David Hamling, Vice President of ZIRCAR Ceramics, Inc. (Florida, N.Y.) and Robert J. Boot, Directeur of I.B. Kracht b.v. (Voorburg, The Netherlands) have established a strategic alliance in which I.B. Kracht will manage ZIRCAR Ceramics' European stock of high-performance, high-temperature materials and will enhance the level of service provided to many of ZIRCAR's European customers. ZIRCAR has been manufacturing high-performance ceramic fiber products for 25 years, and I.B. Kracht has more than 50 years of experience in the field of high-temperature thermal processes and materials. ZIRCAR Ceramics' European inventory is expected to be in place in early April 2003.