NEWS RELEASE
OCTOBER 16, 2003

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:  ANDY L. NEMETH

                            PATRICK INDUSTRIES, INC.
   REPORTS RESIGNATION OF DAVID D. LUNG, PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

                  Elkhart, Indiana - - - - - The Board of Directors of Patrick
Industries, Inc. has announced that David D. Lung has resigned as President and
Chief Executive Officer of the Company. For the immediate future, Mr. Lung will
continue as a Director and an employee of the Company. The Board would like to
thank Mr. Lung for his significant contributions and for his more than
thirty-three years of service to Patrick Industries.

                  Further, the Board of Directors has elected Keith V. Kankel,
retired Vice President of Finance and Secretary-Treasurer, as the new President
and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Mr. Kankel retired in July, 2002
after being with the Company for more than twenty-nine years. He has continued
his service as a director since his retirement and the Board feels that his
extensive industry knowledge and experience will provide a stable platform for
future growth. The Board of Directors expects that Mr. Kankel's service as
President and CEO will continue for the duration of a search for a permanent
President and CEO, a task in which he will be actively involved.

                  Questions regarding this announcement should be directed to
Andy L. Nemeth, Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Finance,
Secretary-Treasurer at (574) 294-7511.

                  Patrick Industries, Inc. is a major component products
manufacturer and supplier of building products serving the Manufactured Housing,
Recreational Vehicle, Furniture, Marine, Architectural and Automotive
aftermarkets, and operates coast to coast in 13 states.





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