Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation Acquires Master Concepts, Inc.; Adds The BrakeBuddy(R) to its Product Offering

    SEDALIA, Colo., Dec. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation
 has acquired the assets of Master Concepts, Inc. -- the
 market-leading supplier of auxiliary braking systems for the RV market,
 Hopkins announced today.
     Sedalia, Col.-based Master Concepts is the designer, developer and
 manufacturer of the patented BrakeBuddy(R), the innovative auxiliary braking
 system for the RV motorhome market. BrakeBuddy(R) leads the market as the
 easiest to use supplementary braking system for towed vehicles. The system
 takes the dead weight of the towed vehicle off of the motorhome, so the
 motorhome's brakes do not become overheated, causing brake fade or brake
 failure. BrakeBuddy(R) also meets the state-by-state regulations that require
 supplemental brakes on towed vehicles.
     "We are very excited to see BrakeBuddy(R) join the Hopkins family," said
 Bradley T. Kraft, president and chief executive officer of Hopkins. "This
 acquisition clearly reflects Hopkins' continued commitment to the Towing
 segment and increases our participation in the exciting RV market.
     "Master Concepts has done an excellent job of bringing RV owners the most
 advanced technology available in an easy-to-use manner," Kraft continued.
 "Users of the BrakeBuddy(R) enjoy the knowledge that they are ensuring
 themselves of towing safety and compliance with the increasingly strict
 enforcement of towing laws across most U.S. states and Canada."
     Master Concepts was founded in 1996 by Dan Decker, Sr. and Dan Decker, Jr.
 Decker, Jr., the company's president, said, "Along with my partner and CFO,
 Alec Brock, we have worked to develop BrakeBuddy(R) into the #1 RV tow brake
 with the most recognizable brand name in the industry. We've accomplished this
 by focusing on technology and ease of use for the RV'er. We foresee more
 growth as safety concerns surrounding braking performance continue to increase
 among RV owners who are towing vehicles. By aligning with Hopkins, we can
 accelerate this growth and the introduction of additional new products to our
 customers."
     Hopkins said the BrakeBuddy(R) will fit with its existing line of trailer
 braking products and other towing accessories, providing an excellent platform
 to serve the RV market.
     Hopkins is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative
 consumer products for the RV and automotive aftermarkets, as well as of
 service products for automobile dealers, repair shops and safety inspection
 facilities. Built on a philosophy that its products will reflect an Image of
 Difference(R), the company is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
     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.
     For further information, see www.hopkinsmfg.com ,
 www.brakebuddy.com , or www.harbourgroup.com .
 
 

SOURCE  Harbour Group