ST.PAUL, MINN. · 5 June, 2001 · 3M, a worldwide resource for total packaging solutions and Siat S.p.A., a global packaging equipment manufacturer have restructured Combi Packaging Systems LLC, their joint venture, by purchasing the shares once held by the original owners of Combi America. This preplanned event was established when the joint venture was initiated in 1999.

Combi Packaging Systems will continue to provide a complete line of packaging equipment through established 3M distributor channels. High volume, corrugated carton users are the primary customer base.

Key to the success of the joint venture is the superior equipment it manufactures. Combi designs and manufactures a wide range of case erecting and packaging equipment in its 59,000 square-foot facility in Canton, Ohio.

In addition to its manufacturing expertise, Combi Packaging Systems engineering and design team capitalizes on the growing trend of customers to outsource the design, fabrication and assembly of complete packaging lines. This joint venture continues to offer a single source option along with customer service and technical support.

3M

3M is diversified science and technical company with 2000 sales of $ 16 billion. It has operations in more than 60 countries and employs more than 70,000 people worldwide. Headquartered in St.Paul, Minnesota, 3M serves customers in dozens of markets, ranging from Pharmaceutical and Health Care to Electronics, Optics, Customer and Office products. 3M Packaging Systems Division is a world leading supplier of automatic, semi-automatics and manual packaging systems, as well as a full line of packaging tapes and suppliers. For more information, call 651-736-7918 or visit web-site at: www.3m.com

M.J.Maillis Group

The M.J.Maillis Group is a European based group quoted on the Athens Stock Exchange, formed by 30 companies, including SIAT Group, producing and distributing secondary packaging machines and consumables. For more information visit the web-site at : www.maillis.gr

SIAT S.p.A.

Siat is a leading vertically integrated manufacturing group of companies offering a broad range of machines and tools for end-of-line packaging. Based in Turate, Italy, the company has a global reputation for developing top of the line automatic packaging machines. For more information call 39-02-964951 or visit the web-site at : www.siat.com

Combi Packaging Systems

Combi Packaging Systems LLC provides customer packaging solutions for case erecting, loading and sealing for customers on a global scale. The Ohio-based company has designed and manufactured a variety of packaging equipment from best-in-class case erectors and sealers to customers end-to-end integrated solutions. For more information call 330-456-9333 or visit the web-site at : www.combi.com