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                                                                  EXHIBIT 10.13

                            MASTER LEASE AGREEMENT


        THIS MASTER LEASE AGREEMENT, dated as of August 7, 1996, ("AGREEMENT"),
between GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION, with an office at 303
INTERNATIONAL CIRCLE SUITE 300, HUNT VALLEY, MARYLAND 21031, (hereinafter
called, together with its successors and assigns, if any, "LESSOR"), and MORTON
METALCRAFT CO., A CORPORATION, organized and existing under the laws of the
State of ILLINOIS, with its mailing address and chief place of business at 1021
W. BIRCHWOOD STREET, MORTON, IL 61550 (hereinafter called "LESSEE").


                                 WITNESSETH:

I.  LEASING:

        (a)     Subject to the terms and conditions set forth below, Lessor
agrees to lease to Lessee, and Lessee agrees to lease from Lessor, the
equipment ("EQUIPMENT") described in Annex A to any schedule hereto
("SCHEDULE") and this Agreement shall be effective from and after the date of
execution hereof.  Terms defined in a Schedule and not otherwise defined herein
shall have the meanings ascribed to them in such Schedule.

        (b)     The obligation of Lessor to purchase Equipment from the
manufacturer or supplier thereof ("SUPPLIER",) and to lease the same to Lessee
under any Schedule shall be subject to receipt by Lessor, prior to the Lease
Commencement Date (with respect to such Equipment), of each of the following
documents in form and substance satisfactory to Lessor:  (i) a Schedule
relating to the Equipment then to be leased hereunder, (ii) a Purchase Order
Assignment and Consent in the form of Annex B to the applicable Schedule,
unless Lessor shall have delivered its purchase order for such Equipment, (iii)
evidence of insurance which complies with the requirements of Section X, and
(iv) such other documents as Lessor may reasonably request.  As a further
condition to such obligations of Lessor, Lessee shall, upon delivery of such
Equipment (but not later than the Base Lease Commencement Date specified in the
applicable Schedule) execute and deliver to Lessor a Certificate of Acceptance
(in the form of Annex C to the applicable Schedule) covering such Equipment. 
Lessor hereby appoints Lessee its agent for inspection and acceptance of the
Equipment from the Supplier.  Upon execution by Lessee of any Certificate of
Acceptance, the Equipment described thereon shall be deemed to have been
delivered to, and irrevocably accepted by, Lessee for lease hereunder.

II.  TERM, RENT AND PAYMENT:

        (a)     The rent payable hereunder and Lessee's right to use the
Equipment shall commence on the date of execution by Lessee of the Certificate
of Acceptance for such Equipment ("LEASE COMMENCEMENT DATE").  The term of this
Agreement shall be the period specified in the applicable Schedule.  If any
term is extended, the word "TERM" shall be deemed to refer to all extended
terms, and all provisions of this Agreement shall apply during any extended
terms, except as may be otherwise specifically provided in writing.

        (b)     Rent shall be paid to lessor at its address stated above, except
as otherwise directed by Lessor.  Payments of rent shall be in the amount set
forth in, and due in accordance with, the provisions of the applicable
Schedule.  If one or more Advance Rentals are payable, such Advance Rental
shall be (i) set forth on the applicable Schedule, (ii) due upon acceptance by
Lessor of such Schedule, and (iii) when received by Lessor, applied to the
first rent payment and the balance, if any, to the final rental payment(s)
under such Schedule.  In no event shall any Advance Rental or any other rent
payments be refunded to Lessee. If rent is not paid within ten days of its due
date, Lessee agrees to pay a late charge of five cents ($.05) per dollar on,
and in addition to, the amount of such rent but not exceeding the lawful
maximum, if any.

        (c)     So long as no default shall have occurred and be continuing
under the terms of this agreement, neither Lessor nor its agents, employees,
creditors, or assigns will disturb Lessee's quiet, peaceful and uninterrupted
possession of the Equipment during the term of this Lease and Lessee's
uninterrupted use thereof for its intended purpose.

III.  TAXES:  Except as provided in Section XIV(c), Lessee shall have no
liability for taxes imposed by the United States of America or any State or
political subdivision thereof which are on or measured by the net income of
Lessor.  Lessee shall report (to the extent that it is legally permissible) and
pay promptly all other taxes, fees and assessments due, imposed, assessed or
levied against any Equipment (or the purchase, ownership, delivery, leasing,
possession, use or operation thereof), this Agreement (or any rentals or
receipts hereunder), any Schedule, Lessor or Lessee by any foreign, federal,
state or local government or taxing authority during or related to the term of
this Agreement, including, without limitation, all license and registration
fees, and all sales, use, personal property, excise, gross receipts, franchise,
stamp or other taxes, imposts, duties and charges, together with any penalties,
fines or interest thereon (all hereinafter called "TAXES").  Lessee shall (i)
reimburse Lessor upon receipt of written request for reimbursement for any
Taxes charged to or assessed against Lessor, (ii) on request of Lessor, submit
to Lessor written evidence of Lessee's payment of Taxes, (iii) on all reports
or returns show the ownership of the Equipment by Lessor, and (iv) send a copy
thereof to Lessor.  The obligations of Lessee under this Section IV shall
survive any expiration or termination of this Agreement.

IV.  REPORTS:

        (a)     Lessee will notify Lessor in writing, within ten (10) days
after any tax or other lien shall attach to any Equipment, of the full
particulars thereof and of the location of such Equipment on the date of such
notification.
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        (b)     Lessee will within ninety (90) days of the close of each fiscal
year of Lessee, deliver to Lessor, Lessee's complete financial statements,
certified by a recognized firm of certified public accountants.  If Lessee
becomes a publicly traded entity, Lessee will, within thirty (30) days after
the date on which they are filed, deliver to Lessor all Forms 10-K and 10-Q
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Upon request Lessee will
deliver to Lessor quarterly, within ninety (90) days of the close of each
fiscal quarter of Lessee, in reasonable detail, copies of Lessee's quarterly
financial report certified by the chief financial officer of Lessee.  Upon
request, Lessee will deliver to Lessor one copy of each financial statement,
report, notice or proxy statement sent by Lessee to shareholders generally and
one copy of each regular or periodic report, registration statement or
prospectus filed by Lessee with any securities exchange or the Securities and
Exchange Commission or any successor agency, such copies to be delivered to
Lessor within thirty (30) days after they become available or are otherwise
filed.

        (c)     Lessee will permit Lessor to inspect any Equipment during
normal business hours.

        (d)     Lessee will keep the Equipment at the Equipment Location
(specified in the applicable Schedule) and will give Lessor prior written
notice of any relocation of Equipment.  Upon the written request of Lessor,
Lessee will notify Lessor forthwith in writing of the location of any Equipment
as of the date of such notification.

        (e)     Lessee will promptly and fully report to Lessor in writing if
any Equipment is lost or damaged (where the estimated repair costs would exceed
twenty-five percent (25%) of its then fair market value), or is otherwise
involved in an accident causing personal injury or property damage.

        (f)     Within thirty (30) days after any request by Lessor, Lessee
will furnish a certificate of an authorized officer of Lessee stating that he
has reviewed the activities of Lessee and that, to the best of his knowledge,
there exists no default (as described in Section XI) or event which with notice
or lapse of time (or both) would become such a default.

V.  DELIVERY, USE AND OPERATION:

        (a)     All Equipment shall be shipped directly from the Supplier to
Lessee.

        (b)     Lessee agrees that the Equipment will be used by Lessee solely
in the conduct of its business and in a manner complying with all applicable
federal, state, and local laws and regulations and any applicable insurance
policies and Lessee shall not discontinue use of the Equipment.

        (c)     LESSEE SHALL NOT ASSIGN, OTHER THAN TO A WHOLLY-OWNED
SUBSIDIARY OF MORTON METAL CRAFT HOLDINGS, MORTGAGE, SUBLET OR HYPOTHECATE ANY
EQUIPMENT, OR THE INTEREST OF LESSEE HEREUNDER, NOR SHALL LESSEE REMOVE ANY
EQUIPMENT FROM THE CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES, WITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT
OF THE LESSOR.

        (d)     Lessee will keep the Equipment free and clear of all liens and
encumbrances other than those which result from acts of Lessor.

VI.  SERVICE:

        (a)     Lessee will, at its sole expense, maintain each unit of
Equipment in good operating order, repair, condition and appearance in
accordance with manufacturer's recommendations, normal wear and tear excepted.
Lessee shall, if at any time requested by Lessor, affix in a prominent position
on each unit of Equipment plates, tags or other identifying labels showing
ownership thereof by Lessor.

        (b)     Lessee will not, without the prior consent of Lessor, affix or
install any accessory, equipment or device on any Equipment if such addition
will impair the originally intended function or use of such Equipment.  All
additions, repairs, parts, supplies, accessories, equipment, and devices
furnished, attached or affixed to any Equipment which are not readily removable
shall be made only in compliance with applicable law, including Internal
Revenue Service guidelines, shall be free and clear of all liens, encumbrances
or rights of others, and shall become the property of Lessor.  Lessee will not,
without the prior written consent of Lessor and subject to such conditions as
Lessor may impose for its protection, affix or install any Equipment to or in
any other personal or real property.

        (c)     Any alterations or modifications to the Equipment that may, at
any time during the term of this Agreement, be required to comply with any
applicable law, rule or regulation shall be made at the expense of Lessee.

VII.  STIPULATED LOSS VALUE:  Lessee shall promptly and fully notify Lessor in
writing if any unit of Equipment shall be or become worn out, lost, stolen,
destroyed, irreparably damaged in the reasonable determination of Lessee, or
permanently rendered unfit for use from any cause whatsoever (such occurrences
being hereinafter called "CASUALTY OCCURRENCES"). On the rental payment date
next succeeding a Casualty Occurrence (the "PAYMENT DATE"), Lessee shall pay
Lessor the sum of (x) the Stipulated Loss Value of such unit calculated as of
the rental next preceding such Casualty Occurrence ("CALCULATION DATE") and (y)
all rentals and other amounts which are due hereunder as of the Payment Date. 
Upon payment of all sums due hereunder, the term of this lease as to such unit
shall terminate and ownership of such unit shall pass to Lessee or Lessee's
insurance company.

VIII.  LOSS OR DAMAGE:  Lessee hereby assumes and shall bear the entire risk of
any loss, theft, damage to, or destruction of, any unit of Equipment from any
cause whatsoever from the time the Equipment is shipped to Lessee.

IX.  INSURANCE:  Lessee agrees, at its own expense, to keep all Equipment
insured for such amounts and against such hazards as Lessor may require,
including, but not limited to, insurance for damage to or loss of such
Equipment and liability coverage for personal injuries, death or property
damage, with Lessor named as additional insured and with a loss payable clause
in favor of Lessor, as its interest may appear, irrespective of any breach of
warranty or other act or omission of Lessee.  All such policies shall be with
companies, and on terms, reasonably satisfactory to Lessor.
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Lessee agrees to deliver to Lessor evidence of insurance reasonably
satisfactory to Lessor.  No insurance shall be subject to any co-insurance
clause.  If the Lessee has not paid the Lessor for such Equipment pursuant to
Section VIII, Lessee hereby appoints Lessor as Lessee's attorney-in-fact to
make proof of loss and claim for insurance, and to make adjustments with
insurers and to receive payment of and execute or endorse all documents, checks
or drafts in connection with payments made as a result of such insurance
policies.  Any such adjustments with insurers must be approved in writing by
Lessee.  Any expense of Lessor in adjusting or collecting insurance shall be
borne by Lessee.  Lessee will not make adjustments with insurers except (i)
with respect to claims for damage to any unit of Equipment where the repair
costs do not exceed ten percent (10%) of such unit's fair market value, or (ii)
with Lessor's written consent.  Said policies shall provide that the insurance
may not be altered or cancelled by the insurer until after thirty (30) days'
written notice to Lessor.  Lessor shall apply proceeds of insurance, in whole
or in part, to (i) repair or replace Equipment or any portion thereof, or (ii)
satisfy any obligation of Lessee to Lessor hereunder.

X.  RETURN OF EQUIPMENT:

        (a)     Upon any expiration or termination of this Agreement or any
Schedule, Lessee shall promptly, at its own cost and expense: (i) perform any
testing and repairs required to place the affected units of Equipment in the
same condition and appearance as when received by Lessee (reasonable wear and
tear excepted) and in good working order for their originally intended purpose;
(ii) if deinstallation, disassembly or crating is required, cause such units to
be deinstalled, disassembled and crated by an authorized manufacturer's
representative or such other service person as is satisfactory to Lessor; and,
(iii) return such units to a location within the continental United States as
Lessor shall direct.

        (b)     Until Lessee has fully complied with the requirements of
Section X(a) above, Lessee's rent payment obligation and all other obligations
under this Agreement shall continue from month to month notwithstanding any
expiration or termination of the lease term.  Lessor may terminate such
continued leasehold interest upon ten (10) days' notice to Lessee.

XI.  DEFAULT:

        (a)     Lessor may in writing declare this Agreement in default if: 
Lessee breaches its obligation to pay rent or any other sum when due and fails
to cure the breach within ten (10) days; Lessee breaches any of its insurance
obligations herewith under Section IX; Lessee breaches any of its other
obligations hereunder and fails to cure that breach within thirty (30) days
after written notice thereof; any representation or warranty made by or on
behalf of Lessee in connection with this Agreement shall be false or misleading
in any material respect; Lessee or any guarantor becomes insolvent or ceases to
do business as a going concern; any Equipment is illegally used; a petition is
filed by or against Lessee or any guarantor under any bankruptcy or insolvency
laws; there is a revocation or anticipatory repudiation of any guarantor's
obligations under any guaranty issued in connection with this Agreement; Lessee
or any guarantor shall be in default under any material obligation and the
applicable grace period with respect thereto shall have expired; Lessee or any
guarantor shall have terminated its existence, consolidated with, merged into or
conveyed or leased substantially all of its assets as an entirety to any person
(such actions being referred to as an "Event").  Any provision of this
Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding.  Lessor may exercise all rights and
remedies hereunder independently with respect to each Schedule.

        (b)     After default at the request of Lessor, Lessee shall comply
with the provisions of Section X(a).  Lessee hereby authorizes Lessor to enter,
with or without legal process, any premises where any Equipment is believed to
be and take possession thereof.  Lessee shall, without further demand,
forthwith pay to Lessor as liquidated damages for loss of a bargain and not as
a penalty, the Stipulated Loss Value of the Equipment (calculated as of the
rental date next preceding the declaration of default), and all rentals and
other sums then due hereunder.  Lessor may terminate this Agreement as to any
or all of the Equipment, provided that a termination shall occur only upon
written notice by Lessor to Lessee and only as to the items of Equipment
specified in any such notice.  Lessor may, but shall not be required to, sell
Equipment at private or public sale, in bulk or in parcels, with or without
notice, and without having the Equipment present at the place of sale; or
Lessor may, but shall not be required to, lease, otherwise dispose of or keep
idle all or part of the Equipment; and Lessor may use Lessee's premises for any
or all of the foregoing without liability for rent, costs, damages or
otherwise.  The proceeds of sale, lease or other disposition, if any, shall be
applied in the following order of priorities:  (1) to pay all of Lessor's
costs, charges and expenses incurred in taking, removing, holding, repairing
and selling, leasing or otherwise disposing of Equipment; then, (2) to the 
extent not previously paid by Lessee, to pay Lessor all sums due from Lessee
hereunder, then (3) to reimburse to Lessee any sums previously paid by Lessee
as liquidated damages; and (4) any surplus shall be retained by Lessor.  Lessee
shall pay any deficiency in (1) and (2) forthwith.

        (c)     The foregoing remedies are cumulative, and any or all thereof
may be exercised in lieu of or in addition to each other or any remedies at
law, in equity, or under statute.  Lessee waives notice of sale or other
disposition (and the time and place thereof), and the manner and place of any
advertising.  Lessee shall pay Lessor's actual attorney's fees incurred in
connection with the enforcement, assertion, defense or preservation of Lessor's
rights and remedies hereunder, or if prohibited by law, such lesser sum as may
be permitted.  Waiver of any default shall not be a waiver of any other or
subsequent default.

        (d)     Any default under the terms of this or any other agreement
between Lessor and Lessee may be declared by Lessor a default under this and any
such other agreement.

        (e)     Lessee is in default, and a default has been declared, under
it's revolving credit agreement with Fleet Capital Corporation (or any
replacement said revolving credit agreement), which is evidenced by a Loan and
Security Agreement dated February 1, 1995.

XII.  ASSIGNMENT: 

                Lessor may, without the consent of Lessee, assign this
Agreement or any Schedule or any interests therein. Lessee agrees that if
Lessee receives written notice of an assignment from Lessor, Lessee will pay
all rent and all other amounts payable under any assigned Equipment Schedule to
such assignee or as instructed by Lessor. Lessee further agrees to confirm in
writing receipt of the notice of assignment as may be reasonably requested by
assignee.  Lessee hereby waives and agrees not to assert against any such
assignee any defense, set-off, recoupment claim or counterclaim which Lessee
has or may at any time have against Lessor for any reason whatsoever.


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XIII.  NET LEASE; NO SET-OFF, ETC:  This Agreement is a net lease.  Lessee's
obligation to pay rent and other amounts due hereunder shall be absolute and
unconditional.  Lesee shall not be entitled to any abatement or reductions of,
or set-offs against, said rent or other amounts, including, without limitation,
those arising or allegedly arising out of claims (present or future,
alleged or actual, and including claims arising out of strict tort or
negligence of Lessor) of Lessee against Lessor under this Agreement or
otherwise.  Nor shall this Agreement terminate or the obligations of Lessee be
affected by reason of any defect in or damage to, or loss of possession, use or
destruction of, any Equipment from whatsoever cause, except as otherwise
provided in Section VIII herein.  It is the intention of the parties that rents
and other amounts due hereunder shall continue to be payable in all events in
the manner and at the times set forth herein unless the obligation to do so 
shall have been terminated pursuant to the express terms hereof.

XIV.  INDEMNIFICATION:

        (a)  Lessee hereby agrees to indemnify, save and keep harmless Lessor,
its agents, employees, successors and assigns from and against any and all
losses, damages, penalties, injuries, claims, actions and suits, including
legal expenses, of whatsoever kind and nature, in contract or tort or
otherwise, unless caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of
Lessor, and including, but not limited to, Lessor's strict liability in tort,
arising out of (i) the selection, manufacture, purchase, acceptance or
rejection of Equipment, the ownership of Equipment during the term of this
Agreement, and the delivery, lease, possession, maintenance, uses, condition,
return or operation of Equipment (including, without limitation, latent and
other defects, whether or not discoverable by Lessor or Lessee and any claim
for patent, trademark or copyright infringement or environmental damage) or
(ii) the condition of Equipment sold or disposed of after use by Lessee, any
sublessee or employee of Lessee, so long as any such condition arises out of
Lessee's lease, possession, maintenance, use or operation of the Equipment
during the term of the Agreement.  The Equipment will be sold as is, where is
without warranty and representations of any kind.  Lessee shall, upon request,
defend any actions based on, or arising out of, any of the foregoing.

        (b)  The Lease has been entered into on the assumption that (i) the
Lease will be treated for federal income tax purposes as a true lease and the
Lessor will be treated as the owner and lessor of the Equipment and the Lessee
will be treated as the lessee of the Equipment, and (ii) on the Lease 
Commencement Date for any unit of Equipment, such unit will qualify for all of
the items of deduction and credit specified in Section C of applicable Schedule
("TAX BENEFITS") in the hands of Lessor (all references to Lessor in this 
Section XV include Lessor and the consolidated tax payer group which Lessor is
a member).

        (c)  If as a result of a breach of any representation, warranty or
covenant of the Lessee contained in this Agreement or any Schedule (i) tax
counsel of Lessor shall determine that Lessor is not entitled to claim on its
federal income tax return all or any portion of the Tax Benefits with respect
to any Equipment or (ii) any such Tax Benefit claimed on the federal income tax
return of Lessor is disallowed or adjusted by the Internal Revenue Service or
(iii) any such Tax Benefit is recomputed or recaptured (any such determination,
disallowance, adjustment, recomputation or recapture being hereinafter called a
"LOSS"), then Lessee shall pay to Lessor, as an indemnity and as additional
rent, such amount as shall, in the reasonable opinion of Lessor, cause Lessor's
after-tax economic yields and cash flows, computed on the same assumptions,
including tax rates, and were utilized by Lessor in originally evaluating the
transaction (such yields and flows being hereinafter called the "NET ECONOMIC
RETURN") to equal the Net Economic Return that would have been realized by
Lessor if such Loss had not occurred.  Such amount shall be payable upon demand
accompanied by a statement describing in reasonable detail such Loss and the
computation of such amount.  Anything in this paragraph to the contrary
notwithstanding, Lessee shall have no obligation to indemnify Lessor from or
against any such Loss to the extent that such Loss is caused by: (i) any
failure by Lessor to properly or timely claim on its federal income tax return
any Tax Benefits on any Equipment (unless such failure is based upon a
determination by tax counsel of Lessor that Lessor is not entitled to claim
such Tax Benefits with respect to such Equipment); (ii) any failure of Lessor
to have sufficient taxable income to benefit from the Tax Benefits; (iii) any
liability of the Lessor for any alternative minimum taxes; (iv) the status of
Lessor for purposes of federal income taxes; (v) any sale or other disposition
of any Equipment by Lessor other than after an event of default by Lessee; (vi)
any tax election made or not made by Lessor relating to the Tax Benefits; or
(vii) any event which results in a payment by Lessee in an amount equal to, or
measured by, the Stipulated Loss Value to the extent that such Loss was
included in Lessor's calculation of such Stipulated Loss Value.


        (d)  All of Lessor's rights, privileges and indemnities contained in
this Section XIV shall survive the expiration or other termination of this
Agreement and the rights, privileges and indemnities contained herein are
expressly made for the benefit of, and shall be enforceable by Lessor, its
successors and assigns.

XV.  DISCLAIMER:  LESSEE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT HAS SELECTED THE EQUIPMENT
WITHOUT ANY ASSISTANCE FROM LESSOR, ITS AGENTS OR EMPLOYEES.  LESSOR DOES NOT
MAKE, HAS NOT MADE, NOR SHALL LESSOR BE DEEMED TO MAKE OR HAVE MADE, ANY
WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WRITTEN OR ORAL, WITH
RESPECT TO THE EQUIPMENT LEASED HEREUNDER OR ANY COMPONENT THEREOF, INCLUDING,
WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTY AS TO DESIGN, COMPLIANCE WITH SPECIFICATIONS,
QUALITY OF MATERIALS OR WORKMANSHIP, MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE,
USE OR OPERATION, SAFETY, PATENT, TRADEMARK OR COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT, OR
TITLE.  All such risks, as between Lessor and Lessee, are to be borne by
Lessee.  Without limiting the foregoing, Lessor shall have no responsibility or
liability to Lessee or any other person with respect to any of the following,
regardless of any negligence of Lessor (i) any liability, loss or damage caused
or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by any Equipment, any inadequacy
thereof, any deficiency or defect (latent or otherwise) therein, or any other
circumstance in connection therewith; (ii) the use, operation or performance of
any Equipment or any risks relating thereto; (iii) any interruption of service,
loss of business or anticipated profits or consequential damages; or (iv) the
delivery, operation, servicing, maintenance, repair, improvement or replacement
of any Equipment.  If, and so long as, no default exists under this Lease,
Lessee shall be, and hereby is, authorized during the terms of this Lease to
assert and enforce, at Lessee's sole cost and expense, from time to time, in
the name of and for the account of Lessor and/or Lessee, as their interests may
appear, whatever claims and rights Lessor may have against any Supplier of the
Equipment.

XVI.  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF LESSEE:  Lessee hereby represents and
warrants to Lessor that on the date hereof and on the date of execution of each
Schedule:


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        (a)     Lessee has adequate power and capacity to enter into, and 
perform under, this Agreement and all related documents (together, the
"DOCUMENTS") and is duly qualified to do  business where ever necessary to carry
on its present business and operations, including the jurisdiction(s) where
the Equipment is or is to located.


        (b)     The Documents have been duly authorized, executed and delivered
by Lessee and constitute valid, legal and binding agreements, enforceable in
accordance with their terms, except to the extent that the enforcement of 
remedies therein provided may be limited under applicable bankruptcy and 
insolvency laws.

        (c)     No approval, consent or withholding of objections is required
from any governmental authority or instrumentality with respect to the entry
into or performance by Lessee of the Documents except such as have already been
obtained.

        (d)     The entry into and performance by Lessee of the Documents will
not; (i) violate any judgment, order, law or regulation applicable to Lessee or
any provision of Lessee's Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws; or (ii)
result in any breach of, constitute a default under or result in the creation of
any lien, charge, security interest or other encumbrance upon any Equipment
pursuant to any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, bank loan or credit
agreement or other instrument (other than this Agreement) to which Lessee is a
party.

        (e)     There are no suits or proceedings pending or threatened in
court or before any commission, board or other administrative agency against or
affecting Lessee, which if decided adversely will have a material adverse effect
on the ability of Lessee to fulfill its obligations under this Agreement.

        (f)     The Equipment accepted under any Certificate of Acceptance is
and will remain tangible personal property.

        (g)     Each financial statement delivered to Lessor has been prepared
in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, and since the date of the most
recent such financing statement, there has been no material adverse change.

        (h)     Lessee is and will be at all times validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of the State of its incorporation (specified in the
first sentence of this Agreement).

        (i)     The Equipment will at all times be used for commercial or
business purposes. 

XVII.   PURCHASE OPTION:

        (a)     So long as no default exists hereunder and the lease has not
been earlier terminated, Lessee may at lease expiration, upon at least one
hundred eighty (180) days' prior written notice to Lessor, purchase all (but
not less than all) of the Equipment in any Schedule on an AS IS, WHERE IS 
BASIS without recourse to or warranty from Lessor, express or implied ("AS IS
BASIS") for cash equal to its then Fair Market Value (plus all applicable sales
taxes).

        (b)     "FAIR MARKET VALUE", shall mean the price which a willing buyer
(who is neither a lessee in possession nor a used equipment dealer) would pay
for the Equipment in an arm's-length transaction to a willing seller under no
compulsion to sell; provided, however, that in such determination: (i) the
Equipment shall be assumed to be in the condition in which it is required to be
maintained and returned under this Agreement; (ii) in the case of any installed
Equipment, that Equipment shall be valued on an installed basis; and (iii) costs
of removal from current location shall not be a deduction from such valuation.
If Lessor and Lessee are unable to agree on the Fair Market Value at least one
hundred thirty-five (135) days before lease expiration, Lessor shall appoint an
independent appraiser (reasonably acceptable to Lessee) to determine Fair
Market Value, and that determination shall be final, binding and conclusive.
Lessee shall bear all costs associated with any such appraisal.

        (c)     Lessee shall be deemed to have waived this option unless it
provides Lessor with written notice of its irrevocable election to exercise
the same within fifteen (15) days after Fair Market Value is determined (by
agreement or appraisal).


<PAGE>   6
XVIII. MISCELLANEOUS:

        (A)  LESSEE HEREBY UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ITS RIGHTS TO A JURY TRIAL OF
ANY CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION BASED UPON OR ARISING OUT OF, DIRECTLY OR
INDIRECTLY, THIS LEASE, ANY OF THE RELATED DOCUMENTS, ANY DEALINGS BETWEEN
LESSEE AND LESSOR RELATING TO THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS TRANSACTION OR ANY
RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND/OR THE RELATIONSHIP THAT IS BEING ESTABLISHED BETWEEN
LESSEE AND LESSOR.  THE SCOPE OF THIS WAIVER IS INTENDED TO BE ALL ENCOMPASSING
OF ANY AND ALL DISPUTES THAT MAY BE FILED IN ANY COURT (INCLUDING, WITHOUT
LIMITATION, CONTRACT CLAIMS, TORT CLAIMS, BREACH OF DUTY CLAIMS, AND ALL OTHER
COMMON LAW AND STATUTORY CLAIMS).  THIS WAIVER IS IRREVOCABLE MEANING THAT IT
MAY NOT BE MODIFIED EITHER ORALLY OR IN WRITING, AND THE WAIVER SHALL APPLY TO
ANY SUBSEQUENT AMENDMENTS, RENEWALS, SUPPLEMENTS OR MODIFICATIONS TO THIS
LEASE, ANY RELATED DOCUMENTS, OR TO ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS OR AGREEMENTS RELATING
TO THIS TRANSACTION OR ANY RELATED TRANSACTION.  IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION,
THIS LEASE MAY BE FILED AS A WRITTEN CONSENT TO A TRIAL BY THE COURT.

        (b)  Unless and until Lessee exercises its rights under Section XVII
above, nothing herein contained shall give or convey to Lessee any right, title
or interest in and to any Equipment except as a lessee.  Any cancellation or
termination by Lessor, pursuant to the provision of this Agreement, any
Schedule, supplement or amendment hereto, or the lease of any Equipment
hereunder, shall not release Lessee from any then outstanding obligations to
Lessor hereunder.  All Equipment shall at all times remain personal property of
Lessor regardless of the degree of its annexation to any real property and
shall not by reason of any installation in, or affixation to, real or personal
property become a part thereof.

        (c)  Time is of the essence of this Agreement.  Lessor's failure at any
time to require strict performance by Lessee of any of the provisions hereof
shall not waive or diminish Lessor's right thereafter to demand strict
compliance therewith.  Lessee agrees, upon Lessor's request, to execute any
instrument necessary or expedient for filing, recording or perfecting the
interest of Lessor.  All notices required to be given hereunder shall be deemed
adequately given if sent by registered or certified mail to the addressee at
its address stated herein, or at such other place as such addressee may have
designated in writing and shall be deemed effective when sent.  This Agreement
and any Schedule and Annexes thereto constitute the entire agreement of the
parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.  NO VARIATION OR
MODIFICATION OF THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY WAIVER OF ANY OF ITS PROVISIONS OR
CONDITIONS, SHALL BE VALID UNLESS IN WRITING AND SIGNED BY AN AUTHORIZED
REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PARTIES HERETO.

                                                        LESSOR [SIG]
                                                              --------------

                                                        LESSEE [SIG]
                                                              --------------

        (d)  In case of a failure of Lessee to comply with any provision of
this Agreement,  Lessor shall have the right, but shall not be obligated, to
effect such compliance, in whole or in part; and all moneys spent and expenses
and obligations incurred or assumed by Lessor in effecting such compliance
shall constitute additional rent due to Lessor within five days after the date
Lessor sends notice to Lessee requesting payment.  Lessor's effecting such
compliance shall not be a waiver of Lessee's default.  

        (e)  In the event that Lessee is declared in a default under this
Agreement, any rent or other amount not paid to Lessor when due hereunder shall
bear interest, both before and after any judgment or termination hereof, at the
lesser of eighteen percent (18%) per annum or the maximum rate allowed by law. 
Any provisions in this Agreement and any Schedule which are in conflict with
any statute, law or applicable rule shall be deemed omitted, modified or
altered to conform thereto.

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Lessee and Lessor have caused this Agreement to be
executed by their duly authorized representatives as of the date first above
written.

LESSOR:                                         LESSEE:

GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION            MORTON METALCRAFT CO.

By: /s/ James R. Newman                         By: /s/ Daryl R. Lindemann
   ---------------------------------               -----------------------------

Name: James R. Newman                           Name: Daryl R. Lindemann
     -------------------------------                 ---------------------------

Title: Sr. Credit Analyst                       Title: Vice President
      ------------------------------                  --------------------------
<PAGE>   7
                              CORPORATE LESSEE'S
                        BOARD OF DIRECTORS RESOLUTION


        The undersigned hereby certifies: (i) that she/he is the Secretary of
MORTON METALCRAFT CO.; (ii) that the following is a true and correct copy of
resolutions duly adopted at a meeting of the Board of Directors of said
Corporation duly held on the 7th day of August, 1996; and (iii) that said
resolutions have not been amended, rescinded, modified or revoked, and are in
full force and effect:

        "RESOLVED, that each of the officers of this Corporation, whose name
appears below:


William D. Morton                              
--------------------------                 -----------------------------------
President                                  Treasurer

Daryl R. Lindemann
--------------------------                 -----------------------------------
Vice President                             Secretary


or the duly elected or appointed successor in office of any or all of them, be,
and herby is, authorized and empowered in the name and on behalf of this
Corporation to enter into, execute and deliver a master lease agreement with
GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION ("LESSOR") as Lessor, providing for the
leasing to (or sale and leaseback by) this Corporation, from time to time, of
certain equipment, and further providing for this Corporation to indemnify said
Lessor against certain occurrences and against the loss of contemplated tax
treatment; and

     FURTHER RESOLVED, that each officer of this Corporation be, and hereby is,
authorized and empowered in the name and on behalf of this Corporation to enter
into, execute and deliver any documents and to do and perform all other acts
and deeds which may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate the lease (or
sale and leaseback) of equipment from Lessor; and

     FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Lessor may rely upon the aforesaid resolutions 
until receipt by it of written notice of any change.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have set my hand and affixed the seal of said
Corporation this 7th day of August, 1996.


(CORPORATE SEAL)


Daryl R. Lindemann
--------------------------
Secretary