AHMA/USA Pavilion at 2006 International Hardware Fair/Practical World to Feature over 60 Manufacturers; New Exhibitors Join Pavilion; AHMA Introduces New International Membership.

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. -- Over 60 American hardware-home improvement manufacturers will participate in the 2006 AHMA/USA Pavilion at the International Hardware Fair/Practical World in Cologne, Germany, scheduled for March 5 - 8, 2006.

The show covers 255,000 square meters of exhibition space in the Koelnmesse fair grounds, and will welcome over 80,000 visitors to the four-day event.

"AHMA has been involved in International Hardware Fair/Practical World since 1983," said Timothy S. Farrell, president and chief executive officer of AHMA." "The AHMA/USA Pavilion gives our members the opportunity to showcase the newest and best American products, brands and innovations in the hardware/DIY sectors, including building materials, electrical, hand and power tools, hardware, housewares, lawn and garden, paint and decorating, and plumbing. We also have exclusive representation in our pavilion from the U.S. Commercial Service, offering assistance on how American manufacturers can export products to foreign markets."

Rockford, IL manufacturer Estwing Mfg. Co., Inc. is a longtime participant in AHMA's USA Pavilion Program, and according to president and COO Robert H. Youngren, it is a program well worth the investment. "We've been involved with AHMA's Pavilion Program at the International Hardware Fair for 17 years," said Youngren. "Because AHMA offers pavilion participants turnkey services, early on we could focus on learning how to do business in Europe, and how to avoid some of the pitfalls that are inevitable when entering new markets. The program essentially eases a company's entry into the global marketplace, and while we are now well established in Northern Europe, this remains a great way for us to expand our customer base, talk to our business partners, and stay updated on the complex issues of exporting.

In addition to the companies that have been involved with the AHMA/USA Pavilion program for many years, AHMA welcomes eight member companies to its USA Pavilion for the first time this year. The new additions are Ali Industries, Inc., Amallis International, Bench Dog, Inc., MEGAPRO, SK Hand Tool Corporation, Slide Sledge LLC, Walls Ind., Inc, and The Wooster Brush Company.

Another highlight of the week is the American Hardware Manufacturers Association Reception for AHMA/USA Pavilion exhibitors and guests. The reception, held Tuesday, March 7 in the Kristallsaal Room at Koelnmesse, has proven to be an excellent networking opportunity where AHMA members can exchange ideas and information about the hardware/home improvement industry and the European marketplace. "As soon as members sign up for the AHMA/USA Pavilion, they ask if we are continuing our tradition of hosting this annual reception," said Farrell. "The Kristallsaal Room is a magnificent location to hold this very special event, and the close proximity to the Pavilion makes it easy for our guests to attend after a long day conducting business."

AHMA Introduces New International Membership Category

AHMA is continuing to recognize the importance of the global marketplace by offering a new class of membership to international manufacturers or providers of hardware/home improvement products. Qualifying companies can become associate members of AHMA and enjoy member benefits, such as cost-savings programs, continuing education, global business intelligence, networking opportunities and legislative updates.

Premiere Cologne Breakfast to Highlight 360 Degrees Focus on the European DIY Consumer

Another first time event has been added to the AHMA roster this year. AHMA is hosting a signature breakfast to be held Monday, March 6 at the Hyatt Regency Koln. At the event, AHMA President and Chief Executive Officer Timothy S. Farrell will introduce new AHMA initiatives, remarks by Gilles Caille, Chairman of Fediyma (European Federation of DIY Manufacturers), and groundbreaking research findings, along with European market research expert Frank Quix, proprietor, Q&A Research and Consultancy, and Manfred Maus, Founder of OBI, President of BHB, the DIY organization in Germany, and EDRA, the European DIY Retail Association.

"For our members to be competitive in the European marketplace, we must provide them with all the information necessary to understand the European DIY consumer, and how they differ from the American consumer," said Farrell. "The research being presented at this breakfast was conducted among 6,000 households in 10 European countries, so is very significant in terms of qualified and valuable insight; and to have the opportunity to learn from the founder of OBI, a retailer that dominates the European DIY market with over 337 stores in Germany alone, and over 150 stores in other countries around the world, is really extraordinary. The information imparted at this event will provide breakfast attendees with an unparalleled knowledge base to help them stay ahead of the competition and viably compete in the global marketplace."

About American Hardware Manufacturers Association (AHMA)

American Hardware Manufacturers Association (AHMA) is an international trade association consisting of more than 500 manufacturers or providers of hardware, home improvement, lawn and garden, paint and decorating and related products, as well as manufacturers' representative's agencies and trade publications.

AHMA offers many valuable member and industry programs, services and activities including the AHMA Group Purchasing Organization (GPO), AHMA Strategic Sourcing, AHMA Low Cost Country Sourcing and related supply chain/strategic sourcing training programs, AHMA Manufacturers Showcases, AHMA University, AHMA Executive Conference and Annual Membership Meeting, held in conjunction with International Hardware Week (R) (IHW(R)), AHMA Hardlines Technology Forum(R), AHMA/USA International Pavilions, Government Relations Programs, Member Benefit Vendor Programs, Member Cost Reduction Programs, AHMA Hardware Industry Relief Effort (HIRE) with the American Red Cross, and the AHMA/Habitat for Humanity Partnership.

Note: A full list of AHMA/USA Pavilion exhibitors participating in the 2006 International Hardware Fair/Practical is attached. New Exhibitors are marked with a number 1.

AHMA/USA PAVILION EXHIBITORS
           INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR/PRACTICAL WORLD 2006

A & E International                M.K. Morse Company
Ace Hardware                       Mr. LongArm, Inc.
(1) Ali Industries                 Orgill, Inc.
(1) Amallis International          Peli Products
(1) Bench Dog, Inc.                Phifer Wire Products
Bigg Lugg                          Qualitas USA
Chamberlain GmbH                   Quali-Tech Mfg.
Columbus McKinnon                  Red Devil Inc.
Diamond Mach. Tech                 RiteScreen Co.
Do It Best Corp.                   Roebic International
Eklindk Tool Co.                   (1) SK Hand Tool Corporation
Estwing Mfg. Co.                   Seymour of Sycamore
EZE0LAP Diamond                    Shop Vac Corp.
General Pipe Cleaner               (1) Slide Sledge, LLC
Great American Mktg.               Spec Tools
Great Neck Saw                     Stack-On Products
H.D. Hudson                        Standard Abrasives
Kennametal                         Techni Edge Mfg.
KEY-BAK                            Thermwell Prod.
King Innovation                    U.S. Commercial Service
Kraft Tool Co.                     (1) Walls Ind., Inc.
Malco International                Wheeler Mfg.
McKim Group                        (1) The Wooster Brush Co.
(1) MEGAPRO                        Zephyr Mfg. Co.
Midwest Tool & Cutlery             Zircon Corporation

(1) Companies new to the AHMA/USA Pavilion in 2006