Tru-Flite Arrow Company Merges with Easton Outdoors

[Outdoors Direct]

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, July 2002 -Tru-Flite Arrow Company, the world's
largest manufacturer of finished arrows, joins Easton Technical Products,
Hoyt USA, Reflex and Beman USA to provide the hunting and outdoor markets
with top-quality products and superior service.
Tru-Flite is the primary arrow supplier for numerous archery
distributors and retail dealers, including Cabela's, Bass Pro, Wal-Mart and
K-Mart. Easton Tru-Flite's manufacturing and archery distribution operations
will remain in Monticello, Indiana, and will be expanded to increase its
arrow-fletching capacity. John Gooding will lead the Easton Tru-Flite team
as President, and Ray Gooding, founder of Tru-Flite Arrow Company, is the
Chairman of the new company.
While the archery market has experienced numerous changes among
manufacturers in the past several years, Tru-Flite has maintained its
position at the top of the industry. "Our continual focus on and investment
in quality, automation, and manufacturing efficiency have allowed Tru-Flite
to retain its position as the industry leader in custom arrow manufacturing
for over 25 years. The business philosophies and commitments of Easton and
Tru-Flite to quality and customer satisfaction mirror one another, so this
is a natural fit. We're looking forward to expanding the Tru-Flite
operations to take advantage of the opportunities provided by this unique
union of our two companies," said John Gooding, President of Easton
Tru-Flite.
Easton has an 80-year history as the manufacturer of the world's finest
arrow shafts and components for bowhunters and target archers. "We discussed
with Ray Gooding over twenty years ago the advantages of merging Tru-Flite's
arrow manufacturing operations with Easton's shaft distribution system. The
time has come to combine our two companies strengths. This merger with
Tru-Flite allows Easton to offer finished arrows, and to improve and expand
our service to both archery dealers and our distributors," said Erik Watts,
CEO, Easton Outdoors.
The archery market is continually changing as new products, companies
and services are brought to market. "The focus of Easton Outdoors is to lead
the market by providing innovative products with the best brands and
world-class service to our distributors and dealers. Tru-Flite helps us
achieve these goals, strengthen our distribution channels, and support the
long-term growth of archery and of our company. I am excited by the
opportunity to welcome Tru-Flite Arrow Company, as the newest partner in our
growth plans," said Jim Easton, Chairman and CEO, Jas. D. Easton, Inc.
Easton Outdoors (Salt Lake City, UT) is the parent company of the Easton
hunting and outdoor product operations, which currently includes Easton
Technical Products, HoytUSA, Reflex, Beman USA, and Easton Tru-Flite. Easton
Sports (Van Nuys, CA) is the Easton team sports operation that includes
baseball and softball products, hockey equipment, and bike tubing and
accessories. Easton Outdoors and Easton Sports are both subsidiaries of Jas.
D. Easton, Inc. (Van Nuys, CA).
For information about Easton Tru-Flite as the newest member to the
Easton Outdoors group, you may call or write Easton Outdoors, 5040 West
Harold Gatty Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah 84116-2897, USA; (801) 539-1400.
For information about any of the top-quality outdoor and hunting products
from Easton Technical Products, HoytUSA, Reflex, Beman USA, and Easton
Tru-Flite, contact:

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