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Encore Plastics Completes 4th Acquisition Since 1998 with Acquisition of East Texas Custom Plastics, Inc. November 16, 2001 (Bellevue, Ohio) Encore Plastics Corporation, an injection molder and thermoformer of plastic paint sundry products, today announced the acquisition of East Texas Custom Plastics, Inc., an innovative manufacturer of plastic products for the paint, hardware and home improvement markets, located in Bullard, Texas. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. "The acquisition of East Texas Custom Plastics is consistent with our goal to increase market share through organic growth and acquisitions," said D. Craig Rathbun, Encore's President. "This acquisition is a significant step forward in the execution of Encore's business strategy and gives us additional product lines that are complementary to our core business. The addition of the Turbo Mixer and Magnum Turbo Mixer products will certainly enhance Encore's Paintin' Pal family of painting accessories and strengthen our position in the retail paint sundries market." This is the fourth acquisition by Encore since 1998, and follows the April 2000 acquisition of Midstate Plastics Corporation, the February 1999 acquisition of Stylette Paint Sundries and the July 1998 acquisition of Jonathan Bye Industries, Inc. Encore plans to consolidate the East Texas operation into the company's Byesville, Ohio facility, pursuant to a reorganization that should be completed by the end of 2001. ### Established in 1987, Encore is a market leader in the distribution of paint sundries to paint, hardware and home improvement retailers nationwide. It is also a national supplier of weatherization products, including indoor air conditioning covers, and a significant custom thermoformer through its Midstate Plastics Corporation subsidiary and a premier supplier of disposable medical supplies through its Encore Medical Products division. With headquarters in Bellevue, Ohio, Encore's products and services are available to customers nationwide in the U.S, Canada and Mexico. Encore's internet homepage can be found at http://www.e-Encore.com. For additional information, contact Tim Rathbun at 800/336/2673; trathbun@e-Encore.com Encore Plastics Enters Thermoforming with Acquisition of Midstate Plastics Corporation April 3, 2000 (Bellevue, Ohio) Encore Plastics, an injection molder of plastic paint sundry products has once again expanded its market reach through acquisition. Encore Industries, Inc., the newly established parent of Encore Plastics Corporation, today announced the acquisition of Midstate Plastics Corporation, an injection molding and thermoforming manufacturer. Midstate Plastics manufactures and distributes a line of plastic pails, trays, liners and accessories to the paint, hardware and home improvement markets. Midstate also produces a proprietary line of energy saving weatherization products. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The acquisition will increase Encore's employment in the U.S. to 75. The combined companies include 14 injection molders and 12 thermoforming lines at three locations. The addition of a second distribution operation will enable Encore to aggressively pursue western relationships. Alan S. Rajdl, President of Midstate Plastics, has accepted the position of Vice President and General Manager for the newly established company and will assume an active role in guiding Encore's future growth plans. "This acquisition will bring significant synergy to the combined companies and continues our interest in growing our core business through the introduction of new product lines and through strategic acquisitions," said Tim Rathbun, Vice President of Encore. "The addition of Midstate Plastics will enable Encore to offer a broader product assortment and will enhance our paint sundry distribution as well as strengthen our thermoforming capabilities." This is the third acquisition by Encore since 1998, and follows the February 1999 acquisition of Stylette Paint Sundries and the July 1998 acquisition of Jonathan Bye Industries, Inc. Midstate's Remer, Minesota facility will become the primary thermoforming location for Encore's expanding paint sundry business and provides the company with property for future expansion of the facility. The resulting operation enables Encore to significantly expand its product development and distribution capability and will strengthen its position as the premier full service paint sundry manufacturer in the U.S. Encore now has in-house mold production capability and the largest variety of industrial pails, mixing containers, paint and wallpaper trays, liners and accessories in the U.S. ### Established in 1987, Encore is a market leader in the distribution of paint sundries to paint, hardware and home improvement retailers nationwide. With its July 1998 acquisition of the former Jonathan Bye Industries, it has also become a significant custom injection molder in the Midwest United States through its Encore Custom Molding division and a premier supplier of disposable medical supplies through its Encore Medical Products division. With headquarters in Bellevue, Ohio, Encore's products and services are available to customers nationwide in the U.S, Canada and Mexico. Encore's internet homepage can be found at http://www.e-Encore.com. For additional information, contact Tim Rathbun at 800/336/2673; trathbun@e-Encore.com Encore Plastics Corporation Receives Approval as Mid South Associates Member Supplier May 24, 1999 (Bellevue, Ohio) Encore Plastics Corporation is pleased to announce that it has obtained approval as a supplier of Midsouth Associates, Inc., one of the premier sundry and decorating products buying groups consisting of distributors serving independent paint dealers and hardware stores in the United States and Canada. Tim Rathbun, Vice President of Encore Plastics Corporation, commented that "the acceptance of Encore's program by Mid South represents another significant step in our corporate plan to build upon our core of retail paint, hardware and home improvement customers. This affiliation Midsouth and its members will serve to solidify our national corporate presence for years to come. We look forward to working closely with Mid South and its members to assure a highly sucessful retail distribution program for ourselves and the group's many quality member's throughout the United States and Canada." ### Established in 1987, Encore is a market leader in the distribution of paint sundries to paint, hardware and home improvement retailers nationwide. With its July 1998 acquisition of the former Jonathan Bye Industries, it has also become a significant custom injection molder in the Midwest United States through its Encore Custom Molding division and a premier supplier of disposable medical supplies through its Encore Medical Products division. With headquarters in Bellevue, Ohio, Encore's products and services are available to customers nationwide in the U.S, Canada and Mexico. Encore's internet homepage can be found at http://www.e-Encore.com. For additional information, contact Tim Rathbun at 800/336/2673; trathbun@e-Encore.com Encore Plastics Corporation Receives Approval as Distribution America Member Supplier May 1, 1999 (Bellevue, Ohio) Encore Plastics Corporation is pleased to announce that it has obtained approval as a supplier of Distribution America, a Des Plaines, Illinois based marketing group comprised of full-line independent regional distributors- the largest independent distribution network for hardlines products in America. Tim Rathbun, Vice President of Encore Plastics Corporation, commented that "the approval of Encore by Distribution America represents a significant approval for Encore, which will enable us to continue our aggressive growth plans. We believe that this approval also represents another statement in support of our expanding service capabilities. In addition to our recent acquisitions of Jonathan Bye Industries, Inc., and the Stylette Paint Sundry Division, we will continue our efforts to assure that our customers and all affiliated groups receive dynamic support and first-class service. We look forward to developing long term relationships with each of the DA members that will build on, and allow us to grow, Encore's product and service capabilities." ### Established in 1987, Encore is a market leader in the distribution of paint sundries to paint, hardware and home improvement retailers nationwide. With its July 1998 acquisition of the former Jonathan Bye Industries, it has also become a significant custom injection molder in the Midwest United States through its Encore Custom Molding division and a premier supplier of disposable medical supplies through its Encore Medical Products division. With headquarters in Sandusky, Ohio, Encore's products and services are available to customers throughout the U.S, Canada and Mexico. Encore's internet homepage can be found at http://www.e-Encore.com. For additional information, contact Tim Rathbun at 419/626/3032; trathbun@e-Encore.com Encore Plastics Acquires Paint Sundry Division From Stylette Plastics February 18, 1999 (Byesville, Ohio) Encore Plastics Corporation today announced the acquisition of Stylette Paint Sundries, a pioneer in the expanding paint sundries market located in Oakdale, Pennsylvania (near Pittsburgh). Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The acquisition of Stylette's paint sundry division enables Encore to significantly expand its distribution capability in the United States and will strengthen its position as a major full service paint sundry manufacturer. Encore, one of the most diversified paint sundry suppliers in the U.S., designs, develops, manufactures and distributes paint sundry products, primarily for sale to national and regional home hardware, DIY and automotive paint sundry supply wholesalers and retailers. Encore's products include a full line of paint and wallpaper trays and liners, plastic, paper and metal pails and accessories, including its line of Clearvue paint mixing pails. Encore will be relocating its distribution operations from Sandusky, Ohio to its newly acquired 30,000 square foot distribution center in Cambridge, Ohio, effective February 22, 1999. A 12,000 square foot expansion to its Byesville, Ohio manufacturing facility is currently underway and is scheduled for completion in June 1999. Increased Purchasing Power and Market Presence As Encore continues its pattern of dramatic growth, it expects to lower its cost of capital while realizing greater purchasing power. In turn, the company expects to provide more attractive long- term price and service stability to its expanding customer base. Tim Rathbun, Vice President of Encore, stated that "strategic acquisitions such as this one are the surest and least risky way to grow because we are buying already well- established relationships. This particular acquisition furthers Encore's interest in expanding and enhancing its distribution network throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. Stylette is a well respected name and this acquisition provides us with the opportunity to add complementary products with a rich heritage to our range of paint sundry products. Additionally, Stylette's long-established presence will provide Encore with immediate growth opportunities, and we are looking forward to capitalizing on these newly developing relationships." ### Established in 1987, Encore is a market leader in the distribution of paint sundries to paint, hardware and home improvement retailers nationwide. With its July 1998 acquisition of the former Jonathan Bye Industries, it has also become a significant custom injection molder in the Midwest United States through its Encore Custom Molding division and a premier supplier of disposable medical supplies through its Encore Medical Products division. With headquarters in Bellevue, Ohio, Encore's products and services are available to customers nationwide in the U.S, Canada and Mexico. Encore's internet homepage can be found at http://www.e-Encore.com. For additional information, contact Tim Rathbun at 800/336/2673; trathbun@e-Encore.com Encore Plastics Announces Reorganization and Introduction of Visa/Master Card Sales February 1, 1999 (Sandusky, Ohio) Encore Industries, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary Encore Plastics Corporation, a Sandusky, Ohio based custom injection molder and manufacturer of paint sundry products and disposable medical supplies, today announced that they have merged together in a move designed to formalize the consolidation of the former Jonathan Bye Industries, Inc. with and into Encore Industries, Inc., which has occured since Encore's acquisition of JBI in July 1998. The new company, to be known as Encore Plastics Corporation will relocate into a newly acquired corporate office in Bellevue, Ohio later this month. Manufacturing activities will be conducted in the company's Byesville, Ohio manufacturing facility, which is scheduled for a major expansion to begin during the second quarter of the year. Distribution activites will be conducted in a newly-acquired 30,000 square foot warehouse located in Cambridge, Ohio. John Wilson, Vice President of Manufacturing stated that "this series of reorganization activities will better position Encore for the long-term continued growth which lies ahead. The expanding manufacturing facility and outstanding distribution center and corporate office will have a significant impact on the product and service quality that we provide." The company also announced the introduction of its Visa and Master Card acceptance program for payment of product and service invoices. Jodi Conley, Vice President of Administration of Encore stated that "the initiation of our credit card acceptance program, together with our recently enhanced internet web site is one more step in Encore's overall corporate plan of assuring its many customers the highest quality service available both today and tomorrow. Encore continues to lead the way in customer service- twenty-four hours every day with Encore @Work On-Line." In addition to credit card sales, the company will continue to accept orders on open account for customers with approved credit. ### Established in 1987, Encore is a market leader in the distribution of paint sundries to paint, hardware and home improvement retailers nationwide. With its July 1998 acquisition of the former Jonathan Bye Industries, it has also become a significant custom injection molder in the Midwest United States through its Encore Custom Molding division and a premier supplier of disposable medical supplies through its Encore Medical Products division. With headquarters in Sandusky, Ohio, Encore's products and services are available to customers throughout the U.S, Canada and Mexico. Encore's internet homepage can be found at http://www.e-Encore.com. For additional information, contact Tim Rathbun at 419/626/3032; trathbun@e-Encore.com Encore Plastics Adds Vice Presidents January 4, 1999 (Byesville, Ohio) Tim Rathbun, Vice President of Encore Industries, today announced that John Wilson, a long-time industry professional with over 30 years of manufacturing and printing experience with Venture Packaging, Berry Plastics and Courtesy Corporation has joined the company as Vice President of Manufacturing. Mr. Wilson was most recently a Plant Manager with Courtesy Corporation in Anderson, South Carolina. Preceding his service with Courtesy Plastics, Mr. Wilson was a Plant Manager with Berry Plastics in Anderson, South Carolina following its acquisition of Venture Packaging in 1997. In making the announcement, Tim Rathbun indicated that "the addition of John Wilson to Encore's management team will add much needed depth and stability to Encore's manufacturing unit and will greatly facilitate Encore's aggressive growth plans for 1999 and beyond." In addressing the engagement, John Wilson added that "consistent quality, timely delivery and cost containment will be Encore's principal manufacturing objectives. I am looking forward to assuring that Encore continues to operate at the highest level of manufacturing efficiency." The company also announced that Jodi D. Conley, formerly Corporate Administrator of Encore Industries has been named Vice President of Administration with primary responsibility for corporate activities. Ms. Conley, formerly served with the Toledo, Ohio law firm of Eastman & Smith and the Monroeville, Ohio based Venture Packaging in similar capacities. Ms. Conley indicated that "increased customer contact and the introduction of more aggressive marketing programs will be immediate priorities. I am looking forward to overseeing several significant customer related programs scheduled to be announced during 1999." ### Established in 1987, Encore is a market leader in the distribution of paint sundries to paint, hardware and home improvement retailers nationwide. With its July 1998 acquisition of the former Jonathan Bye Industries, it has also become a significant custom injection molder in the Midwest United States through its Encore Custom Molding division and a premier supplier of disposable medical supplies through its Encore Medical Products division. With headquarters in Sandusky, Ohio, Encore's products and services are available to customers throughout the U.S, Canada and Mexico. Encore's internet homepage can be found at http://www.e-Encore.com. For additional information, contact Tim Rathbun at 419/626/3032; trathbun@e-Encore.com Encore Industries Acquires Jonathan Bye Industries July 17, 1998 (Sandusky, Ohio) Encore Plastics Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Encore Industries, Inc. today announced the acquisition of Jonathan Bye Industries, Inc., a leading producer of medical and surgical disposables in Byesville, Ohio (near Marietta) and a custom molder of injection molded plastic products for 18 years. The activities purchased comprise the manufacturing of a line of surgical razors, other medical products and a strategic custom molding capability serving customers in the northeast, mid-atlantic and midwestern states, Canada and Central and South America. Encore will retain the existing 20 employees who are experienced in manufacturing and customer service in this field and expects to expand the operation through the introduction of several additional product lines. Cynthia Turner, the Executive Vice President of Medical Service Corporation International, will be retained in a sales and consulting capacity for this facility. Increased manufacturing capacity This acquisition will increase the total of the company’s staff in the US to 35, and will expand Encore’s available manufacturing capacity and offer excellent geographic access to its principal paint sundries and medical products markets nationwide. Tim Rathbun, Vice President of Encore, stated that "this strategic acquisition furthers Encore's interest in expanding and enhancing its manufacturing and distribution network throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. Jonathan Bye's well-trained staff will provide Encore with immediate growth opportunities both here in the United States and in additional markets over-seas which were not previously available to the company." ### Established in 1987, Encore is a market leader in the distribution of paint sundries to paint, hardware and home improvement retailers nationwide. With headquarters in Sandusky, Ohio, Encore's products are available to customers nationwide in the U.S, and in Canada and Mexico. Encore's internet homepage can be found at http://www.e-Encore.com. For additional information, contact Tim Rathbun at 419/626/3032; trathbun@e-Encore.com Encore Industries Introduces Interactive Web Site January 10, 1998 (Sandusky, Ohio) Encore Industries, a Sandusky, Ohio based distributor of paint sundries products to paint, hardware, home center and farm stores nationwide, today announced the inception of the Encore Industries @Work On-Line internet web page. The site will initially feature an on-line catalog and account maintenance and product ordering tools, as well as an on-line Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) section. Additional features are planned for the site, including the introduction of credit card sales and on-line customer surveys. Tim Rathbun, Vice President of Encore stated that "the initiation of our internet web site is one more step in Encore's overall corporate plan of assuring its many customers the highest quality service available both today and tomorrow. As our customers begin to experiment with, and to utilize the internet's potential benefits, Encore plans to be there to lead the way - twenty-four hours every day with Encore @Work On-Line." ### Established in 1987, Encore is a market leader in the distribution of paint sundries to paint, hardware and home improvement retailers nationwide. With headquarters in Sandusky, Ohio, Encore's products are available to customers nationwide in the U.S, and in Canada and Mexico. Encore's internet homepage can be found at http://www.e-Encore.com. For additional information, contact Tim Rathbun at 419/626/3032; trathbun@e-Encore.com Encore Industries Adds Vice President September 8, 1997 (Sandusky, Ohio) John Rathbun, President of Encore Industries, today announced that Tim Rathbun, a corporate attorney has joined the company as Vice President. Mr. Rathbun, a graduate of Bowling Green State University and Case Western Reserve School of Law was most recently Vice President of Administrative and Legal Affairs of Venture Packaging, Inc., in Monroeville, Ohio. Preceding his service with Venture Packaging, Mr. Rathbun was an associate attorney with the Toledo, Ohio law firm of Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, working in the firm's corporate and securities department. Speaking of todays announcement, John Rathbun indicated that "the addition of Tim Rathbun to Encore's full-time management team will add significant depth of management and will enable us to respond to our customers' demands with greater speed and efficiency." In addressing the engagement, Tim Rathbun added that "job one at Encore has always been customer service. After acting in an advisory role for several years, it has become obvious that my full-time engagement is vital to assuring that the needs of our growing customer base will continue to be met with the highest level of service." ### Established in 1987, Encore is a market leader in the distribution of paint sundries to paint, hardware and home improvement retailers nationwide. With headquarters in Sandusky, Ohio, Encore's products are available to customers nationwide in the U.S, and in Canada and Mexico. Encore's internet homepage can be found at http://www.e-Encore.com. For additional information, contact Tim Rathbun at 419/626/3032; trathbun@e-Encore.com Encore Industries Receives Approval of Reliable Distributors, Inc. May 1, 1997 (Sandusky, Ohio) Encore Industries, a Sandusky, Ohio based distributor of paint sundries products to paint, hardware, home center, farm store and other retailers, today announced that it has obtained approval as a supplier of Reliable Distributors, Inc., a Libertyville, Illinois based buying group with members serving paint, hardware and building distributors and other wholoesalers and retailiers located throughout the United States. John Rathbun, President of Encore Industries, said "the addition of Reliable Distributors to Encore's growing list of paint, hardware and home center affiliates is another exciting step in our growth and development in this growing market. We are looking forward to working closely with Reliable and its many quality members to assure a highly successful partnership for years to come." ### Established in 1987, Encore is a market leader in the distribution of paint sundries to paint, hardware and home improvement retailers nationwide. With headquarters in Sandusky, Ohio, Encore's products are available to customers nationwide in the U.S, and in Canada and Mexico. Encore's internet homepage can be found at http://www.e-Encore.com. For additional information, contact Tim Rathbun at 419/626/3032; trathbun@e-Encore.com Encore Industries Receives Approval as Val-Test Member Supplier January 1, 1997 (Sandusky, Ohio) Encore Industries is pleased to announce that it has obtained approval as a supplier of Val-Test, a Schaumburg, Illinois based buying group consisting of distributors serving paint dealers and hardware stores in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Japan. John Rathbun, President of Encore Industries, commented that "the approval of Encore by Val-Test represents another in a string of recent approvals of Encore and our service capabilities. We continue to work diligently to assure that our customers and affiliated groups receive dynamic support and first-class service. We look forward to developing longterm relationships with each of the Val-Test members that will build on, and allow us to grow, Encore's product and service capabilities." ### Established in 1987, Encore is a market leader in the distribution of paint sundries to paint, hardware and home improvement retailers nationwide. With headquarters in Sandusky, Ohio, Encore's products are available to customers nationwide in the U.S, and in Canada and Mexico. Encore's internet homepage can be found at http://www.e-Encore.com. For additional information, contact Tim Rathbun at 419/626/3032; trathbun@e-Encore.com Encore Receives Approval of National Paint Distributors (NPD)/Dezignrite October 1, 1996 (Sandusky, Ohio) Encore Industries, today announced that it has obtained approval as a supplier of National Paint Distributors (NPD)/Dezignrite, an Englewood, Colorado based buying group consisting of distributors serving independent paint dealers and hardware stores in the United States and Canada. John Rathbun, President of Encore Industries, commented that "the acceptance of Encore's program by NPD, combined with the related approval of Encore by The Pro Group, Inc. represents a significant step in our corporate plan to build upon our core of retail paint, hardware and home improvement customers. This affiliation with a pair of national leaders will serve to solidify our national corporate presence for years to come. We look forward to working closely with NPD, the Pro Group and their respective members to assure a highly sucessful retail distribution program for ourselves and the groups' many quality customer's throughout the United States and Canada." ### Established in 1987, Encore is a market leader in the distribution of paint sundries to paint, hardware and home improvement retailers nationwide. With headquarters in Sandusky, Ohio, Encore's products are available to customers nationwide in the U.S, and in Canada and Mexico. Encore's internet homepage can be found at http://www.e-Encore.com. For additional information, contact Tim Rathbun at 419/626/3032; trathbun@e-Encore.com Encore Industries Receives Approval of The Pro Group October 1, 1996 (Sandusky, Ohio) Encore Industries, today announced that it has obtained approval as a supplier of the Pro Group, an Englewood, Colorado based buying group consisting of distributors serving independent paint dealers and hardware stores in the United States and Canada. John Rathbun, President of Encore Industries, commented that "the acceptance of Encore's program by the Pro Group, combined with the related approval of Encore by National Paint Distributors (NPD) represents a significant step in our corporate plan to build upon our core of retail paint, hardware and home improvement customers. This affiliation with a pair of national leaders will serve to solidify our national corporate presence for years to come. We look forward to working closely with the Pro Group and NPD and their respective members to assure a highly sucessful retail distribution program for ourselves and the groups' many quality customer's throughout the United States and Canada." ### Established in 1987, Encore is a market leader in the distribution of paint sundries to paint, hardware and home improvement retailers nationwide. With headquarters in Sandusky, Ohio, Encore's products are available to customers nationwide in the U.S, and in Canada and Mexico. Encore's internet homepage can be found at http://www.e-Encore.com. For additional information, contact Tim Rathbun at 419/626/3032; trathbun@e-Encore.com Encore Receives Approval as Associated Hardware Buyers Member Supplier July 13, 1995 (Sandusky, Ohio) Encore Industries, a Sandusky, Ohio based distributor of paint sundries products, today announced that it has obtained approval as a supplier of Associated Hardware Buyers, a Gainsville, Georgia based buying group with members serving paint, hardware, home center, and farm stores throughout the southeast United States. John Rathbun, President of Encore Industries, said "this approval is yet another step in the growth of Encore as a prime supplier of paint, hardware, home center and farm stores nationwide. We are very excited about this approval and look forward to working closely with the Associated Hardware Buyers and its members." ### Established in 1987, Encore is a market leader in the distribution of paint sundries to paint, hardware and home improvement retailers nationwide. With headquarters in Sandusky, Ohio, Encore's products are available to customers nationwide in the U.S, and in Canada and Mexico. Encore's internet homepage can be found at http://www.e-Encore.com. For additional information, contact Tim Rathbun at 419/626/3032; trathbun@e-Encore.com Encore Co-Founder Retires - Will Provide Continuing Consulting Services June 21, 1994 (Sandusky, Ohio) Encore Industries, a national distributor of paint sundries products, today announced that Donald D. Diecks, a former officer and director of the company, and its current national sales manager, has resigned. Mr. Diecks, who is based in Pennsylvania, is a co-founder of the company. He has decided to remain in Pennsylvania to pursue other interests and will leave the Sandusky, Ohio based company by the end of the year. Mr. Diecks will continue to aid Encore in a consulting capacity. Speaking about today's announcement, John Rathbun, President and CEO of Encore, said, "During his time with Encore, Mr. Diecks made a significant contribution to the company's current position as a national presence in the paint sundries market. We wish Don the very best in his new projects and look forward to his continued counsel in his continuing capacity as a valued consultant for Encore." ### Established in 1987, Encore is a market leader in the distribution of paint sundries to paint, hardware and home improvement retailers nationwide. With headquarters in Sandusky, Ohio, Encore's products are available to customers nationwide in the U.S, and in Canada and Mexico. Encore's internet homepage can be found at http://www.e-Encore.com. For additional information, contact Tim Rathbun at 419/626/3032; trathbun@e-Encore.com Encore Industries Announces Reorganization - Expansion January 3, 1994 (Sandusky, Ohio) Encore Industries, a national distributor of paint sundries products, today announced that a group consisting of D. Craig Rathbun, Timothy J. Rathbun, Jodi D. Conley, John P. Wilson and Brett C. Bauer has acquired a majority interest in the paint sundries leader from co-founders Donald D. Diecks and W. John Rathbun. While the terms of the acquisition were not announced, the company indicated that Donald D. Diecks retained an ownership interest in the company and would continue his activities on behalf of the company as its national sales manager. John Rathbun has been named President of the Pennsylvania based company, which also will be relocated to expanded facilities in Sandusky, Ohio. The new ownership group results in an immediate influx of quality management support for Encore's growing business. Craig Rathbun brings ten years of marketing experience to the company. Tim Rathbun brings the services of a practicing corporate attorney to the management team. Jodi Conley will take over Encore's office administration and telemarketing operations. Brett Bauer is a certified public accountant with extensive experience in corporate finance and the priciples of cost accounting. John Wilson has over twenty years of experience in injection molding, the technology which drives Encore's main product line. John Rathbun, President of Encore Industries said, "This reorganization has added significant depth to our management resources and the expansion into an outstanding facility located just minutes from major interstates and our major manufacturing partner will enable Encore to immediately expand its business to better meet the needs of its growing customer base." ### Established in 1987, Encore is a market leader in the distribution of paint sundries to paint, hardware and home improvement retailers nationwide. With headquarters in Sandusky, Ohio, Encore's products are available to customers nationwide in the U.S, and in Canada and Mexico. Encore's internet homepage can be found at http://www.e-Encore.com. For additional information, contact Tim Rathbun at 419/626/3032; trathbun@e-Encore.com