Park Forest, Illinois - February 20, 2004. A group headed by Robert S. Kaminski and other former employees of Continental/Midland, has purchased four manufacturing facilities and related assets of the Huck Automotive Fasteners Group from Alcoa Inc., the world's leading producer of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Duff & Phelps, LLC, a national middle-market investment banking and financial advisory firm, initiated this transaction and served as exclusive financial advisor to the Kamiski Family. LaSalle Bank ABN-AMRO provided the senior debt financing to consummate the acquisition.

The acquisition includes Continental/Midland facilities in Park Forest, IL and Valparaiso, IN (formerly known as Midwest Fasteners), a former Jacobson Manufacturing plant in Medina, OH and MSD Stamping in Livonia, MI. Together, the plants have more than 600 employees and generated more than $100 million in revenues in 2003.

"We believe this business has tremendous growth potential," said Kaminski, who was president and owner of Continental/Midland between 1986 and 1999. "We are also excited to be working once again with our talented employees to return our company to industry prominence. We did it before, and we will do it again."

Continental/Midland and the other businesses will be owned and managed by Kaminski, his sons Bob and Dave Kaminski, and Jack Woodruff - all of whom were instrumental in their former company's turnaround and growth throughout the 1990s. Their immediate plans include making customer service the company's top priority, simplifying operations and reinforcing the values (Integrity, Responsiveness, Accountability) that made Continental/Midland one of the most respected names in the automotive industry.

"We understand the auto-making business and will do whatever it takes to deliver quality products that meet our customers' specifications and production scheduling requirements," said Kaminski.

About Continental/Midland, Jacobson Manufacturing and MSD Stamping: Continental/Midland, Jacobson Manufacturing and MSD Stamping design, manufacture and market engineered metal fasteners, cold-formed parts and fastener assemblies for automotive manufacturers and suppliers as well as selected industrial markets. In addition, Continental/Midland manufactures and supplies powder actuated tools. The companies have approximately 600 employees and manufacturing facilities in Park Forest, IL; Valparaiso, IN; Medina, OH and Livonia, MI. For additional information please contact David Kaminski, Sr., President and Chief Operating Officer, (708) 747-1200 ext. 279,

About Alcoa Inc.: Alcoa is the world's leading producer of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina, and is active in all major aspects of the industry. Alcoa serves the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation and industrial markets, bringing design, engineering, production and other capabilities of Alcoa's businesses to customers. In addition to aluminum products and components, Alcoa also markets consumer brands including Reynolds Wrap(R) foils and plastic wraps, Alcoa(R) wheels, and Baco(R) household wraps. Among its other businesses are vinyl siding, closures, fastening systems, precision castings, and electrical distribution systems for cars and trucks. The company has 120,000 employees in 41 countries. More information can be found at http://www.alcoa.com.