Lancaster, PA (December 13, 2005) — The High Companies today announced that W. Thomas Kennedy, III, will assume the role of President and Chief Executive Officer of High Industries, Inc. Mr. Kennedy is currently Executive Vice President of High Industries. Nevin D. Cooley, current President of High Real Estate Group, LLC, will assume the additional role of Chief Executive Officer of High Real Estate Group. Both changes will be effective January 1, 2006. S. Dale High, the current President of High Industries, will continue to serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors for both High Industries and High Real Estate Group. 

Regarding the organizational changes, S. Dale High said, "The High Family Council, consisting of the members of my immediate family and me, has made clear its commitment to the future growth of the organization. As we prepare for this growth, it is necessary to put into place the infrastructure and leadership capabilities to support a larger and more complex organization. This is the implementation of The High Companies' succession plan to ensure the continuity of leadership for all of the High companies. I will continue my involvement in the companies through my roles as Chairman of High Industries and High Real Estate Group. Our customer-focused, community-minded, innovative culture will continue to define The High Companies."
 
Mr. Kennedy will oversee High Industries, comprising High Steel Structures, Inc.; High Concrete Group (High Concrete Structures, Inc.; High Concrete Technology, LLC; and High Concrete Innovations, LLC); High Steel Service Center, Inc.; as well as affiliated companies High Safety Consulting Services, Ltd.; and High Food Services, Ltd. A member of the High Industries Board of Directors, Mr. Kennedy has served as Executive Vice President of High Industries since April, 2005. He most recently served in a number of senior leadership roles at CNH Global N.V. and its predecessor companies, where he was employed for nearly 40 years. 

Mr. Cooley will be responsible for High Real Estate Group, which comprises High Associates, Ltd.; High Construction Company; Greenfield Architects, Ltd.; High Investors, Ltd.; and High Hotels, Ltd. Mr. Cooley joined the High organization in 1986 and has served for twelve of those years in significant leadership positions within High Real Estate Group.

Other management changes include the appointment of Larry Brown as Senior Vice President – Human Resource Services of The High Companies, and Michael W. Van Belle as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of The High Companies.

Mr. Brown joined the High organization in 1996 as Vice President – Human Resource Services following more than 20 years of human resources and managerial experience at New Holland North America, Inc. and other local firms. He provides guidance and support to all High companies in the encompassing disciplines of human resources, organizational development and training, safety and environmental, benefits, labor relations, and office services.

Mr. Van Belle came to the High organization in May, 2005, after serving as a partner with KPMG since 2002. A certified public accountant and attorney, he was formerly a partner with Arthur Andersen, LLP. In addition to his direct involvement with the company's business units, he provides oversight to the shared resources of accounting services, treasury, risk management, and information services.   

Mr. Kennedy and Mr. Cooley will co-chair The High Companies' Executive Committee, whose function is to assure that the policies and performance of all High operating units are aligned with the collective expectations of the shareholders and Boards of Directors, assure that each company's culture and activities are consistent with The High Philosophy, ensure strategic and operating plans are developed that support the strategic direction of The High Companies, identify cross-company cooperation and synergistic opportunities, recommend appropriate resource allocations, promote common policies and procedures, and provide support and leadership in the areas of human resource services, finance, marketing, and information systems. 

Executive Committee members also include Larry Brown, Senior Vice President – Human Resource Services; Michael W. Van Belle, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; and Betty J. Gerhart, Corporate Secretary of High Industries and its related entities. The Executive Committee will ensure that The High Philosophy and the company culture continue to guide the entire High organization.  

Also, in addition to her recent appointment as Executive Director of The High Foundation, Robin D. Stauffer will serve as Corporate Secretary for High Real Estate Group and its related entities.  

The High Companies, based at Greenfield Corporate Center, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2006. Founded in 1931, this family-owned company serves its customers through the following businesses: industrial/commercial, multi-family, and retail development; brokerage, leasing, and asset and property management services; real estate investments; hotel ownership and management; architecture and construction; steel fabrication, erection, and distribution; precast concrete building systems; air-quality and safety consulting; and industrial/office food services. The High Companies operates 44 offices in 10 states. More information is available by visiting www.high.net.

# # #