FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 29, 2008

Astrup Announces Retirement of President Jeffrey W. Kirk

CLEVELAND, OH - The Astrup Company announces the retirement of Jeffrey W. Kirk, Astrup President and Chief Operations Officer of the newly created distribution division of Glen Raven, effective February 1, 2008.

Kirk, a fourth-generation member of the founding Astrup family, served over 32 years with the company. He was first hired in 1975 as an Account Representative in Augusta, Ga. He was transferred to Cleveland in 1977 as a buyer, and later became Purchasing Manager. He was named Director in 1984, and Vice President and Secretary one year later. He became Senior Vice President and Secretary in 1988. Kirk was promoted again in 1998 to Executive Vice President and Secretary. He was named President and Secretary in 1999.

In October 2005, Kirk, Industrial Fabrics Manager (IFM), was elected as Chairman of the Board of the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) and finished his term in October 2007 after more than 12 years on the IFAI Board. Kirk was also Chairman of the United States Industrial Fabrics Institute (USIFI) and served on the Professional Awning Manufacturer’s Association (PAMA) board.

Kirk received a Bachelor of Art degree in Economics from Wittenberg University in 1975 and an MBA in Marketing from Case Western Reserve University in 1990.

“I leave knowing that there are many capable people in the right positions, doing the right things to carry on the business,” Kirk said. “Retirement is bittersweet for me. I will certainly miss everyone, but I’m looking forward to doing new things.” He now plans to pursue other interests.

Harry Gobble, General Manager of the Glen Raven distribution group, and Al Johnson, Business Development Manager, will assume many of Kirk’s responsibilities to ensure continuity of direction and focus going forward in the current merger of Astrup and John Boyle & Co. with Glen Raven.

"Jeff’s contributions to The Astrup Company, and the Industrial Fabrics Industry, are well known and appreciated by those he has worked with for over 30 years. His steady demeanor, business savvy and keen sense of humor will be greatly missed,” said Gobble. “Please join me in congratulating Jeff on a job well done, and much happiness going forward.”

Astrup is the leading supplier of materials used in the manufacture of awnings, signs, tarpaulins, tents, indoor and outdoor furniture, umbrellas, marine products (tops and covers) and associated fabric products for residential, commercial and architectural applications. For more than 130 years, the Cleveland based company has made its products and services available through 14 strategically located distribution centers throughout North America. To obtain additional information, contact Astrup at 216-696-2820 or visit the company online at www.astrup.com / www.astruphospitality.com.

The Astrup Company
2937 W. 25th St.
Cleveland, OH 44113
Phone: 216-696-2820
E-Mail: fitzgerald@mitchellallen.com
Website URL: www.astrup.com