Sam Scott Continuing Quotations

Much has been accomplished to date, and we expect continuing improvements as we drive our actions and initiatives this year. All in all, we are optimistic about our Company's prospects in 2006 and our ability to continue to pursue profitable growth opportunities and achieve our stated long-term financial targets.

Even though 2005 was the Company's second-best level of net income and EPS, the effects from various operational issues that arose throughout the year at our US Argo facility hurt the bottom line. However, the year had several important positives, with our South American business posting its best year ever for sales and operating income and our Asia/Africa segment continuing its recovery to near-record sales and profit levels. We also strengthened our balance sheet and achieved record operating cash flow.

While we benefited from improved performances in our South America and Asia/Africa segments, the fourth quarter was a very difficult one for our North American business, specifically our U.S. operations. Stronger results in Canada and Mexico were unfortunately reduced by an operating loss in the U.S. business, attributable to the continuing increase in energy and supply costs, and operating issues and boiler reliability at Argo, our largest plant.

Stronger results in Canada and Mexico were unfortunately reduced by an operating loss in the US business, attributable to the continuing increase in energy and supply costs, and operating issues and boiler reliability at Argo, our largest plant.