May 1 , 2007

Vail Acquires Pulp And Paper Provider Midwest Service

(St. Joseph, Mich.) Vail Rubber Works, Inc., a privately held manufacturer of industrial roll products and services located in St. Joseph, MI, announced today their acquisition of Midwest Service & Engineering, Inc., a Middletown, Ohio,-based regional provider to the pulp and paper industry.

"For over 100 years Vail has provided quality industrial roll services to a wide range of industries and customers.  This acquisition allows us to reach farther geographically and add to our business in the pulp and paper industry as well as in the metal industry," said Joseph (Bill) Hanley, Vail's President. "We value the reputation for excellence Midwest has earned from its pulp and paper industry customers.  The combination of Midwest’s capabilities with Vail's financial strength and roll covering product lines will allow a better solution for Midwest customers."

"Our partnership with Vail will open doors to additional product lines and capital sources, which will allow us to fund our on-going and future growth plans," said Don Bown, Chairman of the Board of Midwest. "We remain committed to our customers and employees and are very enthusiastic about the opportunities this acquisition brings to both. We will remain in Middletown with our current team."

The transaction closed effective May 1, 2007.

Information on Midwest Service may be found at www.midwest-service.com.

   
Contact:            Joseph W. Hanley (269) 983-1595
                        Donald R. Bown (513)705-2060

 

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