Year 2000 Statement

November 28, 1999

Thank you for your inquiry regarding HillSouth's preparedness for the Year 2000. Our company, just as others, faces a major challenge as we introduce dates with the Year 2000 into our company's numerous computer systems, devices, and equipment, which utilize date information. HillSouth is striving to ensure that there is no impact to our customers due to Year 2000 concerns. We view the Year 2000 challenge as a vital matter requiring our utmost attention.

HillSouth followed the Computer Industry Group's process to become Year 2000 Ready which helped in analyzing, testing, and making corrections to our computer systems, devices, and equipment. At this time, all of our sites have completed our Year 2000 Readiness process. We are confident that our internal program has minimized the occurrence of any date-related production problems. Our extensive integrated testing has allowed us to produce products on our equipment date advanced to the Year 2000 without failure.

As part of our Year 2000 program, we are also developing Business Contingency Plans which include pre-emptive steps, "Day 1" tasks, and plans to handle potentially disruptive external events. These steps are being taken to maintain HillSouth's ability to produce the highest quality systems and components to meet our customers' requirements, and to ensure that every employee of HillSouth is able to provide our customers with the excellent level of service they have come to expect from us.

If you would like to discuss our Year 2000 compliance plans in more detail, please contact me.

Sincerely,
Ryan Gensel - ryan.gensel@hillsouth.com
Manager, Year 2000 Efforts