<PAGE>

                                                                      EXHIBIT 25



                           ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT
                           ------------------------

                                by and between




                              THE GSI GROUP, INC.

                                      and

                                FFI CORPORATION



                                     dated

                               December 19, 2000

<PAGE>

                              TABLE OF CONTENTS
                              -----------------
<TABLE>

<S>                                                                                                  <C>
ARTICLE I -- DEFINITIONS...........................................................................   1

ARTICLE II -- PURCHASE AND SALE....................................................................   3
2.1                Assets Being Purchased..........................................................   3

2.2                Excluded Assets.................................................................   3
2.3                Liabilities of Seller Not Assumed...............................................   4
2.4                Documentation...................................................................   4
2.5                Allocation of Purchase Price....................................................   4

ARTICLE III -- PURCHASE PRICE......................................................................   4
3.1                Purchase Price..................................................................   4
3.2                Payment of Purchase Price.......................................................   4
3.3                Post-Closing Adjustment for Inventory...........................................   5

ARTICLE IV -- CLOSING..............................................................................   6
4.1                Closing Date....................................................................   6
4.2                Conditions of Closing...........................................................   6
4.3                Deliveries by Seller............................................................   7
4.4                Deliveries by Purchaser.........................................................   7

ARTICLE V -- COVENANTS.............................................................................   8
5.1                Access to and Preservation of Books and Records.................................   8
5.2                Performance of Contracts and Other Commitments..................................   9
5.3                Liabilities.....................................................................   9
5.4                Payment of Taxes................................................................   9
5.5                Sales, Use and Transfer Taxes...................................................   9
5.6                Bulk Law Sales..................................................................   9
5.7                Rights Against Third Parties....................................................   9
5.8                Refunds.........................................................................   9
5.9                Seller's Employees..............................................................   9
5.10               Employee Benefit Plans..........................................................  10
5.11               Mail and Remittances............................................................  10
5.12               Warranty Claims.................................................................  10
5.13               Seller Net Worth................................................................  10
5.14               Insurance Coverage..............................................................  10
5.15               Further Assurances..............................................................  11

ARTICLE VI -- SELLER REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES................................................  11
6.1                Organization....................................................................  11
6.2                Enforceability..................................................................  12
6.3                No Violation....................................................................  12
6.4                Litigation......................................................................  12
6.5                Financial Statements............................................................  12
</TABLE>

                                       i

<PAGE>

6.6              Taxes................................................. 12
6.7              Material Contracts and Other Changes.................. 12
6.8              Title to and Quality of Assets........................ 12
6.9              Restrictions on Assets................................ 12
6.10             Patents, Trademarks and Trade Names................... 13
6.11             Customer List......................................... 13
6.12             Updated Schedules..................................... 13

ARTICLE VII - PURCHASER'S PRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES................. 13
7.1              Organization.......................................... 13
7.2              Enforceability........................................ 13
7.3              No Violation.......................................... 13
7.4              Litigation............................................ 14

ARTICLE VIII - INDEMNIFICATION......................................... 14
8.1              Survival of Representations and Warranties............ 14
8.2              Indemnification by Seller............................. 14
8.3              Indemnification by Purchaser.......................... 15
8.4              Third-Party Claims.................................... 15
8.5              Indemnification by Shareholders....................... 16

ARTICLE XI - TERMINATION............................................... 16
9.1              Termination........................................... 16
9.2              Post-Closing.......................................... 17

ARTICLE X - MISCELLANEOUS.............................................. 17
10.1             Expenses.............................................. 17
10.2             Parties in Interest................................... 17
10.3             Entire Agreement, Amendments.......................... 17
10.4             No Waiver............................................. 17
10.5             Headings.............................................. 17
10.6             Applicable Law........................................ 17
10.7             Notices............................................... 18
10.8             Joint Press Release................................... 18
10.9             Consignment Terms..................................... 18
10.10            Severability.......................................... 19

                                      ii
<PAGE>

                           ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT
                           ------------------------

     This ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT ("Agreement") dated as of December 19, 2000,
is entered into by and between ffi corporation, an Indiana corporation
("Seller"), and The GSI Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Purchaser").

     WHEREAS, Seller manufactures, sells, and/or distributes various products
(the "Products") in the agricultural business that are used to dry, condition or
convey grain;

     WHEREAS, Seller desires to sell to Purchaser and Purchaser desires to
purchase from Seller certain property and assets of Seller related to the
manufacture, sale, and distribution of the Products, on the terms and conditions
hereinafter set forth; and

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual representations, warranties,
covenants, and agreements contained herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:

                                   ARTICLE I

                                  DEFINITIONS

     "Agreement" -- This Asset Purchase Agreement dated December 19, 2000, by
and between Seller and Purchaser.

     "Assets" -- The assets of Seller to be sold hereunder, as described more
specifically in Section 2.1 hereof.
                -----------

     "Assumed Liabilities" -- Obligations of Seller for amounts due or for
performance to be rendered after the Closing under the Orders and the Assigned
Contracts, and the obligation to reimburse Seller for actual expenses incurred
by the Seller with respect to each of the line items set forth on the Transition
Budget, but only to the extent such reimbursement obligations do not exceed the
amount set forth on such line item. For purposes of calculation, the
reimbursement obligation of the Purchaser shall apply individually to each line
item of the Transition Budget described below, not the aggregate value of such
line items.

     "Claims Period" -- The one-year period beginning on the Closing Date and
ending on the first anniversary thereof, within which any assertable claim to be
made by either party with regard to the breach of any representation, warranty,
covenant, agreement, or indemnity set forth herein must be so asserted, provided
that: (a) the Claims Period for Section 6.8 shall be perpetual, and (b) the
                                -----------
Claims Period for Purchaser's covenants relating to discharge of Assumed
Liabilities and the parties respective obligations under Articles II and III,
Sections 5.1, 5.4, 5.5, 5.7, 5.11, 5.12, 5.14, 8.5 and Article X shall continue
until satisfied.

     "Closing" -- The consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.

     "Closing Date" -- January 2, 2001, or such other date as the parties may
agree to in writing, on which date the Closing shall take place.

                                                                    Page 1 of 24
<PAGE>

     "Closing Date Inventory" -- The statement of Seller's inventory, as of the
Closing Date, purchased by Purchaser under the Agreement, prepared in accordance
with the terms of Section 3.3.
                  -----------

     "Equipment" -- the equipment of Seller to be sold to Purchaser hereunder at
Closing, as set forth on Schedule 1.1.
                         ------------

     "ERISA" -- Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

     "Excluded Assets" -- Those assets of Seller described in Section 2.2.
                                                              -----------

     "GAAP" -- means generally accepted accounting principles in the United
States of America, in effect from time to time.

     "Guarantee" -- The guarantee of John C. Sloan in the form attached hereto
as Exhibit A to be executed and delivered at Closing.
   ---------

     "Inventory" -- The inventory of Seller sold to Purchaser hereunder,
including raw materials and work in process, set forth on the Closing Date
Inventory and more particularly described and valued as set forth on Schedule
                                                                     --------
1.2.
---

     "Liability" -- Any liability, whether known or unknown, whether asserted or
unasserted, whether absolute or contingent, whether accrued or unaccrued,
whether liquidated or unliquidated, and whether due or to become due.

     "Patents" -- The patents of Seller to be assigned to Purchaser at Closing
as set forth in Schedule 1.3.
                ------------

     "Products" -- The products manufactured, sold and/or distributed by Seller
that are used to dry, condition or convey grain.

     "Purchaser" -- The GSI Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

     "Seller" -- ffi corporation, an Indiana corporation.

     "Seller Warranty Claims" -- Claims under any warranty offered by Seller
for repair or replacement of any Product of Seller, together with any other
claims that Seller elects to offer in satisfaction thereof, repair, replacement,
replacement parts, substitution or alternative Products.

     "Trademarks" -- The trademarks of Seller to be assigned to Purchaser at
Closing as set forth in Schedule 1.4.
                        ------------

     "Trade Names" -- The tradenames of Seller to be assigned to Purchaser at
Closing as set forth on Schedule 1.5.
                        ------------

     "Transition Budget" -- The operating budget for the Seller immediately
after Closing attached hereto as Schedule 1.6.
                                 ------------

                                                                    Page 2 of 24
<PAGE>

                                  ARTICLE II

                               PURCHASE AND SALE

     2.1  Assets Being Purchased. On the terms and subject to the conditions
          ----------------------
contained herein, Seller agrees to sell to Purchaser and Purchaser agrees to
purchase from Seller at the Closing and on the Closing Date (as such terms are
defined herein), free and clear of all liens, claims and encumbrances, all of
Seller's right, title and interest in and to the following assets:

     (a)  the Equipment;

     (b)  the Inventory;

     (c)  the Patents;

     (d)  the Trademarks;

     (e)  the Tradenames;

     (f)  all blueprints, diagrams, parts lists, bills of materials or other
          similar information or documentation with respect to the Products,
          regardless of how it is stored or maintained;

     (g)  the orders for Products to be fulfilled subsequent to the Closing Date
          (the "Orders") and any customer deposits related thereto (the
          "Customer Deposits"), all as set forth on Schedule 2.1(g);
                                                    ---------------

     (h)  all files, correspondence, internal reports, and contractual documents
          relating to Seller's customers, dealers and vendors, including, but
          not limited to, data bases and recorded on magnetic tape, floppy disk,
          or other form of media;

     (i)  the supply, production, advertising, license, distribution, sales
          representation, and other contracts and agreements of Seller relating
          to the procurement of raw materials and components, manufacture,sale,
          and distribution of Products, whether fully executed or wholly or
          partially executory as of the Closing Date set forth on Schedule
                                                                  --------
          2.1(i) (the "Assigned Contracts"); and
          ------

     (j)  Seller's telephone numbers; provided that Seller shall be entitled to
          use such telephone numbers for transition purposes and, upon
          reimbursement to Purchaser, for other purposes.

     2.2  Excluded Assets. It is acknowledged and understood that Purchaser is
          ---------------
purchasing and Seller is selling only those assets described in Section 2.1, and
                                                                -----------
that no other assets of Seller are being purchased by Purchaser, including,
without limitation, the assets set forth on Schedule 2.2 (the "Excluded
Assets").

     2.3  Liabilities of Seller Not Assumed. Except for the Assumed Liabilities,
          ---------------------------------
Purchaser shall not assume, or in any way become liable for, any other
Liabilities or obligations of Seller of

                                                                    Page 3 of 24

<PAGE>

any kind or nature, which Liabilities and obligations, if ever in existence,
shall continue to be Liabilities and obligations of Seller, including without
limitation, any Liabilities (i) of a real estate or environmental nature related
to any of Seller's manufacturing facilities or real estate, (ii) related to
Seller's current workforce, including any collective bargaining agreements,
severance obligations, or WARN Act requirements, (iii) relating to or arising
out of any guarantees, loan agreements or other financing arrangements to which
Seller is a party, (iv) relating to any health, welfare or benefit plans,
including any Liabilities relating thereto under ERISA, (v) relating to any
notice or other requirements under any Bulk Sales or similar law, and (vi)
subject to Section 5.12 and Section 5.14, for Seller Warranty Claims.
           ------------     ------------
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Purchaser agrees to assume, discharge and pay
when due the Assumed Liabilities.

     2.4  Documentation. In order to effectuate the sale, conveyance, transfer
          -------------
and assignment contemplated by Section 2.1 hereof, Seller shall execute and
                               -----------
deliver on the Closing Date all such bills of sale, assignments and other
documents or instruments of conveyance, transfer, assignment or assumption as
shall be necessary or appropriate to vest or confirm in Purchaser all right,
title and interest of Seller in and to all of the Assets and the obligation to
discharge and pay when due the Assumed Liabilities, all of which documents shall
be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to counsel for Purchaser and
Seller.

     2.5  Allocation of Purchase Price. The Purchase Price shall be allocated
          ----------------------------
among the Purchased Assets as set forth on Schedule 2.5, hereto, which Schedule
                                           ------------
has been prepared in accordance with Section 1060 of the Internal Revenue Code.
The allocation set forth on Schedule 2.5 shall be used by the parties for all
                            ------------
purchases, including income tax purposes, and that the parties shall follow such
allocation for all reporting purposes, including the preparation and filing of
IRS Form 8594.

                                  ARTICLE III

                                PURCHASE PRICE

     3.1  Purchase Price. Subject to the terms and conditions contained herein,
          --------------
in consideration of the sale, conveyance, assignment, and transfer of the Assets
by Seller to Purchaser and in reliance on the representations and warranties
made herein by Seller, Purchaser agrees to pay, and Seller agrees to accept as
the Purchase Price (i) subject to the provisions of Section 3.3, the sum of
                                                    -----------
$6,864,018, and (ii) the assumption, payment, performance and discharge, when
and as due, of the Assumed Liabilities.

     3.2  Payment of Purchase Price. The purchase price shall be payable as
          -------------------------
follows:

     (a)  $4.4 million of the Purchase Price (the "Consignment Inventory
          Purchase Price") shall be paid to Seller for Inventory at the time and
          in the manner specified in this Section 3.2(a). At the Closing,
                                          --------------
          Purchaser shall take possession of the Inventory on consignment from
          the Seller. As Purchaser uses the Inventory in the ordinary course, it
          shall pay to the Seller a portion of the Consignment Inventory
          Purchase Price in accordance with the Purchase Price Allocation
          Procedures set forth in

                                                                    Page 4 of 24

<PAGE>

     Schedule 3.2 and in accordance with Schedule 1.2. Notwithstanding the
     ------------                        ------------
     foregoing, Purchaser shall pay to the Seller the unpaid balance of the
     Consignment Inventory Purchase Price in its entirety on or before May 1,
     2001, whether or not all of the Inventory has been used by Purchaser. Any
     unpaid balance of the Consignment Inventory Purchase Price shall only be
     subject to offset by Purchaser to the extent of and pending any good faith
     unresolved claim that Seller either lacked title to any portion of the
     Inventory or that Purchaser did not receive clear title to such Inventory
     and upon notice of such claim to Seller specifying in detail the nature of
     the claim and Seller is provided at least twenty-one (21) days from receipt
     of such notice to review and respond, and as appropriate, resolve the
     matter. Upon resolution of such claim, either by agreement or pursuant to
     the decision of an arbitrator or court over the matter, the unpaid balance
     of the Consignment Inventory Purchase Price shall be adjusted accordingly,
     and promptly paid by the Purchaser to the Seller. There shall be no other
     offset or reduction of any nature against the unpaid balance of the
     Purchase Price.

(b)  At the Closing, Purchaser shall pay to the Seller, by cashier's or
     certified check issued by a bank reasonably acceptable to Seller or by wire
     transfer of funds, the sum of $2,174,690 less the amount of Customer
     Deposits.

(c)  At the Closing, Purchaser shall deposit $200,000 in an escrow account
     established pursuant to the terms and conditions of the escrow agreement by
     and among Purchaser, Seller and an escrow agent in a form reasonably
     satisfactory to Seller and Purchaser.

(d)  During the months of February through May, 2001, Purchaser shall pay to
     Seller the amounts for goodwill in accordance with the Schedule 3.2.
                                                            ------------

(e)  Upon request for reimbursement from Seller, including such supporting
     documentation as Purchaser may reasonably request, Purchaser shall promptly
     pay to Seller the amounts requested, to the extent the requested amount
     does not exceed the applicable line item amount on the Transition Budget.
     Notwithstanding the foregoing, Purchaser shall pay to Seller at Closing, as
     an advance against amounts set forth on the Transition Budget, the amount
     of $78,672, which amount is included in the funds being wire transferred to
     Seller pursuant to Section 3.2(b) above.
                        --------------

3.3  Post-Closing Adjustment for Inventory.
     -------------------------------------

(a)  Prior to the Closing, Seller and Purchase shall jointly conduct a physical
     inspection of the Seller's inventory of raw materials, work-in-process, and
     finished goods related to the Products. Seller shall prepare and deliver to
     Purchaser not later than 15 days after the Closing a draft Closing Date
     Inventory, reflecting the inventory to be purchased by Purchaser and the
     price therefor, based on the inventory valuation methodology set forth in
     Schedule 1.2.
     ------------

                                                                    Page 5 of 24
<PAGE>

     (b)  If the Purchaser has any objections to the draft Closing Date
          Inventory, it will deliver a detailed statement describing its
          objections to the Seller within 7 days after receiving the draft
          Closing Date Inventory. The Purchaser and Seller will use reasonable
          efforts to resolve any such objections themselves. If the parties do
          not obtain a final resolution within 30 days after the Seller has
          received the statement of objections, however, the Purchaser and
          Seller will select an accounting firm mutually acceptable to them to
          resolve any remaining objections. If the Purchaser and the Seller are
          unable to agree on the choice of an accounting firm, they will select
          a nationally-recognized accounting firm by lot (the "Accountant"),
          which shall be jointly instructed by the Purchaser and the Seller to
          determine the purchase price for the Inventory. The Accountant shall
          deliver to each of the Purchaser and the Seller its determinations
          within 30 days after receiving the joint instructions from the
          Purchaser and the Seller, and the determinations of the Accountant
          will be set forth in writing and will be conclusive and binding upon
          the parties. The expenses of the Accountant shall be borne equally by
          the Purchaser and the Seller. The Seller will give the Purchaser the
          draft Closing Date Inventory, revised to reflect the Accountant's
          determinations. The "Closing Date Inventory" shall mean the draft
          Closing Date Inventory, together with any revisions thereto pursuant
          to this Section 3.2(b), including the determination of the Accountant.
                  --------------
     (c)  Seller will make the work papers and back-up materials used in
          preparing the draft Closing Date Inventory available to the Purchaser
          and its accountants and other representatives at reasonable times and
          upon reasonable notice at any time during (x) the preparation by the
          Seller of the draft Closing Date Inventory, (y) the review by the
          Seller of the draft Closing Balance Sheet, and (z) the resolution by
          the parties of any objection thereto.

     (d)  The amount of the Consignment Inventory Purchase Price will be
          adjusted without any further action by the parties to the extent and
          in the amount by which the aggregate book value of the inventory set
          forth on the Closing Date Inventory is different from $5.5 million.


                                  ARTICLE IV

                                    CLOSING

     4.1  Closing Date. The Closing shall commence at 10:00 A.M., C.S.T. on
          ------------
January 2, 2001, at the offices of Purchaser's counsel in Chicago, Illinois, or
as may be mutually agreed to by the parties. The sale and purchase of the Assets
shall be deemed to have been effective at 12:01 A.M., E.S.T. on the date of
Closing for all purposes.

     4.2  Conditions of Closing. Each of the obligations of the Seller and
          ---------------------
Purchaser, respectively, to be performed hereunder shall be subject to the
satisfaction or waiver by the Purchaser and Seller, respectively, at or prior to
the Closing Date as provided herein, of the following conditions precedent:

                                                                    Page 6 of 24
<PAGE>

     (a)  The representations and warranties of the Seller and Purchaser
          contained in this Agreement shall be true in all material respects on
          and as of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as though
          made on and as of such date;

     (b)  the Seller and Purchaser, respectively, shall have complied in all
          material respects with the covenants and agreements set forth herein
          to be performed by such parties on or before the Closing Date;

     (c)  the Seller and Purchaser, respectively, shall have delivered to
          Purchaser and Seller, respectively, a certificate signed by an
          appropriate officer or individual, as the case may be, to all such
          effects; and

     (d)  the execution and delivery of the Guarantee, and the Escrow Agreement.

     4.3  Deliveries by Seller.  The obligations of Purchaser to consummate the
          --------------------
transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be subject to the delivery by
Seller, at or prior to Closing, of each of the following:

     (a)  bill of sale, assignments, and such other instruments as may be
          necessary or appropriate to convey all its interests in the Assets to
          Purchaser;

     (b)  certified statement of the Seller to the effect that Seller is
          authorized to enter into the transactions contemplated by this
          Agreement;

     (c)  incumbency certificates for each officer of Seller executing the
          Agreement and each other document executed in connection with the
          transactions contemplated by this Agreement;

     (d)  certified articles of incorporation and bylaws of Seller;

     (e)  Good Standing Certificate for the Seller issued by the Indiana
          Secretary of State not more than ten (10) days prior to Closing;

     (f)  resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors of Seller authorizing
          the execution and delivery of the Agreement and the transaction
          contemplated thereby, certified by the secretary of the Seller;

     (g)  an opinion of counsel to Seller in a form reasonably satisfactory to
          Purchaser; and

     (h)  all other previously undelivered documents required to be delivered by
          Seller to Purchaser at or prior to the Closing pursuant to this
          Agreement.

     4.4  Deliveries by Purchaser.  The obligations of Seller to consummate the
          -----------------------
transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be subject to the delivery by
Purchaser, at or prior to Closing, of each of the following:

     (a)  by cashier's or certified check or by wire transfer of funds, the
          amount of $2,174,690 (less the amount of the Customer Deposits);

                                                                    Page 7 of 24
<PAGE>

     (b)  assumption agreement, and such other instruments as may be necessary
          or appropriate to assume the Assumed Liabilities;

     (c)  the deposit into escrow of $200,000;

     (d)  Good Standing Certificate for the Purchaser issued by the Illinois
          Secretary of State not more than ten (10) days prior to Closing;

     (e)  certified articles of incorporation and bylaws of Purchaser;

     (f)  resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors of Purchaser authorizing
          the execution and delivery of the Agreement and the transactions
          contemplated thereby, certified by the secretary of Purchaser;

     (g)  incumbency certificates for each officer of Purchaser executing the
          Agreement and each other document executed in connection with the
          transaction contemplated by the Agreement;

     (h)  an opinion of counsel to Purchaser in a form reasonably satisfactory
          to Seller; and

     (i)  all other previously undelivered documents required to be delivered
          by Purchaser to Seller at or prior to the Closing pursuant to this
          Agreement.

                                   ARTICLE V

                                   COVENANTS

     5.1  Access to and Preservation of Books and Records.  At all times
          -----------------------------------------------
subsequent to Closing, Seller will permit Purchaser and its representatives,
including but not limited to lawyers and accountants, during normal business
hours, to have access to and examine and make copies of all books, records,
files, and documents in its possession that relate in any material way to the
Assets or this Agreement or the other agreements and instruments referred to in
this Agreement or that relate to transactions or events occurring prior to the
Closing or to transactions or events occurring subsequent to the Closing that
are related to or arise out of transactions or events relating to the Closing,
except for Seller's financial statements, tax returns, similar items and
supporting or related work papers and any privileged information or documents.
Seller shall deliver prior to or at the Closing all items, books, records,
files, agreements, purchase orders, internal reports, and materials in Seller's
possession relating to the Assets but excluding therefrom except for Seller's
financial statements, tax returns, similar items and supporting or related work
papers and any privileged information or documents.  Until three years
subsequent to when all amounts are paid under the Note, neither Seller nor
Purchaser will destroy or otherwise dispose of any of the books, records, files,
or documents relating to the Assets, provided that any party may discard any of
the above 30 days after giving the other party notice of such intention
containing a detailed description of the items to be discarded and provided that
the other party has not given notice in writing of its intention to take
possession thereof.

                                                                    Page 8 of 24
<PAGE>

     5.2  Performance of Contracts and Other Commitments. Except for the Orders
          ----------------------------------------------
and the Assigned Contracts, the Seller shall perform all of its obligations
under all contracts or agreements relating to the Assets or its business,
including but not limited to material contracts and other commitments in regard
thereto.

     5.3  Liabilities. Seller agrees to pay and discharge when due all
          -----------
liabilities and obligations of Seller relating to the Assets including, until
Closing, the Assumed Liabilities.  Upon Closing, Purchaser agrees to pay and
discharge when due the Assumed Liabilities.

     5.4  Payment of Taxes. Seller will be responsible for and pay all federal,
          ----------------
state, and local taxes, including, but not limited to, all income, earnings, and
property taxes, relating to Seller and the Assets prior to the Closing Date.
Purchaser will be responsible for and pay all such taxes relating to the Assets
payable for any period from and subsequent to Closing Date.

     5.5  Sales, Use and Transfer Taxes. Purchaser shall bear sales, use, and
          -----------------------------
transfer taxes, if any, payable to the State of Indiana, any country, or
municipality located therein, or any other governmental entity in connection
with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the other agreements or
instruments referred to in this Agreement except as otherwise specifically
provided herein.

     5.6  Bulk Law Sales. Seller shall be responsible for any non-compliance
          --------------
with any bulk sales laws and notice requirements in connection therewith that
may be applicable to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.  Seller
agrees to indemnify Purchaser against any claims resulting from Seller's failure
to comply with any such bulk sales laws.

     5.7  Rights Against Third Parties. With respect to any rights or remedies
          ----------------------------
relating to the Assets that may be enforced after the Closing Date against any
third party by Purchaser, Purchaser will notify Seller in writing of any such
enforcement that should properly be instituted in the name of Seller, and Seller
will join with Purchaser in enforcing such rights and remedies or enforce such
rights or remedies in Seller's own name at Purchaser's sole cost, subject,
however, to any indemnification or other obligations of Seller in this
Agreement.

     5.8  Refunds. Seller shall be responsible for any refunds of deposits for
          -------
cancelled orders (or portions thereof) if the order was placed prior to the
Closing Date, to the extent the deposit has not been transferred to Purchaser.

     5.9  Seller's Employees.
          ------------------

     (a)  Seller shall be solely responsible, and Purchaser shall have no
          obligations whatsoever, for any compensation or other amounts payable
          to any employee of Seller, including, but not limited to, bonus,
          salary, accrued vacation, fringe, pension or profit sharing benefits,
          or severance pay payable to any employee of Seller for any period or
          relating to service with Seller at any time prior to the Closing Date.

     (b)  Purchaser shall offer to hire on the Closing Date those employees of
          Seller listed on Schedule 5.9 hereto. Purchaser shall be responsible
                           ------------
          only for expenses accruing

                                                                    Page 9 of 24
<PAGE>

               after the Closing Date with respect to such employees, including,
               without limitation, severance pay.

     5.10  Employee Benefit Plans. Except to the extent of any continuing
           ----------------------
operations and continuing employees, Seller shall properly terminate any and all
"employee benefit plans," as that term is defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA, as
soon as practicable after Closing and shall be responsible for paying for all
required contributions to any such employee benefit plans prior to termination.

     5.11  Mail and Remittances. All mail addressed to Seller or Purchaser
           --------------------
relating to the Assets that is delivered to Seller after the Closing Date shall
forthwith be delivered to Purchaser. Seller will account for and remit to
Purchaser promptly, after the receipt thereof, any Assets or any accounts
receivable generated after the Closing Date. Purchaser will account for and
remit to Seller promptly, after receipt thereof any assets of Seller and the
benefit of any assets of Seller not included in the Assets, including any
amounts received by Purchaser in payment of Seller's accounts receivable, or
prepaid deposits or expenses.

     5.12  Warranty Claims. The parties acknowledge that as a result of this
           ---------------
Agreement Seller will no longer have the Assets, Equipment and Inventory
necessary to satisfy Seller Warranty Claims following the Closing. Therefore
following the Closing Purchaser agrees to provide, on a subcontractor basis,
such repairs, replacements, replacement parts, service and other products or
services necessary to satisfy such Seller Warranty Claims, for an amount in each
case equal to Purchaser's direct out of pocket expense.

     5.13  Seller Net Worth. Seller covenants and agrees that for a period of
           ----------------
not less than one year immediately following the Closing, Seller shall maintain
a tangible net worth (calculated in accordance with GAAP, with the exception
that real estate shall be accounted for at fair market value) of not less than
$1,000,000.

     5.14  Product Liability Insurance Coverage.
           ------------------------------------

     (a) Insurance. Purchaser, shall obtain and maintain at its own expense
         ---------
(including without limitation premiums, deductible and copayments) for a period
of the greater of (i) the time Purchaser maintains product liability insurance
coverage for its products, or (ii) ten (10) years after cessation of the sale of
all Products, an insurance policy written by a U.S. insurance company in a face
amount of not less than One Million Dollars (each occurrence) and Ten Million
Dollars (excess general liability or umbrella coverage) which shall specifically
cover any and all product liability claims and completed operations hazards
related to the Products and/or the Purchaser's products which are derivative of
the Products from occurrences on or after the Closing Date. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the Purchaser shall not be obligated to replenish any decrease in
excess general liability or umbrella coverage resulting from claims paid or
account of such coverage ffi Corporation, d/b/a Farms Fans, Inc., d/b/a
Zimmerman Grain Dryers, Farm Fans Inc., Farm Systems, Inc. d/b/a Alco Farm
Systems, ffi International Corp., Curtis Fankhauser and Thomas Weintraut shall
be included in the term "Named Insured" as defined in the General Amendatory
Statement under such policy ("Named Insureds") with coverage primary to any
other coverage available to any of the Named Insureds. Such insurance shall be
in a form reasonably acceptable to ffi Corporation and shall require the insurer
to give

                                                                   Page 10 of 24
<PAGE>

each of the Named Insureds at least thirty (30) days prior notice of any
modification or cancellation.  A certificate of insurance evidencing this
coverage which is acceptable to ffi Corporation must be delivered to Seller
prior to Closing.

     (b)    Product Liability Indemnity.  The Purchaser shall defend, indemnify
            ---------------------------
and hold harmless each of ffi Corporation, d/b/a Farms Fans, Incl., d/b/a
Zimmerman Grain Dryers, Farm Fans Inc., Farm Systems, Inc. d/b/a Alco Farm
Systems, ffi International Corp., Curtis Fankhauser and Thomas Weintraut, and
their respective successors, assigns, directors, and officers ("Indemnitee")
from and against any and all claims, losses, liability, damages, premiums,
deductibles, copayments and expenses including, but not limited to attorney's
fees and costs of defense (collectively, "Claims" and individually, "Claim"),
arising from, related to, or in any way connected with or alleged to arise from
or out of product liability with respect to the Products and/or the Purchaser's
products which are derivative of the Products for occurrences on or after the
Closing Date including, but not limited to, any alleged deficiencies or defects
in such products; any alleged deficiencies or defect related to design,
manufacture, failure to warn or label; any act or omission of the Purchaser;
and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any Claim for or
resulting from any injury to person (including death) or damage to property
(including the loss of use thereof and consequential damages therefrom), or for
economic loss, and irrespective of whether or not such Claim is caused or
alleged to be caused in part or in whole by the joint, several, or comparative
negligence, breach of contract, breach of warranty, or other breach of duty of
or by Indemnitee, or as a result of Indemnitee, or strict or other product
liability. The foregoing indemnification shall not be construed to eliminate or
in any way reduce any other indemnification.

     5.15   Further Assurances.  From time to time after the Closing Date, at
            ------------------
the request of Purchaser and without further consideration, Seller shall execute
and deliver such other instruments of conveyance and transfer and take such
other action as Purchaser may specify so as to convey to, transfer to, vest in,
and put Purchaser in possession of the Assets.


                                  ARTICLE VI

                     SELLER REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

     Seller represents and warrants to Purchaser that:

     6.1    Organization.  Seller is a corporation duly formed and validly
            ------------
existing under the laws of the State of Indiana and has the power and authority
to carry on its business as now conducted, to own and operate the Assets, to
execute this Agreement and the other agreements and instruments referred to in
this Agreement that it is executing and delivering, and to carry out the
transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.

     6.2    Enforceability.  The execution and delivery by Seller of this
            --------------
Agreement and the other agreements and instruments referred to in this Agreement
have been duly authorized by the Seller and constitute legal, valid, binding,
and enforceable agreements and instruments of Seller, except as the
enforceability thereof may be affected by the laws of bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium, or similar laws affecting the rights of creditors
generally.

                                                                   Page 11 fo 24
<PAGE>

     6.3  No Violation. Neither the execution, delivery, nor performance of
          ------------
this Agreement or any other agreement or instrument executed and delivered by or
on behalf of Seller in connection herewith, nor the consummation of the
transactions herein or therein contemplated, nor compliance with the terms and
provisions hereof or thereof, contravenes the governing documents of Seller or
any provision of law, statute, rule, regulation, or order of any court or
governmental authority to which Seller is subject, or any judgment, decree,
franchise, order, or permit applicable to Seller, or conflicts or is
inconsistent with or will result in any breach of or constitute a default under
any contract, commitment, agreement, understanding, arrangement, or instrument,
or result in the creation of or imposition of (or the obligation to create or
impose) any lien, encumbrance, or liability on any of the property or assets of
Seller, or will increase any such lien, encumbrance, or liability.

     6.4  Litigation. There are no actions, suits or proceedings pending, or, to
          ----------
Seller's knowledge, threatened or anticipated against the Seller before any
court or governmental or administrative body or agency affecting Seller or the
Assets.

     6.5  Financial Statements. Seller has delivered to Purchaser its partially
          --------------------
redacted unaudited balance sheet as of December 31, 1999, which is attached to
this Agreement as Schedule 6.6. Seller represents and warrants that such balance
                  ------------
sheet is true and accurate and fairly presents the assets and liabilities of
Seller as of the date specified in accordance with GAAP consistently applied,
subject to standard year end adjustments, notes and other similar items that
would be necessary to be included in an audited balance sheet.

     6.6  Taxes. There are no tax liens on the Seller or the Assets.
          -----

     6.7  No Power of Attorney. To the best of Seller's knowledge, Seller has
          --------------------
not given any irrevocable power of attorney that relates to the Assets to any
person, firm, partnership, or corporation for any purpose whatsoever.

     6.8. Title to Assets; Assets Sold "As-Is". Seller has and shall transfer to
          ------------------------------------
Purchaser good, valid, and marketable title to all of the Assets, and none of
the Assets is subject to any lien, pledge, encumbrance, or charge of any kind,
including, but not limited to, claims for unpaid taxes that shall not be paid
off at Closing. All Assets are being sold hereunder "AS-IS", "WHERE-IS" and
"WITH ALL FAULTS" other than as to title. SELLER HEREBY DISCLAIMS ALL EXPRESS
AND IMPLIED WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT TO THE ASSETS, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION
THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE SHALL SELLER BE LIABLE FOR CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL OR
SPECIAL DAMAGES, LOSS OF USE OR PROFITS, OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION.

     6.9  Restrictions on Assets. Seller is not a party to, subject to, or
          ----------------------
bound by any judgment or order of any court or governmental authority or any
contract, commitment, agreement, undertaking, arrangement or license that could
prevent the Purchaser's use of any of the Assets or the Purchaser's distribution
and sale of, or the right to distribute or sell, the Products.

                                                                   Page 12 of 24



<PAGE>

     6.10 Patents, Trademarks and Trade Names. Schedules 1.3, 1.4 and 1.5
          -----------------------------------  ------------------     ---
contain a description of all patents, imprints, trademarks, trade names, and
assumed names used by Seller or in which Seller has any interest relating to the
Assets to the extent necessary to manufacture, sell and/or distribute the
Products in the same manner as during the one-year period immediately preceding
the Closing and including any pending applications for related patents.
Schedules 1.3, 1.4 and 1.5 also contain a list of all U.S. and foreign patent
-------------  ---     ---
and trademark registrations filed or obtained for Products through the Closing
Date. Seller shall assign to Purchaser the Patents, Trademarks and Tradenames
and transfer to Purchaser at Closing all additional rights of Seller to
manufacture and distribute all Products. Seller has not received notice from any
third party that any of the Products or the Assets, nor any processes, know-how,
trade secrets, patents, trademarks, trade names, assumed names, designs, styles,
copyrights, or designations relating to the Products infringes or any trademarks
or patents or any other rights of any person. Seller has not received any claims
of infringement from any third parties that the use by Seller of infringes on
the trademarks of any such third parties.  Seller is not representing or
warranting that all filings or other action that could have been taken with
respect to the protection or continuation of the foregoing trademarks,
tradenames, or assumed names has in fact been taken and in any event Purchaser
will need to review and take such actions as it deems appropriate.

     6.11 Customer List. Schedules 6.12 sets forth a true and complete list of
          -------------  --------------
all of Seller's customers during the 12-month period immediately preceding the
Closing.

     6.12 Updated Schedules. Seller shall have the right to update the Schedules
          -----------------
at any time prior to Closing to reflect changes arising as a result of the
ordinary course of Seller's business.

                                  ARTICLE VII

                  PURCHASER'S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

     Purchaser represents and warrants to Seller that:

     7.1  Organization. Purchaser is a Delaware corporation, duly organized,
          ------------
validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware
and has the power and authority to carry on its business, as now conducted, to
own and operate its properties and assets, to execute this Agreement and the
other agreements and instruments referred to in this Agreement that it is
executing and delivering, and to carry out the transactions contemplated hereby
and thereby.

     7.2  Enforceability. The execution and delivery by Purchaser of this
          --------------
Agreement and the other agreements and instruments referred to in this Agreement
have been duly authorized by the board of directors and shareholders of
Purchaser and constitute legal, valid, binding, and enforceable agreements and
instruments of Purchaser, except as the enforceability thereof may be affected
by the laws of bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, or similar
laws affecting the rights of creditors generally.

     7.3  No Violation. Neither the execution, delivery, or performance of this
          ------------
Agreement or any other agreement or instrument executed and delivered by or on
behalf of Purchaser in

                                                                   Page 13 of 24

<PAGE>

connection herewith, nor the consummation of the transactions herein or therein
contemplated, nor compliance with the terms and provisions hereof or thereof
contravenes the Certificate of Incorporation, Articles of Incorporation, or
bylaws of Purchaser or any provision of law, statute, rule, regulation, or order
of any court or governmental authority to which Purchaser is subject, or any
judgement, decree, franchise, order, or permit applicable to Purchaser, or
conflicts or is inconsistent with, or will result in any breach of or constitute
a default under, any contract, commitment, agreement, understanding,
arrangement, or instrument, or result in the creation of or imposition of, or
the obligation to create or impose, any lien, encumbrance, or liability on any
of the property or assets of Purchaser, or will increase any such lien,
encumbrance, or liability.

     7.4   Litigation.  There are no actions, suits, or proceedings pending, or,
           ----------
to Seller's knowledge, threatened or anticipated before any court or
governmental or administrative body or agency affecting Seller or its ability to
acquire the Assets.

                                 ARTICLE VIII

                               INDEMNIFICATION

     8.1   Survival of Representations and Warranties.  All representations,
           ------------------------------------------
warranties, covenants and agreements made by either party to this Agreement
shall survive the Closing and any investigation at any time made by or on behalf
of the other party, but only if a claim initiated by any of the parties hereto
with respect thereto is made during the Claims Period.

     8.2   Indemnification by Seller.   Except to the extent otherwise provided
           -------------------------
in Section 5.14, Seller agrees to indemnify and to hold Purchaser harmless from,
   ------------
against and in respect of the following:

     (a)   any and all debts, Liabilities, or obligations of Seller, direct or
           indirect, fixed, contingent, or otherwise existing that are not
           expressly assumed by Purchaser as part of the Assumed Liabilities;

     (b)   any and all loss, liability, deficiency, or damage suffered or
           incurred by Purchaser as a result of any material default under any
           Assigned Contract by Seller existing on the Closing Date or any event
           of default occurring prior to the Closing Date that with the passage
           of time would constitute a default, under any Assigned Contract,
           provided that this indemnity would not apply to any product
           liability claims;

     (c)   any and all loss, liability, deficiency, or damage suffered or
           incurred by Purchaser by reason of any untrue representation, breach
           of warranty, or nonfulfillment of any covenant or agreement by Seller
           contained in this Agreement or in any certificate, document, or
           instrument delivered to Purchaser hereunder or in connection
           herewith;

                                                                   Page 14 of 24
<PAGE>

     (d)  any claim for a finder's fee or brokerage or other commission by any
          person or entity for services alleged to have been rendered at the
          instance of Seller with respect to this Agreement or any of the
          transactions contemplated hereby; and

     (e)  any and all action, suits, proceedings, claims, demands, assessments,
          judgments, costs, and expenses, including, without limitation, legal
          fees and expenses, incident to any of the foregoing or incurred in
          enforcing this indemnity.

     8.3  Indemnification by Purchaser. Purchaser hereby agrees to indemnity and
          ----------------------------
hold Seller harmless from, against, and in respect of:

     (a)  any and all loss, liability, deficiency, or damage suffered or
          incurred by Seller resulting from any untrue representation, breach of
          warranty, or nonfulfillment of any covenant or agreement by Purchaser
          contained in this Agreement or in any certificate, document, or
          instrument delivered to Seller pursuant hereto or in connection
          herewith;

     (b)  any and all loss, liability, or damage suffered or incurred by Seller
          as a result of Purchaser's failure to discharge when due the Assumed
          Liabilities;

     (c)  any claim for a finder's fee or brokerage or other commission by any
          person or entity, for services alleged to have been rendered at the
          instance of Purchaser with respect to this Agreement or any of the
          transactions contemplated hereby; and

     (d)  any and all action, suits, proceedings, claims, demands, assessments,
          judgements, costs, and expenses, including, without limitation, legal
          fees and expenses, incident to any of the foregoing or incurred in
          enforcing this indemnity.

     8.4  Third-Party Claims.
          ------------------

     (a)  In order for Purchaser or Seller, as the case may be, to be entitled
          to any indemnification provided for under Section 8.2, 8.3, or 8.5
          hereof, in respect of, arising out of, or involving a claim made by
          any person, firm, governmental authority, or corporation other than
          the Purchaser or Seller, or their respective successors, assigns, or
          affiliates, against the indemnified party, the indemnified party must
          notify the indemnifying party in writing of this third-party claim
          promptly after receipt by the indemnified party of written notice of
          the third-party claim within the Claims Period. Thereafter, the
          indemnified party shall deliver to the indemnifying party, within
          three days after receipt by the indemnified party, copies of all
          notices relating to the third-party claim.

     (b)  If a third-party claim as set forth in subsection (a) hereof is made
          against an indemnified party, the indemnifying party will be entitled
          to participate in the defense thereof and, if it so chooses, to assume
          the defense thereof with counsel selected by the indemnifying party,
          provided such counsel is not reasonably objected to by the indemnified
          party. Should the indemnifying party elect to assume the defense of
          such a third-party claim, the indemnifying party will not be

                                                                   Page 15 of 24











<PAGE>

          liable to the indemnified party for any legal expenses subsequently
          incurred by the indemnified party in connection with the defense
          thereof. If the indemnifying party elects to assume the defense of
          such a third-party claim, the indemnified party will cooperate fully
          with the indemnifying party in connection with such defense.

     (e)  If the indemnifying party assumes the defense of a third-party claim,
          then in no event will the indemnified party admit any liability with
          respect to, or settle, compromise, or discharge, any third-party claim
          without the indemnifying party's prior written consent, and the
          indemnified party will agree to any settlement, compromise, or
          discharge of a third-party claim that the indemnifying party may
          recommend that releases the indemnified party completely in connection
          with the third-party claim.

     (d)  In the event the indemnifying party shall assume the defense of any
          third-party claim, the indemnified party shall be entitled to
          participate in, but not control, the defense with its own counsel at
          its own expense. If the indemnifying party does not assume the defense
          of any such third-party claim, the indemnified party may defend the
          claim in a manner as it may deem appropriate, including, but not
          limited to, settling the claim or litigation after giving notice of it
          to the indemnifying party on such terms as the indemnified party may
          deem appropriate, and the indemnifying party will reimburse the
          indemnified party promptly in accordance with the provisions of this
          Section 8.4.

     (e)  Anything contained in this Section 8.4 to the contrary
          notwithstanding, Seller shall not be entitled to assume the defense
          of, but shall be entitled to notice of and to participate in, any
          third-party claim against Purchaser if the third-party claim seeks an
          order, injunction, or other equitable relief against Purchaser that,
          if successful, might materially interfere with the purchased Assets or
          their operation or the manufacture or distribution of any of the
          Products.

     8.5  Indemnification by Shareholders. Curt Fankhauser and Tom Weintraut,
          -------------------------------
jointly and severally agree to indemnify and hold Purchaser harmless from,
against and in respect to any failure of Seller to satisfy and comply with the
Seller's net worth covenant in Section 5.13, which shareholder indemnity shall
                               ------------
survive only for a period of 18 months commencing with the Closing Date;
provided that total combined liability of Curt Fankhauser and Tom Weintraut
under this Section 8.5 shall in no event exceed a maximum aggregate amount of
           -----------
$1,000,000.

                                  ARTICLE IX

                                  TERMINATION

     9.1  Termination. Anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary
          -----------
notwithstanding, this Agreement may be terminated:

     (a)  by mutual written consent of the Seller and the Purchaser;

                                                                   Page 16 of 24

<PAGE>

     (b)  by the Seller, by written notice to the Purchaser, if any condition
          set forth in Section 4.2 hereof has not been met at Closing and has
          not been knowingly and lawfully waived in writing;

     (c)  by the Purchaser, by written notice to the Seller, if any condition in
          Section 4.3 hereof has not been met at closing and has not been
          knowingly and lawfully waived in writing;

     (d)  by either the Purchaser or the Seller (by written notice to the other)
          if the Closing shall not have occurred on or before January 31, 2001,
          or by such other date as the parties may agree to in writing and the
          party seeking to terminate this Agreement is not in material breach or
          default of any provision of this Agreement.

     9.2  Post-Closing. This Agreement may not be terminated after Closing.
          ------------

                                   ARTICLE X

                                 MISCELLANEOUS

     10.1 Expenses. Except as specifically set forth in this Agreement to the
          --------
contrary, all fees and expenses incurred by Seller in connection with this
Agreement will be borne by Seller and all fees and expenses incurred by
Purchaser in connection with this Agreement will be borne by Purchaser.

     10.2 Parties in Interest. This Agreement will be binding on, inure to the
          -------------------
benefit of, and be enforceable by and against the respective successors and
assigns of the parties hereto.

     10.3 Entire Agreement, Amendments. This Agreement and the agreements,
          ----------------------------
instruments, schedules, and other writings referred to in this Agreement contain
the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter of
this Agreement. There are no restrictions, agreements, promises, warranties,
covenants, or undertakings other than those expressly set forth herein or
therein. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings
between the parties with respect to its subject matter. This Agreement may be
amended only by a written instrument duly executed by all of the parties or
their successors or assigns.

     10.4 No Waiver.  No waiver of any breach or default hereunder shall be
          ---------
considered valid unless in writing and signed by the party giving such waiver,
and no such waiver shall be deemed a waiver of any subsequent breach or default
of the same or a similar nature.

     10.5 Headings.  The section and paragraph headings contained herein are for
          --------
the convenience of the parties only and are not intended to define or limit the
contents of their sections and paragraphs.

     10.6 Applicable Law.  This Agreement and all amendments thereof shall be
          --------------
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois
applicable to contracts made and to be performed therein.

                                                                   Page 17 of 24
<PAGE>

     10.7 Notices. All notices, claims, certificates, requests, demands, and
          -------
other communications under this Agreement will be in writing and notices will be
deemed to have been duly given if delivered or mailed, registered or certified
mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, or for overnight delivery, by a
nationally recognized overnight mail service, as follows:

If to Purchaser, to:                         THE GSI GROUP, INC.
                                             1004 East Illinois Street
                                             Assumption, Illinois 62510
                                             Attn: Chief Executive Officer

With a copy to:                              Michael E. Kerman, Esq.
                                             Jenner & Block
                                             One IBM Plaza
                                             Chicago, Illinois 60611

If a Seller, to:                             ffi Corporation
                                             5900 Elmwood Avenue
                                             Indianapolis, Indiana 46203
                                             Attn: Chief Executive Officer

With a copy to:                              Richard J. Thrapp, Esq,
                                             Ice Miller
                                             One American Square
                                             Indianapolis, IN 46204

or to such other address as the party to whom notice is to be given previously
may have furnished to the other party in writing in the manner set forth in this
section.

     10.8 Joint Press Release. The Seller and Purchaser shall agree on the form
          -------------------
and substance of a joint press release or other public announcement of matters,
including but not limited to form letters to customers, related to this
Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated thereby that shall be released
on or after the Closing; provided, however, that nothing in this Section 10.8
                                                                 ------------
shall be deemed to prohibit any party hereto from making any disclosure that its
counsel deems necessary or advisable in order to fulfill that party's disclosure
obligations imposed by law or contract.

     10.9 Consignment Terms. The Inventory consigned to Purchaser pursuant to
          -----------------
this Agreement shall remain titled to and the property of Seller until payment
therefor as contemplated by Section 3.2. Purchaser agrees to hold consigned
                            -----------
Inventory at its facility located at Newton, Illinois and shall indemnify and
hold Seller harmless from claims of creditors and any loss due to casualty,
damage, theft, or unlawful use however caused, including without limitation any
and all costs and legal fees. The Purchaser shall insure the Inventory for
amounts not less than the consignment Inventory Purchase Price. Upon reasonable
request Purchaser agrees to account for and report the consignment Inventory on
hand and to allow upon reasonable notice Seller or its agents to examine the
Inventory and/or Purchaser's records with respect





                                                                   Page 18 of 24


<PAGE>

thereto. It is the parties intent that this arrangement constitute a true
consignment; however, to protect Seller's title and interest in the Inventory
the parties agree that this Agreement shall constitute a security agreement and
that Purchaser grants to Seller a security interest in the inventory to secure
the timely payment of any unpaid Consignment Inventory Purchase Price

     10.10  Severability.  If any term, condition, or provision of this
            ------------
Agreement shall be declared invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of the
Agreement, other than such term, condition, or provision, shall not be affected
thereby and shall remain in full force and effect and shall be valid and
enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
duly executed as of the day and year first above written.


                                             THE GSI GROUP, INC., a Delaware
                                                  corporation

                                             /s/ John Craig Sloan
                                             ---------------------------------
                                             By: JOHN CRAIG SLOAN
                                                 -----------------------------
                                                 Its: CEO
                                                      ------------------------

                                             FFI CORPORATION, an Indiana
                                                  corporation


                                              ________________________________
                                             By: _____________________________
                                                 Its: ________________________


The undersigned, as the sole shareholders
of Seller, each hereby agrees to be bound
by the provisions of Section 8.5 and the
provisions of Article X, as they relate
              ---------
solely to Section 8.5.


_________________________________________
             CURTIS FANKHAUSER

_________________________________________
         THOMAS L. WEINTRAUT



                                                                   Page 19 of 23
<PAGE>

thereto. It is the parties intent that this arrangement constitute a true
consignment; however, to protect Seller's title and interest in the Inventory
the parties agree that this Agreement shall constitute a security agreement and
that Purchaser grants to Seller a security interest in the Inventory to secure
the timely payment of any unpaid Consignment Inventory Purchase Price

     10.10  Severability.  If any term, condition, or provision of this
            ------------
Agreement shall be declared invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of the
Agreement, other than such term, condition, or provision, shall not be affected
thereby and shall remain in full force and effect and shall be valid and
enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
duly executed as of the day and year first above written.


                                             THE GSI GROUP, INC., a Delaware
                                                  corporation


                                             _________________________________
                                             By: _____________________________
                                                 Its: ________________________


                                             FFI CORPORATION, an Indiana
                                                  corporation


                                              ________________________________
                                             By: /s/ Curtis Fankhauser
                                                 -----------------------------
                                                 Its: Chairman & President
                                                      ------------------------

The undersigned, as the sole shareholders
of Seller, each hereby agrees to be bound
by the provisions of Section 8.5 and the
provisions of Article X, as they relate
              ---------
solely to Section 8.5.

/s/ Curtis Fankhauser
--------------------------------------
             CURTIS FANKHAUSER

/s/ Thomas L. Weintraut
--------------------------------------
         THOMAS L. WEINTRAUT


                                                                   Page 19 of 24