Harbour Group Acquires Master Concepts, Inc.

    ST. LOUIS, Dec. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation, a
 subsidiary of Harbour Group Industries, Inc. has acquired Master Concepts,
 Inc., a leading manufacturer of auxiliary braking systems for the recreational
 vehicle market, Sam Fox, Harbour Group's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer,
 announced today.  Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
     Founded in 1996, Master Concepts is based in Sedalia, Col.  The company
 designs and manufactures the patented BrakeBuddy(R) auxiliary braking system
 for the RV market.  The BrakeBuddy(R) system is sold through a broad network
 of over 1,600 dealers throughout the United States and Canada.  The company
 maintains a website at www.brakebuddy.com.
     Master Concepts will broaden Hopkins' product offerings for the towing
 market, Mr. Fox said.  He commented, "BrakeBuddy(R) is the most widely
 recognized brand name in the RV towing market and is known for its innovative
 design, ease of use and the company's commitment to outstanding customer
 service.  We are excited about the addition of Master Concepts and the
 BrakeBuddy(R) product line.  We believe the RV market offers excellent growth
 opportunities."
     Brad Kraft, President of Hopkins, commented, "This is a great opportunity
 for Hopkins and Master Concepts.  The addition of Master Concepts clearly
 demonstrates our commitment to the towing sector and increases Hopkins'
 exposure to the growing RV market.  We are very excited to see BrakeBuddy(R)
 join the Hopkins family."
     Dan Decker, Jr., Master Concepts' President, said, "We've worked hard to
 develop BrakeBuddy(R) into the most recognizable brand name in the industry by
 focusing on technology and ease of use.  Harbour Group and Hopkins recognized
 the value of our market-leading position.  By aligning with Hopkins, we plan
 to accelerate our growth through the introduction of additional new products."
 
     Harbour Group, the parent of Hopkins, is a privately owned company based
 in St. Louis, Mo.  Harbour Group and its operating companies are engaged in
 the manufacture and distribution of a wide variety of consumer and industrial
 products, including automotive enthusiast products, entertainment products,
 automotive aftermarket accessories, hearth and chimney products, high pressure
 cleaning equipment, auxiliary plastic processing equipment, textile machinery,
 pre- engineered building components, heat exchange equipment and products used
 by the home maintenance industry.  Additional information about Harbour Group
 can be found on the company's website at www.harbourgroup.com.
 
 

SOURCE  Harbour Group