Flexfab in 1961- Hastings, MIchigan	Flexfab in 2001- Hastings, MIchigan

Michigan Governor John Engler recognized the event with a Certificate of Special Tribute, saluting Flexfab "for its 40 years of outstanding service and tremendous contributions to our Great Lakes State."

Company Chairman and CEO, Douglas DeCamp, congratulated the group on the growth that they have achieved and the skills they have built.  In spite of this year's downturn in the economy, Flexfab cut costs promptly to continue its unbroken string of profitable years which began in 1962.  While North American production of heavy-duty trucks, the company's largest industry, was down by more than 50% from year earlier levels, Flexfab's sales were down by just 23% in the fiscal year ended September 30th.

"The year 2001 has demonstrated the importance of our long range strategy of diversification," DeCamp said.  He then reviewed for the employees product developments that support traditional markets as well as taking the company into Food, Pharmaceutical and Computer equipment opportunities.

Mr. DeCamp commented on the uncertainty that recent tragic events in the nation have brought.  He then addressed Flexfab's great prospects for the long term and outlined the work needed to prepare for that bright future.  He concluded his remarks by saying, "I can't foretell the future any better than you can, but I am optimistic about life, optimistic about your skills and optimistic about the next forty years of Flexfab.  I sincerely hope you are too."

The significance of the recent re-organization of the company was emphasized during the meeting.  The new structure recognizes the targets and global nature of the business along with the expansion into additional industries.

During the meeting, the company's progress was follows from its meager beginnings in an abandoned furniture store in 1961, to the present.  Employees portrayed on-stage the changes of life in the USA with humor, songs and dance, along with historic events paralleling the progress of the company.  Flexfab's global organization now includes plants in Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin, Brazil and the United Kingdom.

As is traditional at this annual meeting, one employee, nominated by his fellow employees, receives the Flexfab President's Award.  This award is given in honor of the employees' contributions to customers, community, and to the company.   The President's Award consists of a crystal trophy, a cash award and a plaque displayed along with past recipients.

This year's Award was presented to Jim Toburen, a 29-year career veteran with Flexfab.  Jim has been an active member of the Hastings community for the past 27 years.  In addition to his work at Flexfab, he has held many volunteer posts in Hastings, including four years as a member of the School Board.  He served five years as a member of the Pennock Hospital Board of Trustees, is Chairman of Main Street Savings Bank, sets on the Board of Directors of the Hastings Mutual Insurance Company, and is a member of St. Rose Catholic Church of Hastings.  He has been an active participant in many charitable organizations in the area as well.

Mr. DeCamp thanked Mr. Toburen for "being such a good example for all of us to follow in the way we live and work".  He then presented the crystal trophy and the $500 Cash Bonus that accompanies the award.

Flexfab LLC is a member of the Flexfab Horizons International family of companies, which design and manufacture engineered components and systems for aerospace, automotive, heavy-duty truck and other industries.   Products include seals, keypads, profile extrusions, hose, ducting and custom components using a wide range of elastomeric polymers and reinforcing materials.  Headquartered in Hastings, Michigan, FHI currently has approximately 600 employees in five manufacturing sites in the United States, Europe and South America.