Key Shareholders, dated as of the 
     Closing Date, in form reasonably acceptable to Purchaser;

          (f)  a copy of all consents and approvals referred to in Section 7.1 
     and Article IX;

          (g)  the share books of the Company (including unissued and canceled 
     share certificates); and

          (h)  all other items reasonably requested by Purchaser.

                                     -24-
<PAGE>

     10.2  TO SHAREHOLDERS.  At the Closing, there shall be delivered
to the Shareholder Representative on behalf of the Shareholders:

          (a)  the Closing Payment set forth in Section 1.3;

          (b)  a certificate, signed by an officer of the Purchaser, as to the 
     fulfillment of the conditions set forth in Articles VII and VIII;

          (c)  a copy of all consents referred to in Section 7.1; and

          (d)  all other items reasonably requested by the Shareholders.

                                   ARTICLE XI

                                    SURVIVAL

     All representations, warranties, covenants and agreements made by any  
party to this Agreement or pursuant hereto shall survive the Closing (unless
the Purchaser on the one hand, or the Shareholders on the other hand, actually
knew of any misrepresentation or breach of warranty of the Shareholders or the
Purchaser, as the case may be, at the time of Closing (except for the
representations set forth in Section 3.15(b) with respect to state sales, use
and franchise taxes), in which event the affected representations or warranties,
or relevant portions thereof, shall not survive the Closing) as follows:

          (a)  the representations, and warranties of the Key Shareholders 
     contained in Article III (excepting Section 3.15) shall survive the 
     execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Closing hereunder for a 
     period of twenty-four (24) months from the Closing Date;

          (b)  the representations and warranties of the Key Shareholders 
     contained in  Section 3.15 and the covenants and agreements of each of 
     the parties dealing with tax matters, including without limitation 
     Sections 1.3(c), Article V and the covenants and agreements of the 
     Purchaser set forth in Section 1.9 shall survive the execution and 
     delivery of this Agreement and the Closing hereunder and shall continue 
     until all liability relating thereto is barred by all applicable statutes 
     of limitation;

          (c)  each and every other representation, warranty, covenant and 
     agreement made by the parties or any party shall survive the execution 
     and delivery of this Agreement and the Closing hereunder for a period of 
     three (3) years from the Closing Date.

                                     -25-
<PAGE>

                                   ARTICLE XII

                                INDEMNIFICATIONS

     12.1  INDEMNIFICATION OF PURCHASER.  Subject to the limitations set forth 
in Articles XI and XIV:

          (a)  the Key Shareholders shall, to the extent not fully accrued on 
     the Closing Balance Sheet, severally (but not jointly) based upon their 
     Proportionate Share (defined below), indemnify, and hold the Purchaser 
     harmless from, against, for and in respect of any and all damages, 
     losses, costs (including reasonable attorney's fees, interest and 
     penalties), settlement payments, obligations, liabilities, claims, 
     actions or causes of action and encumbrances suffered, sustained, 
     incurred or required to be paid by the Purchaser with respect to (i) the 
     Funded Debt in excess of the amounts withheld at the Closing by the 
     Purchaser for payment of same, (ii) the breach of any representation, 
     warranty, agreement or covenant of the Key Shareholders contained in or 
     made in this Agreement; (iii) any and all federal, state and local taxes, 
     penalties and interest of the Company and the Shareholders arising from 
     or attributable to (A) the Purchase, (B) an adjustment to a tax return by 
     any government authority for a period ending prior to or at the time of 
     the Purchase, (C) the determination that the Company did not qualify as 
     an S corporation for Federal income tax purposes at the time of the 
     Purchase, (D) the period ending prior to or at the time of the Purchase,  
     (E) any deficit in the Tax Payment Amount, and (F) the election under 
     Section 338(h)(10) of the Code, and (iv) any action, suit, proceeding, 
     demand, assessment or judgment incident to any of the matters indemnified 
     against in this Section 12.1(a); and

          (b)  Each Shareholder shall severally (but not jointly), indemnify, 
     and hold the Purchaser harmless from, against, for and in respect of (i) 
     any and all damages, losses, settlement payments, obligations, 
     liabilities, claims, actions or causes of action and encumbrances 
     suffered, sustained, incurred or required to be paid by the Purchaser 
     attributable to the breach of any representation or warranty of such 
     Shareholder contained in or made in connection with Article II of this 
     Agreement; and (ii) all reasonable costs and expenses (including, without 
     limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees, interest and penalties) incurred 
     by the Purchaser in connection with any action, suit, proceeding, demand, 
     assessment or judgment incident to any of the matters indemnified against 
     in this Section 12.1(b).

For purposes of Section 12.1(a), "Proportionate Share" when used with respect to
the Key Shareholders, shall mean a percentage amount equal to the percentage
determined by dividing the total number of Shares sold by the subject Key
Shareholder to the Purchaser by the total number of Shares sold by all of the
Key Shareholders to the Purchaser.  Thus, for example, Edward P. Welter's
Proportionate Share will be 81.44% (3,265,120 DIVIDED BY 4,006,537). 

                                     -26-
<PAGE>

     12.2  INDEMNIFICATION OF SHAREHOLDERS.  Subject to the limitations set 
forth in Articles XI and XIV, the Purchaser shall indemnify and hold the
Shareholders harmless from, against, for and in respect of:

          (a)  any and all damages, losses, settlement payments, obligations, 
     liabilities, claims, actions or causes of action and encumbrances 
     suffered, sustained, incurred or required to be paid by a Shareholder 
     because of the breach of any representation, warranty, agreement or 
     covenant of the Purchaser contained in or made in connection with this 
     Agreement; 

          (b)  any and all liabilities, obligations, claims and demands (other 
     than the Funded Debt paid at Closing) arising out of the ownership and 
     operation of the Company after the Closing Date, except to the extent the 
     same arises from a breach of any representation, warranty, agreement or 
     covenant of the Company or the Shareholder contained in or made in 
     connection with this Agreement; and

          (c)  all reasonable costs and expenses (including, without 
     limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees, interest and penalties) incurred 
     by the Shareholder in connection with any action, suit, proceeding, 
     demand, assessment or judgment incident to any of the matters indemnified 
     against in this Section 12.2.

     12.3  GENERAL RULES REGARDING INDEMNIFICATION.  The obligations
and liabilities of each indemnifying party hereunder with respect to claims
resulting from the assertion of liability by the other party or indemnified
third parties shall be subject to the following terms and conditions:

          (a)  the indemnified party shall give prompt written notice to the 
     indemnifying party of any claim which might give rise to a claim by the 
     indemnified party against the indemnifying party based on the indemnity 
     agreements contained in this Article XII, stating the nature and basis of 
     said claims and the amounts thereof, to the extent known (although 
     failure to give prompt notice will under no circumstances affect the 
     rights of the indemnified party unless such delay in notice materially 
     prejudiced the indemnifying party;

          (b)  if any action, suit or proceeding is brought against the 
     indemnified party with respect to which the indemnifying party may have 
     liability under the indemnity agreements contained in this Article XII, 
     the action, suit or proceeding shall, upon the written acknowledgment by 
     the indemnifying party that is obligated to indemnify under such 
     indemnity agreement, be defended (including all proceedings on appeal or 
     for review which counsel for the indemnified party shall deem 
     appropriate) by the indemnifying party.  The indemnified party shall have 
     the right to employ its own counsel in any such case, and the fees and 
     expenses of such counsel shall be at the indemnified party's expense.  
     The indemnified party shall be kept fully informed of such action, suit 
     or proceeding at all stages thereof whether or not it is represented by 
     separate counsel.

                                     -27-
<PAGE>

          (c)  The indemnified party shall make available to the indemnifying 
     party and its attorneys and accountants all books and records of the 
     indemnified party relating to such proceedings or litigation and the 
     parties hereto agree to render to each other such assistance as they may 
     reasonably require of each other in order to ensure the proper and 
     adequate defense of any such action, suit or proceeding.

          (d)  The indemnified party shall not make any settlement of any 
     claims without the written consent of the indemnifying party, which 
     consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

          (e)  Except as herein expressly provided, the remedies provided in 
     Article XII shall be cumulative and shall not preclude assertion by any 
     party of any other rights or the seeking of any other rights or remedies 
     against any other party hereto.

     12.4 LIMITATIONS ON INDEMNIFICATION.  The indemnification
provided for in Section 12.1 shall be subject to the following limitations and
conditions:

          (a)  Except as provided in Sections 12.4(b) and (c), the 
     Shareholders shall not be obligated to pay the Purchaser any amounts for 
     indemnification under Section 12.1 unless and until the aggregate of all 
     such amounts due the Purchaser under Section 12.1 exceeds One Million 
     dollars ($1,000,000), at which time the Shareholders would be obligated 
     to pay only such amounts exceeding One Million Dollars ($1,000,000). 

          (b)  Except as provided in Section 12.4(c), the Shareholders shall 
     not be obligated to pay any amounts for indemnification under Section 
     12.1, to the extent that such amount or amounts, alone or in the 
     aggregate, actually paid by the Shareholders, exceeds an amount equal to 
     Six Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars.  Additionally, no Shareholder 
     shall be obligated to pay any amount for indemnification under Section 
     12.1(b)(i) in excess of the amount of such Shareholders' Pro Rata Share 
     of the Purchase Price actually received by such Shareholder.

          (c)  The limitations set forth under Sections 12.4(a) and (b) shall 
     not apply to a breach of a representation or covenant contained in 
     Article II or Sections 3.15(a), 5.1 and 12.1(a)(i), 12.1(a)(iii)(C), 
     12.1(a)(iii)(E) and 12.1(a)(iii)(F).

          (d)  In determining any amount of indemnification for which the 
     Purchaser or the Company is entitled to payment or indemnification 
     pursuant to this Article XII or otherwise, the indemnification amount 
     shall be reduced by an amount equal to the present value of any net tax 
     benefit realized by the Purchaser or the Company which is attributable to 
     such loss or derived therefrom in the same or any past or subsequent 
     period.

          (e)  If the Purchaser or the Company receives or recovers any 
     proceeds from an insurance carrier in connection with a loss indemnified 
     hereunder, the Purchaser shall apply the proceeds against payment of the 
     loss or promptly repay to the indemnifying party the 

                                     -28-
<PAGE>

     amount so recovered (less any taxes payable), up to an amount not 
     exceeding the amount theretofore paid by the indemnifying party to the 
     Purchaser.

          (f)  Any claim for indemnity pursuant to this Agreement must be made 
     in writing and delivered to the indemnifying party:

               (i)  on or prior to the second anniversary of the Closing Date, 
          as to claims for indemnity arising under Article XI, paragraph (a); 

               (ii) on or prior to the expiration of the applicable statute of 
          limitations as to claims for indemnity arising under Article XI, 
          paragraph (b); or

              (iii) on or prior to the third anniversary of the Closing Date, 
          as to claims for indemnity arising under Article XI, paragraph (c).

          (g)  The Purchaser and the Company shall not, without prior written 
     consent of the Shareholder Representative, agree to any extension of a 
     statute of limitations, applicable to any claim or actions which may 
     result in a loss for which the Shareholders may be obligated to indemnify.

     12.5  ASSIGNMENT OF RIGHTS.  If the Purchaser or the Company has any 
claims or rights ("Right") against any person for acts or omissions which give 
rise to a loss which the Shareholders have indemnified, and all such losses
which the Shareholders have indemnified shall have been paid by the Shareholders
in accordance with the terms hereof, the Purchaser and the Company shall assign
such rights to the Shareholders to the extent that the Purchaser and the Company
shall have been fully compensated for any and all loss and expenses incurred in
connection with such act or omission.  If, as a result of the Shareholders'
payment of any loss which the Shareholders have indemnified hereunder, the
Shareholders have any rights for reimbursements or contribution from or against
any person, the Purchaser shall assist and cooperate, and cause the Company to
assist and cooperate in a reasonable manner at the Shareholders' expense, with
the Shareholders in enforcing such rights.

     12.6  MAINTENANCE OF INSURANCE.  The Purchaser shall either cause the 
Company to maintain its present level of insurance for the period of the
Shareholders' obligation to indemnify, or, if it chooses to reduce the present
level of insurance maintained by the Company, it shall reduce a Shareholder's
obligation to indemnify for a particular loss, cost, damage or obligation  to
the extent such loss, cost, damage or obligation would have been paid with
insurance had the Company maintained the same level of insurance. 

                                     -29-
<PAGE>

                                  ARTICLE XIII

                               TERMINATION RIGHTS

     This Agreement may be terminated by either the Purchaser or the
Shareholder Representative without liability to the other parties hereto, upon
written notice to the other of the occurrence of any of the following:

          (a)  If the Closing has not occurred on or before June 15, 1997;

          (b)  By either the Purchaser or the Shareholder Representative so 
     long as it or they are not in Default at the time, if the other party is 
     in Default, and such Default is not cured before the earlier of (i) ten 
     (10) days following written notice thereof from the party which is not in 
     Default, or (ii) the Closing;

          (c)  By either the Shareholder Representative or the Purchaser if 
     any court of competent jurisdiction has issued an order restraining, 
     enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the consummation of the transactions 
     contemplated by this Agreement; or

          (d)  By mutual written consent of the Shareholder Representative and 
     the Purchaser.

                                   ARTICLE XIV

                                  MISCELLANEOUS


     14.1 CERTAIN DEFINITIONS.  As used in this Agreement, the following terms 
have the following meanings unless the context otherwise requires:

          (a)  "affiliate" means with respect to any person, any other person 
     controlling, controlled by or under common control with, or the parents, 
     spouse, lineal descendants or beneficiaries of such person,

          (b)  "condition of the Company" means the assets, liabilities, 
     properties, business, prospects, results of operations and financial 
     condition of the Company.

          (c)  "Key Employee" means any employee participating in the 
     Company's Executive Benefit Plan as of the Closing Date.

          (d)  "Laminating Start-Up Operation" means the operations and 
     activities of the Company undertaken in connection with the commencement 
     of the laminating operation in Elkhart County, Indiana.

                                     -30-

<PAGE>

          (e)  "person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, firm
     joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated 
     organization, governmental or regulatory body or other entity.

          (f)  "property" means real, personal or mixed property, tangible 
     or intangible.

          (g)  "Sullivan Note" means that certain Promissory Note dated 
     October 28, l994 in the principal amount of $2,200,000.00 executed by 
     the Company and delivered to I.T.I. Tuco, Inc. (as part of the Company's
     acquisition of assets of I.T.I. Tuco, Inc.) and subsequently distributed
     to Todd A. Sullivan.

          (h)  "to the knowledge of the Key Shareholders" means the knowledge 
     of all the Key Shareholders.  Thus, if any Key Shareholder has knowledge,
     all of the Key Shareholders are deemed to have the same knowledge.

     14.2 EXPENSES.  Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the 
Purchaser shall pay the fees and expenses incurred by it in connection with 
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and the Shareholders shall 
pay the fees and expenses incurred by them and the Company in connection with 
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including fees of their 
respective counsel and fees of any broker or investment banker retained by 
them, provided that such fees shall be paid by the Company so long as they 
have been accrued through closing and reflected on the Closing Balance Sheet. 
 If any action is brought for breach of this Agreement or to enforce any 
provision of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to 
recover court costs, arbitration expenses and reasonable attorneys' fees.

     14.3 FURTHER ASSURANCES.  Subject to the terms and upon satisfaction on 
or before the Closing Date of all requirements of law and conditions 
specified in this Agreement, the Purchaser, the Company and the Shareholders 
will execute, acknowledge and deliver such other documents and instruments 
and take such further action as may be necessary or appropriate to consummate 
the Purchase and other transactions contemplated hereby. 

     14.4 AMENDMENT.  This Agreement may be amended at any time but only by 
written agreement of the parties hereto. 

     14.5 NOTICES.  All notices, demands, requests or other communications 
that may be or are required to be given, served or sent by one party to 
another pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be mailed by 
first-class, registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage 
prepaid, or transmitted by hand delivery, telegram or facsimile transmission 
addressed to the Shareholders as set forth on the signature pages hereof, 
with a copy to Cynthia S. Gillard, Warrick & Boyn, Suite 400, 121 West 
Franklin Street, Elkhart, Indiana.  Each party may designate by notice in 
writing a new address to which any notice, demand, request or communication 
may thereafter be so given, served or sent.  Each notice, demand, request or 
communication that is mailed, delivered or transmitted in the manner 
described above shall be deemed sufficiently given, served, sent and received 
for all purposes at such time as it is delivered to the addressee with the 


                                    -31-

<PAGE>

return receipt, the delivery receipt, the affidavit of messenger or (with 
respect to a facsimile transmission) the answer back being deemed conclusive 
evidence of such delivery or at such time as delivery is refused by the 
addressee upon presentation. 

     14.6 ASSIGNMENT.  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the 
benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted 
assigns, but neither this Agreement nor any of the right, interests or 
obligations hereunder shall be assigned by either party without the prior 
written consent of the other party.

     14.7 COUNTERPARTS.  This Agreement may be executed in any number of 
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which 
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

     14.8 ENTIRE AGREEMENT.  Except with respect to the Confidentiality 
Agreement dated January 7, 1997 between the Purchaser and the Company (the 
"Confidentiality Agreement"), this Agreement and the documents referred to 
herein contain the entire understanding of the parties hereto in respect of 
the subject matter contained herein.  There are no restrictions, promises, 
warranties, conveyances or undertakings other than those expressly set forth 
herein and the Confidentiality Agreement.  This Agreement supersedes any 
prior agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to the 
subject matter other than the Confidentiality Agreement which agreement 
remains in full force and effect until the Closing of the transactions 
contemplated hereby.

     14.9 WAIVER.  No attempted waiver of compliance with any provision or 
condition hereof, or consent pursuant to this Agreement, will be effective 
unless evidenced by an instrument in writing by the party against whom the 
enforcement of any such waiver or consent is sought.

     14.10  GOVERNING LAW.  THIS AGREEMENT WILL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED 
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF INDIANA (EXCLUSIVE OF CONFLICTS 
OF LAW PRINCIPLES) AND WILL, TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PRACTICABLE, BE DEEMED TO 
CALL FOR PERFORMANCE IN ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, INDIANA OR ANY COUNTY CONTIGUOUS 
TO ST. JOSEPH COUNTY OTHER THAN ELKHART COUNTY.  COURTS WITHIN THE STATE OF 
INDIANA SHALL HAVE JURISDICTION OVER ANY AND ALL DISPUTES BETWEEN THE PARTIES 
HERETO, WHETHER IN LAW OR EQUITY, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY AND ALL 
DISPUTES ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT.  THE PARTIES HEREBY 
CONSENT TO AND AGREE TO SUBMIT TO THE JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS.  FOR 
CONVENIENCE, VENUE IN ANY SUCH DISPUTE WHETHER IN FEDERAL OR STATE COURT 
SHALL BE LAID IN ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, INDIANA OR ANY COUNTY CONTIGUOUS TO ST. 
JOSEPH COUNTY OTHER THAN ELKHART COUNTY, AND ALL PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT 
HEREBY GRANT TO THE COURTS OF SUCH COUNTY PERSONAL JURISDICTION OVER THEM.


                                    -32-

<PAGE>

     14.11   NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES.  Nothing contained in this 
Agreement is intended to, and nothing in this Agreement shall be interpreted 
to infer on, any party the rights of a third party beneficiary, and this 
Agreement shall be for the sole benefit of the parties hereto.

     14.12   LANGUAGE.  The language of this Agreement shall be construed as 
a whole and in accordance with the fair meaning of the language used.  The 
language of this Agreement will not be strictly construed against either 
party based upon the fact that either party drafted or was principally 
responsible for drafting this Agreement or any specific term or condition 
hereof.

     14.13   NONDISCLOSURE OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION.  If the Purchase does 
not close for any reason, the parties shall remain bound by the terms of the 
Confidentiality Agreement and shall hold in strict confidence all data and 
information so obtained from each other.  Each party agrees to either return 
or destroy such data and respect the confidential nature of the information, 
and will not use such confidential information.  Filing or providing 
information to any government agency or department on a confidential basis 
shall not render such information "publicly known."    As of the Closing, the 
Confidentiality Agreement will terminate.

     14.14   REFERENCES AND TITLES.  All references in this Agreement to 
Articles, Sections, Subsections and other subdivisions refer to corresponding 
Articles, Sections, Subsections and other subdivisions of this Agreement 
unless expressly provided otherwise. A specific reference to a schedule in 
any Section of Article III of the Agreement should not be construed to 
obliterate the general reference to the Disclosure Schedule at the beginning 
of Article III.  Titles appearing at the beginning of any subdivision are for 
convenience only and do not constitute any part of such subdivision and shall 
be disregarded in construing the language contained in such subdivision. The 
words "this Agreement," "this instrument," "herein," "hereof," "hereby," 
"hereunder," and words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole 
and not to any particular subdivision unless expressly so limited. Pronouns 
in masculine, feminine and neuter genders shall be construed to include any 
other gender, and words in the singular form shall be construed to include 
the plural and vice versa, unless the context otherwise requires.

     14.15   TIME.  Time is of the essence.

     14.16   SEVERABILITY.  Every provision of this Agreement is intended to 
be severable.  If any term or provision hereof is illegal or invalid for any 
reason whatsoever, such illegality or invalidity shall not affect the 
validity of the remainder of this Agreement.

     14.17   ARBITRATION.  Except as provided in Section 14.18, all
dispute or other questions arising between the parties from this Agreement shall
be settled by arbitration in accordance with the commercial rules then in effect
of the American Arbitration Association, except as modified in this Section
14.17 and, except that the arbitrator(s) shall be selected in accordance with
the following procedure:  such dispute or other question shall be referred to
and decided by a single arbitrator if the parties can agree upon one within
fifteen (15) days after either of the parties shall notify the other that it
wishes to avail itself of the provisions of this Section 14.17; otherwise, such
dispute or other question shall be referred to and decided by three arbitrators,
one to be appointed by the Purchaser 


                                    -33-

<PAGE>

and one to be appointed by the Shareholder Representative, each such 
appointment to be made within ten (10) days after the expiration of the 
fifteen (15) day period referred to above, and the third arbitrator to be 
appointed by the first two arbitrators within ten (10) days after the 
expiration of such ten (10) day period.  If the first two arbitrators cannot 
reach agreement on the third arbitrator within said ten (10) day period, the 
third arbitrator shall be an impartial arbitrator appointed by the President 
of the American Arbitration Association within twenty (20) days after the 
expiration of said ten (10) day period.  Hearings of the arbitrator(s) shall 
be held in St. Joseph County, Indiana (or any contiguous county other than 
Elkhart County), unless the parties agree otherwise.  The presentations of 
the parties in the arbitration proceeding shall be commenced and completed 
within sixty (60) days after selection of the arbitration panel, and the 
arbitration panel shall render its decision in writing within thirty (30) 
days after completion of such presentations.  Any decision concurred in by 
any two (2) of the arbitrators shall constitute the decision of the 
arbitration panel, and unanimity shall not be required.  The arbitration 
shall be conducted in accordance with the Indiana Rules of Evidence and the 
Indiana Rules of Civil Procedure.  The arbitration award shall be in writing 
and shall contain findings of fact and conclusions of law to support the 
award.  Judgment upon an award rendered by the arbitrator(s) may be entered 
in any court of competent jurisdiction, including without limitations, courts 
in states where the parties reside.  Any award so rendered shall be final and 
binding upon the parties hereto.  All costs and expenses of the arbitrator(s) 
shall be paid as determined by such arbitrator(s), and all costs and expenses 
of experts, witnesses and other persons retained by the parties shall be 
borne by them respectively.

     14.18   INJUNCTIONS.  Notwithstanding, the provisions of Section 14.17, 
the parties hereby agree that any of them may pursue a temporary restraining 
order or injunction.






                                    -34-

<PAGE>

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been signed as of the 5th day of 
May, 1997.  

                                       PURCHASER:

                                       FIBREBOARD CORPORATION
                                       a Delaware corporation



                                       By:
                                           ----------------------------------
                                       Name:
                                            ---------------------------------
                                       Its:
                                            ---------------------------------

                                       Address:     2200 Ross Avenue
                                                    Suite 3600
                                                    Dallas, Texas 75201
                                                    Attn:
                                                           -----------------

                                       Facsimile:   (214) 969-1832

                                       THE COMPANY:

                                       FABWEL, INC.
                                       an Indiana corporation



                                       By: 
                                          ------------------------------------
                                       Name: Edward P. Welter
                                       Its:  Chairman of the Board

                                       Address:     1838 Middlebury Street
                                                    P.O. Box 1366
                                                    Elkhart, Indiana 46515-1366

                                       Facsimile:  (___) ____________________


                                       THE KEY SHAREHOLDERS:


                                       ---------------------------------------
                                       Edward P. Welter



                                    -35-

<PAGE>

                                       Address: 
                                                -----------------------------

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

                                       Facsimile:
                                                  ---------------------------



                                       --------------------------------------
                                       Raymond M. Stout
                                       Address: 
                                                -----------------------------

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

                                       Facsimile:
                                                  ---------------------------





                                       --------------------------------------
                                       John W. Gardner
                                       Address: 
                                                -----------------------------

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

                                       Facsimile:
                                                  ---------------------------




                                       --------------------------------------
                                       Roger H. Gowdy
                                       Address: 
                                                -----------------------------

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

                                       Facsimile:
                                                  ---------------------------



                                       --------------------------------------
                                       Utah G. White
                                       Address: 
                                                -----------------------------

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

                                       Facsimile:
                                                  ---------------------------


                                    -36-

<PAGE>


                                       REMAINING SHAREHOLDERS:




                                       --------------------------------------
                                       Dennis L. Weaver
                                       Address: 
                                                -----------------------------

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

                                       Facsimile:
                                                  ---------------------------



                                       --------------------------------------
                                       Sharie L. Johnson
                                       Address: 
                                                -----------------------------

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

                                       Facsimile:
                                                  ---------------------------



                                       ---------------------------------------
                                       John L. Drummond
                                       Address: 
                                                -----------------------------

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

                                       Facsimile:
                                                  ---------------------------




                                       ---------------------------------------
                                       Donald D. Weldy 
                                       Address: 
                                                -----------------------------

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

                                       Facsimile:
                                                  ---------------------------


                                    -37-

<PAGE>

                                       --------------------------------------
                                       G. Bryan Silas
                                       Address: 
                                                -----------------------------

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

                                       Facsimile:
                                                  ---------------------------




                                       ---------------------------------------
                                       Lonny J. Whitley
                                       Address: 
                                                -----------------------------

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

                                       Facsimile:
                                                  ---------------------------



                                       --------------------------------------
                                       Theodore A. Brooks
                                       Address: 
                                                -----------------------------

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

                                       Facsimile:
                                                  ---------------------------



                                       --------------------------------------
                                       Michael A. Hahn
                                       Address: 
                                                -----------------------------

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

                                       Facsimile:
                                                  ---------------------------



                                       --------------------------------------
                                       Sharon K. Nusbaum
                                       Address: 
                                                -----------------------------

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

                                       Facsimile:
                                                  ---------------------------



                                    -38-

<PAGE>

                                       ---------------------------------------
                                       Benjamin J. Davis
                                       Address: 
                                                -----------------------------

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

                                       Facsimile:
                                                  ---------------------------



                                       --------------------------------------
                                       Lawrence B. McArdle
                                       Address: 
                                                -----------------------------

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

                                       Facsimile:
                                                  ---------------------------



                                       --------------------------------------
                                       Mario A. Carrasco
                                       Address: 
                                                -----------------------------

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

                                       Facsimile:
                                                  ---------------------------



                                       --------------------------------------
                                       Kiran Patel
                                       Address: 
                                                -----------------------------

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

                                       Facsimile:
                                                  ---------------------------




                                       --------------------------------------
                                       James H. Mancil
                                       Address: 
                                                -----------------------------

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

                                       Facsimile:
                                                  ---------------------------


                                    -39-

<PAGE>

                                       ---------------------------------------
                                       Larry Farver
                                       Address: 
                                                -----------------------------

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

                                       Facsimile:
                                                  ---------------------------











                                    -40-


<PAGE>

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

At the Company:                                    At Financial Relations Board:
Stephen L. DeMaria                             Hannah Bruce, General Information
Margaret Turbeville                              Lynn Chaffier, Investor Contact
(214) 954-9500                                                    (415) 986-1591

                FIBREBOARD COMPLETES ACQUISITION OF FABWEL 
         A LEADER IN GROWTH SEGMENTS OF BUILDING PRODUCTS INDUSTRY

     (DALLAS, TEXAS, May 6, 1997) -- Fibreboard Corporation (AMEX:FBD) today 
announced that the company has completed the purchase of the stock of Fabwel, 
Inc. for approximately $120 million, subject to post closing adjustments. 
Fabwel, headquartered in Elkhart, Indiana, is a major producer and supplier 
of customized exterior components for the manufactured housing, recreational 
vehicle, building and construction and transportation/cargo industries with 
annual revenues of approximately $200 million.  The expected incremental 
contribution of this acquisition on an annualized basis is $0.45-$0.55 per 
share.  Fabwel is anticipated to contribute $0.30-$0.35 per share for the 
remainder of 1997.

     John D. Roach, Fibreboard's Chairman and CEO, said, "The addition of 
Fabwel increases Fibreboard's annual revenues by 35-40% and boosts our future 
growth potential.  Our plans for Fabwel within Fibreboard's Residential 
Building Products segment are to achieve expanded penetration of manufactured 
housing and recreational vehicle markets while providing the capital to 
support increased production.  With Fabwel's market leadership, outstanding 
management team, continued profitability and strong reputation for quality 
customer service, Fibreboard has gained another strong platform for growth."

     Fibreboard Corporation, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is a leader in the
building products industry, manufacturing vinyl, aluminum, steel, fiberglass and
cast stone building products as well as industrial insulation. Building products
manufacturing groups include Norandex Vinyl Products Company, Vytec Corporation,
Fabwel, Stone Products Corporation and Pabco.  Its Norandex Distribution Company
operates an extensive multi-state distribution network for building products.

     Fibreboard has included forward-looking statements concerning its business
and operations in this press release.  These forward-looking statements are 
subject to certain risks and uncertainties, 

                                   --more--

<PAGE>

Fibreboard Corporation to Acquire Fabwel
Page 2 of 2


including those described in its 1996 Annual Report, that could cause actual
results to differ materially from those projected.  These risks and
uncertainties include possible changes in the general economy and 
economic conditions in various markets served by Fibreboard, the cyclical nature
of the building products industry, adverse weather conditions accentuating the
building product industry's seasonality, the level of housing starts, raw
material pricing, competitive activity and price pressures and the Company's
ability to make additional strategic acquisitions that are accretive to
earnings. Fibreboard expressly disclaims any obligation to release publicly any
updates or revisions to such forward-looking statements to reflect any change in
its expectations.


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