NEWS RELEASE

February 26, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:  Andy L. Nemeth

                            PATRICK INDUSTRIES, INC.
                         ANNOUNCES NEW PRESIDENT AND CEO

                  Elkhart, Indiana - - - - - - The Board of Directors of Patrick
Industries, Inc. is pleased to announce the election of Paul E. Hassler as
President and Chief Executive Officer effective April 5, 2004. Mr. Hassler has
been employed by the Company for over 17 years with his most recent position
being Vice President of Western Operations, for which he was responsible for all
aspects of more than 12 manufacturing and distribution facilities. He brings
over 32 years of Manufactured Housing and Recreational Vehicle experience with
him as well as being an instrumental factor in introducing Patrick Industries to
the Industrial market segment. Mr. Hassler and his wife Shirley will relocate
from California to the Elkhart, Indiana area.

                  Mr. Hassler will take over for the Company's current interim
President and Chief Executive Officer, Keith V. Kankel, and the succession will
include a transition plan for which Mr. Kankel will remain an employee for the
following several months.

                  The Board of Directors would like to thank Mr. Kankel not only
for his 30 years of service to the Company, but also for his valued and
respected leadership through this interim management transition period.

                  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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