Effective immediately, Ruskin Company, and Swartwout, both based in Kansas City, announced a 1% to 2-1/2% price increase on all products for 2004. This increase is directly related to significant increases in the cost of raw steel and aluminum as well as higher freight costs and employee medical expenses.

Also effective immediately, Ruskin Sound Control, Kansas City, announced a 1-1/2% price increase on all acoustical products for 2004. This increase is directly related to significant increases in raw steel as well as freight costs and employee medical expenses.