Harvard Industries Introduces Pyrotechnical Launcher; Transfer of Defense Industry Technology

Business/Technology Editors

LEBANON, NJ–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jan. 10, 2000–Harvard Industries,

Inc. (NASDAQ: HAVA) announced today that its Harvard Electronics and

Defense Division, based in Arnold, MO, has begun manufacturing

PYROCRAFT (TM), a durable and stable launching system for major

fireworks displays.

The innovative product line owes its technological development to

Harvard’s more than 30 years of rocket launcher leadership. Harvard

has long been the leading supplier of fixed and rotary wing aircraft

military rocket launchers to the U.S. defense industry and other

countries.

“This is an excellent example of our ability to convert our

technological leadership in one industry into new products and

businesses in diverse industries,” stated Roger Pollazzi, Harvard’s

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Each year thousands of

fireworks displays are held, ranging from the familiar Fourth of July

celebrations to cruise ship displays and stadium victory shows

following each touchdown or homerun,” he added.

“Add to these the many other thousands of events that are held

throughout the world and one can only imagine the tremendous risk when

tons of dangerous explosives are set off near millions of spectators.

While the vast majority of these shows end without incident, some have

had disastrous conclusions. Harvard’s new PYROCRAFT (TM) system has

been designed to minimize the inherent accident potential of fireworks

displays and we will soon be offering advanced, laptop computer-based

showmanship technology to this worldwide industry,” Pollazzi

continued. Harvard will manufacture and sell the PYROCRAFT (TM) system

worldwide at its facility in Arnold, MO.

The modular PYROCRAFT (TM) system is flexible, simple to set up

and includes:

PYROCRAFT (TM) Electronic Firing System

— Constant squib continuity displayed

— Quick cue rail selection

— DC 12V rechargeable battery with charger

— Expandable to 240 cues with Diode Matrix box

— Quick and easy squib connects to cue rails

— Fully NFPA 1123 compliant

— Built-in circuit tester, audible alarm and voltmeter

— Industrial lock-on AMP connectors

— LED test lamps for each circuit

— 12 shot cue rails are high impact and weather resistant

— 50′ & 100′ distribution cables

PYROCRAFT (TM) Steel and Aluminum Framed Mortar Rack

— Rugged coated tubular steel construction

— Lightweight aluminum tubular construction

— Corrosion and weather resistant

— Stable design with removable stabilizer legs

— Can be set up for vertical or angled shots in minutes

— Mortar tubes in HDPE or fiberglass

— Heavy duty mortars – 3, 4, 5 and 6 inch

Harvard Industries designs, develops and manufactures a broad

range of components for OEM manufacturers and the automotive

aftermarket, as well as aerospace and industrial and construction

equipment applications worldwide. The Company has approximately 2,500

employees at 10 plants in the United States and Canada.

Statements herein regarding the Company’s future performance,

including the Company’s ability to consummate transactions, constitute

forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Act of

1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such statements are

subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual

results to differ materially from those projected. With respect to the

Company’s long-term business strategies, management has made certain

assumptions regarding the Company’s performance which may change or be

affected by, among other things, customer demand for the Company’s

products, and adverse changes in general, market and industry

conditions. In addition, there can be no assurance that the Company

will be able to successfully identify, negotiate or complete any

acquisitions or divestiture transaction, which the Company may be

currently contemplating. Management believes that forward-looking

statements are reasonable, however undue reliance should not be placed

on such forward-looking statements, which are based on current

expectations.

–30–es/ny*

CONTACT: Harvard Industries, Inc.

Paul Ciani

Senior Vice President, Engineered Products

248/932-8144

Stephen J. Strubel

General Manager, Arnold RL Division

314/296-5417, ext. 109

Ron Baker

Marketing Communications Counsel, Inc.

248/615-6480

Lee Laino

Public Relations Counsel

212/535-8303

KEYWORD: NEW JERSEY

INDUSTRY KEYWORD: AEROSPACE/DEFENSE AUTOMOTIVE