Art's Way Manufacturing Announces the Acquisition of Assets From Universal Harvester Co., Inc.

ARMSTRONG, Iowa, May 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Art's Way Manufacturing Co., Inc., (NASDAQ: ARTW) a leading manufacturer and distributor of agricultural machinery, equipment, and services, announces that it has completed its acquisition of assets from Universal Harvester Co., Inc. ("UHC"), of Ames, Iowa, a leader in the fabrication of reels for combines and swathers.  The consideration paid in the transaction consisted of approximately $3 million in cash and 5,000 shares of Art's Way Manufacturing common stock.  Art's Way Manufacturing has formed a wholly-owned subsidiary, Universal Harvester by Art's Way Manufacturing Co.  This new subsidiary will be consolidated with Art's Way Manufacturing for financial reporting purposed and is expected to continue to operate out of the former UHC plant.  Ardis Heidebrink, formerly the President of UHC, has been hired as the General Manager of the new subsidiary and will report to Art's Way Manufacturing Co., Inc. Chief Executive Officer, Carrie Majeski.  All former UHC employees have been retained.

J. Ward McConnell Jr., Chairman of the Board of Directors said, "We are very pleased to have UHC as part of the Art's Way Manufacturing family. This acquisition is both strategic and highly complementary to our existing operations and product lines. With its history of quality products and dedication to customer service, it will be a welcome addition. Last year, UHC had revenue of approximately $4 million and we anticipate the acquisition will be immediately accretive.  I want our shareholders to know, we intend to continue to be aggressive in looking for opportunities that will help build and grow shareholder value."

About Art's Way Manufacturing Co., Inc.

Art's Way manufactures and distributes farm machinery niche products including animal feed processing equipment, sugar beet defoliators and harvesters, land maintenance equipment, crop shredding equipment, round hay balers, plows, hay and forage equipment, manure spreaders and top and bottom drive augers. After-market service parts are also an important part of Art's Way's business. Art's Way Manufacturing has three wholly owned subsidiaries. Art's Way Vessels, Inc. manufactures pressurized tanks and vessels; Art's Way Scientific, Inc. manufactures modular animal confinement buildings and modular laboratories, and [Universal Harvester by Art's Way Manufacturing Co.] manufactures reels for combines and swathers.

Investors and shareholders are invited to send their email to [email protected] to be added to the Company's email database for future news releases.

For More Information, Contact:  Jim Drewitz, Investor Relations
830-669-2466
[email protected] 
www.jdcreativeoptions.com

Or visit the Company's website at www.artsway-mfg.com

This news release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements in this release relate to the expected impact of the UHC acquisition, expectations for the integration of UHC operations, and our intent to pursue strategic acquisitions.  Statements of anticipated future results are based on current expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, unexpected problems or delays with integration of UHC operations, fluctuations in demand for combine reels and Art's Way's other products,  the management of growth, the availability of investment opportunities, and other factors detailed from time to time in Art's Way's  Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Actual results may differ markedly from management's expectations. Art's Way cautions readers not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements.

SOURCE Art's Way Manufacturing Co., Inc.