NILES, IL--August 21, 2002---Thermal Care, Inc. a leading manufacturer of process cooling equipment, recently purchased the assets of AWS, formerly of Elgin, Illinois from Bank of America. This occurred because Grafix North America lost its distributor’s license for Grafix GmbH equipment manufactured in Germany. AWS was a causality of this and became an asset of the bank until their recent purchase by Thermal Care. AWS will continue to be managed by Rich Stratz, a 22-year veteran of the company. The purchase of AWS fits into Thermal Care’s strategic plan for continued growth by diversification into new markets. Thermal Care (a subsidiary of a $140 million company) is a successful leader in the design and fabrication of chilled water systems and temperature control equipment for the Plastics industry. The combined expertise of AWS and Thermal Care will significantly enhance their ability to offer innovative and economical process cooling equipment to all markets served. To learn more about Thermal Care, please visit their web site at www.thermalcare.com Many AWS employees were retained, including the full sales staff, field service department and key engineers. With strong financial support from Thermal Care, AWS will maintain their lead as a manufacturer of Sheetfed and Web printing product lines such as: Central Chill Water Systems, UniFlow Circulators, Vibra Pacs, Ink Levelers, Chill Roll Temperature Control, Single Zone Chill Pacs for Sheet Fed, and Combi Units for Sheetfed and Forms Presses. To increase efficiency, AWS have moved to an 85,000 square foot plant operated by Thermal Care in Niles, Illinois. Their new mailing address and phone numbers are as follows. AWS, a Thermal Care Division 7720 N. Lehigh Ave. Niles, IL 60714 Toll Free 800-297-6861 Phone 847-929-1950 Fax 847-966-9358 Web Site: www.awsintl.com Email: [email protected]