PRESS RELEASE

Appointment of new EMEA Managing Director reflects growth plans for Hartness International
Johnson returns to Hartness to support European development

Greenville, SC (USA), 24 March 2008 -- The return of Phil Johnson to Hartness International reflects a continued focus on EMEA growth for the manufacturer of advanced packaging line enhancements, conveyors, dynamic accumulation, case packing, and tray shrink solutions. Johnson will assume the role of Managing Director, Europe, Middle East, Africa and India.

Effective mid-April, Johnson will work alongside Jean Marti, current Managing Director for EMEA, in an effort to drive further development of the EMEA sales and projects unit established by Marti in Germany (Kleve) in 2003. Marti, an industry icon with 40 years’ experience, will continue with the company in a hands-on advisory role for strategic projects and continued EMEA growth.

Bern McPheely, CEO of Hartness International, said, “We are thrilled to have Phil back on board. His reputation for tenacity and following through on the details is exactly what Hartness needs to succeed as we embrace a new stage of European growth.”

Johnson will lead the project management, engineering, sales and service team across Europe. Hartness International also has a network of experienced agents throughout EMEA. Key customers include TetraPak, Diageo, Coca-Cola, Heineken, Combibloc, Hennessy, SABMiller, Absolut, Kraft, Unilever, Chivas, Heinz, Tropicana, Nestlé, P&G, Grand Chais de France, and Efes Pilsen.

“It is a privilege to follow in Jean Marti’s footsteps and continue to build Hartness International’s presence in EMEA. Our team in Germany delivers European solutions, and our customers enjoy excellent regional support from regionally based technicians and an established network of agents,” said Johnson. “Our product focus will continue to be line performance enhancements, DYNAC? centric cellular turnkey projects, with further emphasis on Hartness Inks, GlobalShrink? and other targeted end-of-line packaging solutions.

“Exciting projects, experienced people, unparalleled ideas and a committed approach to partners and project execution will continue to be our EMEA success platform,” he added.

Johnson most recently spent five years with R.A. Jones & Co. Ltd. where he served as Sales Director EMEA, selling and implementing Jones technology for beverage multipackaging and high-output powder pouching in the pharmaceutical and food sectors.

Hartness will have a presence at Interpack in Düsseldorf, 24 – 30 April 2008, Hall 8a/ Stand CO1.

Hartness International, a third-generation family-owned business, has long been recognized as one of the world's most innovative packaging solution providers. Headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, and with offices in Kleve, Germany, and Mexico City, Hartness conducts sales in 100 countries and boasts more than 100 patents in 20 countries.