New CHICAGO, September 30, 2003 — Hostmann-Steinberg, one of the world's largest manufacturers of printing inks and related products, today announced that Pitman Company, the leading independent North American graphic arts supplier, has been named national distributor for Hostmann-Steinberg's full line of inks in the United States. A member of the Huber Group, Hostmann-Steinberg ranks among the top ten ink manufacturers worldwide, and with the new Pitman distribution channel in place, is now one of only four ink companies to offer complete coast-to-coast distribution in the U.S. Known for the high quality, consistency and innovativeness of its extensive product line, Hostmann-Steinberg North America has major central automated manufacturing facilities in Toronto, Ontario and Louisville, Kentucky. Hostmann-Steinberg’s automation accommodates the flexibility to produce custom-formulated inks to meet individual customer’s special needs. In addition to its two major manufacturing sites, Hostmann-Steinberg has a network of 26 well-equipped, strategically located regional branches, offering local ink mixing capabilities to meet tight turnaround schedules and provide formulations tailored for specific customers in their areas. Winfried Gleue, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hostmann-Steinberg North America, stated, "Through our distribution partnership with Pitman, Hostmann-Steinberg is looking forward to stronger, total penetration and a significantly greater share of the U.S. printing ink market. With Pitman's experienced sales organization working with our local sales and service teams, we have added a proven, highly productive channel for the growing spectrum of quality, innovative products and customer services that drive Hostmann-Steinberg's strong growth. Most important, Pitman shares our ‘high-quality, individual service’ commitment to assure the success of our customers’ operations with the right product solutions from Hostmann-Steinberg." Joe Demharter, President and Chief Executive Officer of Pitman Company, observed, "We're extremely pleased and excited to be the U.S. channel for Hostmann-Steinberg, a remarkably innovative company renowned globally for the extraordinary quality and consistency of its product line. Linking Hostmann-Steinberg's nationwide ink production sites and technical expertise with Pitman's responsive sales and strong service capabilities, means that printers throughout the country have even wider access to the full resources of an industry leader dedicated to innovation in ink technology and the success of its customers."