GIBRALTAR PACKAGING GROUP INC
10-K, 1997-09-26
PAPERBOARD CONTAINERS & BOXES
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<PAGE>

                                  UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549
                               ------------------

                                    FORM 10-K
                                   (Mark One)

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

                     For the fiscal year ended June 28, 1997

                                       OR

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

                          Commission file No. 00-19800

                         GIBRALTAR PACKAGING GROUP, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

           DELAWARE                                      47-0496290
    (State of incorporation)                   (IRS Employer Identification No.)

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

          274 Riverside Avenue
         Westport, Connecticut                            06880
(Address of principal executive offices)                (Zip Code)

                                 (203) 227-0400
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

        Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

           Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
                    Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
                                (Title of class)

         Indicate by check mark  whether the  registrant  (1) has filed  reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the  Securities  Exchange  Act of
1934  during  the  preceding  12 months  (or for such  shorter  period  that the
registrant was required to file such reports),  and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES |X| NO |_|

         Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent  filers  pursuant to
item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained  herein,  and will not be contained,
to the best of  Registrant's  knowledge,  in  definitive  proxy  or  information
statements  incorporated  by  reference  in Part  III of this  Form  10-K or any
amendment to the Form 10-K. |_|



     The  aggregate  market value of voting stock held by  nonaffiliates  of the
registrant on September  24, 1997 was $9,653,546  (based upon the September 24,
1996 closing  sale price of the common stock as reported by the NASDAQ  National
Market System).

         The number of shares of common stock of the  registrant  outstanding as
of September 24, 1997 was 5,041,544 shares.

                       DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
         Items 10, 11, 12 and 13 of Part III are  incorporated  by  reference to
the definitive proxy statement  relating to the  registrant's  Annual Meeting of
Stockholders  for fiscal 1997,  which  definitive  proxy statement will be filed
within 120 days of the end of the registrant's fiscal year.



<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                 Table of Contents


                                                      PART I
                                                                                                              Page

<S>        <C>                                                                                                <C>
Item 1     Business.............................................................................................1

Item 2.    Properties...........................................................................................8

Item 3.    Legal Proceedings....................................................................................8

Item 4.    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders..................................................9



                                                      PART II

Item 5.    Market for the Registrant's Common Equity
           and Related Stockholder Matters......................................................................9

Item 6.    Selected Financial Data.............................................................................11

Item 7.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of
           Financial Conditions and Results of Operations......................................................12

Item 8.    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.........................................................16

Item 9.    Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants
           on Accounting and Financial Disclosure..............................................................16

                                                     PART III

Item 10.   Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant..................................................17

Item 11.   Executive Compensation..............................................................................17

Item 12.   Security Ownership of Certain
           Beneficial Owners and Management....................................................................17

Item 13.   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions......................................................17

                                                      PART IV

Item 14.   Exhibits, Financial Statement
           Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K..................................................................18
</TABLE>


<PAGE>



                                     PART I

Item 1.       Business

General

        Gibraltar Packaging Group, Inc. ("Gibraltar" or the "Company") designs,
manufactures and markets packaging products for a number of consumer and
industrial markets. The Company is the combination of several previously
independent packaging companies, each with its own distinctive products,
customer base and geographic focus. The acquisitions of Standard Packaging &
Printing Corp. ("Standard"), Niemand Industries, Inc. ("Niemand"), and GB
Labels, Inc. ("GB Labels") in 1993 expanded the Company's products from folding
cartons and specialty laminated containers to include tubular, spiral-wound
paper packaging, flexible poly-film packaging, contract packaging and filling
and pressure-sensitive labels. Although most of the Company's sales are made to
customers located in the central and southern regions of the United States, the
Company sells its products to customers throughout the nation. The Company
derives its sales from a diverse market base, primarily comprised of the
following markets: textiles, pharmaceutical, office supplies and paper products,
auto aftermarket parts, food, cosmetics and personal care, household and
industrial products and toys.

        The Company serves approximately 1,200 customers from five divisions:
Great Plains Packaging in Hastings, Nebraska; RidgePak Corporation (Flashfold
Carton) in Fort Wayne, Indiana; Niemand in Marion, Alabama; Standard in Mount
Gilead, North Carolina and GB Labels in Burlington, North Carolina. The Company
believes that its five divisions enhance its competitive position by providing
it with multiple products and broader geographic coverage, enabling the Company
to serve customers that operate from several locations.

        The Company's business strategy is to grow internally through increased
sales and profitability of its existing packaging products.


        Gibraltar's predecessor was incorporated under the name GPC Co. in
Nebraska in 1967 and subsequently changed its name to Great Plains Packaging Co.
in 1986. In 1991, Great Plains Packaging Co. was reincorporated in Delaware, and
its name was changed to Gibraltar Packaging Group, Inc. Gibraltar relocated its
executive offices in June 1996, the new offices are located at 274 Riverside
Avenue, Westport, Connecticut 06880 and its telephone number is (203) 227-0400.

Manufacturing Products and Processes

        The Company offers its customers six types of packaging products, as
described below.

       Folding Cartons

        The Company designs, manufactures and markets a variety of printed
folding cartons, which are purchased by customers in a variety of consumer and
industrial markets. The Company's customers use folding cartons for both the
shipment and retail display of the customers' products. Sales of folding cartons
represented approximately 63% of the Company's net sales for the twelve months
ended June 28, 1997, approximately 62% of the Company's net sales for the twelve
months ended June 29, 1996 and approximately 56% of the Company's net sales for
the twelve months ended July 1, 1995.


                                      -1-


<PAGE>


        The Company believes that recent trends in the folding carton market
favor manufacturers that can produce creative graphics to enhance visual
presentation, point-of-sale appeal and product differentiation. Specialty
packaging designed to address these needs often includes graphics with
high-resolution print, more colors and innovative designs. The Company's
internal design teams have won numerous industry awards, due, in part, to the
Company's emphasis on product design. The Company believes that its design
resources enhance the Company's competitiveness in the folding carton market and
result in increased profitability.

        Folding cartons are produced at the Company's production facilities in
Hastings, Fort Wayne and Mount Gilead. After a customer's order is received,
paperboard purchased from outside suppliers in rolled form is converted into
sheets of specified sizes by sheeting equipment. Specialized printing plates are
created from specifications, artwork or film supplied by the Company's customers
or developed by the Company's design teams. The paperboard sheets are then
printed on multicolor offset printing presses. The printed board is then cut,
creased, embossed, folded and glued into individual cartons and packaged for
shipment to customers.

        In fiscal 1996, the Company's Hastings, Nebraska facility became the
sixth folding carton plant in the United States to achieve ISO 9001
certification, the rigorous international quality standard. ISO (International
Organization for Standardization) is steadily becoming a worldwide standard for
quality management. It requires a company to codify its quality program by
defining and documenting its quality system.

       Tubular, Spiral-Wound Paper Packaging

        The Company began offering its customers tubular paper packaging
products with the 1993 acquisition of Niemand. Tubular paper packaging products
represented approximately 17% of the Company's net sales for the twelve-month
period ended June 28, 1997 and approximately 18% of the Company's net sales for
each of the twelve month periods ended June 29, 1996 and July 1, 1995.

        The Company's tubular packaging is structurally strong, high-quality,
spiral-wound paper packaging that is suitable for direct labeling with
high-quality graphics. Tubular paper packaging offers a biodegradable product
that is, in smaller quantities, generally cheaper than plastic alternatives.
Tubular paper packaging is used widely for personal care products (talcum
powders, bath powders and scented products), for food products (spices,
breadcrumbs and non-dairy creamer) and for household products (carpet freshener
and wildflower seeds). Additionally, these products are used as gift boxes, as
well as having uses in the toy/game industry. The Company believes that it is a
leading supplier of tubular paper packaging to the cosmetics and personal care
markets.

        The Company manufactures tubular paper packaging at its Marion, Alabama
facility. Several pieces of equipment used in this process are proprietary to
the Company. The process of producing tubular paper packaging begins with
slitting various types of rolled paper, then winding the paper into tubes by
gluing the individual strips or plies of paper together. The tubes are then
labeled with printed paper labels (typically of higher graphic quality) and cut
into individual canisters. Canisters may have closure/dispenser tops that offer
a variety of dispensing features - for example, sifting features as in the case
of spice shakers and talcum powder containers. The empty canisters are filled by
the Company or the customer with a variety of products. The canisters are then
sealed with a metal or plastic plug at the bottom.

       Flexible Poly-Film Packaging

        The Company began offering its customers flexible poly-film packaging
with the 1993 acquisition of Standard. Flexible packaging sales represented
approximately 8% of the Company's net sales for the twelve months ended June 28,
1997, approximately 8% of the 


                                      -2-


<PAGE>


Company's net sales for the twelve months ended June 29, 1996 and approximately
10% of the Company's net sales for the twelve months ended July 1, 1995.

        Flexible packaging offers light-weight, low-bulk, resource-conserving
packaging that also protects perishable products by creating a barrier against
air and moisture. For consumer marketing purposes, flexible packaging combines
high-quality, multicolor graphics, similar to folding carton graphics, with a
see-through feature that enables the consumer to see the product itself along
with the package graphics. Although the Company sells most of its flexible
packaging for use in the textile, food and household products markets, flexible
packaging is also used for many other products, including pharmaceuticals and
other medical products and toys.

        Flexible packaging is produced at the Standard plant in Mount Gilead
from polyethylene, polypropylene and similar plastic materials. The Company
purchases its plastic films from film manufacturers rather than producing its
own plastic films. The film is printed at the Company's facilities using
multicolor printing presses that are functionally similar to those used in
folding carton manufacture. The printed rolls are slit into smaller rolls. Some
printed film is shipped in roll form to customers who then convert it into its
final package form (for example, bags, pouches or overwrap). Some of the printed
film is converted into bags or pouches by the Company and then shipped to
customers.

       Specialty Laminated Containers

        At the Company's Hastings facility, the Company manufactures a
specialized type of folding carton, specialty laminated packaging, which it
markets to customers throughout the United States, primarily in the automotive
aftermarket parts, frozen food and toy markets. Laminated packages are used for
retail sales of products and offer customers a number of visual marketing
benefits. Specialty laminated container sales represented approximately 5% of
the Company's net sales for each of the twelve-month periods ended June 28,
1997, June 29, 1996 and July 1, 1995. During the manufacturing process,
laminated sheets, which are composed of a printed paperboard folding carton
sheet glued onto single face corrugate, are die cut, glued and folded into
containers. Laminated packaging offers a structurally stronger package suitable
for packaging heavier contents, protecting products during shipping or meeting
other package performance needs, while at the same time providing
high-resolution graphics. The Company believes that the resolution of the print
and graphics enhances the product's appeal, and that the lamination provides
increased product visibility with a large, exposed graphics area.

       Contract Packaging and Filling

        The Company's facility in Marion provides contract packaging and filling
services, which represented approximately 2% of the Company's net sales for the
twelve months ended June 28, 1997, approximately 2% of the Company's net sales
for the twelve months ended June 29, 1996 and approximately 4% of the Company's
net sales for the twelve months ended July 1, 1995. The Company fills, and in
some cases, manufactures tubular spiral-wound paper containers. Contract
packaging and filling can provide a cost-effective alternative for customers
with small in-house purchasing departments with the Company taking
responsibility for obtaining materials as well as packaging the product. The
Company believes that the combination of container manufacture and contract
filling provides an attractive product for its customers. With a single purchase
order, a customer of the Company's Marion facility can contract for container
procurement, product specification and procurement, blending, filling, packaging
and shipment to a distribution center.

        The Company fills spices as well as other food products, including
non-dairy creamer and bread crumbs; household products such as carpet freshener
and wildflower seeds; and other types of dry, granular products using a similar
process. The Company may formulate, procure, blend and fill the container or it
may package product supplied by a customer. Machines using gravity or
vacuum-based filling techniques carry out the filling. Once the containers are
filled, the 


                                      -3-


<PAGE>


Company packs them in shipping containers for delivery to its customers.

        In connection with its filling operations, the Company maintains an
environmentally controlled work area for food packaging and other services that
must meet specific cleanliness and quality standards.

       Pressure-Sensitive Labels

        At the Company's GB Labels plant in Burlington, the Company manufactures
pressure-sensitive labels, which are printed by multicolor printing presses
functionally similar to those used in printing paperboard and flexible films.
Pressure-sensitive labels accounted for approximately 5% of the Company's net
sales in the twelve months ended June 28, 1997, approximately 5% of the
Company's net sales for the twelve months ended June 29, 1996 and approximately
7% of the Company's net sales for the twelve months ended July 1, 1995. The
labels are backed with adhesive, mounted on paper backing and typically shipped
in rolls to customers. Customers use the Company's labels for a variety of
applications, including product promotions, packaging modifications, clothing
packaging and labeling and other applications.

        Labels provide a cost-effective means of altering other packaging (for
example, folding cartons or flexible packaging) in connection with product
promotions or tie-ins. Labels also may be used to highlight pricing or product
features or for other purposes. Labels themselves, typically in the form of
adhesive-backed bands, can be used as a form of packaging. Socks and hosiery
represent the most common application for the Company's label packaging.

Competition

        The packaging markets in which the Company competes are highly
fragmented and increasingly competitive. The Company competes with numerous
small, non-integrated companies that produce one or more packaging products and,
to a lesser extent, with divisions or subsidiaries of large integrated packaging
producers as well as in-house packaging operations. The vertically integrated
paperboard, oil and chemical companies that the Company competes with may have
many lines of business and produce their own raw materials. In general, the
integrated companies focus primarily on producing large quantities of basic,
commodity packaging and often provide their products to large companies
nationwide. The non-integrated manufacturers generally operate only one or two
production facilities and emphasize higher-margin, value-added packaging, often
with specialized or customized graphics. Unlike the integrated manufacturers,
these manufacturers produce smaller orders of packaging with quick turnaround,
in many cases also working with the customer in designing the packaging. The
Company believes that it offers a broader range of packaging products than most
other non-integrated manufacturers that produce similar packaging.

        Competition among the non-integrated packaging manufacturers, against
which the Company primarily competes, is based on product quality, service,
timeliness of delivery, manufacturing capabilities and, to a lesser extent than
with commodity packaging, price. The Company believes that its expertise and
reputation within the packaging industry for providing timely service and
high-quality packaging, as well as its six types of products, enable it to
compete effectively with other non-integrated packaging companies.

        The Company's largest competitors in the flexible poly-film packaging
market operate as vertically integrated divisions or subsidiaries of large oil
and chemical companies. If the supply of oil-based resins or plastic films
should tighten in the future, large vertically integrated producers may have an
advantage over the Company, as such competitors could allocate scarce resin
resources to their own flexible packaging units or transfer them at advantageous
prices to their own flexible packaging units. Other competitors in the flexible
packaging market are part of diversified packaging companies like the Company
and offer both paper-based and film-based 


                                      -4-


<PAGE>


packaging. Some of the Company's other flexible packaging competitors are
smaller packaging companies that offer only flexible film packaging.

        Competition in the tubular packaging, contract filling and label markets
is highly fragmented. Tubular packaging is provided by a large number of
relatively small competitors and by a few large packaging companies. Competition
among the smaller, non-integrated packagers is based on product quality,
service, timeliness of delivery, manufacturing capabilities and, to a lesser
extent than with large packagers, price. Contract filling is provided not only
by a large number of relatively small competitors, but also internally by goods
and food producers themselves. The Company's filling capability is limited to
dry-granular types of products, and, therefore, the Company competes only in
this area of the contract filling market. In comparison with the Company's other
packaging markets, the label market is generally characterized by lower barriers
to entry.

     During the past fiscal  year,  the  Company  has also been  impacted by the
increasing  trends of customers to increase their buying power by  consolidating
the number of vendors  they  maintain, as well as  entering  into alliances
with their direct competitors to use their competitors' excess packaging
capacity.

        Mergers and acquisitions of packaging suppliers have occurred recently
and may continue to take place in the future. The size of the Company has
increased as a result of its acquisitions, and the average size of the Company's
competitors may also increase as a result of mergers and acquisitions. Many of
the Company's competitors have greater financial and other resources than the
Company. In addition, to the extent that packaging methods are developed and
successfully marketed as alternatives to the Company's products, the Company may
compete with producers of such alternative packaging methods.

Raw Materials

        Raw materials used in the Company's production process include
paperboard, paper labels, inks, flexible films, resin and adhesives, all of
which the Company purchases from more than one supplier. Costs for these
materials remained stable over the past year, however, pricing increases for
paper and paperboard products are expected to increase over the first and second
quarters of fiscal 1998. Any such price increases may have an adverse impact on
the Company's results of operations if the Company is unable to pass these
increases on to its customers.

        The supply of materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, other
plastic films and plastic resins used in the Company's flexible packaging and
contract packaging products is subject to the disruptions generally associated
with the petroleum and petroleum product markets. The supply of plastic
materials depends upon factors beyond the control of the Company, including,
directly or indirectly, changes in the economy, price levels and seasons, the
level of domestic oil production, the availability of imports and the actions of
OPEC.

        Although the Company's supply of raw materials is presently sufficient,
its business could be adversely affected by a prolonged shortage of raw
materials, the resulting higher costs and diminished availability of such
materials.


                                      -5-

<PAGE>


Customers

        The Company derives its sales from a diverse market base. The Company
sells its products throughout the United States to over 1,200 different
customers for use in a variety of industries. The table below sets forth the
Company's percent of net sales by market for each of the periods indicated:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                              Twelve Months Ended
                                                     June 28          June 29            July 1
                                                        1997             1996              1995
                                                        ----             ----              ----
<S>                                                     <C>              <C>               <C>
         Textile                                        17%              15%               16%
         Pharmaceutical                                 17%              19%               15%
         Office supplies and paper products             16%              17%               11%
         Auto aftermarket parts and hardware            14%              14%               11%
         Food                                           12%              11%               13%
         Cosmetics and personal care                     7%               7%               11%
         Household and industrial                        7%               4%                9%
         Toy                                             4%               5%                4%
         Other                                           6%               8%               10%
                                                      -----             ----             -----
         Total net sales                               100%             100%              100%
                                                       ====             ====              ====

</TABLE>

        Sales to the Company's top three customers accounted for approximately
18% of the Company's net sales for the twelve-month period ended June 28, 1997.
This compares to approximately 20% and 16% for the twelve-month periods ended
June 29, 1996 and July 1, 1995, respectively. Sales to one customer, Smead
Manufacturing, represented approximately 11.0%, 10.6% and 11.0% of net sales in
fiscal years 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

        The Company believes that developing long-term relationships with
customers is critical to success in the packaging industry. Customers generally
purchase products and services under firm purchase orders rather than long-term
contracts, although the Company does have several customers with contracts
ranging from nine months to three years.

Patents

        Niemand holds several patents which cover proprietary technology and
packaging solutions, including a patent for the spiral-wound applicator used for
products that treat yeast infections. Although the Company believes these
patents to be economically valuable in the conduct of its business, the Company
does not believe that expiration or invalidation of any of these patents would
have a material adverse effect on the Company.

Employees

        As of June 28, 1997, the Company employed approximately 786 full-time
employees of whom 141 are salaried and 645 are hourly. The Graphics
Communication Union, No. 19-M, represents the 114 hourly employees at Fort
Wayne, Indiana and their union contract expires in November 1998. The Retail,
Wholesale and Department Store Workers Union represents approximately 226 hourly
employees at Niemand's Marion, Alabama plant, and their union 


                                      -6-


<PAGE>


contract expires in August 2000. None of the Hastings, Nebraska, Mount Gilead,
North Carolina or Burlington, North Carolina employees are covered by union
contracts or collective bargaining agreements.

        In February 1997 John F. Justice was promoted to division president of
Niemand Industries.

        In March 1997 Ronald L. Davis was appointed General Manager of GB
Labels.

        In January 1997 Lisa M. Schneider was hired as Corporate Controller.

        The Company markets its products and services primarily through about 25
employee salesmen, as well as several commissioned brokers or agents.

        The Company considers its relationship with its employees and unions to
be generally satisfactory. The Company is unable to forecast the future outcome
of negotiations between the Company and any union or the potential impact any
dispute could have on the Company's financial position or results of operations.

Regulation

        The Company's activities are subject to various environmental, health
and worker safety laws. The Company has expended resources, both financial and
managerial, to comply with applicable environmental, health and worker safety
laws in its operations and at its facilities and anticipates that it will
continue to do so in the future. Compliance with environmental laws has not
historically had a material effect on the Company's capital expenditures,
earnings or competitive position. However, as part of the environmental
investigation carried out in fiscal 1995 in connection with a proposed merger,
the Company became aware of groundwater contamination at its GB Labels facility
in Burlington, North Carolina.

        The groundwater testing, performed in May 1995, revealed the presence of
tetrachlorethelene (commonly called "PCE") and related compounds in the
groundwater at the site. Immediately upon receiving the written results of the
tests, the Company notified the North Carolina Division of Environmental
Management ("DEM"), a unit of the Department of Environment, Health and Natural
Resources, of the contamination at the site.

        The Company then undertook sampling of water wells on neighboring
properties to determine whether contaminants were present in those wells.
Several wells were tested and contamination was revealed in three neighborhood
wells. The Company notified the County Health Department which notified affected
residents and instructed them not to use the well water. The Company provided
bottled water to any affected residents and offered to interconnect, at its
cost, any resident wishing to be connected to the municipal water supply. The
Company performed sampling and other investigations on vacant land adjacent to
the site and believes that this adjacent parcel also has contaminated
groundwater.

        The Company met with a representative of the DEM at the Burlington site
to review the situation and outline a timetable for site assessment and
remediation. In August 1995, the Company filed a preliminary site assessment
with the DEM. This document summarized all that was currently known about the
site at that time, and outlined a plan for additional investigation and
submission of a comprehensive site assessment, which would include a proposed
remediation plan.

        In December 1995 the Company had its environmental consultants prepare
an additional report summarizing the additional investigative work performed in
the area since the submission of the August 1995 report. The consultants had
planned to install additional groundwater monitoring wells in the area but were
unable to obtain permission from local property owners.


                                      -7-


<PAGE>


        In 1996 the North Carolina General Assembly reorganized the state
environmental protection agency (DEHNR) and transferred the groundwater program
to the newly created Division of Water Quality (DWQ). In February 1997 the DWQ
asked Gibraltar to conduct a follow-up assessment of the GB Labels facility. The
DWQ contacted local property owners and was successful in obtaining permission
to install groundwater monitoring wells on their properties. In response to the
DWQ's request for an updated assessment report, to include these off-site
assessments, Gibraltar has arranged with its environmental consultants to
install additional groundwater monitoring wells, conduct additional
investigative work at the GB Labels site and prepare an updated report. The
Company anticipates finalization of this report and submission to the DWQ late
in the Company's second quarter of the upcoming fiscal year.

        Following the August 1995 preliminary site assessment, the Company had
its environmental consultants prepare an estimate of likely remediation costs
based on all of the information known at that time. These estimated costs ranged
from $750,000 to $1.1 million over a period of seven to ten years. Accordingly,
the Company recorded a liability for such remediation costs of $750,000 in
fiscal year 1995. This estimate may be affected by new information learned, any
modifications to any remediation plan that may be proposed by the DWQ and the
actual costs incurred as part of evaluation and remediation. The reduction in
the accrual for such remediation costs to $598,000 from $605,000 at June 28,
1997 and June 29, 1996, respectively, reflects legal and environmental
consulting expenses incurred in fiscal 1997 and fiscal 1996.

        If the Company's expansion program results in significant growth in
production with associated increases in discharges and emissions, additional
capital expenditures could be required for the Company to comply with applicable
environmental laws and regulations and to maintain, renew or obtain necessary
environmental compliance permits.


Item 2.  Properties

        The Company owns offices and manufacturing facilities in Hastings,
Nebraska; Fort Wayne, Indiana; Mount Gilead and Burlington, North Carolina; and
Marion, Alabama. It leases warehouse facilities in Hastings, Nebraska; Fort
Wayne, Indiana; and Mebane, North Carolina. The Company's manufacturing
facilities consist of more than 600,000 square feet. In addition, the Company
leases approximately 2,700 square feet of office space in Westport, Connecticut.
The Company owns and leases vehicles for use by sales and delivery personnel and
also owns and leases various manufacturing, computer and other equipment used
for product development, customer technical support services and administrative
purposes. The Company's products are distributed to customers primarily
utilizing commercial transportation and, to a limited extent, Company-owned
trucks.

        The Company's facilities have been expanded through a capital
expenditure program, which resulted in total expenditures of approximately $2.6
million, $1.5 million and $2.4 million in fiscal 1997, fiscal 1996 and fiscal
1995, respectively.

        The Company's facilities and equipment are in good operating condition,
are suitable for their respective uses and are adequate for current needs.

        The Company maintains business property and other insurance, covering
its facilities and its operations, in amounts and covering such risks as are
generally consistent with industry practice for companies of similar size.


Item 3.  Legal Proceedings

        From time to time the Company is a party to certain lawsuits and
administrative proceedings 


                                      -8-

<PAGE>


that arise in the conduct of its business. While the outcome of these lawsuits
and proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, management believes that, if
adversely determined, the lawsuits and proceedings, either singularly or in the
aggregate, would not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition
or results of operations of the Company.

        The Company's income tax returns for the years 1992 through 1995 are
currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service. The Company
believes that adequate accruals have been provided for all years.


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

        No matters were submitted to a vote of stockholders of Gibraltar during
the fourth quarter of Gibraltar's fiscal year ended June 28, 1997.





                                     PART II


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

Price Range of Common Stock

        The Company's common stock has been traded over-the-counter and quoted
on the NASDAQ National Market System since the Company's initial public offering
on March 5, 1992. The trading symbol for the Company's common stock is "PACK."
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sale
prices for the Company's common stock on the NASDAQ National Market System, as
reported by NASDAQ:

                                           HIGH                 LOW

     FISCAL 1997
       First Quarter                     $ 5 3/4             $ 3 7/8
       Second Quarter                      4 3/4               3 1/4
       Third Quarter                       4 1/8               3
       Fourth Quarter                      3 1/4               2 3/4

     FISCAL 1996
       First Quarter                     $ 6                 $ 3 3/8
       Second Quarter                      4 1/2               3 1/2
       Third Quarter                       5                   3 3/4
       Fourth Quarter                      5 3/4               3 1/2

        There were approximately 140 shareholders of record of the Company's
common stock as of September 24, 1997. The Company believes that the number of
beneficial owners of its common stock is greater than 1,500.



                                      -9-


<PAGE>



Dividend Policy

        The Company has never paid cash dividends on its common stock.
Management currently intends to retain earnings to finance the growth and
development of the Company's business and does not intend to pay cash dividends
in the foreseeable future. Any payment of cash dividends in the future will
depend upon the terms of the Company's debt instruments, the financial
condition, capital requirements and earnings of the Company, as well as other
factors the Board of Directors may deem relevant. In addition, the Company's
credit facility with Harris Trust and Savings Bank restricts the ability of the
Company to pay dividends. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations."


Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

        On August 1, 1996, the Company granted to two of its executive officers
options to purchase an aggregate of 225,000 of the Company's common stock
pursuant to the Company's 1996 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan (the "1996
Plan"). The exercise price of the options is $4.00 per share and the exercise of
the options is subject to a vesting schedule and specified performance goals as
more fully described in Note 7 to the Company's Consolidated Financial
Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report. The option grants were made
pursuant to an exemption from registration under Section 4(2) of the Securities
Act of 1993, as amended. If at the time of the exercise of any option it is
necessary in order to comply with the applicable laws or regulations relating to
the sale of securities, the 1996 Plan provides that any individual exercising an
option agree to hold any shares issued to the individual for investment and
without intention to resell or distribute the shares.


                                      -10-

<PAGE>


Item 6.             Selected Financial Data

        The following selected historical financial information has been derived
from the Company's audited consolidated financial statements. This information
should be read in connection with the Company's Consolidated Financial
Statements and the Notes thereto, as well as "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," included elsewhere
in this Annual Report.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                  Gibraltar Packaging Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                                        Selected Consolidated Financial Data
                                        (in thousands, except per share data)

                                                                           Years Ended
                                              June 28         June 29         July 1         July 2         June 30
                                                1997(3)          1996           1995           1994(1)         1993(2)
                                                ----             ----           ----           ----            ----   

Statement of Operations Data:
<S>                                           <C>             <C>            <C>            <C>             <C>    
Net Sales                                     $74,710         $74,384        $76,456        $75,574         $51,055
Cost of Goods Sold                             59,396          58,328         64,045         58,769          39,712
Gross Profit                                   15,314          16,056         12,411         16,805          11,343
Operating Expenses                             11,362          11,481         14,061         10,143           6,520
Income (Loss) From Operations                   3,952           4,575         (1,650)         6,662           4,823
Other Expense - Net                             3,061           3,208          3,652          2,624             759

Income Tax Provision (Benefit)                    559             666         (1,617)         1,235           1,898
Income (Loss) before Extraordinary Item           332             701         (3,685)         2,803           2,166
Net Income (Loss)                                 225             701         (3,685)         2,803           2,166

Per Common Share Amounts:
(primary and fully diluted)
Income (Loss) before Extraordinary Item          0.07            0.14          (0.73)          0.56            0.48

Net Income (Loss) Per Share                      0.05            0.14          (0.73)          0.56            0.48

Weighted Average
Shares Outstanding                              5,042           5,042          5,040          5,037           4,474

Balance Sheet Data:

Working Capital                                 6,078           6,455          5,940         10,669           7,339
Total Assets                                   75,058          74,045         79,036         86,934          79,358
Long-Term Debt                                 27,382          27,834         31,527         34,540          28,058
Stockholders' Equity                           31,100          31,006         30,305         33,968          31,086
</TABLE>


     (1) Includes the assets and liabilities and results of operations of GB
         Labels since November 8, 1993.

     (2) Includes the assets and liabilities and results of operations of
         Standard and Niemand since the respective effective dates of the
         acquisition for financial reporting purposes. For Standard the
         effective date was January 31, 1993. For Niemand the effective date was
         April 25, 1993.

     (3) Includes an extraordinary after-tax loss of $107,000 reflecting the
         write-off of unamortized finance costs of a previous refinancing.



                                      -11-



<PAGE>


Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations

         Unless otherwise stated in this form 10-K references to the fiscal
years 1997, 1996 and 1995 relate to the fiscal years ended June 28, 1997, June
29, 1996 and July 1, 1995, respectively.

Results of Operations

         The following table presents, for the periods indicated, the percentage
relationship that certain items in the Company's Consolidated Statement of
Operations bear to net sales. This information should be read in conjunction
with the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes thereto
included elsewhere in this Annual Report.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                         Years Ended
                                          June 28          June 29           July 1
                                           1997(1)            1996             1995
<S>                                        <C>               <C>             <C>
Net Sales                                  100.0%            100.0%          100.0%
Cost of Goods Sold                          79.5              78.4            83.8
Gross Profit                                20.5              21.6            16.2
Operating Expenses                          15.2              15.4            18.4
Income (Loss) from Operations                5.3               6.2            (2.2)
Other Expense - Net                          4.1               4.3             4.8
Income Tax Provision (Benefit)               1.0               1.0            (2.1)
Income (Loss) before
     Extraordinary Item                      0.4               1.0            (4.8)
Net Income (Loss)                            0.3%              1.0%           (4.8)%

</TABLE>

     (1) Includes an extraordinary after-tax loss of $107,000 reflecting the
         write-off of unamortized finance costs of a previous refinancing.

Fiscal Year 1997 vs. 1996

         In fiscal 1997 the Company attained net sales of $74.7 million compared
with $74.4 million in fiscal 1996. Net sales increased $0.3 million or 0.4% in
fiscal 1997 compared with a $2.1 million or 2.7% decrease in sales for fiscal
1996.

     The increase in sales in 1997 to $74.7 million compared to $74.4 million in
1996 was  primarily  due to  volume  increases  of  approximately  $3.5  million
attributable to increased sales from new and existing  customers.  This increase
however,  was  negatively  impacted  primarily by the loss of business with four
major  customers  as a result of vendor  consolidations  and changes in customer
packaging  designs.  Vendor  consolidations,  increased  competition and pricing
pressure  continued to affect the Company's  marketplace in fiscal 1997 and the
Company expects these trends to continue into the foreseeable future.

         Cost of goods sold expressed as a percentage of net sales increased to
79.5% for fiscal 1997 compared to 78.4% for fiscal 1996. The increase in the
cost of products sold is primarily attributable to a less favorable shift in
product mix, and increased labor costs incurred to meet customer needs.

         Selling expense increased $0.2 million or 4.2% in fiscal 1997 to $4.3
million from $4.1 million in fiscal 1996, primarily as a result of increases in
marketing and sales efforts.

     General and administrative  expenses expressed as a percentage of net sales
increased  to 8.7% for  fiscal  1997  compared  with 7.7% for fiscal  1996.  The
increase is primarily attributable to additional  administrative  overhead costs
and the cost of filling positions not staffed in the prior year.


                                      -12-


<PAGE>


         The Company recorded restructuring charges of approximately $1.0
million during the second half of fiscal 1996 that related primarily to
severance costs for divisional personnel of $0.9 million and $0.1 million of
relocation costs related to the move of the corporate office. The majority of
the cash outlays relative to these restructuring charges were made during 1997.
There were no material changes to accrued restructuring charges for fiscal 1997.

     Interest  expense for fiscal 1997  decreased  $0.2  million or 5.7% to $3.0
million from $3.2 million for fiscal  1996.  The decrease is a direct  result of
overall lower net  borrowings as well as lower  interest rates in fiscal 1997 as
compared to the prior year, attributable to the Company's debt refinancing which
was completed September 25, 1996 and is further described in Financial Condition
and Note 4 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere
in this Annual Report.

         The provision for income taxes as a percentage of pre-tax income for
fiscal 1997 is 62.7%, which differs from the statutory rate primarily as a
result of non-deductible amortization in excess of purchase price over net
assets acquired. This compares with an effective tax rate of 48.7% in the prior
year.

         During the first quarter of fiscal 1997 the Company recorded an
extraordinary after tax loss of $107,000 or $0.02 per common share reflecting
the write-off of unamortized finance costs of a previous refinancing.

       In fiscal 1997 the Company  reported  net income of $0.2 million or $0.05
per common share  compared with $0.7 million or $0.14 per common share in fiscal
1996.  Net income and net income per common  share  decreased  $0.5  million and
$0.09,  respectively,  in fiscal 1997  compared to fiscal  1996,  primarily as a
result of the foregoing factors.

Fiscal Year 1996 vs. 1995

         Although the Company experienced a 2.7% decline in sales to $74.4
million in 1996, this was more than offset by a $5.7 million decrease in cost of
goods sold, or 8.9%, as well as reductions in operating and other expenses as
discussed below. As a result net income (loss) improved $4.4 million to $0.7
million, compared with a fiscal 1995 loss of $3.7 million. Additionally, the
Company reduced its total debt in fiscal 1996 by $6.0 million.

         Fiscal year 1996 net sales of $74.4 million represented a decrease of
$2.1 million, or 2.7% compared with fiscal year 1995. Sales of folding cartons
increased $3.0 million, or 6.8%, as a result of increased sales to the
pharmaceutical and the office supplies markets. Sales of pressure-sensitive
labels decreased $1.1 million, or 22.8%, due primarily to reduced sales to the
textile market. Laminated product sales decreased $1.1 million, or 23.1%
reflecting lower sales of these products to the foods market. Tubular packaging
and contract filling sales decreased $0.5 million and $0.3 million, or 3.9% and
15.6%, respectively, as sales of these product lines to the cosmetic and
personal care industry declined in fiscal 1996. Flexible packaging sales
decreased $2.0 million, or 25.8%, primarily as a result of decreased demand from
textile customers.

         Cost of goods sold decreased $5.7 million in fiscal 1996 compared with
the prior year. As a percentage of sales, cost of goods sold also improved to
78.4% from 83.8%. Significant improvements in this ratio occurred at Niemand and
GB Labels in fiscal 1996. In the prior year, inventory adjustments totaling
$1.6 million and $0.3 million were incurred at Niemand and GB Labels,
respectively. No such adjustments were incurred in fiscal 1996. Niemand
also benefited from a favorable shift in its product mix, lower overhead of $1.8
million primarily as a result of reduced personnel, and an increase in
productivity due to the completed plant consolidation.

         Selling expenses decreased $0.3 million in fiscal 1996 compared with
the prior year due to a reduction in personnel.


                                      -13-


<PAGE>


         General and administrative expenses decreased $1.2 million, or 17.6% in
fiscal year 1996. A reduction in corporate office overhead of $1.0 million
accounted for substantially all of this decrease. Salary, rental, travel and
professional expenses declined reflecting primarily the decentralization of the
corporate office.

         In the fourth quarter of fiscal 1995, a charge of $0.8 million was
recorded for the estimated cost of environmental remediation at GB Labels. The
Company has estimated that the total costs to remediate this site will range
from $0.8 million to $1.1 million over a seven to ten year period. No additional
amounts were recorded in fiscal 1996.

         In fiscal 1996 a restructuring charge of $1.0 million was recorded as
compared to $1.4 million in fiscal 1995. The fiscal 1996 amount included
severance for nine members of senior management of $0.9 million, and $0.1
million of costs for moving the corporate office from Charlotte, North Carolina,
to Westport, Connecticut.

     Interest  expense  increased $0.2 million.  This reflects  higher interest
rates on the Company's bank debt in fiscal 1996  partially  offset by the impact
of reductions in outstanding long-term debt balances.

         In fiscal 1995 other (income) expense, net included $0.7 million of
costs related to a terminated merger agreement. No such charges were incurred in
fiscal 1996.

         The provision for income taxes as a percentage of pre-tax income was
48.7%, which differs from the statutory rate primarily as a result of
non-deductible amortization of excess of purchase price over net assets
acquired.

         The Company's fiscal 1996 net income of $0.7 million represents an
improvement of $4.4 million compared to fiscal 1995 as a result of the foregoing
factors.

Financial Condition

         At June 28, 1997, the Company had working capital of $6.1 million, as
compared to $6.5 million at June 29, 1996. Historically, the Company's liquidity
requirements have been met by a combination of funds provided by operations and
its revolving credit agreements. Funds provided by operations totaled $4.2
million in fiscal 1997 and $7.0 million in fiscal 1996. The decrease in
operating cash flow for fiscal 1997 was primarily due to the Company's net
income of $0.2 million in fiscal 1997 compared with $0.7 million in fiscal 1996
and an increase in accounts receivable of $2.0 million. The increase in accounts
receivable was primarily the result of increased sales in the fourth quarter of
fiscal 1997 of $19.6 million compared with $18.3 million for the corresponding
quarter of fiscal 1996 and extended credit terms as required by some customers.

         In June 1996, the Company and NationsBank, N.A. agreed to accelerate
the maturity of the Company's bank credit agreement to October 15, 1996, and to
eliminate several covenants as of June 29, 1996. The Company's bank credit
agreement with NationsBank, N.A. provided for a revolving credit facility of
$17,500,000, and outstanding term loans of $6,500,000 and $6,964,000. The
revolving credit facility and the term loans bore interest at a rate tied to the
bank's prime rate. The bank's prime rate was 8.25% at June 29, 1996, while the
rate paid by the Company at June 29, 1996 was 10.25%.


                                      -14-



<PAGE>


     On September 25, 1996,  the Company  refinanced  its debt. The new facility
with Harris  Trust and Savings  Bank  consists of a seven year $25 million  term
loan and a five year $10 million  revolving credit facility.  The Company pays a
commitment fee of 0.5% on the unused portion of the revolving  credit  facility.
The amount  available  under the  revolving  credit  facility  is reduced by the
amount of outstanding  standby letters of credit,  which was $474,000 as of June
28,  1997.  The  standby  letters  of  credit  relate to  workman's compensation
insurance  policies.  The term loan is a  seven-year  loan  requiring  quarterly
principal  payments of $625,000  through  December 1997. The balance of the term
loan is due in quarterly  principal  payments of $937,500.  The revolving credit
facility  matures on September 25, 2001.  Both  facilities  bear interest  rates
based on Harris Bank's prime rate or the London Interbank  Offered Rate (LIBOR).
At June 28,  1997,  the  interest  rate for the term loan was 8.26% based on the
LIBOR rate, and the effective  interest rate for the revolving  credit  facility
was 8.12%.

         The proceeds from the new credit facility were used to refinance the
NationsBank bank credit agreement, to pay the related transaction costs and to
fund the future working capital and capital expenditure needs of the Company.

         The new credit facility is secured by substantially all of the assets
of the Company.

         During fiscal 1997, the Company amended its financial covenants, and
added a fixed charge coverage test. The most restrictive covenants require the
maintenance of certain minimum levels of interest coverage and debt ratios. The
credit agreement also provides for certain restrictions including sales of
assets, capital expenditures, payment of dividends and incurrence of subsidiary
debt. The Company was in compliance with the amended loan covenants at June 28,
1997.

         Outstanding bank borrowings net of existing cash balances decreased
$0.4 million to $30.6 million during fiscal 1997.

     During fiscal 1997, capital  expenditures  totaled $2.6 million as compared
with $1.5  million for fiscal  1996,  and  consisted  primarily  of additions to
equipment and a building  expansion.  In order to accommodate  continued growth,
Gibraltar makes capital  improvements to improve efficiency and product quality.
Gibraltar frequently upgrades its equipment by purchasing or leasing equipment.

         Management believes that funds generated by operations, and borrowings
available under its current credit facility will be sufficient to meet working
capital, and capital expenditure requirements in fiscal 1998 and for the
foreseeable future thereafter. Nevertheless, Gibraltar may require or choose to
obtain additional capital through public or private debt or equity offerings or
additional bank borrowings to fund future developments.

Impact of New Accounting Pronouncements

         Adoption of FAS 123 - In 1997, the Company adopted the provisions of
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation" (FAS 123). FAS 123 encourages, but does not require companies to
record at fair value compensation cost for stock-based employee compensation
plans. The Company has chosen to continue to account for stock-based
compensation using the intrinsic value method prescribed in Accounting
Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," and
related Interpretations. Accordingly, compensation cost for stock options is
measured as the excess, if any, of the quoted market price of the Company's
stock at the date of the grant over the amount an employee must pay to acquire
the stock.


                                      -15-

<PAGE>


         Adoption of FAS 128 - The Company will adopt the Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 128, "Earnings Per Share" (FAS 128) in fiscal 1998, as
required. The Company will continue to apply APB Opinion No. 15, "Earnings Per
Share" until the adoption of FAS 128. The new standard specifies the
computation, presentation and disclosure requirements for earnings per share.

Forward-Looking Statements

     Statements that are not historical  facts,  including  statements about our
confidence in the Company's  prospects and strategies and our expectations about
the Company's sales expansion, are forward-looking statements that involve risks
and uncertainties.  These risks and uncertainties  include,  but are not limited
to, (1) market  acceptance  risks,  including whether or not the Company will be
able to successfully  gain market share against  competitors  many of which have
greater financial and other resources than the Company and the increasing trends
of customers  to increase  their  buying  power by  consolidating  the number of
vendors they  maintain;  (2)  manufacturing  capacity  constraints, including
whether or not as the Company  increases its sales it will be able to
successfully  integrate its new customers  into its existing  manufacturing  and
distribution  system;  (3) whether  the  Company  will be able to pass on to its
customers  expected  price  increases for paper and  paperboard  products in the
first and second quarters of fiscal 1998; (4) continued stability in other raw
material prices,including oil-based resin and plastic film; (5) the impact of
government regulation on the Company's  manufacturing,  including whether or not
additional capital expenditures will be needed to comply with applicable
environmental laws and regulations as the Company's  production  increases;  (6)
pressure on prices from  competition  or  purchasers  of  the  Company's
products;   and  (7)  the introduction  of competing  products by other  firms.
Investors  and  potential investors  are cautioned  not to place undue  reliance
on these  forward-looking statements,  which  reflect the  Company's  analysis
only as of the date hereof. Gibraltar  undertakes  no obligation  to publicly
revise these  forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that
arise after the date hereof. These risks and others that are  detailed in this
Form 10-K and other  documents that the  Company  files  from time to time  with
the  Securities  and  Exchange Commission,  including quarterly reports on Form
10-Q and any current reports on Form 8-K  must be  considered  by any  investor
or  potential  investor  in the Company.


Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

         Reference is made to the financial statements, the report thereon, the
notes thereto, and supplementary data commencing at page F-1 of this Annual
Report on Form 10-K which financial statements, report, notes, and data are
incorporated herein by reference.


Item 9. Change in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial
        Disclosure

         None

                                      -16-

<PAGE>






                                    PART III



Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

         The information relating to the identification, business experience and
directorships of each director and nominee for director of Gibraltar and the
information relating to the identification and business experience of
Gibraltar's executive officers, required by Item 401 of Regulation S-K, will be
presented in the sections entitled "Election of Directors - Nominees for
Director" and "Executive Compensation and Other Information Executive Officers"
of Gibraltar's definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders
for fiscal 1997, and is hereby incorporated by reference. If the definitive
proxy statement for the 1997 annual meeting is not filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission within 120 days of the end of Gibraltar's 1997 fiscal year,
Gibraltar will amend this Annual Report and include such information in the
amendment.


Item 11. Executive Compensation

         The information relating to the cash compensation of directors and
officers required by Item 402 of Regulation S-K will be presented in the
sections entitled "Election of Directors - Director Compensation" and "Executive
Compensation and Other Information" of Gibraltar's definitive proxy statement
for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders for fiscal 1997 and is hereby
incorporated by reference. If the definitive proxy statement for the 1997 annual
meeting is not filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days
of the end of Gibraltar's 1997 fiscal year, Gibraltar will amend this Annual
Report and include such information in the amendment.


Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

         The information relating to security ownership required by Item 403 of
Regulation S-K will be presented in the section entitled "Voting Securities and
Principal Stockholders" of Gibraltar's definitive proxy statement for the Annual
Meeting of Stockholders for fiscal 1997 and is hereby incorporated by reference.
If the definitive proxy statement for the 1997 annual meeting is not filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of the end of Gibraltar's
1997 fiscal year, Gibraltar will amend this Annual Report and include such
information in the amendment.


Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

         The information relating to certain relationships and transactions
required by Item 404 of Regulation S-K will be presented in the section
"Executive Compensation and Other Information - Certain Transactions" of
Gibraltar's definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders
for fiscal 1997 and is hereby incorporated by reference. If the definitive proxy
statement for the 1997 annual meeting is not filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission within 120 days of the end of Gibraltar's 1997 fiscal year,
Gibraltar will amend this Annual Report and include such information in the
amendment.


                                      -17-

<PAGE>







                                     PART IV

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
       (a)(1)   Financial Statements
                                                                                                   Page

<S>                                                                                                   <C>
       Independent Auditors' Report                                                                 F-1

       Consolidated Balance Sheets,
         June 28, 1997 and June 29,1996                                                             F-2

       Consolidated Statements of Operations,
         Years Ended June 28, 1997, June 29, 1996 and July 1, 1995                                  F-3

       Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity,
         Years Ended June 28, 1997, June 29, 1996 and July 1, 1995                                  F-4

       Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows,
         Years Ended June 28, 1997, June 29, 1996 and July 1, 1995                                  F-5

       Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                               F-6 to F-17
</TABLE>

       All  schedules  of the  Registrant  for  which  provision  is made in the
applicable accounting  regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission are
not required  under the related  instructions,  are  inapplicable,  or have been
disclosed in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and, therefore, have
been omitted.

         (2) Exhibits

         Exhibits



     3.1     Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, of Gibraltar Packaging
             Group, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to
             Gibraltar's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-44965),
             as amended, filed January 9, 1992).


     3.2     By-Laws of Gibraltar Packaging Group, Inc. (incorporated by
             reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Gibraltar's Registration Statement on
             Form S-1 (File No. 33-44965), as amended, filed January 9, 1992).

     4.1     Specimen Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to
             Exhibit 4.1 to Gibraltar's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File
             No. 33-44965), as amended, filed January 9, 1992).

    10.1     Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated as of January 7, 1992,
             among Gibraltar Packaging Group, Inc., RidgePak Acquisition
             Corporation, RidgePak Corporation, and the Shareholders of RidgePak
             Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to
             Gibraltar's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-44965),
             as amended, filed January 9, 1992).

    10.2     Registration Rights Agreement, dated March 4, 1992, by and among
             Gibraltar Packaging Group, Inc. and certain stockholders of
             Gibraltar Packaging Group, Inc. (incorporated by reference to
             Exhibit 4.2 to Gibraltar's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
             ended June 30, 1992 (File No. 00-19800)).


                                      -18-



<PAGE>


    10.3     Employment Agreement, dated February 10, 1992, between Gibraltar
             Packaging Group, Inc. and Deke C. Abbott, Jr. (incorporated by
             reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Gibraltar's Registration Statement on
             Form S-1 (File No. 33-44965), as amended, filed January 9, 1992).

    10.4     Gibraltar Packaging Group, Inc. 1992 Incentive Stock Option Plan,
             dated March 5, 1992 and amended as of April 28, 1994 (incorporated
             by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Gibraltar's Annual Report on Form
             10-K for the year ended July 2, 1994 (File No. 00-19800)).

    10.5     Gibraltar Packaging Group, Inc. Director Stock Option Plan dated
             July 13, 1992 and amended as of April 28, 1994 (incorporated by
             reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Gibraltar's Annual Report on Form 10-K
             for the year ended July 2, 1994 (File No. 00-19800)).

    10.6     Employment Agreement, dated December 1, 1992, between Gibraltar
             Packaging Group, Inc. and Richard Hinrichs (incorporated by
             reference to Exhibit 28.1 to Gibraltar's Quarterly Report on Form
             10-Q for the quarterly period ended December 31, 1992 (File No.
             00-19800)).

    10.7     Stock Purchase Agreement, dated January 28, 1993, by and among
             Gibraltar Packaging Group, Inc., Standard Packaging and Printing
             Corp. and each of the shareholders of Standard Packaging and
             Printing Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to
             Gibraltar's Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 28, 1993 (File
             No. 00-19800)).

    10.8     Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of January 28, 1993,
             between Gibraltar Packaging Group, Inc. and Brady W. Dickson and
             Joan H. Dickson (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 28.1 to
             Gibraltar's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period
             ended March 31, 1993 (File No. 00-19800)).

    10.9     Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated April 28, 1993, by and
             among Gibraltar Packaging Group, Inc., Niemand Acquisition
             Corporation, Niemand Holdings, Inc., Niemand Industries, Inc., and
             each of the stockholders of Niemand Holdings, Inc. (incorporated by
             reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Gibraltar's Current Report on Form 8-K
             dated April 28, 1993 (File No. 00-19800)).

    10.10    Registration Rights Agreement, dated April 28, 1993, by and among
             Gibraltar Packaging Group, Inc. and the former stockholders of
             Niemand Holdings, Inc. listed on Schedule I thereto (incorporated
             by reference to Exhibit 28.1 to Gibraltar's Current Report on Form
             8-K dated April 28, 1993 (File No. 00-19800)).

    10.11    Stock Sale Agreement, dated November 8, 1993, between Gibraltar
             Packaging Group, Inc. and Golden Belt Manufacturing Company
             (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.35 to Gibraltar's Annual
             Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 2, 1994 (File No.
             00-19800)).

    10.12    Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of March 17, 1995, as
             extended by letter agreement dated June 15, 1995 and as terminated
             by letter agreement dated August 3, 1995, among Caraustar
             Industries, Inc., GibPac Acquisition Company and Gibraltar
             Packaging Group, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.37
             to Gibraltar's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July
             1, 1995 (File No. 00-19800)).

    10.13    Gibraltar Packaging Group, Inc. 1996 Non-Qualified Stock Option
             Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.39 to Gibraltar's
             Annual Report 10-K for the year ended June 29, 1996 (File No.
             00-19800)).


                                      -19-


<PAGE>


    10.14    Credit Agreement, dated September 25, 1996, among Gibraltar
             Packaging Group, Inc., various financial institutions and Harris
             Trust and Savings Bank, Individually and as Agent (incorporated by
             reference to Exhibit 10.40 to Gibraltar's Annual Report on form
             10-K for the year ended June 29, 1996 (File No. 00-19800)). (The
             "Credit Agreement")

    10.15    Revolving Note, dated September 25, 1996, in favor of Harris Trust
             and Savings Bank, executed by Gibraltar Packaging Group, Inc. In
             the principal amount of $10,000,000 (incorporated by reference to
             Exhibit 10.41 to Gibraltar's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
             year ended June 29, 1996 (File No. 00-19800)).

    10.16    Term Note, dated September 25, 1996, in favor of Harris Trust and
             Savings Bank, executed by Gibraltar Packaging Group, Inc. In the
             principal amount of $25,000,000 (incorporated by reference to
             Exhibit 10.42 to Gibraltar's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
             year ended June 29, 1996 (File No. 00-19800)).

    10.17    Guaranty, dated September 25, 1996, in favor of Harris Trust and
             Savings Bank, executed by RidgePak Corporation, Standard Packaging
             and Printing Co., Niemand Holdings, Inc., Niemand Industries, Inc.
             and GB Labels, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.43 to
             Gibraltar's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 29,
             1996 (File No. 00-19800)).

    10.18    Security Agreement, dated September 25, 1996, among Gibraltar
             Packaging Group, Inc., RidgePak Corporation, Standard Packaging and
             Printing Corp., Niemand Holdings, Inc., Niemand Industries, Inc.,
             GB Labels, Inc. And Harris Trust and Savings Bank (incorporated by
             reference to Exhibit 10.44 to Gibraltar's Annual Report on Form
             10-K for the year ended June 29, 1996 (File No. 00-19800)).

    10.19    Pledge Agreement executed by Gibraltar Packaging Group, Inc., dated
             September 25, 1996, in favor of Harris Trust and Savings Bank
             (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.45 to Gibraltar's Annual
             Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 29, 1996 (File No.
             00-19800)).

    10.20    Pledge Agreement executed by Niemand Holdings, Inc., dated
             September 25, 1996, in favor of Harris Trust and Savings Bank
             (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.46 to Gibraltar's Annual
             Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 29, 1996 (File No.
             00-19800)).

    10.21    Patent Security Agreement, dated as of September 25, 1996, in favor
             of Harris Trust and Savings Bank, executed by Niemand Industries,
             Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.47 to Gibraltar's
             Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 29, 1996 (File
             No. 00-19800)).

    10.22    Letter Agreement, dated September 21, 1996 between Gibraltar
             Packaging Group, Inc. and Jon P. Crane regarding employment
             (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.48 to Gibraltar's Annual
             Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 29, 1996 (File No.
             00-19800)).

    10.23    Letter Agreement, dated January 29, 1996 between Gibraltar
             Packaging Group, Inc. and James A. Stajkowski regarding employment
             (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.49 to Gibraltar's Annual
             Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 29, 1996 (File No.
             00-19800)).


                                      -20-


<PAGE>


    *10.24   First Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated March 31, 1997, among
             Gibraltar Packaging Group, Inc., various financial institutions and
             Harris Trust and Savings Bank, Individually and as Agent.

    *10.25   Second Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated July 18, 1997, among
             Gibraltar Packaging Group, Inc., various financial institutions and
             Harris Trust and Savings Bank, Individually and as Agent.

    21.      Subsidiaries of Gibraltar Packaging Group, Inc. (incorporated by
             reference to Exhibit 21.1 to Gibraltar's Annual Report on Form 10-K
             for the year ended July 1, 1995 (File No. 00-19800)).

    *23.1    Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.

    *27.1    Financial Data Schedule.


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

* Filed herewith.

         (b)    Reports on Form 8-K.
                None.


                                      -21-

<PAGE>



SIGNATURES

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


                           GIBRALTAR PACKAGING GROUP, INC.

         By:               /s/ John W. Lloyd
                           John W. Lloyd
                           Chief Financial Officer

         Date:      September 26, 1997




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


     /s/ Walter E. Rose                         /s/ John W. Lloyd
     Walter E. Rose                             John W. Lloyd
     Chief Executive Officer and                Chief Financial Officer
     President                                  (Principal Financial and
     (Principal Executive Officer)              Accounting Officer)
     September 24, 1997                         September 24, 1997



     /s/ David G. Chandler                      /s/ Robert G. Shaw
     David G. Chandler                          Robert G. Shaw
     Chairman of the Board                      Director
     September 24, 1997                         September 24, 1997



     /s/ Edgar D. Jannotta, Jr.                 /s/ John D. Strautnieks
     Edgar D. Jannotta, Jr.                     John D. Strautnieks
     Director                                   Director
     September 24, 1997                         September 24, 1997


                                      -22-

<PAGE>



INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
Board of Directors
Gibraltar Packaging Group, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Gibraltar
Packaging Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the Company) as of June 28, 1997 and
June 29, 1996, and the related consolidated statements of operations,
stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended June 28, 1997. These consolidated financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. These 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, such consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of
Gibraltar Packaging Group, Inc. and subsidiaries at June 28, 1997 and June 29,
1996, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended June 28, 1997 in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.


/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Stamford, Connecticut
September 25, 1997


                                      F-1

<PAGE>


                GIBRALTAR PACKAGING GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                        (In thousands except share data)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                                   June 28     June 29
                                                                                      1997        1996
<S>                                                                                <C>         <C>   
ASSETS

CURRENT ASSETS:
     Cash                                                                          $    110    $   --
     Accounts receivable  (Net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $127
         and $231, respectively)                                                      8,840       6,860
     Inventories                                                                      9,006       9,172
     Deferred income taxes                                                              412         713
     Prepaid and other current assets                                                   437         809
                                                                                   --------    --------
         Total current assets                                                        18,805      17,554
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT - Net                                                  34,544      35,167
EXCESS OF PURCHASE PRICE OVER NET ASSETS ACQUIRED
     (Net of accumulated amortization of $2,783 and
     $2,197, respectively)                                                           20,524      21,109
OTHER ASSETS  (Net of accumulated amortization of $137 and
     $84, respectively)                                                               1,185         215
                                                                                   --------    --------
TOTAL                                                                              $ 75,058    $ 74,045
                                                                                   ========    ========

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

CURRENT LIABILITIES:
     Checks not yet presented                                                      $   --      $  1,042
     Current portion of long-term debt                                                3,313       2,115
     Accounts payable                                                                 5,947       5,261
     Accrued expenses                                                                 2,775       2,362
     Income taxes payable                                                               692         319
                                                                                   --------    --------
         Total current liabilities                                                   12,727      11,099
LONG-TERM DEBT - Net of current portion                                              27,382      27,834
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES                                                                 3,028       3,278
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES                                                             821         828
                                                                                   --------    --------
         Total liabilities                                                           43,958      43,039
                                                                                   --------    --------

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
     Preferred stock, $.01 par value;  1,000,000 shares authorized;  none issued
     Common stock, $.01 par value; 10,000,000 shares
      authorized; 5,041,544 issued and outstanding                                       50          50
     Additional paid-in capital                                                      28,162      28,162
     Retained earnings                                                                3,019       2,794
     Minimum pension liability in excess of unrecognized
     prior service costs                                                               (131)       --
                                                                                   --------    --------
         Total stockholders' equity                                                  31,100      31,006
                                                                                   --------    --------

TOTAL                                                                              $ 75,058    $ 74,045
                                                                                   ========    ========
</TABLE>

See notes to consolidated financial statements.


                                      F-2
<PAGE>


                GIBRALTAR PACKAGING GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
           YEARS ENDED JUNE 28, 1997, JUNE 29, 1996 AND JULY 1, 1995
                        (In thousands except share data)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                            1997             1996              1995
                                                                      ----------       ----------        ----------
<S>                                                                   <C>              <C>               <C>       
NET SALES                                                             $   74,710       $   74,384        $   76,456

COST OF GOODS SOLD                                                        59,396           58,328            64,045
                                                                      ----------       ----------        ----------

GROSS PROFIT                                                              15,314           16,056            12,411
                                                                      ----------       ----------        ----------

OPERATING EXPENSES:

   Selling                                                                 4,301            4,128             4,382

   General and administrative                                              6,475            5,733             6,956

   Amortization of excess of purchase price
     over net assets acquired                                                586              582               587

   Restructuring charges                                                       -            1,038             1,386

   Environmental remediation costs                                             -                -               750
                                                                      ----------       ----------        -----------

   Total operating expenses                                               11,362           11,481            14,061
                                                                      ----------       ----------        ----------

INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS                                              3,952            4,575            (1,650)
                                                                      ----------       ----------        ----------
 

OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSE:

   Interest expense                                                        3,033            3,218             2,970

   Interest income                                                             -               (5)               (5)

   Other (income) expense - net                                               28               (5)              687
                                                                      ----------       ----------        ----------

     Other expense - net                                                   3,061            3,208             3,652
                                                                      ----------       ----------        ----------

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES                                            891            1,367            (5,302)

PROVISION (BENEFIT) FOR INCOME TAXES                                         559              666            (1,617)
                                                                      ----------       ----------        ----------

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY ITEM                                      332              701            (3,685)

EXTRAORDINARY ITEM (net of tax effect of $66)
(Write-off of finance charges as a result of debt repayment)               (107)                 -                -
                                                                      ----------       -----------       -----------

NET INCOME (LOSS)                                                     $      225       $      701        ($   3,685)
                                                                      ==========       ==========        ==========

PER COMMON SHARE AMOUNTS:

   Income (Loss) Before Extraordinary Item                            $     0.07       $     0.14            ($0.73)
                                                                      ==========       ==========        ==========

   Net Income (Loss)                                                  $     0.05       $     0.14            ($0.73)
                                                                      ==========       ==========        ==========

WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING                                        5,042            5,042             5,040
                                                                      ==========       ==========        ==========
   (primary and fully diluted)

</TABLE>

See notes to consolidated financial statements.


                                      F-3

<PAGE>


                GIBRALTAR PACKAGING GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
            YEARS ENDED JUNE 28, 1997, JUNE 29, 1996 AND JULY 1, 1995
                        (In thousands except share data)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>



                                        Common Stock          Additional
                                   Number of                    Paid-in      Retained
                                    Shares         Amount       Capital      Earnings          Other         Total
                                   ----------    ----------   ----------      --------         ----------   --------
<S>                                <C>          <C>           <C>          <C>              <C>          <C>       
BALANCE, July 2, 1994              5,038,213    $       50    $   28,140   $    5,778       $     --     $   33,968

Issuance of common stock in
connection with the exercise of
incentive stock options                3,331                         22                                          22

Net loss                                                                       (3,685)                       (3,685)
                                   ----------    ----------   ----------      --------         ----------   --------

BALANCE, July 1, 1995              5,041,544            50        28,162        2,093             --         30,305

Net income                                                                        701                           701
                                   ----------    ----------   ----------      --------         ----------   --------

BALANCE, June 29, 1996             5,041,544            50        28,162        2,794             --         31,006

Net income                                                                        225                           225

Adjustment for minimum
   pension liability                                                                              (131)        (131)
                                   ----------    ----------   ----------      --------         ----------   --------

BALANCE, June 28, 1997             5,041,544    $       50     $  28,162   $   3,019           ($  131)    $ 31,100
                                   ==========   ==========    ==========   ==========          ==========   ========
</TABLE>



See notes to consolidated financial statements.


                                      F-4

<PAGE>


                GIBRALTAR PACKAGING GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
            YEARS ENDED JUNE 28, 1997, JUNE 29, 1996 AND JULY 1, 1995
                                 (In thousands)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                            1997             1996              1995
                                                                      ----------       ----------        ----------
<S>                                                                   <C>              <C>               <C>        
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
     Net income (loss)                                                $      225       $      701        $   (3,685)
     Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net
     cash provided by operating activities:
         Extraordinary item - write-off of finance charges                   173
         Depreciation and amortization                                     3,977            3,892             3,745
         Loss on sale of fixed assets                                         32               31               293
         Deferred income taxes                                                 -              551            (1,848)
         Non-cash portion of restructuring charge                              -                -             1,125
         Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
              Accounts receivable - net                                   (1,980)             824             1,428
              Inventories                                                    166            1,315               229
              Income taxes                                                   424              495             2,070
              Prepaid expenses and other assets                              213               23              (112)
              Accounts payable                                               686             (806)            1,123
              Accrued expenses and other liabilities                         275               15            (1,586)
                                                                      ----------       ----------        ----------

     Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities                             4,191            7,041             2,782
                                                                      ----------       ----------        ----------

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
     Proceeds from sale of property and equipment                             28              108             1,171
     Purchases of property, plant and equipment                           (2,640)          (1,480)           (2,381)
                                                                      ----------       ----------        ----------

     Net Cash Used in Investing Activities                                (2,612)          (1,372)           (1,210)
                                                                      ----------       ----------        ----------

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
     Net (repayments) borrowings under revolving credit facility             356           (2,196)            1,073
     Net principal repayments of long-term debt                          (30,557)          (3,765)           (3,777)
     Net (repayments) borrowings under capital leases                       (103)              (6)              307
     Proceeds from refinancing                                            31,050                -                 -
     Refinancing costs                                                    (1,173)               -                 -
     Net proceeds from issuance of common stock                                -                -                22
                                                                      ----------       ----------        ----------

     Net Cash Used in Financing Activities                                  (427)          (5,967)           (2,375)
                                                                      ----------       ----------        ----------

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH
(CHECKS NOT YET PRESENTED)                                                 1,152             (298)             (803)

(CHECKS NOT YET PRESENTED) CASH AT
BEGINNING OF YEAR                                                         (1,042)            (744)               59
                                                                      ----------       -----------       ----------

CASH (CHECKS NOT YET PRESENTED) AT
END OF YEAR                                                           $      110       $   (1,042)       $     (744)
                                                                      ==========       ==========        ==========

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE:
     Income taxes paid                                                $       62       $       59        $       71
                                                                      ==========       ==========        ==========
     Interest paid                                                    $    2,376       $    2,902        $    2,857
                                                                      ==========       ==========        ==========
SCHEDULE OF NON-CASH INVESTING
AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
     Capital lease obligations                                        $      198       $      301        $      307
                                                                      ==========       ==========        ==========

</TABLE>

See notes to consolidated financial statements.


                                      F-5
<PAGE>





                GIBRALTAR PACKAGING GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
         THREE YEARS ENDED JUNE 28, 1997, JUNE 29, 1996 AND JULY 1, 1995


1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of Consolidation - The accompanying consolidated financial statements
include the accounts of Gibraltar Packaging Group, Inc. (the Company) and its
wholly owned subsidiaries - RidgePak Corporation (Flashfold Carton), Standard
Packaging & Printing Corporation, Niemand Industries, Inc. and GB Labels, Inc.
All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Description of Business - The Company designs and manufactures high quality
specialty packaging products in facilities located in Nebraska, Indiana, Alabama
and North Carolina, and markets these products to customers throughout the
United States and Canada. The Company's products include folding cartons,
specialty laminated containers, pressure-sensitive labels, flexible packaging,
tubular packaging and contract packaging and filling for a wide range of
businesses.

Fiscal Year - The Company ends its fiscal year on the Saturday closest to June
30.

Accounts Receivable - The changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts
receivable consists of the following (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                   Years Ended
                                                                   June 28           June 29           July 1
                                                                      1997              1996             1995

<S>                                                             <C>               <C>              <C>       
     Allowance, Beginning of Year                               $      231        $      211       $      107

     Provision for Uncollectible Accounts                               74               171              305

     Write-off of Uncollectible Accounts                              (178)             (151)            (201)
                                                                ----------        ----------       ----------

     Allowance, End of Year                                     $      127        $      231       $      211
                                                                ==========        ==========       ==========

</TABLE>

Inventories - Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market on a
first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis.

Property and Equipment - Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method
over the following estimated useful lives:

     Buildings                                                     30 years
     Machinery and equipment                                     2-20 years
     Vehicles                                                     3-8 years
     Furniture and fixtures                                      3-10 years

Excess of Purchase Price Over Net Assets Acquired - The excess of purchase price
over net assets acquired is being amortized over a forty-year period on a
straight-line basis. The Company regularly evaluates the recoverability of
goodwill using estimates of undiscounted future cash flows and operating
earnings of the businesses acquired. There was no effect on the Company's
financial position or results of operations from the adoption of Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of
Long-Lived Assets."


                                      F-6


<PAGE>


Other Assets - At June 28, 1997 other assets is primarily comprised of debt
issuance costs. The Company capitalized approximately $1,173,000, representing
the cost of refinancing its debt under a new credit facility as described in
Note 4. The Company recognizes the cost ratably over the term of the new credit
facility, five to seven years. Accumulated amortization at June 28, 1997 was
$137,000.

Revenue Recognition - Sales and related cost of sales are recognized upon the
earlier of shipment of products or acceptance by the customer.

Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share - Net income (loss) per common share is based
on the weighted average number of shares of common stock and common stock
equivalents outstanding during the period as calculated under the treasury stock
method. Common stock equivalents, which have an antidilutive effect on the
computation for any period, are not included as outstanding for the period.

Adoption of FAS 123 - In 1997, the Company adopted the provisions of Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation" (FAS 123). FAS 123 encourages, but does not require companies to
record at fair value compensation cost for stock-based employee compensation
plans. The Company has chosen to continue to account for stock-based
compensation using the intrinsic value method prescribed in Accounting
Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," and
related Interpretations. Accordingly, compensation cost for stock options is
measured as the excess, if any, of the quoted market price of the Company's
stock at the date of the grant over the amount an employee must pay to acquire
the stock.

Adoption of FAS 128 - The Company will adopt the Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 128, "Earnings Per Share" (FAS 128) in fiscal 1998, as
required. The Company will continue to apply APB Opinion No. 15, "Earnings Per
Share" until the adoption of FAS 128. The new standard specifies the
computation, presentation and disclosure requirements for earnings per share.

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 at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.


2.  INVENTORIES

Inventories consisted of the following (in thousands):


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                                June 28               June 29
                                                                                   1997                  1996

<S>                                                                          <C>                   <C>       
     Finished goods                                                          $    5,262            $    4,727
     Work in process                                                              1,160                 1,395
     Raw materials                                                                2,160                 2,739
     Manufacturing supplies                                                         424                   311
                                                                             ----------            ----------
                                                                             $    9,006            $    9,172
                                                                             ==========            ==========



</TABLE>

                                      F-7


<PAGE>



3. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant and equipment (at cost) consisted of the following (in
thousands):


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                                June 28               June 29
                                                                                   1997                  1996

<S>                                                                          <C>                   <C>       
     Land                                                                    $      676            $      676
     Buildings                                                                   11,703                11,292
     Machinery, equipment
       and vehicles                                                              33,559                32,445
     Furniture and fixtures                                                       1,828                 1,584
     Construction-in-progress                                                     1,517                   682
                                                                             ----------            ----------
                                                                                 49,283                46,679
     Less accumulated depreciation                                               14,739                11,512
                                                                             ----------            ----------
                                                                             $   34,544            $   35,167
                                                                             ==========            ==========

</TABLE>

4.  FINANCING AGREEMENTS

Long-term debt consisted of (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                       June 28          June 29
                                                                                          1997             1996

<S>                                                                                   <C>                   <C>
Bank term loan,  quarterly principal payments of $625,000 through December 1997,
   $937,500 per quarter thereafter, interest is payable quarterly.                    $ 23,750              $ -

Revolving  credit  facility,  matures  September 25, 2001,  interest is
   payable quarterly.                                                                    5,950                -

Revolving  credit  facility,  proceeds  used for working  capital needs
   and capital expenditures.                                                                 -           15,329

Bank term loan, proceeds used for the acquisition of Standard.                               -            6,500

Bank term loan, proceeds used for the acquisition of Niemand.                                -            6,964

Note payable, for capital expansion of Marion,  Alabama facility, due in monthly
   principal and interest installments of $8 through June,
   2008. Note bears interest at 5% per annum.                                              797              855

Capital lease obligations                                                                  198              301
                                                                                  ------------     ------------
Total                                                                                   30,695           29,949
Less current portion                                                                    (3,313)          (2,115)
                                                                                  ------------     ------------
Long-term debt                                                                    $     27,382     $     27,834
                                                                                  ============     ============
</TABLE>


In June 1996,  the  Company  and  NationsBank,  N.A.  agreed to  accelerate  the
maturity of the  Company's  bank credit  agreement to October 15,  1996,  and to
eliminate  several  covenants as of June 29,  1996.  The  Company's  bank credit
agreement with  NationsBank,  N.A.  provided for a revolving  credit facility of
$17,500,000,  and  outstanding  term  loans  of  $6,500,000  and $  6,964,000.
The revolving credit facility and the term loans bore interest at a rate tied to
the bank's prime rate.  The bank's prime rate was 8.25% at June 29, 1996,  while
the rate paid by the Company at June 29, 1996 was 10.25%.


                                      F-8



<PAGE>


On September 25, 1996,  the Company  refinanced  its debt. The new facility with
Harris Trust and Savings Bank consists of a seven year $25 million term loan and
a five year $10 million  revolving credit facility (the credit  agreement).  The
Company pays a  commitment  fee of 0.5% on the unused  portion of the  revolving
credit  facility.  The amount  available under the revolving  credit facility is
reduced  by the amount of  outstanding  standby  letters  of  credit,  which was
$474,000 as of June 28, 1997. The standby  letters of credit relate to workman's
compensation  insurance  policies.  Both facilities bear interest rates based on
Harris Bank's prime rate or the London Interbank  Offered Rate (LIBOR).  At June
28, 1997, the interest rate for the term loan was 8.26% based on the LIBOR rate,
and the effective interest rate for the revolving credit facility was 8.12%.

The proceeds from the new credit facility were used to refinance the NationsBank
bank credit agreement, to pay the related transaction costs and to fund the
future working capital and capital expenditure needs of the Company.

The Company's policy is to classify borrowings under the revolving credit
facility as long-term debt since the Company has the ability under its credit
agreement, and the intent, to maintain these obligations for longer than one
year.

The new credit facility is secured by substantially all of the assets of the
Company.

During fiscal 1997, the Company amended its financial covenants, and added a
fixed charge coverage test. The most restrictive covenants require the
maintenance of certain minimum levels of interest coverage and debt ratios. The
credit agreement also provides for certain restrictions including sales of
assets, capital expenditures, payment of dividends and incurrence of subsidiary
debt. The Company was in compliance with the amended loan covenants at June 28,
1997.

The Company has purchased an interest rate cap agreement to reduce the impact of
changes in interest rates. The cap agreement entitles the Company to receive
from the counterparty (major bank) the notional amount multiplied by the
differences between the variable 1-month LIBOR and cap rates when the 1-month
LIBOR exceeds the cap rate. The cap rate in the above agreement is 10% and
matures on June 30, 1998. The premium related to the cap agreement is being
amortized over the life of the agreement.

At June 28, 1997, the scheduled principal repayments under the new credit
facility and future minimum payments under finance leases and note payable were
as follows (in thousands):

                                             Amounts
             1998                        $     3,313
             1999                              3,843
             2000                              3,823
             2001                              3,822
             2002                              9,774
       Thereafter                              6,120
                                         -----------
            Total                        $    30,695
                                         ===========

5.       INCOME TAXES

The provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of the following (in
thousands):


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                   June 28           June 29           July 1
                                                                      1997              1996             1995
<S>                                                             <C>               <C>              <C>       
     Current:
       Federal                                                  $      478        $       30       $      193
       State                                                            31                85               38
     Deferred                                                           50               551           (1,848)
                                                                ----------        ----------       ----------
                                                                $      559        $      666          $(1,617)
                                                                ==========        ==========       ==========
</TABLE>


                                      F-9



<PAGE>


The following represents a reconciliation between the actual income tax expense
and income taxes computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to
income (loss) before income taxes:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                       June 28         June 29         July 1
                                                                          1997            1996           1995

<S>                                                                      <C>             <C>          <C>    
     Statutory rate                                                      34.0%           34.0%        (34.0%)
     State income tax effect                                              3.7%            5.9%         (1.8%)
     Reduction of valuation allowance                                       -           (8.7)%             -
     Amortization of excess of purchase price over
       net assets acquired                                               22.3%           14.5%          3.8%
     Other - net                                                          2.7%            3.0%          1.5%
                                                                     ---------      ----------     ---------
     Total                                                               62.7%           48.7%        (30.5%)
                                                                     =========      ==========     ==========
</TABLE>

Deferred income tax (liabilities) assets result from reporting income and
expenses in different periods for tax and financial reporting purposes. The
deferred tax liabilities and assets are comprised of the following (in
thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                                       June 28        June 29
                                                                                          1997           1996
<S>                                                                                <C>            <C>        
     Deferred income tax assets:
       Difference in basis of amortizable assets                                   $       846    $         -
       Non-deductible accrued liabilities                                                  330            639
       Net operating loss carryforwards of
         a subsidiary company                                                              699            699
       State net operating loss carryforwards                                              590            579
       State tax credits carryforward                                                      615            615
       Federal net operating loss carryforward                                             760          1,520
       AMT credit carryforward                                                             385            259
       Differences in the basis of inventory
         for tax purposes                                                                  370            241
       Other - net                                                                         223            305
                                                                                   -----------    -----------
     Total                                                                               4,818          4,857
     Deferred tax asset valuation allowance                                               (147)          (137)
                                                                                   -----------    -----------
     Net                                                                                 4,671          4,720
                                                                                   -----------    -----------
     Deferred tax liabilities:
       Difference in basis of property, plant
         and equipment                                                                  (7,210)        (7,130)
       Unamortized balance of
         tax LIFO reserve                                                                    -            (39)
       Other                                                                               (77)          (116)
                                                                                   -----------    -----------
     Total                                                                              (7,287)        (7,285)
                                                                                   -----------    -----------
     Net deferred income tax liability                                             $    (2,616)   $    (2,565)
                                                                                   ===========    ===========
</TABLE>


At June 28, 1997, the Company had the following tax net operating loss
carryfowards for federal income tax purposes (in thousands):

     Expiration                                    Amounts
        2006                                     $       447
        2007                                             664
        2008                                             929
        2009                                               -
        2010                                           1,778
        2011                                             458
                                                 -----------
        Total                                    $     4,276
                                                 ===========


                                      F-10


<PAGE>


Approximately $2.1 million of such losses relate to a subsidiary company, which
are available to be utilized only against future taxable income of such
subsidiary.

At June 28, 1997, the Company had a state investment tax credit carryforward of
$0.6 million which expires if unutilized by the year 2005. These credits are
available to offset both Nebraska state income tax and Nebraska sales tax on
qualifying purchases.

The Company's income tax returns for the years 1992 through 1995 are currently
under examination by the Internal Revenue Service. The Company believes that
adequate accruals have been provided for all years.


6.       EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

The Company maintains a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan (the plan)
covering substantially all of the RidgePak Corporation hourly employees
fulfilling participation requirements. Benefits are based on the employee's
years of credited service. The Company's funding policy is to contribute
annually the minimum amount required under ERISA. Plan assets are held by an
independent trustee and consist of U.S. Government securities, time deposits,
common stocks, corporate bonds and collective investment funds.

The net periodic pension cost and assumptions used for the years presented
included the following components (in thousands):


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                       June 28         June 29         July 1
                                                                          1997            1996           1995
<S>                                                                <C>             <C>            <C>        
     Service cost-benefits
       earned during the period                                    $        43     $        36    $        28
     Interest cost on projected
       benefit obligation                                                   30              27             24
     Actual return on plan assets                                          (25)            (53)           (29)
     Net amortization and deferral                                          (3)             33             10
                                                                   -----------     -----------    -----------

     Net periodic pension cost                                     $        45     $        43    $        33
                                                                   ===========     ===========    ===========

     Discount rate                                                         7.75%           7.5%           7.5%
     Expected long-term rate of return                                        8%             8%             8%
</TABLE>


The following table sets forth the plans' funded status and the amounts
recognized in the Company's consolidated balance sheets (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                       June 28         June 29         July 1
                                                                          1997            1996           1995
<S>                                                                <C>             <C>            <C>
     Actuarial present value of benefit obligations:
     Vested benefit obligation                                     $       371     $       319    $       307
                                                                   ===========     ===========    ===========
     Accumulated benefit obligation                                $       467     $       397    $       372
                                                                   ===========     ===========    ===========
     Projected benefit obligation for
       service rendered to date                                    $      (467)    $      (397)   $      (372)
     Plan assets at fair value                                             428             421            357
                                                                   -----------     -----------    -----------
     Plan assets in excess of (less than)
       projected benefit obligation                                        (39)             24            (15)
     Unrecognized loss                                                     131             113            154
                                                                   -----------     -----------    -----------
     Prepaid pension cost                                          $        92     $       137    $       139
                                                                   ===========     ===========    ===========
</TABLE>


                                      F-11


<PAGE>


As is required by Financial Accounting Standards No. 87, "Employers' Accounting
for Pensions," for plans where the accumulated benefit obligation exceeds the
fair value of plan assets, the Company has recognized in the June 28, 1997
consolidated balance sheet a minimum liability of the unfunded accumulated
benefit obligation as an accrued liability with an offsetting equity adjustment.
As of June 28, 1997 the minimum liability amounted to $131,000.

The Company also sponsors a defined contribution 401(k) plan (the Gibraltar
Plan). Employees are eligible to participate in the Gibraltar Plan upon
completion of six months of credited service. Participants fully vest in Company
contributions after five years with partial vesting after one year. An employee
may contribute up to 15% of his or her earnings on a pre-tax basis subject to
IRS limitations. The Company matches 25% of an employee's contribution up to a
maximum of 4% of eligible compensation. The Company also makes a quarterly
profit sharing contribution when the earnings per share of Gibraltar stock is
$0.15 per share or higher in any fiscal quarter. The profit sharing portion of
each participant's account is invested in Gibraltar stock.

The Company's contributions to the Gibraltar Plan for the years ended June 28,
1997, June 29, 1996, and July 1, 1995 approximately $77,000, $76,000 and
$119,000, respectively.


7.  STOCK OPTION PLANS

Effective January 30, 1992, Gibraltar adopted the Gibraltar Packaging Group,
Inc. 1992 Incentive Stock Option Plan (the Plan). Under the Plan, Gibraltar may
grant to key employees options to purchase in the aggregate up to 300,000 shares
of Gibraltar's common stock with exercise prices equal to or greater than the
market value at the date of grant. Options granted under the Plan are
exercisable no earlier than six months and no later than ten years from the
grant date.

As of June 28, 1997, the following options were outstanding under the plan:

        Grant Date                 Number of Shares         Exercise Price
     July 13, 1992                        35,334              $      6.00
     January 28, 1993                      4,000              $      6.50
     July 1, 1993                         12,000              $      8.00
     July 1, 1994                         18,500              $      9.00
                                    ------------
     Total                                69,834
                                    ============

During fiscal year 1997, no shares were exercised and 47,500 shares were
canceled. As of June 28, 1997, 65,002 shares were exercisable.

Effective July 13, 1992,  Gibraltar adopted the Gibraltar  Packaging Group, Inc.
Director Stock Option Plan  (Directors  Plan).  Under the Directors  Plan,  each
independent  director may receive a grant of an option to purchase  3,000 shares
of Gibraltar's  common stock at an exercise price equal to the fair market value
at the date such  person is  elected  to the board.  Options  granted  under the
Directors Plan are  exercisable no earlier than six months and no later than ten
years from the grant date.  As of June 28,  1997,  the  following  options  were
outstanding under the plan:

        Grant Date                 Number of Shares        Exercise Price
     July 13, 1992                        6,000              $6.00
     July 1, 1993                         6,000              $8.00
     July 1, 1994                        10,000              $9.00
                                   ------------
     Total                               22,000
                                   ============

During fiscal year 1997, no shares were exercised or canceled. As of June 28,
1997, 18,667 shares were exercisable.


                                      F-12


<PAGE>


Effective August 1, 1996, Gibraltar adopted the Gibraltar Packaging Group, Inc.
1996 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan (1996 Plan). The 1996 Plan is administered
by the Compensation Committee (the Committee) of the Board of Directors of the
Company, who determines the exercise price of options awarded on the
grant date. Gibraltar may grant to key employees options to purchase in the
aggregate up to 300,000 shares of Gibraltar's common stock. Options granted
under the 1996 Plan are exercisable no earlier than six months and no later than
ten years from the grant date. The Committee may further limit the
exercisability of the options in such manner as the Committee deems appropriate,
including, without limitation, the achievement of specified performance goals or
other criteria. As of June 28, 1997, the following options were outstanding
under the plan:

         Grant Date                 Number of Shares         Exercise Price
     August 1, 1996                       225,000                 $4.00

During fiscal year 1997, no shares were exercised or canceled. As of June 28,
1997, 45,000 shares were exercisable.

Of the 225,000 shares granted August 1, 1996, all shares were granted at an
exercise price equal to the fair market value on that date. Any exercise of
options must be for a minimum of 500 shares of Stock and shall only be
exercisable in accordance with the following vesting schedule:

     Date Shares of Stock May Be Purchased         Percentage of Shares of Stock

     Six months from Grant Date                               20%
     1 year from Grant Date                                   20%
     2 years from Grant Date                                  20%
     3 years from Grant Date                                  20%
     4 years from Grant Date                                  20%

The specific performance criteria which must be met before these shares can be
purchased are as follows:

  Shares Vesting                                 Performance Criteria

  1 year from Grant Date        Fair Market Value of Stock equal to or greater
                                          than $6.00 per share
  2 years from Grant Date       Fair Market Value of Stock equal to or greater
                                          than $7.00 per share
  3 years from Grant Date       Fair Market Value of Stock equal to or greater
                                           than $8.00 per share
  4 years from Grant Date       Fair Market Value of Stock equal to or greater
                                           than $9.00 per share

The 225,000  options shall become  immediately  fully  exercisable if any of the
following occurs:

         1. If there occurs any transaction that has the result that
         stockholders of the Company cease to own at least 51% of the voting
         stock of the Company.

         2. The stockholders of the Company approve a plan of merger,
         consolidation, reorganization, liquidation or dissolution in which the
         Company does not survive.

         3. The stockholders of the Company approve a plan for the sale, lease,
         exchange, transfer, assignment or other disposition of all or
         substantially all the property and assets of the Company.


                                     F-13


<PAGE>


The Company applies APB Opinion 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,"
and related interpretations in accounting for the Plan and Directors' Plan.
Accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized for those plans. Had
compensation cost for the 1996 Plan been determined based on the fair
value of the option at date of grant consistent with the requirements of
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation," the Company's net income and earnings per share would have been
reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated below:

                                                                   June 28
                                                                      1997

     Net income                       As reported                 $      225
                                      Pro forma                          199

     Net income per share             As reported                 $     0.05
                                      Pro forma                         0.04

The fair value of each  stock  option  has been  estimated  at the date of grant
using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average
assumptions:

                                                                June 28
                                                                   1997

     Risk free interest rate                                            6.1%
     Expected life                                                      4
     Expected volatility                                               32  %
     Expected dividend yield                                            0

At June 28, 1997 the stock option exercise prices for all three plans exceeded
the market value of the Company's common stock and are therefore excluded from
the Company's earnings per share calculation.


8.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Operating Leases - The Company leases office space, manufacturing equipment,
computer equipment, vehicles and warehouse space under non-cancelable operating
leases. Rent expense for the years ended June 28, 1997, June 29, 1996, and July
1, 1995 under such lease agreements was approximately $960,000, $933,000 and
$912,000, respectively. In addition, rental income related to sub-leases on
office space for the years ended June 29, 1996 and July 1, 1995 approximated
$139,000 and $92,000, respectively. Due to the relocation of the Corporate
office as described in Note 10, all sub-leases were terminated during fiscal
year 1996. As of June 28, 1997, approximate minimum future lease commitments
were as follows (in thousands):

                                                                   Amounts
            1998                                                   $1,102
            1999                                                      911
            2000                                                      718
            2001                                                      620
            2002                                                      410
      Thereafter                                                      129
                                                                  --------
           Total                                                   $3,890
                                                                  ========

                                      F-14


<PAGE>


Legal Proceedings - From time to time the Company is a party to certain lawsuits
and administrative proceedings that arise in the conduct of its business. While
the outcome of these lawsuits and proceedings cannot be predicted with
certainty, management believes that, if adversely determined, the lawsuits and
proceedings, either singularly or in the aggregate, would not have a material
adverse effect on the financial condition or results of operations of the
Company.

Environmental Matter - In May 1995 the Company discovered groundwater
contamination at its Burlington, North Carolina facility. Based on work
performed by its environmental consultants, the Company estimated that the total
costs to remediate this site will range between $750,000 and $1.1 million over a
seven to ten year period. The Company is currently conducting a follow-up
assessment of the facility. The Company's accrual for such remediation costs
approximates $598,000 and $605,000 as of June 28, 1997 and June 29, 1996,
respectively. The Company is unable to determine whether amounts in excess of
this amount will be incurred as a result of the remediation efforts or other
related claims, if any. Management believes that the ultimate resolution of this
and other environmental matters will not materially affect the financial
position or results of future operations of the Company.

Employment Agreements - The Company has employment agreements with certain
officers and management personnel. The terms of these agreements are specific to
each employee.


9.  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

During fiscal year 1995 the Company paid $175,000 in fees to William Blair &
Company (a major stockholder) for advisory services relating to a terminated
merger agreement.

Certain officers of the Company hold an equity interest in Rostra Technologies,
Inc. (Rostra), a related party. During fiscal year 1997 and 1996, the Company
paid $389,423 and $228,834, respectively, to Rostra in management fees for
services provided by the Company's CEO and CFO. At June 28, 1997, the Company
owed Rostra $179,190 for such fees.

In January of 1997, the Company entered into a note receivable with an officer
of the Company with interest at 5.63% accruing monthly. Principal and interest
are due January 31, 1998. The balance at June 28, 1997 was $111,605.


10.      SEVERANCE, OFFICE MOVING AND RESTRUCTURING CHARGES

In the second quarter of fiscal year 1995, the Company recorded a pretax charge
of approximately $1.4 million related to its Niemand Industries division. The
charge was comprised of the following elements: a $0.8 million loss on
disposition of machinery and equipment which was deemed excess following the
consolidation of Niemand's Statesville, North Carolina and Marion, Alabama
facilities, a writedown of $0.4 million in the value of the Statesville building
which was subsequently sold and a charge of $0.2 million related to severance of
personnel as a result of the plant consolidation. All funds related to the 1995
restructuring charges have been spent.

In fiscal 1996, the Company recorded a pre-tax charge of $1,038,000 for
severance of nine members of senior management ($937,000) and other costs with
no future benefits resulting from the move of the corporate office ($101,000)
from Charlotte, North Carolina to Westport, Connecticut. The charge was largely
recorded in the second ($249,000) and third ($745,000) quarters of the fiscal
year. At June 29, 1996, the remaining severance liability approximated $621,000.
The costs related to the office move included amounts for lease terminations and
the write-off of leasehold improvements. The move was completed by June 29,
1996. The remaining liability at June 29, 1996 for this move was approximately
$50,000 and related to the termination of the Charlotte office lease.

                                      F-15


<PAGE>


At June 28, 1997 accrued liabilities include approximately $300,000, which
relates to severance costs associated with the Company's fiscal 1996
restructuring charges. The majority of the cash outlays relative to the 1996
restructuring charges were made during 1997. There were no material changes to
accrued restructuring charges for fiscal 1997.

11.      CUSTOMER CONCENTRATION

Sales to one customer, Smead Manufacturing, represented approximately 11.0%,
10.6% and 11.0% of net sales in fiscal years 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.


12.       FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND OFF BALANCE SHEET RISK

Concentration of credit risk - Financial instruments that potentially subject
the Company to credit risk consist principally of receivables. The Company
believes the concentration of credit risk in its accounts receivables is
substantially mitigated by the Company's ongoing credit evaluation process and
due to the large number of customers comprising the Company's customer base. The
Company does not generally require collateral from customers. The Company
evaluates the need for an allowance for doubtful accounts based upon factors
surrounding the credit risk of specific customers, historical trends and other
information.

Fair value of financial instruments - The carrying amount of cash, accounts
receivable and accounts payable approximates fair value because of the short-
term maturity of these instruments.

The carrying  value of the Company's  borrowings  under its long-term  revolving
credit  agreement and other long-term borrowings  approximates fair value due to
the variable interest rates.

The fair value of the Company's letters of credit is based on fees currently
charged for similar agreements or on the estimated cost to terminate or settle
the obligations. As of June 28, 1997, the fair value of the letters of credit
was $474,000. 

The fair value of the Company's interest rate cap agreement is based on the
estimated cost to terminate or settle the obligation. As of June 28, 1997 the
fair value of the agreement was zero.

Derivatives - The Company has only limited involvement with derivative financial
instruments and does not use them for trading purposes. They are used to manage
well-defined interest rate risks.

The Company has purchased an interest rate cap agreement to reduce the impact of
changes in interest rates. The cap agreement entitles the Company to receive
from the counterparty (major bank) the notional amount multiplied by the
differences between the variable 1-month LIBOR and cap rates when the 1-month
LIBOR exceeds the cap rate. The cap rate in the above agreement is 10% and
matures on June 30, 1998. The premium related to the cap agreement is being
amortized over the life of the agreement.

                                      F-16

<PAGE>


13.      QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

The following is a summary of the quarterly results of operations for the years
ended June 28, 1997 and June 29, 1996 (in thousands, except per share data):


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                     Quarter Ended
         1997                  September 30       December 31         March 31           June 28               Year
                                   (1)
<S>                         <C>                <C>              <C>               <C>              <C>             
Net Sales                   $        18,496    $       17,805   $       18,817    $       19,592   $         74,710
Gross Profit                          3,598             3,572            4,095             4,049             15,314
Income (Loss) before
   Extraordinary Item                  (66)                39              235               124                332
Net Income (Loss)                     (173)                39              235               124                225
Per Common Share Amounts:
(primary and fully diluted)
Income (Loss) before
   Extraordinary Item       $        (0.02)    $         0.01   $         0.05    $         0.03   $           0.07

Net Income (Loss)           $        (0.04)    $         0.01   $         0.05    $         0.03   $           0.05

                                                     Quarter Ended
         1996                  September 30       December 31         March 31           June 29               Year
                                                                       (2)
Net Sales                   $        19,109    $       17,867   $       19,135    $       18,273   $         74,384
Gross Profit                          4,015             3,792            4,282             3,967             16,056
Income (Loss) before
   Extraordinary Item                   471                84             (66)               212                701
Net Income (Loss)                       471                84             (66)               212                701
Per Common Share Amounts:
(primary and fully diluted)
Income (Loss) before
   Extraordinary Item       $          0.09    $         0.02   $      (0.01)     $         0.04   $           0.14

Net Income (Loss)           $          0.09    $         0.02   $      (0.01)     $         0.04   $           0.14
</TABLE>


(1)   The first quarter of 1997 net income (loss) includes an extraordinary
      after-tax loss of $107,000 reflecting the write-off of unamortized finance
      costs of a previous refinancing.

(2)   Net income (loss) for the third quarter of 1996 includes a restructuring
      charge of $745,000 consisting primarily of severance costs for divisional
      personnel and expenses related to the move of the corporate office from
      Charlotte, North Carolina to Westport, Connecticut.


                                      F-17


<PAGE>


Harris Trust and        111 West Monroe Street          Telephone (312) 461-2121
Savings Bank            P.O. Box 755
                        Chicago, Illinois  60690-0755



HARRIS
BANK
                              As of March 31, 1997

Gibraltar Packaging Group, Inc.
274 Riverside Avenue
Westport, Connecticut  06880

         Re:      First Amendment

Ladies/Gentlemen:

         Please refer to the Credit Agreement dated as of September 25, 1996
(the "Credit Agreement") among Gibraltar Packaging Group, Inc. (the "Company"),
various financial institutions and Harris Trust and Savings Bank, as agent (the
"Agent"). Terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings assigned to such
terms in the Credit Agreement.

         The Company, the Agent and the Banks agree that Section 1 of the Credit
Agreement is hereby amended by adding the following definition in appropriate
alphabetical order:

                  Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio means the ratio of (a) the
         difference of (i) EBITDA for any Computation Period minus (ii) Capital
         Expenditures made during such Computation Period to (b) the sum of (i)
         Interest Expense for such Computation Period plus (ii) current
         maturities of indebtedness for borrowed money which indebtedness by its
         terms is due one year or less from the last day of such Computation
         Date.

         The Company, the Agent and the Banks agree that Section 10.6.2 of the
Credit Agreement is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:

                  10.6.2 Minimum Interest Coverage. Not permit the Interest
         Coverage Ratio for any Computation Period, beginning with the
         Computation Period ending September 30, 1996, to be less than (i) 1.75
         to 1.00 for each Computation Period ending prior to March 31, 1997,
         (ii) 1.50 to 1.00 for each Computation Period ending on or after March
         31, 1997 but prior to June 30, 1997, (iii) 1.45 to 1.00 for each
         Computation Period ending on or after June 30, 1997 but prior to
         September 30, 1997, (iv) 1.60 to 1.00 for each Computation Period
         ending on or after September 30, 1997 but prior to December 31, 1997,
         (v) 1.75 to 1.00 for each Computation Period ending on or after
         December 31, 1997 but prior to March 31, 1998, (vi) 2.00 to 1.00 for
         each Computation Period ending on or after Match 31, 1998 but prior to
         June 30, 1998, (vii) 2.25 to 1.00 for each Computation Period ending on
         or after June 30, 1998 but prior to September 30, 1998, and (viii) 2.50
         to 1.00 for each Computation Period ending on or after September 30,
         1998.


<PAGE>



Gibraltar Packaging Group, Inc.
As of March 31, 1997
Page 2

         The Company, the Agent and the Banks agree that Section 10.6.3 of the
Credit Agreement is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:

                  10.6.3 Debt Ratio. Not permit the Debt Ratio as of the end of
         any Fiscal Quarter to exceed (i) in the case of any Fiscal Quarter
         ending on or before December 31, 1996, 3.75 to 1.00, (ii) in the case
         of the Fiscal Quarter ending on March 31, 997, 4.05 to 1.00, (iii) in
         the case of the Fiscal Quarter ending on June 30, 1997, 3.95 to 1.00,
         (iv) in the case of the Fiscal Quarter ending on September 30, 1997,
         3.75 to 1.00, (v) in the case of the Fiscal Quarter ending on December
         31, 1997, 3.50 to 1.00, (vi) in the case of any Fiscal Quarter ending
         after December 31, 1997 but on or before June 30, 1998, 3.25 to 1.00,
         and (vii) in the case of any Fiscal Quarter ending after June 30, 1998,
         2.50 to 1.00.

         The Company, the Agent and the Banks agree that Section 10.6 of the
Credit Agreement is hereby amended by adding a new Section 10.6.4 to read as
follows:

                  10.6.4 Fixed Charge Coverage. Not permit the Fixed Charge
         Coverage Ratio for any Computation Period, beginning with the
         Computation Period ending June 30, 1997, to be less than (i) 0.825 to
         1.00 for each Computation Period ending prior to July 1, 1997, (ii)
         0.90 to 1.00 for each Computation Period ending on or after July 1,
         1997 but prior to October 1, 1997, (iii) 1.00 to 1.00 for each
         Computation Period ending on or after October 1, 1997 but prior to July
         1, 1998, (iv) 1.10 to 1.00 for each Computation Period ending on or
         after July 1, 1998 but prior to July 1, 1999, and (v) 1.20 to 1.00 for
         each Computation Period ending on or after July 1, 1999.

         Except as expressly set forth herein each term and provision of the
Credit Agreement continues in full force and effect. This letter agreement is
governed by the internal laws of the State of Illinois. This letter agreement
may be executed in any number of counterparts and by the different parties
hereto on separate counterparts and each such counterpart shall be deemed to be
an original, but all such counterparts shall constitute but one and the same
letter agreement.

                                         Very truly yours,

                                         HARRIS TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK,
                                         Individually and as Agent


                                         By            /s/  John M. Dillon
                                         Title         Vice President

Acknowledged and agreed to
As of March 31, 1997

GIBRALTAR PACKAGING GROUP, INC.

By      /s/ John W. Lloyd


<PAGE>


Harris Trust and       111 West Monroe Street           Telephone (312) 461-2121
Savings Bank           P.O. Box 755
                       Chicago, Illinois  60690-0755



HARRIS
BANK
                                  July 18, 1997

Gibraltar Packaging Group, Inc.
274 Riverside Avenue
Westport, Connecticut  06880

         Re:      Second Amendment

Ladies/Gentlemen:

         Please refer to the Credit Agreement dated as of September 25, 1996 (as
previously amended, the "Credit Agreement") among Gibraltar Packaging Group,
Inc. (the "Company"), various financial institutions and Harris Trust and
Savings Bank, as agent (the "Agent"). Terms not otherwise defined herein have
the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement.

         The Company, the Agent and the Banks agree that Section 13.2 of the
Credit Agreement is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:

                  13.2 Indemnification. Each Bank agrees to reimburse and
         indemnify the Agent for, and hold the Agent harmless against (to the
         extent not reimbursed by or on behalf of the Company and without
         limiting the obligation of the Company to do so), a share (determined
         in accordance with the percentage which (x) the sum of (A) the
         participations in all Letters of Credit of such Bank plus (B) the
         principal amount of the Loans of such Bank is of (y) the sum of (A) the
         Stated Amount of all Letters of Credit plus (B) the aggregate principal
         amount of all loans) of any loss, damage, penalty, action, judgment,
         obligation, cost, disbursement, liability or expense (including
         attorneys' fees) incurred without gross negligence or willful
         misconduct on the part of the Agent arising out of or in connection
         with the performance of its obligations or the exercise of its powers
         hereunder or under any other Loan Document or any other document or
         instrument delivered hereunder or in connection herewith, as well as
         the costs and expenses of defending against any claim against the Agent
         arising hereunder or thereunder.

         The Company, the Agent and the Banks agree that Section 13.7(a) of the
Credit Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the time "11:00 a.m." therein and
substaining therefor the time "12:00 noon".

         The Company, the Agent and the Banks agree that the third sentence of
Section 14.1 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended in its entirety to read
as follows:


<PAGE>


Gibraltar Packaging Group, Inc.
July 18, 1997
Page 2

         No amendment, modification, waiver or consent shall (i) extend or
         increase the amount of the Commitments, (ii) extend the date for
         payment of any principal of or interest on the Loans or any fees
         payable hereunder, (iii) reduce the principal amount of any Loan, the
         rate of interest thereon or any fees payable hereunder, (iv) release
         all or substantially all of the collateral granted under the Collateral
         Documents, or (v) change the aggregate Percentage required to effect an
         amendment, modification, waiver or consent without, in each case, the
         consent of all Banks.

         Except as expressly set forth herein each term and provision of the
Credit Agreement continues in full force and effect. This letter agreement is
governed by the internal laws of the State of Illinois. This letter agreement
may be executed in any number of counterparts and by the different parties
hereto on separate counterparts and each such counterpart shall be deemed to be
an original, but all such counterparts shall constitute but one and the same
letter agreement.

                                          Very truly yours,

                                          HARRIS TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK,
                                          Individually and as Agent


                                          By            /s/  John M. Dillon
                                          Title         Vice President

Acknowledged and agreed to
As of July 18, 1997

GIBRALTAR PACKAGING GROUP, INC.

By      /s/ John W. Lloyd


<PAGE>


                                                                    Exhibit 23.1







INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT



We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement Nos.
33-66790 and 33-66844 of Gibraltar Packaging Group, Inc. on Form S-8 of our
report dated September 12, 1997 appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of
Gibraltar Packaging Group, Inc. for the year ended June 28, 1997.




/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Stamford, Connecticut



September 24, 1997



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