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                                                                     EXHIBIT 4.1


                           LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT



                          DATED AS OF NOVEMBER 12, 1999



                                 BY AND BETWEEN



                              NEMATRON CORPORATION,



                                  AS BORROWER,



                                       AND



                         LASALLE BUSINESS CREDIT, INC.,



                                    AS LENDER



                                   $10,900,000

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                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>


<S>                                                                                                             <C>
1.       DEFINITIONS.............................................................................................1

     (a) General Definitions.....................................................................................1

     (b) Accounting Terms and Definitions.......................................................................10

2.       REVOLVING LOANS........................................................................................10

3.       TERM LOAN..............................................................................................11

4.       LETTERS OF CREDIT......................................................................................11

5.       INTEREST, FEES AND CHARGES.............................................................................12

     (a) Rates of Interest......................................................................................12

     (b) Computation of Interest and Fees.......................................................................12

     (c) Maximum Interest.......................................................................................12

     (d) Letter of Credit Fees..................................................................................13

     (e) Closing Fee............................................................................................13

     (f) Unused Line Fee........................................................................................13

     (g) Examination and Appraisal Fees.........................................................................13

     (h) Capital Adequacy Charge................................................................................13

6.       LOAN ADMINISTRATION....................................................................................14

     (a) Loan Requests..........................................................................................14

     (b) Disbursement...........................................................................................14

7.       GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST TO LASALLE..................................................................14

8.       PRESERVATION OF COLLATERAL AND PERFECTION OF SECURITY INTERESTS THEREIN................................15

9.       POSSESSION OF COLLATERAL AND RELATED MATTERS...........................................................15

10.      COLLECTIONS............................................................................................15

11.      SCHEDULES AND REPORTS..................................................................................17

     (a) Daily Reports..........................................................................................17

     (b) Monthly Financial Statements...........................................................................18

     (c) Monthly Reports........................................................................................18

     (d) Annual Financial Statements............................................................................18

     (e) Annual Projections.....................................................................................18

     (f) Accountant's Reports...................................................................................19

     (g) Explanation of Budgets and Projections.................................................................19
</TABLE>

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<TABLE>

<S>                                                                                                            <C>
     (h) Other Information......................................................................................19

     (i) Accompanying Certificates..............................................................................19

12.      TERMINATION............................................................................................19

13.      REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.........................................................................20

14.      COVENANTS..............................................................................................24

15.      CONDITIONS PRECEDENT...................................................................................30

16.      DEFAULT................................................................................................31

17.      REMEDIES UPON AN EVENT OF DEFAULT......................................................................33

18.      INDEMNIFICATION........................................................................................33

19.      NOTICES................................................................................................34

20.      CHOICE OF GOVERNING LAW AND CONSTRUCTION...............................................................34

21.      FORUM SELECTION AND SERVICE OF PROCESS.................................................................34

22.      MODIFICATION AND BENEFIT OF AGREEMENT..................................................................35

23.      HEADINGS OF SUBDIVISIONS...............................................................................35

24.      POWER OF ATTORNEY......................................................................................35

25.      WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL; OTHER WAIVERS; CONFIDENTIALITY...................................................35
</TABLE>

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                           LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT


         THIS LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT ("AGREEMENT") is made as of this 12th
day of November, 1999, by and between LASALLE BUSINESS CREDIT, INC., a Delaware
corporation ("LASALLE"), with an office at Two Honey Creek Corporate Center, 115
South 84th Street, Suite 220, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53214, and NEMATRON
CORPORATION, a Michigan corporation ("BORROWER"), with its principal office at
5840 Interface Drive, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103.

                                   WITNESSETH:

                  WHEREAS, from time to time Borrower may request LaSalle to
make loans and advances to and extend certain credit accommodations to Borrower,
and the parties wish to provide for the terms and conditions upon which such
loans, advances and credit accommodations shall be made;

                  NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of any loans, advances and
credit accommodations (including any loans by renewal or extension) hereafter
made to Borrower by LaSalle, and for other good and valuable consideration, the
receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged by Borrower, the
parties agree as follows:

                  1.       DEFINITIONS

                  (a)      General Definitions.

                  "ACCOUNT," "ACCOUNT DEBTOR," "CHATTEL PAPER," "DOCUMENTS,"
"EQUIPMENT," "GENERAL INTANGIBLES," "GOODS," "INSTRUMENTS," "INVENTORY," and
"INVESTMENT PROPERTY" shall have the respective meanings assigned to such terms,
as of the date of this Agreement, in the Michigan Uniform Commercial Code.

                  "AFFILIATE" shall mean any Person directly or indirectly
controlling, controlled by or under common control with Borrower, but shall not
include any Subsidiary of Borrower.

                  "BENEFIT PLAN" shall mean an employee pension benefit plan of
Borrower or an ERISA Affiliate, as defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA, which is
subject to Title IV of ERISA, each of which is specified on Schedule 13(w)
attached hereto.

                  "BORROWING BASE" shall have the meaning specified in paragraph
2 hereof.

                  "BUSINESS DAY" shall mean any day other than a Saturday,
Sunday, or such other day as banks in Milwaukee, Wisconsin or Chicago, Illinois
are authorized or required to be closed for business.

                  "CAPITAL EXPENDITURES" shall mean, with respect to any period,
the aggregate of all expenditures (whether paid in cash or accrued as
liabilities and including expenditures for capitalized lease obligations) by
Borrower during such period that are required by GAAP to be

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included in or reflected by the property, plant or equipment or similar fixed
asset accounts (or in intangible accounts subject to amortization) in the
balance sheet of Borrower.

                  "CHANGE OF CONTROL" shall mean if the current shareholders of
Borrower shall cease to directly or indirectly, of record or beneficially, own
or control in the aggregate at least fifty percent (50%) of the voting shares of
such Borrower free and clear of all liens and security interests.

                  "CLOSING AGENDA" shall have the meaning specified in paragraph
15(a)(i) hereof.

                  "CLOSING DATE" shall mean the date first stated above.

                  "COLLATERAL" shall mean all of the personal property of
Borrower described in paragraph 7 hereof, all of the real property of Borrower
described in the Mortgages and all other real or personal property of any
Obligor or any other Person now or hereafter pledged to LaSalle to secure,
either directly or indirectly, repayment of any of the Liabilities.

                   "DEBT SERVICE COVERAGE RATIO" shall mean, as of the end of
any fiscal quarter for a measurement period consisting of that portion of the
current Fiscal Year then ended, the ratio of (i) annualized (a) net income after
taxes for such period (excluding any after-tax gains or losses on the sale of
assets (other than the sale of Inventory in the ordinary course of business) and
excluding other after-tax extraordinary gains or losses), plus (b) depreciation
and amortization deducted in determining net income for such period, minus (c)
Capital Expenditures and additions to capitalized software and development costs
for such period not financed, to (ii) current principal maturities of long term
debt and capitalized leases paid or scheduled to be paid during such Fiscal
Year.

                  "DEFAULT" shall mean any event, condition or default which
with the giving of notice, the lapse of time or both would be an Event of
Default.

                  "DILUTION" shall mean, with respect to any period, the
percentage obtained by dividing: (a) the sum of (i) non-cash credits against
Accounts of Borrower for such period (but excluding any non-cash credits against
Accounts of Borrower which have arisen solely because Borrower's invoice has
been delivered to the wrong address of an Account Debtor and for which the
Borrower has rebilled such Account to the correct address of such Account
Debtor), plus (ii) pending or probable, but not yet applied, non-cash credits
against Accounts of Borrower for such period, as reasonably determined by
LaSalle, by (b) gross invoiced sales of Borrower for such period.

                  "ELIGIBLE ACCOUNT" shall mean an Account owing to a Borrower
which is acceptable to LaSalle in its reasonable discretion for lending
purposes. LaSalle shall consider an Account to be an Eligible Account if it
meets, and so long as it continues to meet, the following requirements:

                           (i) it is genuine and in all respects is what it
purports to be;

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                           (ii)   it is owned by a Borrower and such Borrower
has the right to subject it to a security interest in favor of LaSalle;

                           (iii)  it arises from (A) the performance of services
by a Borrower and such services have been fully performed and acknowledged and
accepted by the Account Debtor thereunder; or (B) the sale of Goods by a
Borrower, and such Goods have been completed in accordance with the Account
Debtor's specifications (if any) and delivered to and accepted by the Account
Debtor, such Account Debtor has not refused to accept and has not returned or
offered to return any of the Goods, or has not refused to accept any of the
services, which are the subject of such Account, and the applicable Borrower has
possession of, or has delivered to LaSalle at LaSalle's request, shipping and
delivery receipts evidencing delivery of such Goods;

                           (iv)   it is evidenced by an invoice rendered to the
Account Debtor thereunder, is due and payable within thirty (30) days after the
stated invoice date thereof and does not remain unpaid more than ninety (90)
days past the stated invoice date thereof; provided, however, that if more than
twenty-five percent (25%) of the aggregate dollar amount of invoices owing by a
particular Account Debtor (other than an Account Debtor to the extent that its
Accounts are Foreign Insured Accounts) remain unpaid for more than ninety (90)
days past the respective invoice dates thereof, then all Accounts owing to the
applicable Borrower by that Account Debtor shall be deemed ineligible;

                           (v)    it is not subject to any prior assignment,
claim, lien, security interest or encumbrance whatsoever, other than Permitted
Liens;

                           (vi)   it is a valid, legally enforceable and
unconditional obligation of the Account Debtor thereunder, and is not subject to
setoff, counterclaim, credit, allowance or adjustment by such Account Debtor, or
to any claim by such Account Debtor denying liability thereunder in whole or in
part;

                           (vii)  it does not arise out of a contract or order
which fails in any material respect to comply with the requirements of
applicable law;

                           (viii) the Account Debtor thereunder is not a
director, officer, employee or agent of a Borrower, or a Subsidiary, Parent or
Affiliate of a Borrower;

                           (ix)   it is not an Account with respect to which the
Account Debtor is the United States of America or any department, agency or
instrumentality thereof, unless the applicable Borrower assigns its right to
payment of such Account to LaSalle pursuant to, and in full compliance with, the
Assignment of Claims Act of 1940, as amended;

                           (x)    it is not an Account with respect to which the
Account Debtor is located in a state which requires the applicable Borrower, as
a precondition to commencing or maintaining an action in the courts of that
state, either to (A) receive a certificate of authority to do business and be in
good standing in such state, or (B) file a notice of business activities report
or similar report with such state's taxing authority, unless (x) the applicable
Borrower has taken one of the actions described in clauses (A) or (B), (y) the
failure to take one of the actions

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described in either clause (A) or (B) may be cured retroactively by such
Borrower at its election, or (z) such Borrower has proven, to LaSalle's
satisfaction, that it is exempt from any such requirements under any such
state's laws;

                            (xi)   it is an Account which arises out of a sale
made in the ordinary course of the applicable Borrower's business;

                            (xii)  the Account Debtor either (A) is a resident
or citizen of, and is located within, the United States of America or Canada, or
(B) is not a resident or citizen of, or is not located within, the United States
of America or Canada, but as to which (and only to the extent) adequate credit
insurance for its Accounts exists in favor of the applicable Borrower and
LaSalle and which is underwritten by American Indemnity Co. (a "Foreign Insured
Account");

                            (xiii) it is not an Account with respect to which
the Account Debtor's obligation to pay is conditional upon the Account Debtor's
approval of the Goods or services or is otherwise subject to any repurchase
obligation or any consignment return right, as with sales made on a
bill-and-hold, guaranteed sale, sale on approval, sale or return or consignment
basis;

                            (xiv)  it is not an Account (A) with respect to
which any representation or warranty contained in this Agreement is untrue or
(B) which violates any of the covenants of Borrower contained in this Agreement;

                            (xv)   it is not an Account (other than an Account
of Electro-Matic Products Co. or a Foreign Insured Account) which, when added to
a particular Account Debtor's other indebtedness to Borrower, exceeds the lesser
of ten percent (10%) of the aggregate of Borrower's Accounts or a credit limit
determined by LaSalle in its reasonable credit judgment for that Account Debtor;
provided, however, that Accounts excluded from Eligible Accounts solely by
reason of this clause (xv) shall be Eligible Accounts to the extent of such
credit limit; provided further that upon the request of the Borrower from time
to time, LaSalle shall give reasonable consideration to increasing such credit
limit with respect to a particular Account Debtor;

                            (xvi)  as to Accounts of Electro-Matic Products Co.
("ELECTRO-MATIC"), it is not an Electro-Matic Account which, when added to
Electro-Matic's other indebtedness to Borrower, exceeds twenty-five percent
(25%) of the aggregate of Borrower's Accounts, provided, however, that
Electro-Matic Accounts excluded from Eligible Accounts solely by reason of this
clause (xvi) shall be Eligible Accounts to the extent of such twenty-five
percent (25%) credit limit; provided further that upon the request of the
Borrower from time to time, LaSalle shall give reasonable consideration to
increasing such credit limit with respect to Electro-Matic; or

                            (xvii) it is not an Account with respect to which
the prospect of payment or performance by the Account Debtor is or will be
impaired, as determined by LaSalle in its reasonable credit judgment.

                  "ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS" shall mean all federal, state, district,
local and foreign laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and consent decrees
relating to health, safety, hazardous

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substances, pollution and environmental matters, as now or at any time hereafter
in effect, applicable to Borrower's business or facilities owned or operated by
Borrower, including laws relating to emissions, discharges, releases or
threatened releases of pollutants, contamination, chemicals, or hazardous, toxic
or dangerous substances, materials or wastes into the environment (including,
without limitation, ambient air, surface water, ground water, land surface or
subsurface strata) or otherwise relating to the generation, manufacture,
processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transport or
handling of Hazardous Materials.

                  "ERISA" shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act
of 1974, as amended, and all references to sections thereof shall include such
sections and any predecessor and successor provisions thereto.

                  "ERISA AFFILIATE" shall mean any member of a controlled group
of entities as determined under Section 414(b), (c), (m), or (o) of the IRC, of
which the Borrower is a member.

                  "EVENT OF DEFAULT" shall have the meaning specified in
paragraph 16 hereof.

                  "EXCESS AVAILABILITY" shall mean, as of any date of
determination by LaSalle, the excess, if any, of (i) the Borrowing Base over
(ii) the sum (without duplication) of (a) outstanding Revolving Loans, plus (b)
outstanding Letter of Credit Obligations, plus (c) Borrower's aggregate trade
payables and outstanding debt which remain unpaid more than sixty (60) days
after the due dates thereof, in each case as of the close of business on such
date.

                   "EXCESS CASH FLOW" shall mean, with respect to any period, an
amount (not less than zero) equal to (i) net profit after taxes for such period,
plus (ii) depreciation and amortization expense deducted in determining net
profit for such period, minus (iii) Capital Expenditures and additions to
capitalized software and development costs for such period not financed, minus
(iv) current principal maturities of long-term debt and capitalized leases paid
or scheduled to be paid during such period.

                  "EXHIBIT A" shall mean the exhibit entitled "Exhibit A -
Business and Collateral Locations" which is attached hereto and made a part
hereof.
                  "EXHIBIT B" shall mean the exhibit entitled "Exhibit B -
Officer's Certificate", which is attached hereto and made a part hereof.

                  "FISCAL YEAR" shall mean with respect to Borrower, the twelve
(12) month accounting period of Borrower commencing January 1 of each calendar
year and ending December 31 of such calendar year.

                  "FOREIGN INSURED ACCOUNT" is defined in clause (xii) of the
definition of "Eligible Account."

                  "GAAP" shall mean generally accepted accounting principles and
policies in the United States as in effect from time to time.

                  "HAZARDOUS MATERIALS" shall mean any hazardous, toxic or
dangerous substance,

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materials and wastes, including, without limitation, hydrocarbons (including
naturally occurring or man-made petroleum and hydrocarbons), flammable
explosives, asbestos, urea formaldehyde insulation, radioactive materials,
biological substances, polychlorinated biphenyls, pesticides, herbicides and any
other kind and/or type of pollutants or contaminants (including, without
limitation, materials which include hazardous constituents), sewage, sludge,
industrial slag, solvents and/or any other similar substances, materials, or
wastes and including any other substances, materials or wastes that are or
become regulated under any Environmental Law (including, without limitation, any
that are or become classified as hazardous or toxic under any Environmental
Law).

                  "INDEMNIFIED PARTY" shall have the meaning specified in
paragraph 18 hereof.

                  "INTEREST COVERAGE RATIO" shall mean, as of the end of any
fiscal quarter for a measurement period consisting of that portion of the Fiscal
Year then ended, the ratio of (i) annualized (a) net income after taxes for such
period (excluding any after-tax gains or losses on the sale of assets and
excluding other after-tax extraordinary gains or losses) plus (b) interest
expense, income tax expense, depreciation and amortization for such period, plus
(c) losses attributable to any fixed asset sales made during such period and
non-cash charges which have been subtracted in calculating net income for such
period, minus (d) gains attributable to any fixed asset sales made during such
period and other non-cash gains which have been added in calculating net income
for such period, to (ii) annualized interest expense for such period.

                  "IRC" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended.

                  "LASALLE BANK" shall mean LaSalle Bank N.A. and its successors
and assigns.

                  "LETTERS OF CREDIT" shall mean those documentary or stand-by
letters of credit issued for Borrower's account in accordance with the terms of
paragraph 4 hereof.

                  "LETTER OF CREDIT OBLIGATIONS" shall mean, as of any date of
determination, the sum of (i) the aggregate undrawn face amount of all Letters
of Credit and (ii) the aggregate unreimbursed amount of all drawn Letters of
Credit not already converted to a Loan hereunder.

                  "LIABILITIES" shall mean any and all obligations, liabilities
and indebtedness of Borrower to LaSalle or to any parent, affiliate or
subsidiary of LaSalle of any and every kind and nature, howsoever created,
arising or evidenced and howsoever owned, held or acquired, whether now or
hereafter existing, whether now due or to become due, whether primary,
secondary, direct, indirect, absolute, contingent or otherwise (including,
without limitation, obligations of performance), whether several, joint or joint
and several, and whether arising or existing under written or oral agreement or
by operation of law.

                  "LOAN" or "LOANS" shall mean any and all Revolving Loans and
the Term Loan made by LaSalle to Borrower pursuant to paragraphs 2 and 3 hereof
and all other loans, advances and financial accommodations made by LaSalle to or
on behalf of Borrower hereunder.

                  "LOCK BOX" and "BLOCKED ACCOUNT" shall have the meanings
specified in

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paragraph 10 hereof.

                  "MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT" shall mean with respect to any
event, act, condition or occurrence of whatever nature (including any adverse
determination in any litigation, arbitration or governmental investigation or
proceeding), whether singly or in conjunction with any other event or events,
act or acts, condition or conditions, occurrence or occurrences, whether or not
related, a material adverse change in, or a material adverse effect upon, any of
the business, property, assets, operations, condition (financial or otherwise)
or prospects of Borrower.

                  "MORTGAGE" shall mean each mortgage or deed of trust executed
by Borrower in favor of LaSalle to secure the Liabilities.

                  "MULTIEMPLOYER PLAN" shall mean a plan described in Section
4001(a)(3) of ERISA which covers employees of Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate.

                  "NOTE" shall mean the Revolving Note or the Term Note.

                  "OBLIGOR" shall mean Borrower and each Person who is or shall
become primarily or secondarily liable for any of the Liabilities; provided,
however, that such term shall not include any Account Debtor.

                  "OBLIGORS" shall mean Borrower and each party guaranteeing
Borrower's Liabilities, and each such Person is an "Obligor".

                  "ORIGINAL TERM" shall have the meaning specified in paragraph
12 hereof.

                  "OTHER AGREEMENTS" shall mean all agreements, instruments and
documents including, without limitation, guaranties, mortgages, trust deeds,
pledges, powers of attorney, consents, assignments, contracts, notices, security
agreements, leases, financing statements and all other writings heretofore, now
or from time to time hereafter executed by or on behalf of Borrower or any other
Person and delivered to LaSalle or to any parent, affiliate or subsidiary of
LaSalle in connection with the Liabilities or the transactions contemplated
hereby.

                  "PARENT" shall mean any Person now or at any time or times
hereafter owning or controlling (alone or with any other Person) at least a
majority of the issued and outstanding stock or other similar ownership interest
of Borrower or any Subsidiary.

                  "PBGC" shall mean the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation or
any successor thereof.

                  "PERMITTED INVESTMENT" shall mean

                  (a) Investments in direct obligations of, or obligations fully
guarantied by, the United States of America or any agency of the United States
of America the obligations of which agency carry the full faith and credit of
the United States of America, provided that such obligations mature within one
(1) year from the date of acquisition thereof;

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                  (b) Investments in any obligation of any state or municipality
thereof that at the time of acquisition thereof have an assigned rating of "A",
"A-2" or higher by Standard & Poors (or an equivalent or higher rating by
another credit rating agency of recognized national standing in the United
States of America), provided that such obligations mature within one (1) year
from the date of acquisition thereof;

                  (c) Investments in negotiable certificates of deposit issued
by commercial banks organized under the laws of the United States of America or
any state thereof, having capital, surplus and undivided profits aggregating at
least Fifty Million Dollars ($50,000,000) and the long-term unsecured debt
obligations of which are rated "A", "A-2" or higher by Standard & Poors (or an
equivalent or higher rating by another credit rating agency of recognized
national standing in the United States of America), provided that such
certificates of deposit mature within one (1) year from the date of acquisition
thereof; and

                  (d) Investments in corporate debt obligations (including
commercial paper) of corporations organized under the laws of the United States
of America or any state thereof that at the time of acquisition thereof have an
assigned rating of "A", "A-2" or higher by Standard & Poors (or an equivalent or
higher rating by another credit rating agency of recognized national standing in
the United States of America).

                  "PERMITTED LIENS" shall mean (i) statutory liens of landlords,
carriers, warehousemen, mechanics, materialmen or suppliers incurred in the
ordinary course of business and securing amounts which are either (x) not yet
due or declared to be due by the claimant thereunder or (y) being contested in
good faith by appropriate proceeding and as to which Borrower maintains reserves
adequate to discharge such lien, (ii) liens or security interests in favor of
LaSalle, (iii) zoning restrictions and easements, rights of way, licenses,
covenants and other restrictions affecting the use of real property that do not
individually or in the aggregate have a Material Adverse Effect on Borrower's
ability to use such real property for its intended purpose in connection with
Borrower's business, (iv) liens securing the payment of taxes or other
governmental charges not yet delinquent or being contested in good faith and by
appropriate proceedings, (v) liens incurred or deposits made in the ordinary
course of Borrower's business in connection with capitalized leases or purchase
money security interests for purchase of, and applying only to, Equipment
included in the permitted borrowings under paragraph 13(p) or permitted as
Capital Expenditures under paragraph 14(m), (vi) liens securing indebtedness
owing by any Subsidiary to Borrower to the extent such indebtedness is permitted
under paragraph 14(l), or to any other Subsidiary of Borrower, (vii) deposits to
secure performance of bids, trade contracts, leases and statutory obligations
(to the extent not excepted elsewhere herein); (viii) liens specifically
permitted by LaSalle in writing as set forth on Schedule 1(a) attached hereto;
(ix) any lien arising out of the refinancing, extension, renewal or refunding of
any indebtedness secured by an lien permitted by any of the foregoing
subparagraphs (i) through (viii) inclusive; provided, that (a) such indebtedness
is not secured by any additional assets, and (b) the amount of such indebtedness
is not increased, (x) pledges or deposits in connection with worker's
compensation, unemployment insurance and other social security legislation, (xi)
securities and other properties held at banks or financial institutions to
secure the payment or reimbursement under overdraft, acceptance and other
facilities, (xii) rights of setoff, banker's lien and other similar rights
arising solely by operation of law, (xiii) liens in the nature of any minor

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imperfections of title, including but not limited to easements, covenants,
rights of way or other similar restrictions which would not materially adversely
affect the use of the property to which they relate, have a material adverse
effect on the sale or lease of such property or render title thereto
unmarketable and (xiv) liens securing appeal bonds.

                  "PERSON" shall mean any individual, sole proprietorship,
partnership, limited liability company venture, trust, unincorporated
organization, association, corporation, institution, entity, party or foreign or
United States government (whether federal, state, county, city, municipal or
otherwise), including, without limitation, any instrumentality, division,
agency, body or department thereof.

                  "PROHIBITED TRANSACTION" shall mean a prohibited transaction
in Section 4975 of the IRC and Section 406 of ERISA.

                  "REFERENCE RATE" shall mean the publicly announced Reference
Rate of LaSalle Bank in effect from time to time. The Reference Rate is not
intended to be the lowest or most favorable rate of LaSalle Bank in effect at
any time.

                  "RENEWAL TERM" shall have the meaning specified in paragraph
12 hereof.

                  "REPORTABLE EVENT" shall mean a reportable event as defined in
Section 4043 of ERISA and the regulations issued under such section, with
respect to a Benefit Plan, excluding, however, such events as to which the PBGC
has by regulation waived the requirement of Section 4043(a) of ERISA that it be
notified within 30 days of the occurrence of such event.

                  "REVOLVING LOANS" shall have the meaning specified in
paragraph 2 hereof.

                  "REVOLVING LOAN COMMITMENT" shall mean the sum of Eight
Million Dollars ($8,000,000).

                  "REVOLVING NOTE" shall mean the promissory note in the
original principal amount of Eight Million Dollars ($8,000,000), executed by
Borrower to the order of LaSalle, dated as of the Closing Date.

                  "STANDARD FEDERAL" shall mean Standard Federal Bank, Troy,
Michigan, and its successors and assigns.

                  "SUBORDINATED INDEBTEDNESS" shall mean debt expressly
subordinated to LaSalle on terms and conditions acceptable to LaSalle in its
sole judgment.

                  "SUBSIDIARY" shall mean any corporation or company of which
more than fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding capital stock having ordinary
voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors of such corporation
(irrespective of whether at the time stock of any other class of such
corporation shall have or might have voting power by reason of the happening of
any contingency) is at the time, directly or indirectly, owned by Borrower or by
any partnership or joint venture of which more than fifty percent (50%) of the
outstanding equity interests are at the time, directly or indirectly, owned by
Borrower.

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                  "TANGIBLE NET WORTH" shall mean shareholders' equity
(including retained earnings) less the book value of all intangible assets
reflected on Borrower's consolidated balance sheet, plus the amount of any debt
subordinated to LaSalle where the terms and conditions of such subordination
have been accepted in writing by LaSalle in its sole judgment, all as determined
in accordance with GAAP, consistently applied.

                  "TERM LOAN" shall have the meaning specified in paragraph 3
hereof.

                  "TERM NOTE" shall mean the promissory note in the original
principal amount equal to the amount of the Term Loan, executed by Borrower to
the order of LaSalle and dated as of the Closing Date.

                  "TOTAL CREDIT FACILITY" shall mean the sum of Ten Million Nine
Hundred Thousand Dollars ($10,900,000).

                  (b) Accounting Terms and Definitions. Unless otherwise defined
or specified herein, all accounting terms used in this Agreement shall be
construed in accordance with GAAP, applied on a basis consistent in all material
respects with the financial statements delivered by Borrower to LaSalle on or
before the Closing Date. All accounting determinations for purposes of
determining compliance with the financial covenants contained in paragraph 14(m)
shall be made in accordance with GAAP as in effect on the Closing Date and
applied on a basis consistent in all material respects with the audited
financial statements delivered to LaSalle by Borrower on or before the Closing
Date. The financial statements required to be delivered hereunder from and after
the Closing Date, and all financial records, shall be maintained in accordance
with GAAP. If GAAP shall change from the basis used in preparing the audited
financial statements delivered to LaSalle by Borrower on or before the Closing
Date, the certificates required to be delivered pursuant to paragraph 11(b)
demonstrating compliance with the covenants contained herein shall include, at
the election of Borrower or upon the request of LaSalle, calculations setting
forth the adjustments necessary to demonstrate how Borrower is in compliance
with the financial covenants based upon GAAP as in effect on the Closing Date.

                  2. REVOLVING LOANS. Subject to the terms and conditions of
this Agreement and the Other Agreements, during the Original Term and any
Renewal Term, absent the existence and continuation of an Event of Default,
LaSalle shall make such revolving loans and advances (the "REVOLVING LOANS") to
Borrower as Borrower shall from time to time request, in accordance with the
terms of this paragraph 2. The aggregate unpaid principal amount of all
Revolving Loans outstanding at any one time made to Borrower shall not exceed
the lesser of (i) an amount equal to eighty-five percent (85%) of the face
amount of Eligible Accounts, less such reserves as LaSalle elects to establish
from time to time in the exercise of its reasonable discretion, including,
without limitation, a Dilution reserve if Dilution exceeds 5%, minus the
outstanding amount of all Letter of Credit Obligations, (the "BORROWING BASE")
or (ii) the Revolving Loan Commitment, minus the outstanding amount of all
Letter of Credit Obligations. All Revolving Loans shall be repaid in full upon
the earlier to occur of (A) the end of the Original Term or any Renewal Term, if
either LaSalle or Borrower elects to terminate this Agreement as of the end of
any such term and (B) the acceleration of the Liabilities pursuant to paragraph
17 of this Agreement. If at any time the outstanding principal balance of the
Revolving Loans made to

                                       13
<PAGE>   14

Borrower exceeds (i) the Borrowing Base or (ii) the Revolving Loan Commitment,
in each case less the outstanding Letter of Credit Obligations, Borrower shall
immediately, and without the necessity of a demand by LaSalle, pay to LaSalle
such amount as may be necessary to eliminate such excess, and LaSalle shall
apply such payment against the outstanding principal balance of the Revolving
Loans. In addition, if at any time the sum of (A) the outstanding principal
balance of the Loans and (B) the outstanding Letter of Credit Obligations
exceeds the Total Credit Facility, Borrower shall immediately and without the
necessity of a demand by LaSalle pay to LaSalle such amount as may be necessary
to eliminate such excess, and LaSalle shall apply such payment against the
outstanding principal balance of the Revolving Loans in such order as LaSalle
shall determine in its sole discretion. Borrower hereby authorizes LaSalle to
charge any of Borrower's accounts to make any payments of principal or interest
required by this Agreement. All Revolving Loans shall, in LaSalle's sole
discretion, be evidenced by one or more promissory notes in form and substance
satisfactory to LaSalle. However, if such Revolving Loans are not so evidenced,
such Revolving Loans may be evidenced solely by entries upon the books and
records maintained by LaSalle.

                  3.  TERM LOAN.

                  (a) On the Closing Date, LaSalle shall make a term loan to
Borrower in the original principal amount of Two Million Nine Hundred Thousand
Dollars ($2,900,000) (the "TERM LOAN"). Principal payable on account of the Term
Loan shall be payable (x) in successive monthly installments (i) payable on the
first day of each month, the first of which installments shall be due and
payable on the first day of the month immediately following the 30th day after
the Closing Date and (ii) based on an amortization schedule consisting of
one-hundred eighty (180) equal and level payments, and (y) in quarterly
installments payable within thirty (30) days after the end of each fiscal
quarter in any amount equal to twenty percent (20%) of Excess Cash Flow during
such fiscal quarter then ended; provided, however, that the entire unpaid
principal balance of the Term Loan shall be due and payable in full upon the
expiration of the Original Term of this Agreement; and, provided further, that
in the event that the Original Term of this Agreement is initially or
subsequently renewed in accordance with paragraph 12 hereof, then Borrower shall
continue to make such equal and level monthly payments, with a final installment
equal to the unpaid principal balance and any other amounts outstanding due and
payable upon the expiration of the Renewal Term. Notwithstanding anything
hereinabove to the contrary, the entire unpaid principal balance of the Term
Loan, and any accrued and unpaid interest thereon, shall be immediately due and
payable upon the earlier to occur of (i) the last day of the Original Term or
the last day of any Renewal Term, if either LaSalle or Borrower elects to
terminate this Agreement as of the end of any such Original or Renewal Term and
(ii) the acceleration of the Liabilities pursuant to paragraph 17 of this
Agreement.

                  (b) If Borrower sells any real property subject to a Mortgage
or if any Collateral is damaged, destroyed or taken by condemnation, Borrower
shall pay to LaSalle, unless otherwise specifically provided herein or otherwise
agreed to by LaSalle, as and when received by Borrower and as a mandatory
prepayment of the Term Loan, to be applied against the last maturing
installments of principal thereof, in the inverse order thereof (or, at
LaSalle's option, after the Term Loan has been repaid in full, such of the other
Liabilities of Borrower as LaSalle

                                       14
<PAGE>   15

may elect), a sum equal to the proceeds received by Borrower from (i) such sale
or (ii) such damage, destruction or condemnation; provided, however, that
without LaSalle's consent, unless and until an Event of Default has occurred and
is continuing, proceeds of Collateral arising from the damage, destruction or
condemnation thereof may be retained by Borrower and used by Borrower to repair,
restore or replace such Collateral, as the case may be, so long as the fair
market value of any such Collateral damaged, destroyed or condemned in any
single incident is less than $50,000, and the fair market value, in the
aggregate, of all such Collateral owned by Borrower and damaged, destroyed or
condemned during any twelve-month period is less than $100,000.

                  4.  LETTERS  OF CREDIT.  Subject  to the terms and conditions
of this Agreement, and the Other Agreements, during the Original Term or any
Renewal Term, LaSalle shall, absent the existence of an Event of Default, from
time to time cause the issuance of and co-sign for, upon Borrower's request,
Letters of Credit; provided, that the Letters of Credit shall be in form and
substance acceptable to LaSalle in its sole discretion and that the aggregate
undrawn face amount of all such Letters of Credit shall at no time exceed Two
Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($2,500,000); and provided further, that
no Letter of Credit shall have an expiry date (a) more than 365 days from the
date of issuance or (b) beyond five (5) days prior to the expiration of the
Original Term or the Renewal Term, as the case may be. Borrower's reimbursement
obligation in respect of the Letters of Credit shall automatically reduce,
dollar for dollar, the amount which Borrower may borrow based upon the Revolving
Loan Commitment and the Borrowing Base. Any payment made by LaSalle to any
Person on account of any Letter of Credit shall constitute a Revolving Loan
hereunder (which shall, for the avoidance of doubt, thereafter reduce the
outstanding amount under such Letter of Credit for purposes of determining the
amount available under the Revolving Loans). At no time shall the aggregate sum
of direct Revolving Loans by LaSalle to Borrower plus the contingent liability
of LaSalle under the outstanding Letters of Credit be in excess of the Revolving
Loan Commitment or the Borrowing Base.

                  5.  INTEREST, FEES AND CHARGES.

                  (a) Rates of Interest. Interest accrued on all Loans shall be
due on the earliest of: (i) the first day of each month (for the immediately
preceding month), computed through the last calendar day of the preceding month;
(ii) the occurrence of an Event of Default in consequence of which LaSalle
elects to accelerate the maturity and payment of the Liabilities; or (iii)
termination of this Agreement pursuant to paragraph 12 hereof. At Borrower's
election, except as otherwise provided in paragraph 6(c) hereof, interest shall
accrue on: (A) the unpaid principal balance of the Term Loan made to Borrower
outstanding at the end of each day at a fluctuating rate per annum equal to one
and one-half per cent (1.50%) (the "TERM LOAN MARGIN") above the Reference Rate;
and (B) the principal amount of the Revolving Loans made to Borrower outstanding
at the end of each day at a fluctuating rate per annum equal to one per cent
(1.00%) (the "REVOLVING LOAN MARGIN") above the Reference Rate; provided,
however, that upon LaSalle's receipt and review of Borrower's consolidated
audited financial statements indicating consolidated net income for Fiscal Year
ending December 31, 2000, of not less than $500,000, then the Revolving Loan
Margin and the Term Loan Margin shall each thereafter be reduced by fifty (50)
basis points (i.e., one-half of one percent (0.50%)), with such reduction to

                                       15
<PAGE>   16

be effective on the first day of the month on which LaSalle receives such
Financial Statements. The rate of interest payable on Loans shall increase or
decrease by an amount equal to any increase or decrease in the Reference Rate,
effective as of the opening of business on the day that any such change in the
Reference Rate occurs. Upon and after the occurrence of an Event of Default, and
during the continuation thereof, the principal amount of all Loans shall bear
interest on demand at a rate per annum equal to (1) with respect to the Term
Loan, the rate of interest then in effect under paragraph 5(a)(A) plus two
percent (2%) and (2) with respect to Revolving Loans, the rate of interest then
in effect under paragraph 5(a)(B) plus two percent (2%).

                  (b) Computation of Interest and Fees. Interest and collection
charges hereunder shall be calculated daily and shall be computed on the actual
number of days elapsed over a year consisting of three hundred and sixty (360)
days. For the purpose of computing interest hereunder, all items of payment
received by LaSalle shall be deemed applied by LaSalle on account of the
Liabilities (subject to final payment of such items) on the second (2nd)
Business Day after receipt by LaSalle of good funds in LaSalle's account located
in Chicago, Illinois or such other LaSalle office as LaSalle may hereafter
designate.

                  (c) Maximum Interest. It is the intent of the parties that the
rate of interest and the other charges to Borrower under this Agreement shall be
lawful; therefore, if for any reason the interest or other charges payable under
this Agreement are found by a court of competent jurisdiction, in a final
determination, to exceed the limit which LaSalle may lawfully charge Borrower,
then the obligation to pay interest and other charges shall automatically be
reduced to such limit and, if any amount in excess of such limit shall have been
paid, then such amount shall be refunded to Borrower.

                  (d) Letter of Credit Fees. Borrower shall remit to LaSalle a
Letter of Credit fee equal to the greater of (i) one and one-half percent
(1.50%) simple interest per annum on the aggregate undrawn face amount of all
outstanding Letters of Credit issued for the account of Borrower, or (ii) $150
per transaction, such fee shall be payable monthly in arrears on each day that
interest is payable hereunder. Borrower shall also pay on demand the normal and
customary administrative charges for issuance, amendment, negotiation, renewal
or extension of any Letter of Credit imposed by the bank issuing such Letter of
Credit. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default,
all Letter of Credit fees shall be payable on demand at a rate equal to three
and one-half percent (3.50%) per annum on the aggregate undrawn face amount
thereof.

                  (e) Closing Fee. Borrower shall pay to LaSalle a closing fee
of Seventy-Five Thousand Dollars ($75,000), which shall be fully earned,
nonrefundable and due on the Closing Date.

                  (f) Unused Line Fee. Borrower shall pay to LaSalle at the end
of each month, in arrears, an Unused Line Fee equal to three-eighths of one
percent (0.375%) per annum on the daily average amount by which the Revolving
Loan Commitment exceeds the sum of (i) the outstanding principal balance of the
Revolving Loans and (ii) the outstanding Letter of Credit Obligations. The
Unused Line Fee shall accrue from the Closing Date until the last day of the

                                       16
<PAGE>   17

Original Term, and if applicable, from the first day to the last day of each
Renewal Term.

                  (g) Examination and Appraisal Fees. In addition to the costs
and expenses described in paragraph 14(o) hereof, Borrower shall pay to LaSalle
(i) an examination fee of $600 per day (provided that unless a Default or Event
of Default shall have occurred, the aggregate amount of such examination fees
shall not exceed $7,500 in any calendar year), plus (ii) all out-of-pocket
expenses for each examination performed by or at LaSalle's direction of
Borrower's books and records and Collateral and such other matters as LaSalle
shall deem appropriate in its commercially reasonable judgment, each such fee to
be paid upon the completion of each such examination.

                  (h) Capital Adequacy Charge. If LaSalle shall have determined
that the adoption of any law, rule or regulation regarding capital adequacy, or
any change therein or in the interpretation or application thereof, or
compliance by LaSalle with any request or directive regarding capital adequacy
(whether or not having the force of law) from any central bank or governmental
authority enacted after the Closing Date, does or shall have the effect of
reducing the rate of return on LaSalle's capital as a consequence of its
obligations hereunder to a level below that which LaSalle could have achieved
but for such adoption, change or compliance (taking into consideration LaSalle's
policies with respect to capital adequacy) by a material amount, then from time
to time, after submission by LaSalle to Borrower of a written demand therefor
("CAPITAL ADEQUACY DEMAND") together with the certificate described below,
Borrower shall pay to LaSalle such additional amount or amounts ("CAPITAL
ADEQUACY CHARGE") as will compensate LaSalle for such reduction, such Capital
Adequacy Demand to be made with reasonable promptness following such
determination. A certificate of LaSalle claiming entitlement to payment as set
forth above shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error. Such
certificate shall set forth the nature of the occurrence giving rise to such
reduction, the amount of the Capital Adequacy Charge to be paid to LaSalle, and
the method by which such amount was determined. In determining such amount,
LaSalle may use any reasonable averaging and attribution method, applied on a
non-discriminatory basis.

                  6.  LOAN ADMINISTRATION.

                  (a) Loan Requests. A request for a Revolving Loan shall be
made or shall be deemed to be made, each in the following manner: (i) Borrower
shall give LaSalle same day notice, no later than 10:30 A.M. (Chicago time) of
such day, of its intention to borrow a Revolving Loan, in which notice Borrower
shall specify the amount of the proposed borrowing and the proposed borrowing
date; provided, however, that no such request may be made at a time when there
exists a Default or an Event of Default; and (ii) the coming due of any amount
required to be paid under this Agreement or any Note, whether on account of
interest or for any other Liability, shall be deemed irrevocably to be a request
for a Revolving Loan on the due date thereof in the amount required to pay such
interest or other Liability. As an accommodation to Borrower, LaSalle may permit
telephone requests for Revolving Loans and electronic transmittal of
instructions, authorizations, agreements or reports to LaSalle by Borrower;
provided that telephone requests or electronic transmittals may be made only by
such persons as the Borrower may from time to time designate in writing to
LaSalle (it being understood that LaSalle shall be

                                       17
<PAGE>   18

entitled to rely upon such designation until LaSalle receives and has a
reasonable opportunity to act upon the Borrower's written amendment or
retraction of such designation), and provided further that LaSalle will not
accept a telephone or electronic request to change the account number into which
proceeds from the Revolving Loans are deposited by LaSalle. Unless Borrower
specifically directs LaSalle in writing not to accept or act upon telephonic or
electronic communications from Borrower, LaSalle shall have no liability to
Borrower for any loss or damage suffered by Borrower as a result of LaSalle's
honoring of any requests, execution of any instructions, authorizations or
agreements or reliance on any reports communicated to it telephonically or
electronically and purporting to have been sent to LaSalle by Borrower and
LaSalle shall have no duty to verify the origin of any such communication or the
authority of the Person sending it. Each notice of borrowing shall be
irrevocable by and binding on Borrower.

                  (b) Disbursement. Borrower hereby irrevocably authorizes
LaSalle to disburse the proceeds of each Revolving Loan requested by Borrower,
or deemed to be requested by Borrower, as follows: (i) the proceeds of each
Revolving Loan requested under paragraph 6(a)(i) shall be disbursed by LaSalle
in lawful money of the United States of America in immediately available funds,
in the case of the initial borrowing, in accordance with the terms of the
written disbursement letter from Borrower, and in the case of each subsequent
borrowing, by wire transfer to such bank account as may be agreed upon by
Borrower and LaSalle from time to time, or elsewhere if pursuant to a written
direction from Borrower; and (ii) the proceeds of each Revolving Loan requested
under paragraph 6(a)(ii) shall be disbursed by LaSalle by way of direct payment
of the relevant interest or other Liability.

                  7. GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST TO LASALLE. As security for
the payment of all Loans now or in the future made by LaSalle to Borrower
hereunder and for the payment or other satisfaction of all other Liabilities,
Borrower hereby assigns to LaSalle and grants to LaSalle a continuing first
priority security interest in the following property of Borrower, whether now or
hereafter owned, existing, acquired or arising and wherever now or hereafter
located: (a) all Accounts (whether or not Eligible Accounts) and all Goods whose
sale, lease or other disposition by Borrower has given rise to Accounts and have
been returned to or repossessed or stopped in transit by Borrower; (b) all
Chattel Paper, Instruments, Investment Property, Documents and General
Intangibles (including, without limitation, all patents, patent applications,
trademarks, trademark applications, tradenames, trade secrets, goodwill,
copyrights, registrations, licenses, franchises, customer lists, tax refund
claims, claims against carriers and shippers, guarantee claims, contracts
rights, security interests, security deposits and any rights to
indemnification); (c) all Inventory; (d) all Goods (other than Inventory)
including, without limitation, Equipment, vehicles and fixtures; (e) all
deposits and cash and any other property of Borrower now or hereafter in the
possession, custody or control of LaSalle or any agent or any parent, affiliate
or subsidiary of LaSalle or any participant with LaSalle in the Loans for any
purpose (whether for safekeeping, deposit, collection, custody, pledge,
transmission or otherwise); and (f) all additions and accessions to,
substitutions for, and replacements, products and proceeds of the foregoing
property, including, without limitation, proceeds of all insurance policies
insuring the foregoing property, and all of Borrower's books and records
relating to any of the foregoing and to Borrower's business.

                                       18
<PAGE>   19

                  8.  PRESERVATION OF COLLATERAL AND PERFECTION OF SECURITY
INTERESTS THEREIN. Borrower shall, at LaSalle's request, at any time and from
time to time, execute and deliver to LaSalle such financing statements,
documents and other agreements and instruments (and pay the cost of filing or
recording the same in all public offices deemed reasonably necessary or
desirable by LaSalle) and do such other acts and things as LaSalle may deem
necessary or desirable in order to establish and maintain a valid, attached and
perfected security interest in the Collateral in favor of LaSalle (free and
clear of all other liens, claims and rights of third parties whatsoever, whether
voluntarily or involuntarily created, except Permitted Liens) to secure payment
of the Liabilities, and in order to facilitate the collection of the Collateral.
Borrower irrevocably hereby makes, constitutes and appoints LaSalle (and all
Persons designated by LaSalle for that purpose) as Borrower's true and lawful
attorney and agent-in-fact to execute such financing statements, documents and
other agreements and instruments and do such other acts and things as may be
necessary to preserve and perfect LaSalle's security interest in the Collateral.
Borrower further agrees that a carbon, photographic, photostatic or other
reproduction of this Agreement or of a financing statement shall be sufficient
as a financing statement.

                  9.  POSSESSION OF COLLATERAL AND RELATED MATTERS.  Unless an
Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, Borrower shall have the right,
in the ordinary course of Borrower's business, to (a) sell, lease or furnish
under contracts of service any of Borrower's Inventory normally held by Borrower
for any such purpose, and (b) use and consume any raw materials, work in process
or other materials normally held by Borrower for such purpose; provided,
however, that a sale in the ordinary course of business shall not include any
transfer or sale in satisfaction, partial or complete, of a debt owed by
Borrower to the purchaser.

                  10. COLLECTIONS.

                  (a) Borrower shall direct all of its Account Debtors to make
all payments on the Accounts directly to a post office box ("LOCK BOX") with a
bank designated by LaSalle ("BLOCKED ACCOUNT BANK") (which initial Blocked
Account Bank shall be LaSalle Bank) and in the name and under exclusive control
of, LaSalle. Borrower acknowledges and consents to any arrangement whereby the
Blocked Account Bank may arrange for Lock Box or Blocked Account processing to
be handled by LaSalle Bank. Borrower shall establish an account (the "BLOCKED
ACCOUNT") in LaSalle's name for the benefit of Borrower with Blocked Account
Bank and LaSalle Bank. All payments received in the Lock Box shall be deposited
in the Blocked Account, and into which Borrower will immediately deposit all
payments made for Inventory or services sold or rendered by Borrower and
received by Borrower in the identical form in which such payments were made,
whether by cash or check. If Borrower, any Affiliate or Subsidiary of Borrower,
or any shareholder, officer, director, employee or agent of Borrower or any
Affiliate or Subsidiary, or any other Person acting for or in concert with
Borrower shall receive any monies, checks, notes, drafts or other payments as
proceeds of Borrower's Accounts or other Collateral, Borrower and each such
Person shall receive all such items in trust for, and as the sole and exclusive
property of, LaSalle and, immediately upon receipt thereof, shall remit the same
(or cause the same to be remitted) in kind to the Blocked Account. Blocked
Account Bank shall acknowledge and agree, in a manner satisfactory to LaSalle,
that the amounts on deposit in such

                                       19
<PAGE>   20

Lock Box and Blocked Account are the sole and exclusive property of LaSalle,
that Blocked Account Bank has no right to setoff against such Lock Box or
Blocked Account or against any other account maintained by Blocked Account Bank
into which the contents of such Blocked Account are transferred, and that
Blocked Account Bank shall wire, or otherwise transfer in immediately available
funds in a manner satisfactory to LaSalle, funds deposited in the Blocked
Account on a daily basis as such funds are collected. Borrower agrees that all
payments made to the Blocked Account established by Borrower or otherwise
received by LaSalle, whether in respect of the Accounts of Borrower or as
proceeds of other Collateral of Borrower or otherwise, will be applied on
account of the Liabilities (other than (unless an Event of Default shall have
occurred and be continuing) the Term Loan) of Borrower in accordance with the
terms of this Agreement. If (x) application of such payments or proceeds causes
the Revolving Loan balance to be less than zero (such deficit is hereinafter
referred to as the "EXCESS AMOUNT"), and (y) no Default or Event of Default
shall have occurred and be continuing, then LaSalle shall notify the Borrower
thereof (whether orally or in writing) and, at Borrower's discretion, make a
disbursement in the amount of the Excess Amount (which disbursement shall not,
for the avoidance of doubt, accrue interest) to such unrestricted, non-blocked
account as the Borrower may direct LaSalle in writing. Borrower agrees to pay
all fees, costs and expenses which Borrower incurs in connection with opening
and maintaining a Lock Box and the Blocked Account. All of such fees, costs and
expenses which remain unpaid by Borrower pursuant to any agreement executed by
Borrower relating to the Lock Box or Blocked Account, to the extent same shall
have been paid by LaSalle hereunder, shall constitute Revolving Loans hereunder.
All checks, drafts, instruments and other items of payment or proceeds of
Collateral delivered to LaSalle in kind shall be endorsed by Borrower to
LaSalle, and, if that endorsement of any such item shall not be made for any
reason, LaSalle is hereby irrevocably authorized to endorse the same on
Borrower's behalf. For the purpose of this paragraph, Borrower irrevocably
hereby makes, constitutes and appoints LaSalle (and all Persons designated by
LaSalle for that purpose) as Borrower's true and lawful attorney and
agent-in-fact (i) to endorse Borrower's name upon said items of payment and/or
proceeds of Collateral of Borrower and upon any Chattel Paper, document,
instrument, invoice or similar document or agreement relating to any Account of
Borrower or goods pertaining thereto; (ii) to take control in any manner of any
item of payment or proceeds thereof; (iii) to have access to any lock box or
postal box into which any of Borrower's mail is deposited; and (iv) open and
process all mail addressed to Borrower and deposited therein; provided, however,
that LaSalle shall not exercise any such powers described in subparagraphs (i),
(ii) (except for routine Lock Box payments/proceeds), (iii) and (iv) unless and
until an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

                  (b) For the purpose of determining Borrower's Borrowing Base
hereunder, LaSalle shall, upon receipt by LaSalle at its office in Chicago,
Illinois or such other LaSalle office as LaSalle may hereafter designate, of
cash or other immediately available funds from collections of items of payment
and proceeds of any Collateral, apply such collections or proceeds against the
Revolving Loans until the balance thereof is zero, and then, (i) if a Default or
Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, to the other Liabilities
in such order as LaSalle shall determine in its sole discretion, and (ii) if no
Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, as provided
in paragraph 10(a).

                  (c) In its reasonable credit judgment, without waiving or
releasing any

                                       20
<PAGE>   21

obligation, liability or duty of Borrower under this Agreement or the Other
Agreements or any Event of Default, at any time or times hereafter, LaSalle may
(but shall not be obligated to), following the occurrence and during the
continuation of a Default or Event of Default, pay, acquire or accept an
assignment of any security interest, lien, encumbrance or claim asserted by any
Person in, upon or against the Collateral. All sums paid by LaSalle in respect
thereof and all costs, fees and expenses (including, without limitation,
reasonable attorney fees for both inside and outside counsel, all court costs
and all other charges relating thereto) incurred by LaSalle shall constitute
Revolving Loans.

                  (d) Immediately upon Borrower's receipt of any portion of the
Collateral evidenced by an agreement, Instrument or Document including, without
limitation, any Chattel Paper, Borrower shall deliver the original thereof to
LaSalle together with an appropriate endorsement or other specific evidence of
assignment thereof to LaSalle (in form and substance acceptable to LaSalle). If
an endorsement or assignment of any such items shall not be made for any reason,
LaSalle is hereby irrevocably authorized, as Borrower's attorney and
agent-in-fact, to endorse or assign the same on Borrower's behalf.

                  (e) LaSalle shall render to Borrower each month a statement of
Borrower's account or accounts, as the case may be, which shall constitute an
account stated and shall be deemed to be correct and accepted by and be binding
upon Borrower unless LaSalle receives a written statement of Borrower's
exceptions thereto within thirty (30) days after such statement was rendered to
Borrower.

                  11. SCHEDULES AND REPORTS. Borrower shall furnish or cause to
be furnished to LaSalle the following:

                  (a) Daily Reports. Borrower shall provide LaSalle with an
executed daily loan report and certificate in LaSalle's then current form on
each day on which Borrower requests a Revolving Loan, and in any event at least
one each week, which shall be accompanied by copies of Borrower's sales journal,
cash receipts journal and credit memo journal for the relevant period. Such
report shall reflect the activity of Borrower with respect to Accounts for the
immediately preceding week, and shall be in a form and with such specificity as
is satisfactory to LaSalle and shall contain such additional information as
LaSalle may reasonably require concerning Accounts included, described or
referred to in such report and any other documents in connection therewith
requested by LaSalle including, without limitation, but only if specifically
requested by LaSalle, copies of all invoices prepared in connection with such
Amounts.

                  (b) Monthly Financial Statements. As soon as practicable and
in any event within twenty (20) days following the end of each calendar month
(except in the case of clause (4)(A), in which case within twenty (20) days
following the end of each fiscal quarter): (1) statements of income and cash
flows of Borrower and its Subsidiaries, prepared on a consolidated and
consolidating basis, for each such month and for the period from beginning of
the then current Fiscal Year of Borrower to the end of such month, (2) balance
sheets of Borrower and its Subsidiaries, prepared on a consolidated and
consolidating basis, as of the end of such month, (3) with respect to such
statements of income and cash flows, in comparative

                                       21
<PAGE>   22

form, figures for the corresponding periods in the preceding Fiscal Year of
Borrower, all in reasonable detail and certified by the chief financial officer
of Borrower that such statements fairly present the financial condition of
Borrower in accordance with GAAP, subject to changes resulting from normal
year-end audit adjustments and (4) a certificate of Borrower's chief financial
officer (A) setting forth, in such form and in such detail as shall be
reasonably satisfactory to LaSalle, computations of Borrower's compliance with
the covenants set forth in this Agreement, and (B) stating that an Default or
Event of Default either (i) does not exist or (ii) exists, specifying the nature
thereof and the actions being taken or proposed to be taken in connection
therewith.

                  (c) Monthly Reports. In addition to any other reports, as soon
as practicable and in any event within twenty (20) days after the end of each
month, (i) a detailed trial balance of Borrower's Accounts aged per invoice
date, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to LaSalle including,
without limitation, the names and addresses of all Account Debtors of Borrower,
and (ii) a summary and detail of accounts payable (such Accounts and accounts
payable divided into fifteen (15) or thirty (30) day intervals as LaSalle may
require in its reasonable discretion), including a listing of any held checks.

                  (d) Annual Financial Statements. As soon as practicable and in
any event within ninety-five (95) days after the end of each Fiscal Year of
Borrower: (a) statements of income of Borrower and its Subsidiaries, prepared on
a consolidated and consolidating basis, for such Fiscal Year, and a balance
sheet of Borrower and its Subsidiaries, prepared on a consolidated and
consolidating basis, as of the end of such Fiscal Year, and (2) statements of
shareholders equity and cash flows of Borrower and its Subsidiaries, prepared on
a consolidated and consolidating basis, for such Fiscal Year, such statements to
be presented in accordance with GAAP and (other than the consolidating balance
sheet and the consolidating income statement) certified by independent certified
public accountants of recognized national standing selected by Borrower and
reasonably satisfactory to LaSalle (which LaSalle agrees may be Grant Thornton
LLP), whose opinion shall be unqualified, in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to LaSalle. Such financial statements shall be in the form filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission to the extent required to be filed
therewith.

                  (e) Annual Projections. As soon as practicable and in any
event prior to the beginning of each Fiscal Year of Borrower, projected profit
and loss, balance sheets, statements of income and cash flow for Borrower, for
each of the twelve (12) months during such Fiscal Year, which shall include the
assumptions used therein, together with appropriate supporting details as
reasonably requested by LaSalle.

                  (f) Accountant's Reports. As soon as practicable and in any
event within ten (10) days of delivery to Borrower, a copy of any letter issued
by Borrower's independent public accountants or other management consultants
with respect to Borrower's financial or accounting systems or controls,
including all so-called "management letters".

                  (g) Explanation of Budgets and Projections. In conjunction
with the delivery of the annual presentation of projections or budgets referred
to in paragraph 11(e) above, a letter signed by the President or a Vice
President of Borrower and by the Treasurer or Chief Financial

                                       22
<PAGE>   23

Officer of Borrower, describing, comparing and analyzing, in detail, all changes
and developments between the anticipated financial results included in such
projections or budgets and the historical financial statements of Borrower.

                  (h) Other Information. With reasonable promptness, such other
business or financial data, reports, appraisals and projections as LaSalle may
reasonably request.

                  (i) Accompanying Certificates. All financial statements
delivered to LaSalle pursuant to the requirements of this paragraph (except
where otherwise expressly indicated) shall be prepared in accordance with GAAP
as provided in this Agreement. Together with each delivery of financial
statements required by paragraph 11(b) and (d) above, Borrower shall deliver to
LaSalle an officer's certificate in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B, which
shall include a calculation of Excess Cash Flow and financial covenants in the
schedule attached to such officer's certificate in form satisfactory to LaSalle.

                  12. TERMINATION.

                  (a) This Agreement shall be in effect from the date hereof
until November 12, 2002 ("ORIGINAL TERM") and shall automatically renew itself
from year to year thereafter (each such one year renewal being referred to
herein as a "RENEWAL TERM") unless (i) the due date of the Liabilities is
accelerated pursuant to paragraph 17 hereof; (ii) Borrower elects or LaSalle
elects to terminate this Agreement at the end of the Original Term or at the end
of any Renewal Term by giving the other party written notice of such election at
least sixty (60) days prior to the end of the Original Term or the then current
Renewal Term, in which case Borrower shall pay all of the Liabilities in full on
the last day of such term; or (iii) Borrower elects to terminate this Agreement
at any other time during the Original Term or any Renewal Term upon not less
than sixty (60) days prior written notice, in which case Borrower shall pay all
of the Liabilities in full on the date specified in such written notice. If one
or more of the events specified in subparagraphs (i), (ii) or (iii) occurs, this
Agreement shall terminate on the date thereafter on which the Liabilities are
paid in full; provided, however, that the security interests and liens created
under this Agreement and the Other Agreements shall survive such termination
until the date upon which payment and satisfaction in full of the Liabilities
shall have occurred. At such time as Borrower has repaid all of the Liabilities
and this Agreement has terminated, (A) Borrower shall deliver to LaSalle a
release, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to LaSalle, of all
obligations and liabilities of LaSalle and its officers, directors, employees,
agents, parents, subsidiaries and affiliates to Borrower, and if Borrower is
obtaining new financing from another lender, Borrower shall deliver such
lender's indemnification of LaSalle, in the form attached hereto as Schedule
12(a), for checks which LaSalle has credited to Borrower's account, but which
subsequently are dishonored for any reason and, (B) LaSalle shall deliver to
Borrower a release in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Borrower.

                  (b) If this Agreement is terminated prior to the end of the
Original Term, Borrower agrees to pay to LaSalle, as a prepayment fee, in
addition to the payment of all other Liabilities owing by Borrower, an amount
equal to: (i) two percent (2%) of the Total Credit Facility if this Agreement is
terminated during the first year of the Original Term; (ii) one percent

                                       23
<PAGE>   24
(1.0%) of the Total Credit Facility if this Agreement is terminated during the
second year of the Original Term; and (iii) one percent(1.0%) of the Total
Credit Facility if this Agreement is terminated during the third year of the
Original Term; provided, however, that such prepayment fee shall not be payable
if this Agreement is terminated (A) at the end of the Original Term pursuant to
the terms set forth herein, or (B) at any other time by LaSalle if no Default or
Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, or (C) by the Borrower
following the issuance of any Capital Adequacy Demand, or (D) by the Borrower
following the merger of LaSalle with and into, or the sale of substantially all
of LaSalle's assets to, any Person which is not an Affiliate of LaSalle and
where LaSalle is not the surviving entity, or (E) by the Borrower following any
sale, assignment, transfer or other disposition by LaSalle of its rights under
this Agreement and the Other Agreements (other than a participation interest
herein or therein) to any Person other than an Affiliate of LaSalle; provided,
however, that any such prepayment fee shall be waived if Borrower refinances all
Liabilities with Standard Federal after the eighteen-month anniversary of the
Closing Date. In light of the extreme difficulty of accurately calculating
actual damages arising out of any early termination, LaSalle and Borrower have
agreed that the prepayment fee provided for above is a reasonable estimate of
actual damages that would be incurred.

                  13.  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Borrower hereby makes
the following representations, warranties and covenants:

                   (a) the financial statements delivered or to be delivered by
Borrower to LaSalle at or prior to the date of this Agreement and at all times
subsequent thereto accurately reflect the consolidated financial condition of
Borrower and its Subsidiaries, and since the date of the Borrower's consolidated
financial statements delivered to LaSalle most recently prior to the date of
this Agreement, no event or condition has occurred which has had, or is
reasonably likely to have, a Material Adverse Effect;

                   (b) the offices where Borrower and each Subsidiary keeps its
books, records and accounts (or copies thereof) concerning the Collateral,
Borrower's and each Subsidiary's principal place of business and all of
Borrower's and each Subsidiary's other places of business, locations of
Collateral and post office boxes are as set forth in Exhibit A;

                   (c) the Collateral, including without limitation the
Equipment (except any part thereof which prior to the date of this Agreement
Borrower shall have advised LaSalle in writing consists of Collateral normally
used in more than one state) is and shall be kept, or, in the case of vehicles,
based, only at the addresses set forth on the first page of this Agreement or on
Exhibit A, and at other locations within the continental United States of which
LaSalle has been advised by Borrower in writing;

                   (d) Borrower shall immediately give written notice to LaSalle
of any use of any such Goods in any state other than a state in which Borrower
has previously advised LaSalle such Goods shall be used, and such Goods shall
not, unless LaSalle shall otherwise consent in writing, be used outside of the
continental United States;

                   (e) no security agreement, financing statement or analogous
instrument exists

                                       24
<PAGE>   25

or shall exist with respect to any of the Collateral other than any security
agreement, financing statement or analogous instrument evidencing Permitted
Liens;

                   (f) each Account which Borrower shall, expressly or by
implication, request LaSalle to classify as an Eligible Account shall, as of the
time when such request is made, conform in all respects to the requirements of
such classification as set forth in the definition of Eligible Account;

                   (g) Borrower and each Subsidiary is and shall at all times
during the Original Term or any Renewal Term be the lawful owner of all
Collateral now purportedly owned or hereafter purportedly acquired by such
Person, free from all liens, claims, security interests and encumbrances
whatsoever, whether voluntarily or involuntarily created and whether or not
perfected, other than the Permitted Liens;

                   (h) Borrower and each Subsidiary has the right and power and
is duly authorized and empowered to enter into, execute and deliver this
Agreement and the Other Agreements to the extent each is a party thereto, and
perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder; Borrower's and each
Subsidiary's execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the Other
Agreements to which it each is a party does not and shall not conflict with the
provisions of any statute, regulation, ordinance or rule of law, or any
agreement, contract or other document which may now or hereafter be binding on
Borrower or such Subsidiary, and Borrower's and each Subsidiary's execution,
delivery and performance of this Agreement and the Other Agreements shall not
result in the imposition of any lien or other encumbrance upon any of Borrower's
or any Subsidiary's property under any existing indenture, mortgage, deed of
trust, loan or credit agreement or other agreement or instrument by which
Borrower, any Subsidiary, or any of its property may be bound or affected;

                   (i) except as otherwise disclosed on Schedule 13(i), there
are no actions or proceedings which are pending or, to the best of Borrower's
knowledge, threatened against Borrower or any Subsidiary which are reasonably
likely to have a Material Adverse Effect;

                   (j) Borrower and each Subsidiary has obtained all licenses,
authorizations, approvals and permits, the lack of which would have a Material
Adverse Effect on the operation of its business, and Borrower is and shall
remain in compliance in all material respects with all applicable federal,
state, local and foreign statutes, orders, regulations, rules and ordinances
(including, without limitation, Environmental Laws and statutes, orders,
regulations, rules and ordinances relating to taxes, employer and employee
contributions and similar items, securities, ERISA or employee health and
safety), the failure to comply with which would have a Material Adverse Effect
on its business, property, assets, operations or condition, financial or
otherwise;

                   (k) all written information now, heretofore or hereafter
furnished by Borrower to LaSalle is and shall be true and correct in all
material respects as of the date with respect to which such information was or
is furnished (except for financial projections, which have been prepared in good
faith based upon reasonable assumptions);

                   (l) neither Borrower nor any Subsidiary is conducting,
permitting or suffering

                                       25
<PAGE>   26

to be conducted, nor shall it conduct, permit or suffer to be conducted, any
activities pursuant to or in connection with which any of the Collateral is now,
or will (while any Liabilities remain outstanding) be owned by any Affiliate;

                   (m) the name of Borrower and (except as set forth in Schedule
13(m)) each Subsidiary has always been as set forth on the first page of this
Agreement, in the case of Borrower, and Schedule 13(m), in the case of
Subsidiaries, and neither Borrower nor any Subsidiary uses tradenames or
division names in the operation of its business, except as otherwise disclosed
on Schedule 13(m);

                   (n) this Agreement and the Other Agreements to which Borrower
or any Subsidiary is a party are the legal, valid and binding obligations of
Borrower and the Subsidiaries to the extent each is a party, and are enforceable
against Borrower and Subsidiaries in accordance with their respective terms to
the extent each is a party, except to the extent that such enforceability may be
limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and
similar laws affecting the rights of creditors generally;

                   (o) Borrower is solvent, is able to pay its debts as they
become due and has capital sufficient to carry on its business, now owns
property having a value both at fair valuation and at present fair saleable
value greater than the amount required to pay its debts, and will not be
rendered insolvent by the execution and delivery of this Agreement or any of the
Other Agreements or by completion of the transactions contemplated hereunder or
thereunder;

                   (p) neither Borrower nor any Subsidiary is now obligated,
whether directly or indirectly, for any loans or other indebtedness for borrowed
money other than (i) the Liabilities; (ii) indebtedness disclosed to LaSalle on
Schedule 13(p); (iii) unsecured indebtedness to trade creditors arising in the
ordinary course of Borrower's or such Subsidiary's business and (iv) unsecured
indebtedness arising from the endorsement of drafts and other instruments for
collection, in the ordinary course of Borrower's or such Subsidiary's business.

                   (q) neither Borrower nor any Subsidiary owns any margin
securities, and none of the proceeds of the Loans hereunder shall be used for
the purpose of purchasing or carrying any margin securities or for the purpose
of reducing or retiring any indebtedness which was originally incurred to
purchase any margin securities or for any other purpose not permitted by
Regulation G or Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
System as in effect from time to time;

                   (r) except as otherwise disclosed on Schedule  13(r), neither
Borrower nor any Subsidiary has any Parents, Subsidiaries or divisions, nor is
Borrower or any Subsidiary engaged in any joint venture or partnership with any
other Person;

                   (s) Borrower and each Subsidiary is duly organized and in
good standing in its jurisdiction of organization and Borrower and each
Subsidiary is duly qualified and in good standing in all jurisdictions where the
nature and extent of the business transacted by it or the ownership of its
assets makes such qualification necessary, except for such other jurisdictions
in

                                       26
<PAGE>   27

which the failure to so qualify would not have a Material Adverse Effect;

                   (t) neither Borrower nor any Subsidiary is in default under
any material contract, lease or commitment to which it is a party or by which it
is bound, nor does Borrower know of any dispute regarding any contract, lease or
commitment which is material to the continued financial success and well-being
of Borrower or any Subsidiary, except for such defaults or disputes which,
individually or in the aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse Effect;

                   (u) there are no controversies pending or threatened between
Borrower or any Subsidiary and any of its employees, other than employee
grievances arising in the ordinary course of business which would not, in the
aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect and Borrower and each Subsidiary is in
compliance in all material respects with all federal and state laws respecting
employment and employment terms, conditions and practices, except where the
failure to so comply would not have a Material Adverse Effect;

                   (v) Borrower and each Subsidiary possesses, and shall
continue to possess, adequate licenses, patents, patent applications,
copyrights, service marks, trademarks, trademark applications, tradestyles and
tradenames to continue to conduct its business as conducted by it on the date of
this Agreement;

                  (w) except as set forth on Schedule 13(w), no Benefit Plan is
in violation in any material respect of any of the provisions of ERISA or any of
the qualification requirements of Section 401(a) of the IRC within the
immediately preceding five (5) year period; no Prohibited Transaction or
Reportable Event has occurred with respect to any Benefit Plan has been the
subject of a waiver of the minimum funding standard under Section 412 of the
IRC, no Benefit Plan has experienced an accumulated funding deficiency under
Section 412 of the IRC, no lien has been imposed upon the such Borrower or any
ERISA Affiliate of such Borrower under Section 412(n) of the IRC, no Benefit
Plan has been amended in such a way that the security requirements of Section
401(a)(29) of the IRC apply; no notice of intent to terminate a Benefit Plan has
been distributed to affected parties or filed with the PBGC under Section 4041
of ERISA; the PBGC has not instituted proceedings to terminate, or appoint a
trustee to administer, a Benefit Plan and no event has occurred or condition
exists which might constitute grounds under Section 4042 of ERISA for the
termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, any Benefit plan;
neither Borrower nor any ERISA Affiliate of Borrower would be liable for any
amount in the aggregate in excess of $5,000 pursuant to Sections 4062, 4063 or
4064 of ERISA if all Benefit Plans terminated as of the most recent valuation
dates of such Benefit Plans; neither Borrower nor any ERISA Affiliate of
borrower maintains any employee welfare benefit plan, as defined in Section 3(1)
of ERISA, which provides any benefits to an employee or the employee's
dependents with respect to claims incurred after the employee separates from
service other than is required by applicable law; and neither Borrower or any
ERISA Affiliate of Borrower has incurred or expects to incur any withdrawal
liability to any Multiemployer Plan;

                  (x) (i) neither Borrower nor any Subsidiary has generated,
used, stored, treated, transported, manufactured, handled, produced or disposed
of any Hazardous Materials,

                                       27
<PAGE>   28

on or off its premises (whether or not owned by it) in any manner which at any
time violates any Environmental Law or any license, permit, certificate,
approval or similar authorization thereunder and the operations of the Borrower
and each Subsidiary comply in all material respects with all Environmental Laws
and all licenses, permits, certificates, approvals and similar authorizations
thereunder; (ii) there has been no investigation, proceeding, complaint, order,
directive, claim, citation or notice by any governmental authority or any other
Person, nor is any pending or to the best of the Borrower's knowledge
threatened, and Borrower shall immediately notify LaSalle upon becoming aware of
any such investigation, proceeding, complaint, order, directive, claim, citation
or notice and take prompt and appropriate actions to respond thereto, with
respect to any non-compliance with or violation of the requirements of any
Environmental Law by the Borrower or any Subsidiary or the release, spill or
discharge, threatened or actual, of any Hazardous Materials or the generation,
use, storage, treatment, transportation, manufacture, handling, production or
disposal of any Hazardous Materials or any other environmental, health or safety
matter, which affects the Borrower or any Subsidiary or its business, operations
or assets or any properties at which the Borrower or any Subsidiary has
transported, stored, disposed of any Hazardous Materials; and (iii) neither
Borrower nor any Subsidiary has any material liability (contingent or otherwise)
in connection with a release, spill or discharge, threatened or actual, of any
Hazardous Materials or the generation, use, storage, treatment, transportation,
manufacture, handling, production or disposal of any Hazardous Materials; and

                  (y) Borrower and its Subsidiaries have reviewed the areas
within their business and operations which could be adversely affected by, and
have developed or are developing a program to address on a timely basis, the
"YEAR 2000 PROBLEM" (that is, the risk that computer applications used by
Borrower and its Subsidiaries may be unable to recognize and perform properly
date-sensitive functions involving certain dates prior to and any date on or
after December 31, 1999), and have made related appropriate inquiry of material
suppliers and vendors. Based on such review and program, Borrower believes that
the "Year 2000 Problem" will not have a Material Adverse Effect on Borrower.
From time to time, at the request of LaSalle, Borrower and its Subsidiaries
shall provide to LaSalle such updated information or documentation as is
requested regarding the status of their efforts to address the Year 2000
Problem.

Borrower represents, warrants and covenants to LaSalle that (x) all
representations and warranties of Borrower contained in this Agreement (whether
appearing in paragraph 13 hereof or elsewhere) shall be true at the time of
Borrower's execution of this Agreement, and (y) all representations, warranties
and covenants of Borrower contained in this Agreement (whether appearing in
paragraphs 13 or 14 hereof or elsewhere) shall survive the execution, delivery
and acceptance hereof by the parties hereto and the closing of the transactions
described herein or related hereto, shall remain true until the repayment in
full of all of the Liabilities and termination of this Agreement, and shall be
remade by Borrower at the time each Revolving Loan is made and each Letter of
Credit is issued pursuant to this Agreement.

                  14. COVENANTS.  Until payment or satisfaction in full of all
Liabilities and termination of this Agreement, unless Borrower obtains LaSalle's
prior written consent waiving or modifying any of Borrower's covenants hereunder
in any specific instance, Borrower agrees as

                                       28
<PAGE>   29
follows:

                  (a) Borrower and each Subsidiary shall at all times keep
accurate and complete books, records and accounts with respect to all of
Borrower's and its Subsidiaries' respective business activities, in accordance
with sound accounting practices and generally accepted accounting principles
consistently applied, and shall keep such books, records and accounts, and any
copies thereof, only at the addresses indicated for such purpose on Exhibit A;

                  (b) LaSalle, or any Persons designated by it, shall have the
right, at any time, upon prior notice (unless a Default or Event of Default
shall have occurred and be continuing, in which case no notice shall be
required) in the exercise of its commercially reasonable credit judgment, to
call at Borrower's and each Subsidiary's places of business at any reasonable
times, and, without hindrance or delay, to inspect the Collateral and to
inspect, audit, check and make extracts from Borrower's and each Subsidiary's
books, records, journals, orders, receipts and any correspondence and other data
relating to Borrower's and each Subsidiary's business, the Collateral or any
transactions between the parties hereto, and shall have the right to make such
verification concerning Borrower's and each Subsidiary's business as LaSalle may
consider reasonable under the circumstances. Borrower and each Subsidiary shall
furnish to LaSalle such information relevant to LaSalle's rights under this
Agreement as LaSalle shall at any time and from time to time reasonably request.
Borrower authorizes LaSalle (A) to discuss the affairs, finances and business of
Borrower and each Subsidiary (1) with any officers of Borrower and each
Subsidiary or any Affiliate, and (2) with those employees or directors of
Borrower and each Subsidiary and Affiliate with whom LaSalle has determined in
its commercially reasonable judgment to be necessary or desirable to converse to
protect LaSalle's interests hereunder, under the Other Agreements, or in respect
of the Liabilities or Collateral (and such discussions with such employees or
directors shall be limited to such extent), and (B) to discuss the financial
condition of Borrower and each Subsidiary with Borrower's independent public
accountants. Any such discussions shall be without liability to LaSalle or to
such accountants. Except as specifically provided in this paragraph 14(b), it is
understood that any information provided by Borrower to LaSalle remains subject
to the provisions of paragraph 25(e) hereof. Borrower shall pay to or reimburse
LaSalle for all reasonable fees, costs, and out-of-pocket expenses incurred by
LaSalle in the exercise of its rights hereunder (pursuant to paragraph 5(g)
hereof) and all of such costs, fees and expenses shall constitute Revolving
Loans hereunder;

                  (c) (i) Borrower shall keep the Collateral properly housed and
shall keep the Collateral insured against such risks and in such amounts as are
customarily insured against by Persons engaged in businesses similar to that of
Borrower with such companies, in such amounts and under policies in such form as
shall be reasonably satisfactory to LaSalle. Originals or certified copies of
such policies of insurance have been, or within fifteen (15) days after the
Closing Date, shall be, delivered to LaSalle together with evidence of payment
of all premiums therefor, and shall contain an endorsement, in form and
substance acceptable to LaSalle, showing loss under such insurance policies
payable to LaSalle. Such endorsement, or an independent instrument furnished to
LaSalle, shall provide that the insurance company shall give LaSalle at least
thirty (30) days written notice before any such policy of insurance is altered
or cancelled and that no act, whether willful or negligent, or default of
Borrower or any other Person shall affect the right of LaSalle to recover under
such policy of insurance in case of loss or damage.

                                       29
<PAGE>   30

Borrower hereby directs all insurers under such policies of insurance to pay all
proceeds payable thereunder directly to LaSalle. Borrower irrevocably, makes,
constitutes and appoints LaSalle (and all officers, employees or agents
designated by LaSalle) as Borrower's true and lawful attorney (and
agent-in-fact) for the purpose of making, settling and adjusting claims under
such policies of insurance, endorsing the name of Borrower on any check, draft,
instrument or other item of payment for the proceeds of such policies of
insurance and making all determinations and decisions with respect to such
policies of insurance; provided, however, that LaSalle shall exercise such
rights only upon the occurrence of an Event of Default;

                      (ii)     Borrower shall maintain, at its expense, such
public liability and third party property damage insurance as is customary for
Persons engaged in businesses similar to that of Borrower with such companies
and in such amounts, with such deductibles and under policies in such form as
shall be reasonably satisfactory to LaSalle and originals or certified copies of
such policies have been, or within fifteen (15) days after the Closing Date,
shall be, delivered to LaSalle together with evidence of payment of all premiums
therefor; each such policy shall contain an endorsement showing LaSalle as
additional insured thereunder and providing that the insurance company shall
give LaSalle at least thirty (30) days written notice before any such policy
shall be altered or cancelled; and

                      (iii)    If Borrower at any time or times hereafter shall
fail to obtain or maintain any of the policies of insurance required above or to
pay any premium in whole or in part relating thereto, then LaSalle, without
waiving or releasing any obligation or default by Borrower hereunder, may (but
shall be under no obligation to) obtain and maintain such policies of insurance
and pay such premiums and take such other actions with respect thereto as
LaSalle deems advisable. All sums disbursed by LaSalle in connection with any
such actions, including, without limitation, court costs, expenses, other
charges relating thereto and reasonable attorneys' fees, shall constitute
Revolving Loans hereunder and, until paid, shall bear interest at the highest
rate then applicable to Revolving Loans hereunder;

                  (d) neither Borrower nor any Subsidiary shall use the
Collateral, or any part thereof, in any unlawful business or for any unlawful
purpose or use or maintain any of the Collateral in any manner that does or
could result in material damage to the environment or a violation of any
applicable environmental laws, rules or regulations; Borrower and Subsidiaries
shall keep the Collateral in good condition, repair and order, ordinary wear and
tear excepted; neither Borrower nor Subsidiary shall permit the Collateral, or
any part thereof, to be levied upon under execution, attachment, distraint or
other legal process; neither Borrower nor any Subsidiary shall sell, lease,
grant a security interest in or otherwise dispose of any of the Collateral
except as expressly permitted by this Agreement; and neither Borrower nor any
Subsidiary shall secrete or abandon any of the Collateral, or remove or permit
removal of any of the Collateral from any of the locations listed on Exhibit A
or in any written notice to LaSalle pursuant to paragraph 14(u) hereof, except
for the removal of Inventory sold in the ordinary course of Borrower's or such
Subsidiary's business as permitted herein;

                  (e) all monies and other property obtained by Borrower from
LaSalle pursuant to this Agreement will be used solely for business purposes of
Borrower;

                                       30
<PAGE>   31

                  (f) Borrower shall, at the request of LaSalle, indicate on its
records concerning the Collateral a notation, in form satisfactory to LaSalle,
of the security interest of LaSalle hereunder, and under the Other Agreements
and Borrower shall not maintain duplicates or copies of such records at any
address other than Borrower's principal place of business set forth on the first
page of this Agreement; provided, however, that Borrower, in the ordinary course
of its business, may furnish copies of such records to its accountants,
attorneys and other agents or advisors as it may determine to be necessary or
desirable, in the exercise of its commercially reasonable judgment;

                  (g) Borrower and each Subsidiary shall file all required tax
returns and pay all of its taxes when due, including, without limitation, taxes
imposed by federal, state or municipal agencies, and shall cause any liens for
taxes to be promptly released, unless and to the extent that (i) such tax is
being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and is adequately
reserved for, to the extent required by GAAP, on its balance sheet, or (ii) the
failure to pay would not have a Material Adverse Effect;

                  (h) Borrower shall not (i) incur, create, assume or suffer to
exist any indebtedness other than (A) the Liabilities, (B) unsecured
indebtedness owing in the ordinary course of business to trade suppliers or
utilities, (C) any other indebtedness described in Schedule 13(p) hereof, and
(D) purchase money indebtedness for fixed assets; or (ii) assume, guarantee or
endorse, or otherwise become liable in connection with, the obligations of any
Person, except by endorsement of instruments for deposit or collection or
similar transactions in the ordinary course of business;

                  (i) Borrower shall not engage in any merger or consolidation
except where the Borrower is the surviving entity; no Subsidiary shall engage in
any merger or consolidation except where the Borrower or a Subsidiary is the
surviving entity; neither Borrower nor any Subsidiary shall sell, lease or
otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets; neither Borrower
nor any Subsidiary shall create any new Subsidiary other than a new wholly-owned
Canadian Subsidiary of Borrower ("CANADIAN SUB"); no Subsidiary shall issue any
shares of, or warrants or other rights to receive or purchase any shares of, any
class of its stock; Borrower shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries (other
than Nematron, Ltd., a company organized under the laws of England and Wales,
and Canadian Sub) to own or hold any property or to conduct any business;
neither Borrower nor any Subsidiary shall engage in any businesses other than
the businesses currently engaged in by Borrower or such Subsidiary or businesses
reasonably related thereto;

                  (j) Borrower shall not (i) declare or pay any dividend or
other distribution (whether in cash or in kind) on, purchase, redeem or retire
any shares of any class of its stock, or make any payment on account of, or set
apart assets for the repurchase, redemption, defeasance or retirement of, any
class of its stock, provided, that Borrower shall not be prohibited from
declaring and distributing a dividend solely in the form of its capital stock or
from engaging in any stock split or reverse stock split; or (ii) make any
optional payment or prepayment on or redemption (including without limitation by
making payments to a sinking fund or analogous fund) or repurchase of any
indebtedness for borrowed money other than indebtedness pursuant to this
Agreement;

                                       31
<PAGE>   32

                  (k) neither Borrower nor any Subsidiary shall make any loans
to, or investment in, any Person, whether in cash, securities or other property
of any kind, other than (i) Permitted Investments, (ii) loans to or investments
in Subsidiaries made during the Original Term or any Renewal Term, and not
exceeding $105,000 in the aggregate at any time outstanding, (iii) loans made to
any Subsidiary prior to the Original Term and disclosed on Schedule 13(p), (iv)
loans permitted under paragraph 14(o), and (v) loans from any Subsidiary to the
Borrower on such terms as may be reasonably acceptable to LaSalle.

                  (l) neither Borrower nor any Subsidiary shall (i) change its
fiscal year, or (ii) permit any amendment or modification to be made to its
organizational documents which is materially adverse to the interests of LaSalle
(provided that Borrower shall notify LaSalle of any other amendment or
modification thereto as soon as practicable thereafter);

                  (m) Borrower shall maintain and keep in full force and effect
each of the financial covenants set forth below. The calculation and
determination of each such financial covenant, and all accounting terms
contained therein, shall be so calculated and construed in accordance with GAAP,
applied on a basis consistent with the financial statements of Borrower
delivered on or before the Closing Date;

                      (i)      Consolidated  Tangible Net Worth Plus
Subordinated Indebtedness. Borrower and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated
basis, shall at all times maintain a Tangible Net Worth plus Subordinated
Indebtedness of not less than (A) Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000) during Fiscal
Year ending December 31, 1999, and (B) Two Million Two Hundred Fifty Thousand
Dollars ($2,250,000) during each Fiscal Year after December 31, 1999;

                      (ii)     Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio.  Borrower
and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, shall maintain an Interest
Coverage Ratio as of the end of each fiscal quarter for that portion of the
Fiscal Year then ended, commencing with the fiscal quarter ending December 31,
1999, of not less than 1.50 to 1.00;

                      (iii)    Consolidated Debt Service Coverage Ratio.
Borrower and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, shall maintain a Debt
Service Coverage Ratio, as of the end of each fiscal quarter for that portion of
the Fiscal Year then ended, commencing with the fiscal quarter ending December
31, 1999, of not less than 1.25 to 1.00; and

                      (iv)     Consolidated Capital Expenditures, Etc. Borrower
and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, shall not make Capital
Expenditures and payments under synthetic or off-balance sheet leases
aggregating more than Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000) during the
Fiscal Year ending December 31, 1999, and Five Hundred Dollars ($500,000) during
any Fiscal Year after December 31, 1999. Borrower and its Subsidiaries, on a
consolidated basis, shall not incur costs totaling more than $2,000,000 relating
to software development activities for the Fiscal Year ending December 31, 1999,
whether expensed or capitalized, and not more than $2,400,000 in any Fiscal Year
thereafter.

                  (n) Borrower shall reimburse LaSalle for all costs and
expenses including,

                                       32
<PAGE>   33

without limitation, legal expenses and reasonable attorneys' fees (both in-house
and outside counsel), incurred by LaSalle in connection with the documentation
and consummation of this transaction and any amendments or modifications of this
Agreement or the Other Agreements or other transactions between Borrower and
LaSalle, including, without limitation, Uniform Commercial Code and other public
record searches, lien filings, Federal Express or similar express or messenger
delivery, appraisal costs, surveys, title insurance and environmental audit or
review costs, and in seeking to collect, protect or enforce any rights in or to
the Collateral or incurred by LaSalle in seeking to collect any Liabilities and
to administer and enforce any of LaSalle's rights under this Agreement. Borrower
shall also pay all normal service charges with respect to accounts maintained by
LaSalle for the benefit of Borrower. All such costs, expenses and charges shall
constitute Revolving Loans hereunder;

                  (o) except as otherwise permitted under paragraph 14(k)
neither Borrower nor any Subsidiary shall make any loan (it being understood
that prepaid expenses, deposits and accounts receivable for goods sold in the
ordinary course of business do not constitute loans under this paragraph 14(o))
to any Person except travel advances made to employees in the ordinary course of
business and Borrower's loans to its employees not exceeding Fifty Thousand
Dollars ($50,000) to any single Person and One Hundred Thousand Dollars
($100,000) in the aggregate outstanding for all Persons at any one time;
provided, that no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing prior
to, or would occur as a result of, any such payment;

                  (p) Borrower shall not enter into or be a party to, or permit
any Subsidiary to enter into or be a party to, any transaction with any
Affiliate of Borrower except in the ordinary course of business for fair
consideration and on terms no less favorable to Borrower or such Subsidiary as
are available from unaffiliated third parties;

                  (q) Borrower shall promptly advise LaSalle in writing of any
Material Adverse Effect or the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default;

                  (r) neither Borrower nor any Subsidiary shall make material
changes in the ownership or operations of Borrower or such Subsidiary without
LaSalle's express prior written consent, which consent, absent a Change of
Control, shall not be unreasonably withheld; provided that this paragraph 14(r)
shall not prohibit Borrower from issuing additional shares of its capital stock;

                  (s) Borrower shall maintain at Closing a $200,000 Dilution
reserve;

                  (t) Borrower shall maintain all of its operating and deposit
accounts (other than the Blocked Account) with Standard Federal. Borrower and
Standard Federal shall have in effect at all times a lockbox and blocked account
agreement in favor of LaSalle, which agreement shall be in form and substance
satisfactory to LaSalle;

                  (u) Borrower shall promptly (but in no event less than ten
(10) days prior thereto) advise LaSalle in writing of any of the following
actions or occurrences by Borrower or any Subsidiary: the proposed opening of
any new place of business, the closing of any existing

                                       33
<PAGE>   34

place of business, any change in the location of its books, records and accounts
(or copies thereof) or the opening or closing of any post office box;

                  (v)  Borrower shall promptly notify LaSalle in writing if
Borrower learns that any such Eligible Account subsequently becomes ineligible;

                  (w)  Borrower shall, promptly upon becoming aware of any
pending or threatened action or proceeding which is reasonably likely to have a
Material Adverse Effect, give written notice thereof to LaSalle;

                  (x)  Borrower shall notify LaSalle in writing within ten (10)
days of the change of its name or the use of any tradenames or division names
not previously disclosed to LaSalle in writing;

                  (y)  (i) Borrower and each Subsidiary shall keep and maintain
the Equipment in good operating condition and repair and shall make all
necessary replacements thereof and renewals thereto so that the value and
operating efficiency thereof shall at all times be preserved and maintained,
ordinary wear and tear excepted; (ii) Borrower and each Subsidiary shall not
permit any such items to become a fixture to real estate or an accession to
other personal property; (iii) from time to time Borrower and each Subsidiary
may sell, exchange or otherwise dispose of obsolete, unused or worn out
Equipment; and (iv) Borrower, immediately on demand by LaSalle, shall deliver to
LaSalle any and all evidence of ownership of, including, without limitation,
certificates of title and applications of title to, any of the Equipment;

                  (z)  Borrower shall, following the determination by any
governmental authority that there is non-compliance, or any condition which
requires any action by or on behalf of Borrower or any Subsidiary in order to
avoid any non-compliance, with any Environmental Law, at Borrower's expense,
cause an independent environmental engineer reasonably acceptable to LaSalle to
conduct such tests of the relevant site(s) as are appropriate and prepare and
deliver a report setting forth the result of such tests, a proposed plan for
remediation and an estimate of the costs thereof; and

                  (aa) Borrower shall deliver to LaSalle an ALTA/ACSM survey
certified to LaSalle by a licensed surveyor, in form and substance acceptable to
LaSalle, as soon as practicable, but not later than sixty (60) days, after the
Closing Date (provided that if such surveyor is unable to complete on-site
survey work within such sixty-day period due to adverse local weather
conditions, the period for completion and delivery of such survey shall be
extended for such reasonable period necessary for completion and delivery of the
survey).

                   15. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT.

                  (a)  The obligation of LaSalle to fund the Term Loan, to fund
the initial Revolving Loan, and to co-sign as applicant for the initial Letter
of Credit, is subject to the satisfaction or waiver on or before the Closing
Date of the following conditions precedent:

                                       34
<PAGE>   35

                       (i)   LaSalle shall have received each of the agreements,
opinions, reports, approvals, consents, certificates and other documents set
forth on the closing document list attached hereto as Schedule 15(a)(i) (the
"CLOSING AGENDA");

                       (ii)  Since June 30, 1999, no event shall have occurred
which has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect,
as determined by LaSalle in its sole discretion;

                       (iii) LaSalle shall have received payment in full of all
fees and expenses payable to it by Borrower on or before the Closing Date;

                       (iv)  LaSalle shall have determined that immediately
after giving effect to (A) the making of the initial Loans, including without
limitation the Term Loan and the Revolving Loans, if any, requested to be made
on the Closing Date, (B) the issuance of the initial Letter of Credit, if any,
requested to be made on the Closing Date and (C) the payment or reimbursement by
Borrower of LaSalle for all closing costs and expenses incurred in connection
with the transactions contemplated hereby, on a pro forma basis the Excess
Availability of Borrower shall not be less than Six Hundred Thousand Dollars
($600,000), and the Borrower's chief executive officer or chief financial
officer shall have delivered to LaSalle a certificate to such effect; and

                       (v)   The Obligors shall have executed and delivered to
LaSalle all documents which LaSalle determines are reasonably necessary to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

                  After the Closing Date, the obligation of LaSalle to make any
requested Revolving Loan or to co-sign as applicant for any requested Letter of
Credit is subject to the satisfaction of the conditions precedent set forth
below. Each such request shall constitute a representation and warranty that
such conditions are satisfied:

                       (i)   All representations and warranties contained in
this Agreement and the Other Agreements shall be true and correct on and as of
the date of such request, as if then made, other than representations and
warranties that relate solely to an earlier date;

                       (ii)  Default or Event of Default shall have occurred,
or would result from the making of the requested Revolving Loan or the issuance
of the requested Letter of Credit, which has not been waived; and

                       (iii) Since June 30, 1999, no event has occurred which
has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

                  16.  DEFAULT. The occurrence of any one or more of the
following events shall constitute an "EVENT OF DEFAULT" hereunder:

                  (a)  the failure of any Obligor to pay when due, declared due,
or demanded by LaSalle in accordance with the terms hereof, any of the
Liabilities and, in the case of Liabilities other than scheduled principal,
interest or fees, such Liabilities shall remain unpaid for three days;

                                       35
<PAGE>   36

                  (b) the failure of any Obligor to perform, keep or observe any
of the covenants, conditions, promises, agreements or obligations of such
Obligor under this Agreement or any of the Other Agreements, in each case to the
extent each is a party thereto, and the continuation of such failure for a
period of thirty (30) days;

                  (c) the making or furnishing by any Obligor to LaSalle of any
representation, warranty, certificate, schedule, report or other communication
within or in connection with this Agreement or the Other Agreements or in
connection with any other agreement between such Obligor and LaSalle, which is
untrue or misleading in any material respect, or the failure of any Obligor to
perform, keep or observe any of the covenants, conditions, promises, agreement
of such Obligor under any other agreement with any Person if such failure has or
is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect;

                  (d) the creation (whether voluntary or involuntary) of any
lien or other encumbrance upon any of the Collateral, other than the Permitted
Liens, or the making of, any levy, seizure or attachment thereof;

                  (e) the commencement of any proceedings (i) in bankruptcy by
or against any Obligor, (ii) for the liquidation or reorganization of any
Obligor, (iii) alleging that such Obligor is insolvent or unable to pay its
debts as they mature, or (iv) for the readjustment or arrangement of any
Obligor's debts, whether under the United States Bankruptcy Code or under any
other law, whether state or federal, now or hereafter existing for the relief of
debtors, or the commencement of any analogous statutory or non-statutory
proceedings involving any Obligor; provided, however, that if such commencement
of proceedings against such Obligor is involuntary, such action shall not
constitute an Event of Default unless such proceedings are not dismissed within
forty-five (45) days after the commencement of such proceedings;

                  (f) the appointment of a receiver or trustee for any Obligor,
for any of the Collateral or for any substantial part of any Obligor's assets or
the institution of any proceedings for the dissolution, or the full or partial
liquidation, or the merger or consolidation, of any Obligor which is a
corporation or a partnership; provided, however, that if such appointment or
commencement of proceedings against such Obligor is involuntary, such action
shall not constitute an Event of Default unless such appointment is not revoked
or such proceedings are not dismissed within forty-five (45) days after the
commencement of such proceedings;

                  (g) the entry of any judgment(s) or order(s) in excess of
$100,000, individually or in the aggregate against any Obligor which remains
unsatisfied or undischarged, or with respect to which an insurer has not
acknowledged full responsibility in writing, and in effect for thirty (30) days
after such entry without a stay of enforcement or execution;

                  (h) the occurrence of an event of default under, or the
revocation or termination of, any agreement, instrument or document executed and
delivered by any Person to LaSalle pursuant to which such Person has guaranteed
to LaSalle the payment of all or any of the Liabilities or has granted LaSalle a
security interest in or lien upon some or all of such Person's real and/or
personal property to secure the payment of all or any of the Liabilities;

                                       36
<PAGE>   37

                  (i) the occurrence of an event of default under any other
agreement(s) or instrument(s) evidencing indebtedness for borrowed money in
excess of $100,000, individually or in the aggregate, executed or delivered by
Borrower or pursuant to which agreement or instrument Borrower or its properties
is or may be bound;

                  (j) a Change of Control shall have occurred;

                  (k) if any Reportable Event shall have occurred or any Benefit
Plan shall be terminated within the meaning of title IV of ERISA, or a trustee
shall be appointed by the appropriate United States District Court to administer
any Benefit Plan, the PBGC shall institute proceedings to terminate any Benefit
Plan, or there shall be a withdrawal from any Multiemployer Plan, and there
shall be a Material Adverse Effect in the case of any event described in this
paragraph 16(k);

                  (l) the occurrence of any event or condition which has a
Material Adverse Effect which is not reasonably susceptible of cure within
thirty (30) days after such occurrence; or

                  (m) the occurrence of any event or condition which has a
Material Adverse Effect which is susceptible of cure and either (i) such event
or condition shall remain uncured for a period of thirty (30) days after the
occurrence thereof, or (ii) the Borrower shall have ceased diligent efforts to
procure such cure.

Notwithstanding anything contained in this paragraph 16 or contained in any
other provision of this Agreement or Other Agreements to the contrary, in the
event of the institution of any proceedings described in paragraph 16(e) hereof
against Borrower, LaSalle shall not be obligated to make advances to Borrower
during the forty-five (45) day grace period provided in paragraph 16(e).

                  17. REMEDIES UPON AN EVENT OF DEFAULT.

                  (a) Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default described in
paragraph 16(e) hereof, all of the Liabilities shall immediately and
automatically become due and payable, without notice of any kind. Upon the
occurrence of any other Event of Default, all of the Liabilities may, at the
option of LaSalle, and without demand, notice or legal process of any kind, be
declared, and immediately shall become, due and payable.

                  (b) Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event
of Default, LaSalle may exercise from time to time any rights and remedies
available to it under the Uniform Commercial Code and any other applicable law
in addition to, and not in lieu of, any rights and remedies expressly granted in
this Agreement or in any of the Other Agreements and all of LaSalle's rights and
remedies shall be cumulative and non-exclusive to the extent permitted by law.
In particular, but not by way of limitation of the foregoing, LaSalle may,
without notice, demand or legal process of any kind, take possession of any or
all of the Collateral (in addition to Collateral of which it already has
possession), wherever it may be found, and for that purpose may pursue the same
wherever it may be found, and may enter into any of Borrower's premises where
any of the Collateral may be, and search for, take possession of, remove, keep
and store any of

                                       37
<PAGE>   38

the Collateral until the same shall be sold or otherwise disposed of, and
LaSalle shall have the right to store the same at any of Borrower's premises
without cost to LaSalle. At LaSalle's request, Borrower shall, at Borrower's
expense, assemble the Collateral and make it available to LaSalle at one or more
places to be designated by LaSalle and reasonably convenient to LaSalle and
Borrower. Borrower recognizes that if Borrower fails to perform, observe or
discharge any of its Liabilities under this Agreement or the Other Agreements,
no remedy at law will provide adequate relief to LaSalle, and Borrower agrees
that LaSalle shall be entitled to temporary and permanent injunctive relief in
any such case without the necessity of proving actual damages. Any notification
of intended disposition of any of the Collateral required by law will be deemed
reasonably and properly given if given at least ten (10) calendar days before
such disposition. Any proceeds of any disposition by LaSalle of any of the
Collateral may be applied by LaSalle to the payment of expenses in connection
with the Collateral including, without limitation, legal expenses and reasonable
attorneys' fees (both in-house and outside counsel) and any balance of such
proceeds may be applied by LaSalle toward the payment of such of the
Liabilities, and in such order of application, as LaSalle may from time to time
elect.

                  18. INDEMNIFICATION. Borrower agrees to defend (with counsel
reasonably satisfactory to LaSalle), protect, indemnify and hold harmless
LaSalle, each affiliate or subsidiary of LaSalle, and each of their respective
officers, directors, employees, attorneys and agents (each an "INDEMNIFIED
PARTY") from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages,
penalties, actions, judgments, suits, claims, costs, expenses and disbursements
of any kind or nature (including, without limitation, the disbursements and the
reasonable fees of counsel for each Indemnified Party in connection with any
investigative, administrative or judicial proceeding, whether or not the
Indemnified Party shall be designated a party thereto), which may be imposed on,
incurred by, or asserted against, any Indemnified Party (whether direct,
indirect or consequential and whether based on any federal, state or local laws
or regulations including, without limitation, securities, environmental and
commercial laws and regulations, under common law or in equity, or based on
contract or otherwise) in any manner relating to or arising out of this
Agreement or any Other Agreement, or any act, event or transaction related or
attendant thereto, the making and the management of the Loans or any Letters of
Credit or the use or intended use of the proceeds of the Loans or any Letters of
Credit; provided, however, that Borrower shall not have any obligation hereunder
to any Indemnified Party with respect to matters caused by or resulting from the
bad faith or willful misconduct of such Indemnified Party. To the extent that
the undertaking to indemnify set forth in the preceding sentence may be
unenforceable because it is violative of any law or public policy, Borrower
shall satisfy such undertaking to the maximum extent permitted by applicable
law. Any liability, obligation, loss, damage, penalty, cost or expense covered
by this indemnity shall be paid to each Indemnified Party on demand, and,
failing prompt payment, shall constitute a Revolving Loan hereunder. The
provisions of this paragraph 18 shall survive the satisfaction and payment of
the other Liabilities and the termination of this Agreement.

                  19.     NOTICES. All written notices and other written
communications with respect to this Agreement shall be sent by ordinary,
certified or overnight mail, by telecopy or delivered in person, and (a) in the
case of LaSalle shall be sent to it at both (i) 135 South LaSalle Street,
Chicago, Illinois 60603, Attention: Operations Manager (if by telecopy to (312)
904-6450), and (ii) Two Honey Creek Corporate Center, 115 South 84th Street,
Suite 220,

                                       38
<PAGE>   39

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53214, Attention: Mr. Bruce A. Sprenger, Senior Vice
President (if by telecopy to (414) 256-5099)), and (b) in the case of Borrower
shall be sent to Borrower at its principal place of business as set forth on the
first page of this Agreement (if by telecopy to (734) 994-8170).

                  20. CHOICE OF GOVERNING LAW AND CONSTRUCTION. This Agreement
and the Other Agreements are submitted by Borrower to LaSalle for LaSalle's
acceptance or rejection at LaSalle's principal place of business as an offer by
Borrower to borrow monies from LaSalle now and from time to time hereafter, and
shall not be binding upon LaSalle or become effective until accepted by LaSalle,
in writing, at said place of business. If so accepted by LaSalle, this Agreement
and the Other Agreements shall be deemed to have been made at said place of
business. THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER AGREEMENTS SHALL BE GOVERNED AND
CONTROLLED BY THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF WISCONSIN AS TO INTERPRETATION,
ENFORCEMENT, VALIDITY, CONSTRUCTION, EFFECT, AND IN ALL OTHER RESPECTS,
INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE LEGALITY OF THE INTEREST RATE AND OTHER
CHARGES, BUT EXCLUDING PERFECTION OF THE SECURITY INTERESTS IN THE COLLATERAL,
WHICH SHALL BE GOVERNED AND CONTROLLED BY THE LAWS OF THE RELEVANT JURISDICTION.
If any provision of this Agreement shall be held to be prohibited by or invalid
under applicable law, such provision shall be ineffective only to the extent of
such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of such
provision or remaining provisions of this Agreement.

                  21. FORUM SELECTION AND SERVICE OF PROCESS. To induce LaSalle
to accept this Agreement, Borrower irrevocably agrees that, subject to LaSalle's
sole and absolute election, ALL ACTIONS OR PROCEEDINGS IN ANY WAY, MANNER OR
RESPECT, ARISING OUT OF OR FROM OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT, THE OTHER
AGREEMENTS OR THE COLLATERAL SHALL BE LITIGATED IN COURTS HAVING SITUS WITHIN
THE CITY OF MILWAUKEE, STATE OF WISCONSIN. BORROWER HEREBY CONSENTS AND SUBMITS
TO THE JURISDICTION OF ANY LOCAL, STATE OR FEDERAL COURTS LOCATED WITHIN SAID
CITY AND STATE. Borrower hereby irrevocably appoints and designates CT
Corporation, whose address is 44 East Mifflin Street, Madison, Wisconsin (or any
other person having and maintaining a place of business in such state whom
Borrower may from time to time hereafter designate upon ten (10) days written
notice to LaSalle and who LaSalle has agreed in its reasonable discretion in
writing is satisfactory and who has executed an agreement in form and substance
reasonably satisfactory to LaSalle agreeing to act as such attorney and agent),
as Borrower's true and lawful attorney and duly authorized agent for acceptance
of service of legal process. Borrower agrees that service of such process upon
such person shall constitute personal service of such process upon Borrower.
BORROWER HEREBY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO TRANSFER OR CHANGE THE VENUE OF
ANY LITIGATION BROUGHT AGAINST BORROWER BY LASALLE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS
PARAGRAPH.

                  22. MODIFICATION AND BENEFIT OF AGREEMENT. This Agreement and
the Other Agreements may not be modified, altered or amended except by an

                                       39
<PAGE>   40

agreement in writing signed by Borrower and LaSalle. Borrower may not sell,
assign or transfer this Agreement, or the Other Agreements or any portion
thereof including, without limitation, Borrower's rights, titles, interest,
remedies, powers or duties thereunder. Borrower hereby consents to LaSalle's
sale, assignment, transfer or other disposition, at any time and from time to
time hereafter, of this Agreement, or the Other Agreements, or of any portion
thereof, or participations therein including, without limitation, LaSalle's
rights, titles, interest, remedies, powers and/or duties thereunder, provided
that no such sale, assignment, transfer or other disposition shall be to Bank
One Corporation, Michigan National Corporation or Key Bank Corporation or any
Subsidiary thereof (collectively, "EXCLUDED BANKS"). Borrower agrees that it
shall execute and deliver such documents as LaSalle may request in connection
with any such sale, assignment, transfer or other disposition.

                  23. HEADINGS OF SUBDIVISIONS. The headings of subdivisions in
this Agreement are for convenience of reference only, and shall not govern the
interpretation of any of the provisions of this Agreement.

                  24. POWER OF ATTORNEY. Borrower acknowledges and agrees that
its appointment of LaSalle as its attorney and agent-in-fact for the purposes
specified in this Agreement is an appointment coupled with an interest and shall
be irrevocable until all of the Liabilities are paid in full and this Agreement
is terminated.

                  25. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL; OTHER WAIVERS; CONFIDENTIALITY.

                  (A) LASALLE AND BORROWER HEREBY WAIVE ALL RIGHTS TO TRIAL BY
JURY IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING WHICH PERTAINS DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY TO THIS
AGREEMENT, ANY OF THE OTHER AGREEMENTS, THE LIABILITIES, THE COLLATERAL, ANY
ALLEGED TORTIOUS CONDUCT OF BORROWER OR LASALLE OR WHICH, IN ANY WAY, DIRECTLY
OR INDIRECTLY, ARISES OUT OF OR RELATES TO THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BORROWER AND
LASALLE. IN NO EVENT SHALL LASALLE BE LIABLE FOR LOST PROFITS OR OTHER SPECIAL
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.

                  (B) BORROWER HEREBY WAIVES ALL RIGHTS TO NOTICE AND HEARING OF
ANY KIND PRIOR TO THE EXERCISE BY LASALLE OF ITS RIGHTS TO REPOSSESS THE
COLLATERAL OF BORROWER WITHOUT JUDICIAL PROCESS OR TO REPLEVY, ATTACH OR LEVY
UPON SUCH COLLATERAL WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE OR HEARING.

                  (c) Borrower hereby waives demand, presentment, protest and
notice of nonpayment, and further waives the benefit of all valuation, appraisal
and exemption laws (other than rights under the Uniform Commercial Code).

                  (d) LaSalle's failure, at any time or times hereafter, to
require strict

                                       40
<PAGE>   41

performance by Borrower of any provision of this Agreement or any of the Other
Agreements shall not waive, affect or diminish any right of LaSalle thereafter
to demand strict compliance and performance therewith. Any suspension or waiver
by LaSalle of an Event of Default under this Agreement or any default under any
of the Other Agreements shall not suspend, waive or affect any other Event of
Default under this Agreement or any other default under any of the Other
Agreements, whether the same is prior or subsequent thereto and whether of the
same or of a different kind or character. No delay on the part of LaSalle in the
exercise of any right or remedy under this Agreement or any Other Agreement
shall preclude other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any right or
remedy. None of the undertakings, agreements, warranties, covenants and
representations of Borrower contained in this Agreement or any of the Other
Agreements and no Event of Default under this Agreement or default under any of
the Other Agreements shall be deemed to have been suspended or waived by LaSalle
unless such suspension or waiver is in writing, signed by a duly authorized
officer of LaSalle and directed to Borrower specifying such suspension or
waiver.

                  (e) Borrower has furnished and will furnish to LaSalle certain
information concerning Borrower which Borrower has advised is non-public,
proprietary or confidential in nature ("CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION"). LaSalle
confirms to the Borrower that it is LaSalle's policy and practice to maintain in
confidence all Confidential Information which is provided to it under agreements
providing for the extension of credit and which is identified to it as such, and
that it will protect the confidentiality of, and not disclose, Confidential
Information submitted to it with respect to Borrower under this Agreement,
commensurate with its efforts to maintain the confidentiality of its own
Confidential Information, provided, however, that (i) nothing contained herein
shall prevent LaSalle from disclosing Confidential Information (A) to its
Affiliates and their respective directors, officers, and employees and to any
legal counsel, auditors, appraisers, consultants or other persons retained by it
or its Affiliates as professional advisors, on the condition that such
information not be further disclosed except in compliance with this paragraph
25(e); (B) as may be required by any regulatory authority having jurisdiction
over it or its operations or to, or under the authority of, any court deemed by
it to be of competent jurisdiction; (C) to any actual or potential assignee of
or participant in LaSalle's rights and obligations under this Agreement (but not
any Excluded Bank) to the extent such actual potential assignee or participant
has agreed to maintain such information in confidence on the basis set forth in
this paragraph 25(e); and (D) as necessary in connection with the exercise of
its remedies under this Agreement or any of the Other Agreements; (ii) the terms
of this paragraph 25(e) shall be inapplicable to any information furnished to
LaSalle which is in LaSalle's possession prior to the delivery to it of such
information by Borrower or any other authorized Person, or otherwise has been
obtained by it on a non-confidential basis, or which was or becomes available to
the public or otherwise part of the public domain (other than as a result of
LaSalle's failure or any prospective participant's or assignee's failure to
abide hereby), or which was not non-public, proprietary or confidential when
Borrower or any other authorized Person delivered it to LaSalle; and (iii) the
determination by LaSalle as to the application of any of the circumstances
described in the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii) will be rebuttably presumed
conclusive and binding if made in good faith.

                  (f) Notwithstanding subparagraph (e) above, Borrower consents
to LaSalle

                                       41
<PAGE>   42

publishing a tombstone or similar advertising material relating to the financing
transaction contemplated by this Agreement.



                          [SIGNATURE PAGE(S) TO FOLLOW]

                                       42
<PAGE>   43

                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this
Agreement in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as of the date first above written.



                                      LASALLE BUSINESS CREDIT, INC.



                                      By: /s/ Bruce A. Sprenger
                                         ----------------------
                                      Name:  Bruce A. Sprenger

                                      Title  Senior Vice President



                                      NEMATRON CORPORATION,
                                      A MICHIGAN CORPORATION



                                      By: /s/ David P. Gienapp
                                         ---------------------
                                          David P. Gienapp
                                          Vice President - Finance and
                                          Administration, and Secretary
<PAGE>   44
                  EXHIBIT A - BUSINESS AND COLLATERAL LOCATIONS

         Attached to and made a part of that certain Loan and Security Agreement
of even date herewith by and between NEMATRON CORPORATION and LASALLE BUSINESS
CREDIT, INC.

         a.       Borrower's business locations (please indicate which location
                  is the principal place of business and at which locations
                  originals and all copies of Borrower's books, records and
                  accounts are kept):

                           5840 Interface Drive, Ann Arbor, Michigan  48103

                           124 Washington Street #201, Foxboro, Massachusetts

         b.       Other locations of Collateral owned by Borrower (including,
                  without limitation, warehouse locations, processing locations,
                  consignment locations) and all post office boxes of Borrower.
                  Please indicate the relationship of such location to Borrower
                  (i.e. public warehouse, processor, etc.).

<PAGE>   45
                        EXHIBIT B - OFFICER'S CERTIFICATE

         THIS CERTIFICATE is submitted pursuant to paragraph 11(i) of the Loan
and Security Agreement dated as of November 12, 1999 ("LOAN AGREEMENT") by and
between LaSalle Business Credit, Inc. ("LaSalle") and Nematron Corporation
("Borrower").

         The undersigned hereby certifies to LaSalle that as of the date hereof:

         1. The undersigned is the Secretary of the Borrower.

         2. There exists no event or circumstance which is or which with the
passage of time, the giving of notice, or both would constitute an Event of
Default, as that term is defined in the Loan Agreement, or , if such an event or
circumstance exists, a writing attached hereto specifies the nature thereof, the
period of existence thereof and the action that Borrower has taken or proposes
to take with respect thereto.

         3. No material adverse change in the condition, financial or otherwise,
business, property, or results of operations of Borrower has occurred since June
30, 1999, or, if such a change has occurred, a writing attached hereto specifies
the nature thereof and the action that Borrower has taken or proposes to take
with respect thereto.

         4. All insurance premiums due as of such date have been paid.

         5. All taxes due as of such date have been paid or, for those taxes
which have not been paid, a writing attached hereto describes the nature and
amount of such taxes, and sets forth Borrower's rationale for not paying such
taxes and the action that Borrower has taken or proposes to take with respect
thereto.

         6. To the best of the undersigned's knowledge, after appropriate
inquiry, except as previously disclosed to LaSalle in writing, no litigation,
investigation or proceeding, or injunction writ or restraining order is pending
or threatened against the Borrower or, if any litigation, investigation or
proceeding, or injunction, writ or restraining order is pending or threatened
against the Borrower, a writing attached hereto specifies the nature thereof and
the action that Borrower has taken or proposes to take with respect thereto.

         7. Borrower is in compliance with the representations, warranties and
covenants in the Loan Agreement, or, if Borrower is not in compliance with any
representations, warranties or covenants in the Loan Agreement, a writing
attached hereto specifies the nature thereof, the period of existence thereof
and the action that Borrower has taken or proposes to take with respect thereto.

         8. Attached hereto is a true and correct calculation of the financial
covenants contained in paragraph 14(m) of the Loan Agreement.

                                    NEMATRON CORPORATION, a Michigan
                                    Corporation

Dated:  November 12, 1999           By:  /s/ David P. Gienapp  (SEAL)
                                         --------------------

                                    Name:  David P. Gienapp

                                    Title:  Secretary