NEWS FROM For more information call: John Rowley C. H. Heist Corp. (813) 461-5656 C.H. Heist Corp. 810 N. Belchher Road Clearwater, FL 34625 C.H. Heist Corp. Releases Results For First Quarter 1997 Sales Up 21.5% for Ablest Temporary Staffing Subsidiary CLEARWATER, FL, May 12 -- C. H. Heist Corp. (Amex: HST) a provider of industrial maintenance and temporary staffing services, today reported results for the first quarter of 1997. Sales in the first quarter of 1997 were $25.0 million, a decrease of $808,000 or 3.1% compared to sales in the first quarter of 1996 of $25.8 million. Ablest Service Corp., the company's temporary staffing subsidiary, recorded sales in the first quarter of $13.4 million an increase of $2.4 million or 21.5% over first quarter 1996 sales of $11.0 million. First quarter 1997 industrial maintenance sales were $11.5 million compared to sales in the first quarter of 1996 of $l4.7 million, a decrease of $3.2 million or 2l.5%. C.H. Heist Corp. posted a net loss of $843,000, or $.29 per share, during the three-month period ended March 30, 1997 compared to a net loss of $62,000, or $.02 per share for the 1996 comparable quarter. During this first quarter costs associated with the preparation of documents for the spin-off and initial public offering of Ablest were written off, accounting for $.07 per share of the current loss. Sales increases by Ablest are attributed to contributions by new offices opened in 1996, greater market penetration by established offices and information technology (IT) staffing sales generated by the Tech Resource Group acquired in 1996. The IT business, further bolstered by the early second quarter 1997 acquisition of Solution Source, lnc., holds the greatest growth potential for Ablest. This market is expected to grow at a rate in excess of 20% annually. Ablest's traditional commercial staffing business remains the subsidiary's largest market and growth in this market is expected to be 10% to 12% The company continues to explore acquisition opportunities in both markets. The decline in sales in the industrial maintenance segment resulted primarily from the lack of major plant cleanup work in the first quarter of 1997. Several new industrial maintenance services have been introduced and are expected to positively effect the performance of the industrial maintenance business for the remainder of the year. "Ablest's continued growth and excellent performance was again evidenced in this first quarter," Chairman of the Board and President Charles H. Heist said. "I'm pleased to announce that given this subsidiary's strength, and the substantial benefits to both the temporary staffing and industrial maintenance segments of our business, the Board of Directors has voted to proceed with the spin-off of Ablest Service Corp. before the end of 1997, with a public offering of additional shares planned for 1998," Heist added. C.H. Heist Corp. has two major lines of business: temporary staffing and industrial maintenance. The Ablest Service Corp. temporary staffing subsidiary owns 35 offices throughout the eastern half of the United States. It serves tlie business, professional, industrial and information technology (IT) sectors with both white and blue collar employees. Heist also provides industrial cleaning and maintenance services to a wide range of industries, such as chemical, petrochemical, power generation, pulp and paper, mining, nuclear and metallurgical plants and mills. With locations throughout the eastern United States and Canada, its industrial services include high pressure water cleaning, painting, sandblasting, vacuuming of wet and dry industrial wastes, turnaround services and insulation sales and application. Statements made in this news release, other than those concerning historical information, should be considered forward-looking and subject to certain risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Readers should carefully review and consider disclosures, including periodic reports on Forms l0-K and l0-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Conmussion, which attempt to advise interested parties of the factors which affect the Company's business. Financial information is available on the intemet at www.cfonews.com/hst or www. Heist.com. The Company will hold a conference call to discuss first quarter results and performance highlights on Tuesday, May 13 at 4:30 p.m. EDT. C.H. Heist Corp. has extended an open invitation to participate by calling 1-800-753-0420 between 4:25 and 4:30p.m., Tuesday. C H. HEIST CORP. (unaudited in thousands except share and per share amounts). OPERATING RESULTS Thirteen Thirteen Weeks ended Weeks ended Mar.30, 1997 Mar. 31,1996 Segment Sales: Industrial Maintenance $11,545 $14,723 Temporary Staffing 13,416 11,046 Net Sales $24,961 $25,769 Earnings (loss) Before Income taxes ($1,212) ($101) Income (Taxes) Benefits 369 39 Net Earnings (loss) ($843) ($62) Earnings (Loss) Per Share ($0.29) ($0.02) Average Shares Outstanding 2,875,519 2,872,773 CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET (In Thousands) Mar 30, 1997 Mar. 31, 1996 Assets: Current Assets $21,019 $23,595 Property, Plant and Equipment, Net 17,677 17,030 Other Assets 1,679 246 Deferred Taxes 140 132 $40,515 $41,003 Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity: Current Liabilitie $6,873 $6,451 Long Term Debt 6,933 7,774 Deferred Income Tax 551 430 Stockholders' Equity 26,158 26,348 $40,515 $41,003 End