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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
________________

FORM 10-K

Commission File Number 1-3574

HASTINGS MANUFACTURING COMPANY
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (616) 945-2491

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.

Aggregate market value of voting stock of registrant held by non-affiliates as of March 19, 2002 was $2,197,433.

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of March 19, 2002:

Documents and Information Incorporated by Reference

PART I

          Hastings Manufacturing Company (the Company) is a Michigan corporation organized in 1929 with its headquarters and U.S. manufacturing facilities and distribution base in Hastings, Michigan.

          The Company is primarily a manufacturer of piston rings for automotive and light truck applications for the replacement market. The Company also manufactures some of its piston ring products for original equipment applications. To a lesser extent, the Company packages and sells automotive mechanics' specialty tools and additives for engines, transmissions, and cooling systems and distributes products into the automotive aftermarket for unaffiliated suppliers. Prior to October 4, 1999, the Company directly administered and sold the additives offerings. Effective that date, the Company entered into a joint venture agreement for the marketing of those additive products worldwide under the "Casite" brand name. The 50% owned joint venture, Casite Intraco, LLC, does business as The Casite Company. While the joint venture has experienced increased sales each of its first two years, there has been minimal positive impact on the Company's profitability. In additio n, all of the Company's products are currently offered in Canada, where they are produced and/or packaged and distributed by the Company's Canadian subsidiary, Hastings, Inc., located in Barrie, Ontario. Hastings, Inc. is directly responsible for all of the specialty tool packaging and distribution throughout the Canadian, U.S. and other foreign markets.

          The Company distributes its replacement products through numerous auto parts jobbers and warehouse distributors for sale primarily in the automotive replacement markets throughout the U.S. and Canada. These products are also distributed nationally and internationally through numerous large-scale engine rebuilders and various retailer outlets. The Company also sells, on a limited basis, private brand piston ring sets to certain customers under the customers' brand names.

          The Company distributes the majority of its export sales on a country-direct basis. In November of 2000, the Company hired its first full-time export sales representative dedicated to the Central and South American markets. Volumes from those regions strengthened through 2001. During early 1999, Hastings, Inc. began to distribute and administer products for other U.S.-based suppliers into the Canadian market. Following that lead, the Company signed an agreement with Karl Schmidt Unisia in March of 2001 to market and distribute Zollner brand pistons into the U.S. and Mexican aftermarkets. In November of 2001, the Company signed an agreement with Automotive Components Limited (ACL) to market and distribute ACL brand engine bearings, gaskets, and import application pistons into those same markets. Under the terms of those agreements, which are similar to the Hastings, Inc. agreements, the Company will retain a portion of the net product revenue as a commission in excha nge for providing administrative, distribution and certain marketing services. All of the products provided through these agreements complement the current piston ring offerings as to both distribution channels and customer base. As stated in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements (included in Item 8), the Company reported net sales in the form of commissions from these activities of $462,169, $294,732 and $85,598 for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively. With the introduction of the ACL product offering in early 2002, the Company anticipates a favorable acceleration in that commission revenue. Considering its increasing success in building its distribution activities, the Company recently announced a new strategy for future growth that will realign the Company into two business units, each of which will be responsible for increasing global sales and market share. The marketing and distribution unit will build the Company's worldwide presence as a marketer and distribu tor of engine-related products to the aftermarket, while the piston ring unit will be focused on developing, manufacturing and distributing piston rings to aftermarket and OEM customers. To date, implementation efforts have focused on the realignment of management who will be responsible for each

business unit and the Company as a whole. As the marketing and distribution unit grows, alternative business reporting methods will be considered.

          Manufacturing demands required to support sales increases in the late 1990s revealed certain operating constraints within the Company's manufacturing capabilities. In recognition of those constraints, in 1998 the Company began the implementation of lean manufacturing principles, including the conversion to a cellular approach of many of the manufacturing processes. (Lean manufacturing refers to a discipline of arranging the workflow in such a manner as to minimize or eliminate any waste of materials or labor.) This conversion has resulted in production efficiencies through both reduced product lead times and capacity improvements. This conversion process remains in place and now includes a doctrine of continuous improvement as the Company further refines its initial lean manufacturing practices. The Company remains firmly committed to the lean manufacturing principle with its related operating cost advantages.

          Through the mid-1990s, the Company made substantial strides in its quality and business control operations. The Company's commitment to these initiatives was rewarded with QS-9000 and ISO-9002 quality registrations in July 1997. In February 1999, following several successful follow-up audits, the Company was recommended for upgrade to ISO-9001, thus giving recognition to its product design capabilities.

          The markets for the Company's products are highly competitive. The principal methods of competition in the industry are price, service, product performance and product availability. The Company has two principal competitors in the piston ring market. The Company ranks among the three largest domestic producers of replacement piston rings. The Company's commitment to its recent complementary product offerings through its alliance agreements is anticipated to strengthen its market presence through the leveraging of its marketing and distribution capabilities.

          Among the Company's trade names used in marketing its products is "Hastings" and "Flex-Vent", which are registered trademarks in the United States and many foreign countries. The "Casite" trademark, used by the Company in the past for its additives line, has been transferred to the joint venture described above for use in its operations. The Company also holds a number of patents and licenses. In the opinion of management, the Company's business generally is not dependent upon patent protections.

          The Company ships orders to customers within a short period, ordinarily one week or less from the time orders are received. Accordingly, backlog is not significant in the Company's business and the Company does not keep separate figures of backlog. The Company's sales have limited seasonal fluctuations.

          None of the practices of the Company or the markets in which it operates create any unusual working capital requirements that would be material to an understanding of the Company's business taken as a whole.

          The Company's sales are made to many customers and are not dependent upon a single customer or a few customers. As stated in Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements (included in Item 8), net sales to one customer (DaimlerChrysler AG), however, represented approximately $3,747,000 (10.8%), $4,027,000 (11.5%) and $4,242,000 (11.4%) of the Company's consolidated sales for 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively.

          Raw materials essential to the production of the Company's products are standard items obtainable in the open market and are purchased from many vendors. The Company maintains its own

foundry facility at its Hastings, Michigan location for producing the cast iron material required for many of its piston ring applications.

          Research and development are performed by the Company's engineering staff relating to improvements in products and production as well as the design and testing of new products. The Company's expenditures for research and development are not material.

          The Company has no material governmental contracts.

          Compliance with federal, state, and local environment laws and regulations governing discharges into the environment is not expected to have a material effect upon the capital expenditures, earnings, or competitive position of the Company.

          As of December 31, 2001, the Company and its subsidiaries had a total employment of 379 employees. Employee relations at both of the Company's plant locations are considered to be satisfactory.

          While the Company maintains operations in Canada, management does not believe that there are any unusual risks attendant to the Company's foreign operations. The Company's products are sold worldwide. Financial information regarding the Company's geographic sales and long-lived assets is included in Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 8 below.

          The general offices and manufacturing and distribution plant, which produces and distributes both piston rings and the noted supplemental product offerings, are owned by the Company and are located at 325 North Hanover Street, Hastings, Michigan. This facility consists of approximately 260,000 square feet of production space, 154,000 square feet of available warehouse space and 35,000 square feet of office space.

          The Company's wholly owned Canadian subsidiary, Hastings, Inc., located in Barrie, Ontario, owns and operates manufacturing and warehouse facilities for piston rings, additives and mechanics' specialty tools and for the distribution of other U.S.-based suppliers into the Canadian market. This facility includes approximately 65,000 square feet of production and warehouse space and 4,000 square feet of office space.

          As of year-end, production levels within the Company's Hastings, Michigan facility remained near 60% of capacity.

          In April 1997, the Company announced the amendment of its postretirement health benefit plans, principally to adjust the cost-sharing provisions, as discussed in Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 below. As a result of these changes, the Company's retirees filed a class-action suit in the Western District of Michigan on January 24, 2000. The suit alleges that the Company denied class retirees and their dependents certain health insurance benefits to which the retirees had a "vested" right pursuant to the terms of the Company's collective bargaining agreements. Specifically, the retirees dispute the increase in their health insurance deductibles, the increase in required co-pay obligations with respect to their prescription drug cards, and the requirement that they pay a portion of their health insurance premiums. The Company has denied any wrongdoing in this suit, and intends to defend it and any related class certification vigorously. Minimal discovery has taken place in this lawsuit

because the parties have been attempting to reach a settlement. The Company currently believes that it is making progress toward a settlement of this lawsuit, but there are still a number of contingencies to be satisfied before any settlement can be finalized, and ultimately any settlement must be approved by the court. Therefore, although the Company is hopeful that a settlement will be reached, there is still the possibility that the case will not be settled, and that this lawsuit will be tried. If this case is tried, the Company's ultimate chances of success are uncertain. If the retirees prevail, the Company anticipates that a requirement to provide postretirement benefits at the pre-amendment level would have a material adverse effect on the Company's future financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

          In the normal course of business, the Company is a named party in various environmental matters, as well as routine litigation incidental to its business. In the opinion of management, disposition of these items will not have a material impact on the Company's results of operations or financial condition.

          No matter was submitted during the fourth quarter of 2001 to a vote of the Company's shareholders through the solicitation of proxies or otherwise.

PART II

          The Company's common stock is traded on the American Stock Exchange (ticker symbol HMF). On March 19, 2002, there were 761,726 outstanding shares and the number of record shareholders was 227.

          High and low sales prices per quarter are as set forth in the chart below. In the first three quarters of 2000, the Company paid dividends of $0.08 per share. In the fourth quarter of 2000, the Company paid dividends of $0.05 per share. Effective February 22, 2001, the Company suspended indefinitely its regular quarterly cash dividend of $.05 per share in light of soft market conditions and a slowdown in sales of its core automotive products. In accordance with the terms of the Company's loan agreement with its primary lender, as amended March 21, 2001, the Company is prohibited from paying dividends through the revised loan agreement maturity date of May 30, 2002.

          The Company made no unregistered sales of any of its securities during 2001.

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OVERVIEW

          For the year ended December 31, 2001, the Company earned a net profit of $1,047,545, compared to a net loss of $459,156 in 2000. This increased profitability was the result of various factors, each of which is more fully described below. The more significant factors include decreased cost of sales resulting from a reduction in the individual inventory cost components (material, labor and overhead), combined with lower production scrap costs resulting from the on-going refinement of the lean manufacturing process; a decrease in operating expenses resulting from the cost containment measures implemented by the Company during the first quarter of 2001; and an increase in other income resulting from a gain on the sale of the Company's non-business related real property.

          On February 22, 2001, the Company announced that it had instituted a series of cost-containment measures in an effort to reduce its operating expenses and improve its profitability and cash position. These measures are discussed in the "Liquidity and Capital Resources" section below. Results of these measures realized in 2001 are discussed throughout the remainder of this discussion and analysis.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

          NET SALES

2001 Compared to 2000

          Net sales for 2001 decreased $351,500, or 1.0%, from $35,146,234 in 2000 to $34,794,734. This slight decrease reflects sales declines in the domestic and Canadian aftermarket and the private brand and original equipment markets, partially offset by an increase in the export volume. The sales decreases in the domestic and Canadian aftermarket reflect a continued industry-wide softness in the automotive replacement parts industry that began in the third quarter of 2000. The decrease in the private brand volume reflects reduced sales to a specific customer, while the decrease in the original equipment volume is consistent with the decreased year-to-date production volume of the domestic automotive and light-duty truck manufacturers. The increase in the export volume reflects the broadening of the Company's customer base into new export markets.

          Net sales in the fourth quarter of 2001 decreased $148,054 in comparison to the fourth quarter of 2000. This decrease reflects a decline in the domestic piston ring aftermarket volume, slightly offset by an increase in the original equipment volume. Net sales in the Canadian aftermarket, private brand and export markets, were relatively flat during the fourth quarter of 2001, in comparison to the fourth quarter of 2000. The decrease in the domestic aftermarket volume reflects the continued industry-wide softness in that market. The increase in the original equipment volume reflects the improved production volume experienced by the domestic automotive and light-duty manufacturers in the fourth quarter of 2001. The Company is continuing to see an improvement in the original equipment volume during the first few months of 2002. The Company anticipates, however, that the industry-wide softness in the domestic aftermarket may continue into 2002 and, as such, has incorpo rated this expected softness into its future net sales and earnings estimates.

          During 1999, the Company's Canadian subsidiary, Hastings, Inc., began to distribute and administer products for other U.S.-based suppliers into the Canadian market, on a commission basis. In March 2001, the Company signed an agreement with Karl Schmidt Unisia to market and distribute Zollner brand pistons into the domestic and Mexican aftermarkets. In early November 2001, the Company signed an agreement with Automotive Components Limited (ACL) to market and distribute ACL brand engine bearings, gaskets and import pistons into those same markets. The Company began marketing and distributing the ACL products during the first quarter of 2002; therefore, there was no sales impact from this agreement during 2001. Under the terms of the various distribution agreements, the Company retains a portion of the net product revenues, in the form of commissions, in exchange for providing marketing and distribution services. Commission revenues, included in net sales, from these r elatively new distribution arrangements amounted to $462,169, $294,732 and $85,598 in 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively. The Company anticipates that these, and possibly additional, distribution arrangements will increasingly contribute to its future sales and profitability.

2000 Compared to 1999

          Net sales for 2000 decreased $2,161,869, or 5.8%, from 1999. The decrease reflected sales declines in the domestic and Canadian aftermarkets, and the private brand and original equipment markets, partially offset by an increase in the Company's export volume. The sales decreases in the domestic and Canadian aftermarkets reflected the initial effects of the industry-wide softness in the automotive replacement parts industry. The decreases in the private brand and original equipment markets reflected the loss of certain customers through market consolidation and a sustained downturn in the original equipment market. The increase in the export volume reflected the results of the Company's

focus on increasing sales in the export market. The total sales decrease in 2000 also reflected a reduction of approximately $600,000 in Casite additives sales. Prior to 2000, Casite sales were included in the Company's financial statements. In October 1999, the Company entered into a 50% owned joint venture for the purpose of expanding its additives offerings through both increased global market penetration and an expansion of the product offerings under the "Casite" name. As a result, Casite sales, in 2000, were recorded in the unconsolidated financial statements of the joint venture rather than through net sales within the Company's financial statements.

          Net sales in the fourth quarter of 2000 decreased $953,197, or 10.5%, from the 1999 total. This decrease was the result of the same factors noted in the above discussion.

          COST OF SALES AND GROSS PROFIT

2001 Compared to 2000

          Cost of sales for 2001 decreased $1,095,009, or 4.3%, from $25,741,410 in 2000 to $24,646,401. The Company's gross profit margin on net sales increased from 26.8% in 2000 to 29.2% in 2001. A slight reduction in cost of sales would be expected, in 2001, as a result of the 1.0% decrease in net sales. However, there were several factors that contributed to the more significant reduction in cost of sales, and the corresponding increase in the gross profit margin for 2001. Export volume, as noted above, increased in 2001. This export volume has traditionally carried a lower gross profit margin than domestic sales due to the lower level of operating expenses (not included in cost of sales) that are required to service that volume. Domestic aftermarket sales, on the other hand, decreased during 2001. Sales in this market have traditionally carried a higher gross profit margin in order to support the higher level of operating expenses associated with that volume. While t his sales mix change did have a negative effect on the 2001 gross profit margin, it was slightly offset by the positive gross profit impact generated from the marketing and distribution of Zollner brand pistons. Additionally, as discussed above, the Company experienced reductions in its individual inventory cost factors (material, labor and overhead) in 2001. The material cost reduction is the result of lower raw material costs obtained from the Company's rolled steel vendors, combined with lower cast iron costs incurred by the Company in processing its own foundry castings. The labor cost reduction reflects efficiencies gained through lean manufacturing and decreased costs resulting from the work force reduction implemented in the first quarter of 2001. Overhead costs also decreased, reflecting an increased effort by the Company to control the non-fixed portion of these costs. The Company also incurred lower production scrap costs in 2001, resulting from the on-going refinement of its lean manufacturin g processes, which further contributed to the reduction in cost of sales, and the corresponding increase in the gross profit margin. Along with these two factors that occurred in 2001, there were several cost of sales items in 2000 that resulted in the large reduction in cost of sales when comparing the two periods. During the fourth quarter of 2000, the Company completed adjustments to its labor cost standards to reflect efficiencies obtained in its transition to a lean manufacturing environment. While this new manufacturing environment is expected to result in lower labor costs in future years, the related adjustments resulted in additional cost of sales for 2000 as year-end inventory was adjusted downward to reflect the application of these lower labor standards. Also during 2000, and primarily in the fourth quarter, overhead costs increased relating to on-going maintenance of plant equipment and tooling expense necessary to support the lean manufacturing environment.

          Cost of sales for the fourth quarter of 2001 decreased $888,853, or 13.1%, from the fourth quarter of 2000 while the gross profit margin increased to 26.1% from 16.6% during these periods. These improvements primarily reflect the adjustments, in 2000, to the labor cost standards applied to inventory, combined with the increased overhead costs incurred in the fourth quarter of 2000, as discussed above. The gross profit margin generated in the fourth quarter of 2001 (26.1%) was lower than the gross profit

margin generated during the first three quarters of 2001 (30.1%), primarily reflecting a fourth quarter adjustment of the rolled steel perpetual inventory quantities to lower physical inventory levels.

2000 Compared to 1999

          Cost of sales for 2000 decreased $1,509,612, or 5.5%, from 1999. The Company's gross profit margin on net sales decreased slightly to 26.8% in 2000 from 27.0% in 1999. While the overall decrease in cost of sales is consistent with the decrease in net sales, several factors negatively affected the gross profit margin in 2000. As noted above, the Company experienced a change in its sales mix in 2000. This sales mix change saw a shift in sales from the domestic aftermarket (which generates a higher gross profit on net sales) to the export market (which generates a lower gross profit on net sales). Domestic aftermarket sales were down in 2000 due to an overall softness in the replacement parts market. Export volume increased in 2000 as a result of the Company's focus on this market. The Company's 2000 gross profit margin was also negatively affected by changes to the labor cost standards applied to inventory in the fourth quarter, as noted above. Material costs remain ed relatively unchanged from the prior year average, with increases in cast iron costs offset by reductions in rolled steel costs. Labor costs increased slightly from the prior year average, with a labor cost increase resulting from the collective bargaining agreement, partially offset by the effects of the labor efficiencies noted above. Specific overhead costs, noted above, also increased during 2000.

          Cost of sales for the fourth quarter of 2000 increased by $225,523, or 3.4%, over the fourth quarter of 1999. This increase was primarily the result of the changes to the labor cost standards applied to inventory, as noted above. The gross profit margin generated in the fourth quarter of 2000 (16.6%) was lower than the gross profit margin generated during the first three quarters of 2000 (29.8%), reflecting the negative effect of the labor cost changes noted above, combined with the sales mix change noted above, the increase in overhead expenses noted above, an increase in group health insurance costs and the absence of gross profit from Casite sales in 2000.

          OPERATING EXPENSES

2001 Compared to 2000

          Total operating expenses for 2001 decreased $331,453, or 3.7%, from $8,899,417 in 2000 to $8,567,964. Advertising expenses increased $45,377, or 27.0%, from the 2000 total. This increase primarily reflects an increase in printed material costs relating to a one-time charge for the start-up of the marketing and distribution of Zollner brand pistons, combined with the costs associated with the production of several piston ring brochures. Selling expenses decreased $21,741, or 0.7%, from the 2000 total. This decrease reflects decreases in various selling support costs, partially offset by increases in sales personnel costs, agents' commissions and salesmen's travel costs. General and administrative expenses decreased $355,089, or 6.3%, from the 2000 total. This decrease reflects decreases in legal and professional fees, the provision for doubtful accounts receivable, other general personnel support costs and property insurance costs, partially offset by a slight incre ase in general personnel costs. The decrease in legal and professional fees reflects reduced activity relating to the Company's retirees class-action lawsuit described in Note 7 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements. The decrease in the provision for doubtful accounts receivable reflects write-offs, in 2000, of specific customer accounts, offset slightly by an increase in the 2001 provision for several of the Company's customers who sought Chapter 11 (reorganization) bankruptcy protection. The current allowance for doubtful accounts receivable ($310,000 at December 31, 2001) is considered adequate to cover any potential losses resulting from these bankruptcy proceedings. The decrease in other general personnel support costs reflects the success of the cost containment measures implemented by the Company during the first quarter of 2001.

The decrease in property insurance costs reflects the deductible portion of an insured fire loss, in 2000, that took place within the finished goods storage area of the Company's U.S. production facility.

          Fourth quarter 2001 operating expenses decreased $258,520, or 11.7%, from the fourth quarter of 2000 total. This decrease was the result of the same factors noted in the above discussion.

2000 Compared to 1999

          Total operating expenses for 2000 increased $58,152, or 0.7%, from 1999. Advertising expenses decreased $4,410, or 2.6%, from the 1999 total. This decrease reflected decreases in printed material and trade advertising costs, partially offset by an increase in advertising support salaries. Selling expenses increased $45,704, or 1.5%, from the 1999 total. This increase reflected increases in salesmen's travel and various sales personnel and support costs, partially offset by a decrease in volume-driven agents' commissions. General and administrative expenses increased $16,858, or 0.3%, from the 1999 total. This increase reflected increases in the provision for doubtful accounts receivable, group health insurance, legal and professional fees, and property insurance costs, largely offset by decreases in general personnel support costs.

          Fourth quarter 2000 operating expenses decreased $133,563, or 5.7%, from the 1999 total. This decrease primarily resulted from a reduction in volume-driven agents' commissions, legal and professional fees and general support costs, partially offset by increases in salesmen's travel, the provision for doubtful accounts receivable and group health insurance costs.

          OTHER EXPENSES

2001 Compared to 2000

          Other expenses, net for 2001 decreased $832,739 from the 2000 total. This decrease primarily reflects a combination of decreased interest expense and the fourth quarter 2001 gain on sale of property and equipment. The decreased interest expense is due to a reduced reliance on the Company's short-term lines of credit, due to cash flow improvements in 2001, combined with the favorable impact of declining short-term interest rates throughout 2001. The gain on sale of property and equipment, amounting to $714,279, relates to the gain on sale of the Company's non-business related real property, as discussed below under "Liquidity and Capital Resources." Other, net income for 2001 decreased from 2000 primarily due to reduced net income recognized by the Company relating to its investment in the Casite joint venture.

          Fourth quarter 2001 other expenses, net decreased by $682,221 from the 2000 net total. This decrease was the result of the same factors noted in the above discussion.

2000 Compared to 1999

          Other expenses, net for 2000 increased by $54,517 over the 1999 net total. This increase reflected the increased interest expense arising from the added reliance on the Company's short-term lines of credit throughout 2000, offset slightly by the income recognized from the Company's investment in the Casite joint venture, which is recorded as other, net income. There was no income recognized from the joint venture in 1999.

          Fourth quarter 2000 other expenses, net increased $5,682 from the 1999 total. This increase was the result of the same factors noted in the above discussion.

TAXES ON INCOME

          The impact of income taxes on the reported results of the Company is detailed in Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The 2001 effective tax rate of 39.1% is slightly higher than the statutory federal tax rate of 34.0% due primarily to the impact of state income taxes and certain nondeductible expenses. The recording of $271,000 of tax expense on a pre-tax loss of $188,156 for 2000 primarily results from an increase in the deferred income tax asset valuation allowance of approximately $300,000. This increase related to foreign tax credits that management anticipated, based on recent financial results, were likely to expire unutilized in future years. During 2001, $260,651 of foreign tax credits expired. The 2000 tax amount was also impacted by the effect of state income taxes and certain nondeductible expenses. The 1999 effective tax rate of 43.3% is higher than the statutory federal tax rate of 34.0% due primarily to the impact of state income taxes an d certain nondeductible expenses. The 1999 effective tax rate was also affected by the increase in the deferred income tax asset valuation allowance related to foreign tax credits that were expected to expire unutilized in 2000.

          As of December 31, 2001, the Company recorded net deferred income tax assets of $7,322,332. The major components include the tax effect of net operating loss carryforwards of $1,417,323 and net accrued retirement and postretirement benefit obligations totaling $5,310,978. The realization of these recorded benefits is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income.

          The net operating loss carryforwards expire in 2012, 2019 and 2020, if not previously utilized. During 2001, the Company utilized net operating loss carryforwards of $1,119,094, resulting in a $380,492 reduction in the related deferred income tax asset. Management believes that the cumulative net operating loss carryforward will be fully utilized by late 2004.

          The Company further expects to be able to realize the deferred tax assets related to the retirement and postretirement benefit obligations as it pays these benefits. Such payments will constitute an expense that is deductible for tax reporting purposes over many future years. During each of the ten years prior to when the recent net operating loss carryforwards arose, the Company has been able to deduct these benefit payments for tax reporting purposes and reduce its tax liability accordingly. As a result of the 1997 plan amendment to the retiree medical plan as discussed in Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, current tax deductible payments are expected to exceed the annual expense recognition for financial reporting purposes, thus accelerating the absorption of the future periods' tax benefit.

          Management believes that it is more likely than not that adequate levels of future income will be generated to absorb the net operating loss carryforwards, the deductible amounts related to the retirement and postretirement benefit obligations and the remaining net deductible temporary differences. However, based on the amount of net operating loss carryforwards at December 31, 2001 (which must be utilized before foreign tax credit carryforwards can be utilized), management believes that it is more likely than not that the foreign tax credits will go unutilized prior to their expiration. As a result, a valuation allowance has been recorded for the total foreign tax credits of $59,467 at December 31, 2001.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

          On February 22, 2001, the Company announced that it had instituted a series of cost-containment measures in an effort to reduce its operating expenses and improve its profitability and cash position. The cost-containment measures were in response to a continued softness in the domestic piston ring aftermarket and a downturn in the original equipment market. The cost-containment measures consisted of reductions in the salaried and hourly workforces and identification of reductions in various non-payroll related expenses. The workforce reductions resulted in $36,000 in severance payments. The Company also announced an indefinite suspension of its regular quarterly cash dividend and identified certain assets

for possible future sale in an effort to further improve its cash position. In early November 2001, the Company sold its non-business related real property. The gain on the sale of this property, amounting to $714,279, is included in other expenses, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income included in Item 8 below.

          The Company's primary cash requirements continue to be for operating expenses such as labor costs, and for funding accounts receivable, capital expenditures and long-term debt service. Historically, the Company's primary sources of cash have been from operations and from bank borrowings. These sources of cash depend on attaining future positive financial results. The Company believes that the cost containment measures implemented in 2001, combined with the expected positive financial impact from the marketing and distribution agreements with Zollner and ACL, should allow it to generate sufficient cash from operations to assist in satisfying the Company's cash requirements. The future ability to utilize bank borrowings to satisfy the Company's cash requirements is contingent upon the successful renewal of the Company's short-term line of credit and the refinancing of its long-term debt with its primary lender. The current $4,000,000 line of credit and term loan agree ment both mature on May 30, 2002. Based on recent and anticipated future positive financial results, and preliminary discussions with its primary lender, the Company expects to renew its short-term line of credit and refinance its long-term debt in May 2002. The Company's short- and long-term debt represents its primary contractual obligations as of December 31, 2001. It has no significant lease or other commercial commitments and has no off-balance sheet arrangements.

          In late March 2001, the Company's loan agreement with its primary lender relating to its short-term and long-term borrowing was amended. The primary terms of this amended loan agreement are detailed in Note 3 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 below. The Company maintains two additional lines of credit with banks aggregating $2,200,000. Total short-term lines available to the Company as of December 31, 2001 totaled $6,200,000, of which $2,500,000 was unused. In an effort to minimize its floating interest rate exposure relating to its long-term borrowings, the Company is a party to an interest rate swap agreement essentially fixing the interest rate on a portion of that debt within a small range. The rate will fluctuate within 8.325% to 8.575% depending upon certain Company performance parameters. As of December 31, 2001 the "fixed" rate on those borrowings was 8.575% and the notional amount of the swap agreement amounted to $1,980,000.

          During 2001, the Company generated $1,755,937 of net cash from operating activities. The realized net income, depreciation and decreases in deferred income taxes and inventories were partially offset by an increase in accounts receivable, a gain on the sale of property and equipment, and decreases in accounts payable and accruals and the postretirement benefit obligation. The decrease in deferred income taxes primarily reflects the utilization of a portion of the net operating loss carryforward based on earnings for the year. The decrease in inventories reflects a planned reduction in the Company's inventory to certain levels, combined with the shortfall of production output versus customer demand during the first half of 2001. Production output aligned with customer demand throughout the second half of 2001. The increase in accounts receivable reflects the timing of customer sales and the related payment terms associated with those sales. The gain on the sale of p roperty and equipment reflects the sale of the Company's non-business related real property described earlier in this discussion. While this sale resulted in additional cash to the Company, it is not considered an "operating" cash flow item for purposes of determining cash flows provided by operating activities. The decrease in accounts payable and accruals is due to a decrease in accruals for general accounts payable and interest, partially offset by increases in accruals for salesmen's bonuses and workers' compensation. The decrease in the postretirement benefit obligation reflects the excess of actual postretirement benefit claims paid over the actuarially determined annual expense. The investing activities for 2001 reflect the Company's continued support of its lean manufacturing environment, as well as the initial capital expenditures for the modernization of the Company's main distribution center, now being utilized to distribute ACL-related

products. The investing activities also reflect the proceeds from the sale of the Company's non-business related real property discussed above. The financing activities for 2001 reflect the working capital requirements that were primarily needed to fund the operating activity items noted above. Due primarily to the improved 2001 operating results, and the proceeds from the sale of the non-business related real property, principal payments on the Company's short-term credit facility exceeded related borrowings by $1,300,000. The financing activities also reflect the principal payments under the amended loan agreement, as well as the restriction of paying dividends and repurchasing the Company's common stock, as detailed in Note 3 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 below.

          During 2000, the Company generated $1,030,145 of net cash from operating activities. The realized depreciation, combined with decreases in accounts receivable, inventories, deferred income taxes and an increase in accounts payable and accruals, were partially offset by the net loss and a decrease in the postretirement benefit obligation. The decrease in accounts receivable reflected the timing of customer sales and the related payment terms associated with those sales. The decrease in inventories reflected a reduction in inventory requirements in relation to customer demand. The decrease in deferred income taxes primarily reflected the increase in the valuation allowance for foreign tax credits that management anticipated were likely to expire unutilized in future years. The increase in accounts payable and accruals reflected an increase in general accounts payable, taxes and compensation, offset slightly by a decrease in miscellaneous payables. The decrease in the postretirement benefit obligation reflected the excess of actual postretirement benefit claims paid over the actuarially determined annual expense. The investing activities for 2000 reflected the Company's continued support of its lean manufacturing environment. The investing activities also reflected the investment in a joint venture, in February 2000, related to the "Casite" brand additives products. The financing activities reflected the working capital requirements that were primarily needed to fund the operating activity items noted above. The financing activities also reflected the amortization of the Company's long-term obligation that was amended in March 2001, and the purchase and retirement of 30,000 shares of the Company's common stock. This stock repurchase was part of the common stock repurchase program that the Company announced in February 2000. This program is described in Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

          During 1999, the Company generated $1,112,546 of net cash from operating activities. The realized net income and depreciation, combined with decreases in accounts receivable, prepaid pension cost and deferred income taxes, were partially offset by increases in inventories and decreases in accounts payable and accruals and the postretirement benefit obligation. The decrease in accounts receivable reflected the timing of customer sales and related payment terms associated with those sales. The decrease in the prepaid pension cost reflected the recognition of the pension expense for 1999. The decrease in the net deferred income tax asset reflected the reduction of several deferred tax items, partially offset by the deferred tax effect of the 1999 net operating loss for tax purposes. The increase in inventories reflected the Company's continued efforts toward having sufficient product on hand in order to maintain adequate order fill for its customers. The decrease in a ccounts payable and accruals primarily reflected the reduction in the compensation accrual, offset by slight increases in general accounts payable and miscellaneous payables. The decrease in the postretirement benefit obligation reflected the excess of actual postretirement benefits paid over the actuarially determined annual expense. The investing activities for 1999 reflected a decreased requirement for new capital equipment, as the Company moved to finalize its transition into a lean manufacturing environment. The investing activities also reflected the proceeds from the sale of obsolete plant equipment. The financing activities for 1999 reflected the working capital requirements that were primarily needed to fund the operating activity items noted above. The financing activities also reflected the amortization of the Company's long-term debt obligation.

          As noted earlier in this discussion, in February 2001, the Company instituted a series of cost-containment measures in an effort to reduce its operating expenses and improve its profitability and cash

position. Initial results indicate that these cost-containment measures have had a positive impact on earnings and cash flow, and are expected to continue to have a positive impact on future periods, although the Company cannot be assured that this will happen. These cost-containment measures, combined with the expected positive earnings impact from the Zollner and ACL marketing and distribution agreements, should help to further improve the Company's future financial outlook.

LITIGATION CONTINGENCY

          As disclosed in Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, on January 24, 2000, the Company's retirees filed a class-action lawsuit against the Company as a result of the April 1997 amendment of the Company's postretirement benefit plans. The plans were amended principally to adjust the cost-sharing provisions. The suit alleges that the Company denied class retirees and their dependents certain health insurance benefits to which the retirees had a "vested" right pursuant to the terms of the Company's collective bargaining agreements. The Company has denied any wrongdoing in this suit, and intends to defend it and any related class certification vigorously. Minimal discovery has taken place in this lawsuit because the parties have been attempting to reach a settlement. As of the date of this report, the Company believes that it is making progress toward a settlement of this lawsuit, but there are still a number of contingencies to be satisfied before any settleme nt can be finalized, and ultimately any settlement must be approved by the court. Therefore, although the Company is hopeful that a settlement will be reached, there is still the possibility that the case will not be settled, and that this lawsuit will be tried. If this case is tried, the Company's ultimate chances of success are uncertain. If the retirees prevail, the Company anticipates that a requirement to provide postretirement benefits at the pre-amendment level would have a material adverse effect on the Company's future financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

          The preparation of our financial statements requires that we adopt and follow certain accounting policies. Certain amounts presented in the financial statements have been determined based upon estimates and assumptions. Although we believe that our estimates and assumptions are reasonable, actual results could differ.

          We have included below a discussion of our critical accounting policies that we believe are affected by our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our financial statements, how we apply such policies and how results differing from our estimates and assumptions would affect the amounts presented in our financial statements. Other accounting policies also have a significant effect on our financial statements, and some of these policies also require the use of estimates and assumptions. Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements discusses our significant accounting policies.

          Allowance for Possible Losses on Receivables: We maintain an allowance for possible losses on receivables for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. The allowance is estimated based on historical experience of write-offs, the level of past due amounts, information known about specific customers with respect to their ability to make payments and future expectations of conditions that might impact the collectibility of accounts. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.

          Inventories: We record inventory reserves for estimated obsolescence or unmarketable inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value based upon the age of specific inventory on hand and assumptions about future demand and market conditions. If actual

market conditions are less favorable than those anticipated by management, additional inventory write-downs may be required.

          Pension and Postretirement Obligations: Each year we calculate the costs of providing retiree benefits under the provisions of SFAS No. 87 and SFAS No. 106. The key assumptions used in making these calculations are disclosed in Notes 5 and 6 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. The most significant of these assumptions are the discount rate used to value the future obligation and the expected return on plan assets. We select discount rates commensurate with current market interest rates on high-quality, fixed-rate securities. The expected return on assets is based on our current view of long-term returns on assets held by the plans, which is influenced by historical averages. If actual interest rates and returns on plan assets materially differ from our assumptions, future adjustments to our financial statements would be required.

          Net Deferred Income Tax Assets: Our estimates of deferred income taxes and the significant items giving rise to the deferred income tax assets and liabilities are disclosed in Note 9 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. These reflect our assessment of actual future taxes to be paid on items reflected in the financial statements, giving consideration to both timing and probability of realization. As discussed earlier in this discussion and analysis, the recorded net deferred income tax assets are significant and our realization of these recorded benefits is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income. If future levels of taxable income are not consistent with our expectations, we may be required to record an additional valuation allowance, which could reduce our net income by a material amount.

          Contingencies and Litigation: Our determination of the treatment of contingent liabilities in the financial statements, including that related to litigation, is based on our view of the expected outcome of the applicable contingency. We consult with legal counsel and other experts on matters related to litigation with respect to specific matters and matters in the ordinary course of business. We accrue a liability if the likelihood of an adverse outcome is probable of occurrence and the amount can be estimated. A significant class action lawsuit, filed by the Company's retirees, is discussed above under "Litigation Contingency" and in Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. To the extent additional information arises or the Company's strategies change, it is possible that the Company's best estimate of its probable liability in this and other matters may change.

NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

          Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) 00-25, Vendor Income Statement Characterization of Consideration Paid to a Reseller of the Vendor's Products, issued during 2001, requires vendors to reduce their revenues by the costs reimbursed to their customers in connection with the customers' purchase or promotion of the vendor's products. This pronouncement specifically addresses co-op advertising costs that are incurred by the vendor. In accordance with EITF 00-25, co-op advertising costs incurred by the Company are required to be reflected as a reduction of net sales. In previous years, co-op advertising expenditures were included in advertising costs. All periods presented in the Consolidated Financial Statements have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation.

          SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, issued in June 1998, requires companies to recognize all derivative contracts as either assets or liabilities in the balance sheet and to measure them at fair value. If certain conditions are met, a derivative may be specifically designated as a hedge, the objective of which is to match the timing of gain or loss recognition on the hedging derivative with the recognition of (1) the changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk or (2) the earnings effect of the hedged forecasted transaction. For a derivative not designated as a hedging instrument, the gain or loss is recognized in income in the period

of change. SFAS No. 133, as amended by SFAS Nos. 137 and 138, was effective for all fiscal quarters of fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2000.

          Historically, the Company has not entered into derivatives contracts for speculative purposes. The Company does periodically enter into interest rate swap agreements to reduce the impact of changes in interest rates on its floating rate borrowings. However, the fair value of such derivatives is not significant. Accordingly, as discussed in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 below, the adoption of the new standard on January 1, 2001 did not materially affect the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

          In August 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. This statement supercedes SFAS No. 121, Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for the Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of. SFAS No. 144 also supersedes the accounting and reporting provisions of Accounting Principal Board's Opinion No. 30, Reporting the Results of Operations - Reporting the Effects of Disposal of a Segment of a Business, and Extraordinary, Unusual and Infrequently Occurring Events and Transactions, related to the disposal of a segment of a business. The provisions of SFAS No. 144 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001. The Company does not believe the adoption of SFAS No. 144 will have a material impact on its consolidated financial position or results of operations.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

          With the exception of historical matters, the matters discussed in this commentary and elsewhere in this Form 10-K include forward-looking statements that describe the Company's plans, objectives, goals, expectations or projections. These forward-looking statements are identifiable by words or phrases indicating that the Company or management "expects," "anticipates," "projects," "plans" or "believes" that a particular event "may occur," "should occur" or "will likely occur" in the future, or similar statements. In addition to other risks and uncertainties described in connection with the forward-looking statements contained in this commentary, there are many important factors that could cause actual results to be materially different from the Company's current expectations.

          Anticipated future sales are subject to competitive pressures from many sources. As an example, future sales could be affected by consolidation within the automotive replacement parts industry, whereby the Company could lose sales due to a competitor purchasing all of the assets of a current customer of the Company. Future sales could also be affected by current and future political and economic factors in the foreign markets where the Company conducts business.

          Cost of sales and operating expenses may be adversely affected by unexpected costs associated with various issues. For example, future cost of sales could be affected by unexpected expenses related to the future maintenance of a lean manufacturing environment. Future operating expenses could also be affected, for example, by such items as unexpected large claims within the Company's self-funded group health insurance plan, increased retiree health insurance claim exposure as a result of an adverse court ruling on the current retiree health issue, or bad debt expenses related to deterioration in the credit worthiness of a customer or customers. Furthermore, the Company's cost-containment measures described above under the heading "Liquidity and Capital Resources" may not be as effective as the Company anticipates.

          The Company may also be adversely affected by events relating to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. These events and their repercussions create considerable economic and political uncertainties that could adversely affect consumer buying behavior, automobile production, shipping and transportation costs, and other factors affecting the Company and the automotive industry generally.

          The foregoing is intended to provide meaningful cautionary statements of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The foregoing should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all economic, competitive, governmental and technological factors that could adversely affect the Company's expected consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity. The Company disclaims any obligation to update its forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

Item 7A.          Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

          The Company is exposed to market risks, which include changes in interest rates and changes in the foreign currency exchange rate as measured against the U.S. dollar.

          The Company's interest rate risk management objectives are to limit the impact of interest rate changes on earnings and cash flows and to lower its overall borrowing costs. The Company is exposed to interest rate changes primarily as a result of its variable rate lines of credit used to finance its short-term working capital needs and for general corporate purposes. Of the $6,200,000 total short-term lines available to the Company at December 31, 2001, $3,700,000 was outstanding. Management believes that the fluctuation in interest rates in the near future will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements taken as a whole.

          With respect to its variable rate long-term borrowings, the Company has entered into an interest rate swap agreement essentially to fix the interest rate on $1,980,000 of the total $3,060,000 outstanding borrowings at December 31, 2001. The Company does not use derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.

          The Company has a manufacturing/distribution facility in Canada. The facility's sales are denominated in Canadian dollars, thereby creating exposures to changes in exchange rates. Changes in the Canadian/U.S. exchange rate may positively or negatively affect the Company' sales, gross margins and retained earnings. The Company attempts to minimize currency exposure through working capital management. The Company does not hedge its exposure to translation gains and losses relating to foreign currency net asset exposures.

Hastings Manufacturing Company and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2001 and 2000
Contents
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Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants

Hastings Manufacturing Company
Hastings, Michigan

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Hastings Manufacturing Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2001 and 2000, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2001. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall consolidated financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

As described in Note 7, on January 24, 2000, a class action lawsuit was filed against the Company by its retirees with respect to the 1997 amendment of the Company's postretirement benefit plans. The outcome of the lawsuit is pending at this time.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Hastings Manufacturing Company and subsidiaries at December 31, 2001 and 2000, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2001, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/BDO Seidman, LLP
BDO Seidman, LLP
Grand Rapids, Michigan
March 1, 2002

Hastings Manufacturing Company and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
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See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

Hastings Manufacturing Company and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
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