<PAGE>

                                                                   Exhibit 10.21

ALL PAYMENTS UNDER THIS AGREEMENT AND THE RIGHTS OF THE LENDERS EACH PARTY TO
THIS AGREEMENT ARE SUBORDINATED, IN RIGHT OF PAYMENT AND COLLATERAL SECURITY, TO
THE FULL PAYMENT IN CASH OF ALL SENIOR LIABILITIES AND THE RIGHTS OF THE HOLDERS
OF ALL SENIOR LIABILITIES UPON THE TERMS SET FORTH IN THE SUBORDINATION
AGREEMENT. EACH LENDER, BY BECOMING A LENDER HEREUNDER, IRREVOCABLY AGREES TO BE
BOUND BY THE TERMS AND PROVISIONS SET FORTH HEREIN AND IN THE SUBORDINATION
AGREEMENT. THIS AGREEMENT IS ALSO SUBJECT TO THE RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER SET
FORTH IN THE SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT.

                                U.S. $10,000,000

                            NOTE PURCHASE AGREEMENT,

                           dated as of March 28, 2006

                                      among

                        THAYER EQUITY INVESTORS IV, L.P.,

                                       and

                              SUNTRON CORPORATION,
                             K*TEC OPERATING CORP.,
                               SUNTRON GCO, L.P.,
                              EFTC OPERATING CORP.,
                               SUNTRON-IOWA, INC.,
                           CURRENT ELECTRONICS, INC.,
                              RM ELECTRONICS, INC.,
                              SUNTRON-KANSAS, INC.

<PAGE>

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                           <C>
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS......................................................    1
   Section 1.1   Defined Terms.............................................    1
   Section 1.2   Environmental Definitions.................................    9
   Section 1.3   Other Definitional Provisions; Construction...............   10
   Section 1.4   Reserved..................................................   11

ARTICLE II LOANS...........................................................   11
   Section 2.1   Description of Notes and Interest.........................   11
   Section 2.2   Prepayment and Repayment of Notes.........................   12
   Section 2.3   Taxes.....................................................   13
   Section 2.4   Mitigation of Obligations.................................   14
   Section 2.5   Borrowing Agency Provisions...............................   14
   Section 2.6   Obligations Joint and Several.............................   15
   Section 2.7   Waiver of Subrogation.....................................   15
   Section 2.8   Contribution and Indemnification Among the Borrowers......   15

ARTICLE III SUBORDINATION..................................................   16
   Section 3.1   Subordination.............................................   16
   Section 3.2   Reference to Subordination Agreement......................   16

ARTICLE IV RESERVED........................................................   16
   Section 4.1   Reserved..................................................   16
   Section 4.2   Reserved..................................................   16

ARTICLE V PRECONDITIONS TO THE LOANS.......................................   16
   Section 5.1   Loans on the Closing Date.................................   16
   Section 5.2   General Conditions........................................   19

ARTICLE VI SECURITY........................................................   19
   Section 6.1   Security Documents........................................   19
   Section 6.2   Reserved..................................................   19

ARTICLE VII RESERVED.......................................................   20
   Section 7.1   Reserved..................................................   20
   Section 7.2   Reserved..................................................   20

ARTICLE VIII EXAMINATION OF LOAN COLLATERAL; REPORTING.....................   20
   Section 8.1   Maintenance of Books and Records..........................   20
   Section 8.2   Access and Inspection.....................................   20
   Section 8.3   Reserved..................................................   20
   Section 8.4   Reserved..................................................   20
   Section 8.5   Interim Financial Statements..............................   20
   Section 8.6   Annual Projections........................................   21
   Section 8.7   Annual Financial Statements...............................   21
   Section 8.8   Management Reports; Changes to Applicable Agreements......   21
   Section 8.9   Comparisons to Financials; Certificates...................   21
</TABLE>


                                        i

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                           <C>
   Section 8.10  Tax Returns; Additional Information.......................   22
   Section 8.11  SEC Filings and Press Releases............................   22
   Section 8.12  Consolidating Financial Information.......................   22

ARTICLE IX WARRANTIES AND REPRESENTATIONS AND COVENANTS....................   22
   Section 9.1   Corporate Status..........................................   22
   Section 9.2   Due Authorization; Validity...............................   23
   Section 9.3   No Violation..............................................   23
   Section 9.4   Use of Loan Proceeds......................................   23
   Section 9.5   Management Ownership of Assets; Licenses; Patents.........   23
   Section 9.6   Indebtedness..............................................   23
   Section 9.7   Title to Property; No Liens...............................   24
   Section 9.8   Restrictions; Labor Disputes; Labor Contracts.............   24
   Section 9.9   No Violation of Law.......................................   24
   Section 9.10  Hazardous Substances......................................   24
   Section 9.11  Absence of Default........................................   25
   Section 9.12  Accuracy of Financials; No Material Changes...............   25
   Section 9.13  Pension Plans.............................................   25
   Section 9.14  Taxes and Other Charges...................................   26
   Section 9.15  No Litigation.............................................   26
   Section 9.16  No Brokerage Fee..........................................   26
   Section 9.17  Subsidiaries and Affiliates...............................   26
   Section 9.18  Capitalization; Warrants..................................   26
   Section 9.19  Noncompetition Agreements.................................   26
   Section 9.20  Deposit and Other Accounts................................   26
   Section 9.21  Solvency..................................................   27
   Section 9.22  Full Disclosure...........................................   27
   Section 9.23  Casualties................................................   27
   Section 9.24  Leases; Bailments.........................................   27
   Section 9.25  Insurance Policies........................................   27
   Section 9.26  Consents..................................................   27
   Section 9.27  Anti-Terrorism Laws.......................................   28
   Section 9.28  Updating Representations and Warranties...................   28

ARTICLE X COVENANTS........................................................   28
   Section 10.1  Reserved..................................................   28
   Section 10.2  Notice of Litigation......................................   28
   Section 10.3  Notice of ERISA Events....................................   28
   Section 10.4  Notice of Labor Disputes..................................   29
   Section 10.5  Compliance with Laws......................................   29
   Section 10.6  Notice of Violations of Law, Tax Assessments..............   29
   Section 10.7  Notice of Violations of Certain Agreements................   29
   Section 10.8  Notice of Customer Defaults...............................   29
   Section 10.9  Taxes and Charges.........................................   29
   Section 10.10 Indebtedness; Guaranties..................................   29
   Section 10.11 Restrictions; Labor Disputes..............................   31
   Section 10.12 Pension Plans.............................................   31
</TABLE>


                                       ii

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                           <C>
   Section 10.13 Solvency..................................................   31
   Section 10.14 Property Insurance........................................   31
   Section 10.15 Liability Insurance.......................................   32
   Section 10.16 Mergers; Acquisitions.....................................   32
   Section 10.17 Investments...............................................   32
   Section 10.18 Distributions; Loans; Fees................................   32
   Section 10.19 Redemption of Stock.......................................   33
   Section 10.20 Stock Rights..............................................   33
   Section 10.21 Capital Structure; Fiscal Year............................   33
   Section 10.22 Affiliate Transactions....................................   33
   Section 10.23 Operating Accounts........................................   33
   Section 10.24 Sale of Assets............................................   33
   Section 10.25 Intervention by Governmental Authority....................   34
   Section 10.26 Levy Against Loan Collateral..............................   34
   Section 10.27 Judgments.................................................   34
   Section 10.28 Financial Covenants.......................................   34
   Section 10.29 Reserved..................................................   34
   Section 10.30 Tax Shelter Regulations...................................   34
   Section 10.31 Limitation on Rate Hedging Agreements.....................   34
   Section 10.32 Anti-Terrorism Laws.......................................   34
   Section 10.33 Further Assurances........................................   35
   Section 10.34 Conduct of Business.......................................   35

ARTICLE XI EVENTS OF DEFAULT...............................................   35
   Section 11.1  Events of Default.........................................   35
   Section 11.2  Cure Periods..............................................   38

ARTICLE XII LENDERS' RIGHTS AND REMEDIES...................................   39
   Section 12.1  Acceleration..............................................   39
   Section 12.2  Fees and Expenses.........................................   39
   Section 12.3  Reserved..................................................   39

ARTICLE XIII RESERVED......................................................   39
   Section 13.1  Reserved..................................................   39
   Section 13.2  Reserved..................................................   39

ARTICLE XIV AMENDMENTS; WAIVERS; ASSIGNMENTS; PARTICIPATIONS...............   40
   Section 14.1  Amendments and Waivers....................................   40
   Section 14.2  Assignment................................................   40
   Section 14.3  Reserved..................................................   41
   Section 14.4  Law Requirements..........................................   41

ARTICLE XV GENERAL.........................................................   41
   Section 15.1  Severability..............................................   41
   Section 15.2  Governing Law.............................................   41
   Section 15.3  WAIVER OF JURISDICTION....................................   41
   Section 15.4  Survival..................................................   41
</TABLE>


                                       iii

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                           <C>
   Section 15.5  Application of Payments; Revival of Obligations...........   42
   Section 15.6  Fees and Expenses.........................................   42
   Section 15.7  Notices; Electronic Mail..................................   43
   Section 15.8  Indemnification...........................................   44
   Section 15.9  Additional Waivers by Borrowers...........................   45
   Section 15.10 Equitable Relief..........................................   45
   Section 15.11 Entire Agreement..........................................   45
   Section 15.12 Headings..................................................   46
   Section 15.13 Cumulative Remedies.......................................   46
   Section 15.14 Recourse to Directors or Officers.........................   46
   Section 15.15 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL......................................   46
   Section 15.16 PATRIOT ACT NOTICE........................................   46
   Section 15.17 Advertising...............................................   46
</TABLE>


                                       iv

<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBITS

Exhibit A         Form of Note
Exhibit B         [Reserved]
Exhibit C         [Reserved]
Exhibit D         [Reserved]
Exhibit E         Officer's Certificate Form
Exhibit F         [Reserved]
Exhibit G         [Reserved]

                                    SCHEDULES

Schedule 1        [Reserved]
Schedule 2        Financial Statements
Schedule 3        Borrowers' Facilities
Schedule 7.3      Lock Box Addresses
Schedule 9.1      List of Jurisdictions of Incorporation and Qualification
Schedule 9.5      Licenses; Trademarks; Patents; Copyrights
Schedule 9.7      Permitted Liens
Schedule 9.8      Labor Matters
Schedule 9.9      Compliance With Laws
Schedule 9.10     Environmental Matters
Schedule 9.13     Pension Matters
Schedule 9.14     Tax Matters
Schedule 9.15     Litigation Matters
Schedule 9.17     Affiliates; Affiliate Transactions
Schedule 9.18     Stockholders
Schedule 9.20     Bank Accounts
Schedule 9.24     Leases
Schedule 9.25     Insurance Policies
Schedule 10.10    Existing Indebtedness
Schedule 10.22    Other Permitted Affiliate Transactions
Schedule 10.28    Financial Covenants
Schedule 10.28A   Actual Fiscal Month Ends
Schedule 10.31    Rate Hedging Agreements


                                        v
<PAGE>

                             NOTE PURCHASE AGREEMENT

     This NOTE PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this "Agreement"), dated as of March __,
2006, by and among SUNTRON CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation ("Suntron"),
K*TEC OPERATING CORP., a Delaware corporation ("K*TEC"), SUNTRON GCO, L.P., a
Texas limited partnership ("Suntron GCO"), EFTC OPERATING CORP., a Delaware
corporation ("EFTC"), SUNTRON-IOWA, INC., a Delaware corporation
("Suntron-Iowa"), CURRENT ELECTRONICS, INC., an Oregon corporation ("Current"),
RM ELECTRONICS, INC., a New Hampshire corporation ("RMEI"), SUNTRON-KANSAS,
INC., a Delaware corporation ("Suntron-Kansas"; together with Suntron, K*TEC,
Suntron GCO, EFTC, Suntron-Iowa, Current and RMEI, each a "Borrower" and
collectively referred to herein as the "Borrowers"), and THAYER EQUITY INVESTORS
IV, L.P. ("Thayer", together with its permitted successors and assigns, are
collectively referred to herein as "Lenders" or individually as a "Lender"), is
as follows:

                                    ARTICLE I

                                  DEFINITIONS.

     Section 1.1 Defined Terms. In addition to the other terms defined in this
Agreement, whenever the following capitalized terms (whether or not underscored)
are used, they shall be defined as follows:

     "Adjusted Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio" means:

          (a) for each Determination Date (as defined in Section 3.2.5) before
     July 3, 2006, the ratio resulting from dividing (i) an amount equal to (A)
     Borrowers' Adjusted EBITDAR (as defined in Schedule 10.28) for the period
     commencing on October 3, 2005 and ending on such Determination Date, minus
     (B) Restructuring Costs (as defined in Schedule 10.28) deducted by the
     Borrowers in calculating the Borrowers' earnings for the same measurement
     period, by (ii) Borrowers' Fixed Charges for the same measurement period;
     and

          (b) for each other Determination Date, the ratio resulting from
     dividing (i) an amount equal to (A) Borrowers' 12 Month Adjusted EBITDAR
     (as defined in Schedule 10.28), minus (B) Restructuring Costs (as defined
     in Schedule 10.28) deducted by the Borrowers in calculating the Borrowers'
     earnings for the applicable 12 Month Period (as defined in Schedule 10.28),
     by (ii) Borrowers' Fixed Charges (as defined in Schedule 10.28) for the
     applicable 12 Month Period.

     "Affiliate" means, as to any Person (the "Subject Person"), any other
Person which, directly or indirectly, is in control of, is controlled by, or is
under common control with, the Subject Person. For purposes of this definition,
"control" of a Person means the power, direct or indirect, (i) to vote 10% or
more of the securities (or other ownership interests) having voting power for
the election of directors (or managers in the case of a limited liability
company) of the Person or (ii) otherwise to direct or cause the direction of the
management and policies of the Person, whether by contract or otherwise. Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, each of the following will be deemed
an Affiliate of each Borrower for purposes of this Agreement: all of each
Borrower's officers, stockholders (excluding Thayer and its Affiliates) owning
greater than 20% of the outstanding


                                       1

<PAGE>

Capital Stock of such Borrower, directors, Subsidiaries (including, without
limitation, Suntron de Mexico S. De R.L. de C.V), joint venturers and partners.

     "Anti-Terrorism Laws" means any law, rule or regulation relating to
terrorism or money laundering, including Executive Order No. 13224, the USA
Patriot Act, the laws, rules and regulations compromising or implementing the
Bank Secrecy Act and the laws, rules and regulations administered by the United
States Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Asset Control (as any of the
foregoing may from time to time be amended, renewed, extended or replaced).

     "Applicable Agreement" means any agreement, commitment, arrangement or
instrument to which, as of any date, any Borrower is a party or by which any
Borrower or any of such Borrower's properties is bound, including any note,
indenture, loan agreement, mortgage, lease, or deed, the performance or
non-performance of which could have a Material Adverse Effect.

     "Attorneys' Fees" means the reasonable fees and actual out of pocket costs
and expenses of all attorneys (and all paralegals and other staff employed by
such attorneys) retained by Lenders from time to time in connection with, or
arising out of, the matters encompassed by the reference to the capitalized term
Attorneys' Fees in the applicable provisions of the applicable agreement,
instrument or other document.

     "Authorized Representative" shall mean any of (i) the Chief Executive
Officer, (ii) the President, (iii) the Chief Financial Officer, (iv) the
Treasurer, (v) the Chief Accounting Officer, (vi) the Vice President, or (vii)
any other employee, officer or director of any Borrower which has been so
designated by such Borrower in writing and delivered to Thayer.

     "Blocked Person" means any Person (i) that is listed in the annex to, or is
otherwise subject to the provisions of, Executive Order No. 13224; (ii) owned or
controlled by, or acting for or on behalf of, any Person that is listed in the
annex to, or is otherwise subject to the provisions of, Executive Order No.
13224; (iii) with which any Lender is prohibited from dealing or otherwise
engaging in any transaction by any Anti-Terrorism Law; (iv) that commits,
threatens or conspires to commit or supports "terrorism" as defined in Executive
Order No. 13224; (v) that is named as a "specially designated national" on the
most current list published by the U.S. Treasury Department Office of Foreign
Asset Control at its official web site or any replacement website or other
replacement official publication of such list; or (vi) who is affiliated or
associated with a person or entity listed above.

     "Borrower Security Agreements" has the meaning given in Section 6.1.

     "Borrowers' Facilities" means, collectively, those facilities located at
the addresses set forth on Schedule 3 attached hereto, which constitute all of
the facilities that are owned or leased by any Borrower.

     "Borrower's Facility" means each of the foregoing facilities.

     "Borrowing Agent" means EFTC.


                                       2

<PAGE>

     "Business Day" means any day on which commercial banks in Minneapolis,
Minnesota are required by law to be open for business. Periods of days referred
to in this Agreement will be counted in calendar days unless Business Days are
expressly prescribed.

     "Capital Expenditures" has the meaning given such term in Schedule 10.28.

     "Capital Lease Obligations" means, with respect to any Person, all
obligations of such Person and its Subsidiaries to pay rent or other amounts
under a lease of (or other agreement conveying the right to use) property to the
extent such obligations are required to be classified and accounted for as a
capital lease on a balance sheet of such Person or its Subsidiaries (all as
determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied)
and, for purposes of this Agreement, the amount of such obligations shall be the
capitalized amount thereof.

     "Capital Stock" means all shares, interests, participations, rights to
purchase, options, warrants, general or limited partnership interests, or
limited liability company interests or other equivalents (regardless of how
designated) of or in a corporation, partnership, limited liability company or
equivalent entity, whether voting or nonvoting, including common stock,
preferred stock or any other "equity security" (as such term is defined in Rule
3a11-l of the Rules and Regulations promulgated by the Securities and Exchange
Commission (17 C.F.R. Section 240.3a11-l) under the Securities and Exchange Act
of 1934, as the same shall be from time to time be amended, renewed, extended or
replaced).

     "Change in Law" means (i) the adoption of any law, rule or regulation after
the date of this Agreement, (ii) any change in any law, rule or regulation or in
the interpretation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority after
the date of this Agreement or any change in the applicability of such law, rule
or regulation, on the interpretation thereof, with respect to a Lender, or (iii)
compliance by any Lender with any request, guideline or directive (whether or
not having the force of law) of any Governmental Authority made or issued after
the date of this Agreement.

     "Change of Control" means any of the following (or any combination of the
following) whether arising from any single transaction or event or any series of
transactions or events (whether as the most recent transaction in a series of
transactions) which, individually or in the aggregate, results in:

          (i) a change in the ownership of Suntron, such that Thayer-Blum
     Funding III, LLC fails to (a) own legally and beneficially, free and clear
     of any Liens, more than 50%, on a fully diluted basis, of the issued and
     outstanding voting and non-voting securities of, and other equity interests
     in, Suntron or (b) have the power to direct or cause the direction of the
     management and policies of Suntron; or

          (ii) a change in the ownership of Thayer-Blum Funding III, LLC, such
     that Thayer fails to (a) own legally and beneficially, free and clear of
     any Liens, more than 50%, on a fully diluted basis, of the issued and
     outstanding voting and non-voting securities of, and other equity interests
     in, Thayer-Blum Funding III, LLC or (b) have the power to direct or cause
     the direction of the management and policies of Thayer-Blum Funding III,
     LLC.

     "Closing Date" means the date upon which all of the conditions precedent to
the effectiveness of this Agreement contained in Section 5.1 are satisfied or
waived by Thayer.


                                       3

<PAGE>

     "Controlled Group" means all members of a controlled group of corporations
and other entities and all trades or businesses (whether or not incorporated)
under common control which, together with Borrower, are treated as a single
employer under Section 414(b) or 414(c) of the Internal Revenue Code or Section
4001 of ERISA.

     "Default" shall mean the occurrence or existence of: (a) an event which,
with the giving of notice or the lapse of time, or both, would (if not cured or
otherwise remedied during such time) constitute an Event of Default, or (b) an
event which requires neither lapse of time nor the giving of notice to
constitute an Event of Default.

     "Dollars" and "$" means dollars in lawful currency of the United States of
America unless otherwise indicated.

     "Equipment" means equipment as defined in the UCC.

     "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as the
same shall be from time to time be amended, renewed, extended or replaced.

     "Event of Default" has the meaning given in Section 11.

     "Excluded Taxes" means, with respect to Thayer and any Lender or any other
recipient of any payment to be made by or on account of any obligation of any
Borrower hereunder, taxes imposed on its overall revenue or net income, and
franchise taxes imposed on it.

     "Executive Order No. 13224" means the Executive Order No. 13224 on
Terrorist Financing, effective September 24, 2001, as the same shall be from
time to time be amended, renewed, extended or replaced.

     "Financial Covenants" has the meaning given in Section 10.28.

     "Financials" means those financial statements attached as Schedule 2 and
the projected consolidated financial statements (by quarter) for the year ending
December 31, 2006 previously delivered by Borrowers to Thayer.

     "Fiscal Month" has the meaning given on Schedule 10.28.

     "Fiscal Quarter" has the meaning given on Schedule 10.28.

     "Fiscal Year" has the meaning given on Schedule 10.28.

     "Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio" has the meaning given on Schedule 10.28.

     "General Intangibles" means general intangibles as defined in the UCC.

     "Governmental Authority" means any nation or government, any state or other
political subdivision thereof, and any entity exercising executive, legislative,
judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of, or pertaining to,
government or any agency or instrumentality thereof (including any central
bank).


                                       4

<PAGE>

     "Indebtedness" means all of a Person's obligations, indebtedness and
liabilities to any other Person, including all debts, claims and indebtedness,
contingent, fixed or otherwise, heretofore, now and from time to time hereafter
owing, due or payable, however evidenced, created, incurred, acquired or owing
and however arising, whether under written or oral agreement, operation of law
or otherwise. Indebtedness of any Borrower includes: (i) the Obligations, (ii)
obligations or liabilities of any Person secured by a Lien on property owned by
such Borrower, even though such Borrower has not assumed or become liable for
the payment therefor, (iii) obligations or liabilities created or arising under
any capital lease of real or personal property, any conditional sales contract
or other title retention agreement with respect to property used or acquired by
such Borrower, even though the rights and remedies of the lessor, seller, or
lender thereunder are limited to repossession of such property, and (iv) the net
cost (without duplication) to such Borrower under any Rate Hedging Agreement.

     "Indemnified Taxes" means Taxes other than Excluded Taxes.

     "Internal Revenue Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as the
same shall be from time to time amended, renewed, extended or replaced. Any
reference to a specific provision of the Internal Revenue Code will be construed
to include any comparable provision of the Internal Revenue Code as amended or
superseded after the date of this Agreement.

     "Inventory" means inventory as defined in the UCC.

     "Lenders" means each of the financial institutions that is a signatory
hereto identified under the caption "LENDERS" on the signature pages of this
Agreement, and each financial institution that becomes a "Lender" after the date
hereof pursuant to Section 14.2.

     "Lien" means any mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, hypothecation,
assignment, deposit arrangement, charge, security interest, encumbrance, lien
(statutory or other), or any preference, priority or other security agreement or
any preferential arrangement of any kind or nature whatsoever (including any
conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any lease deemed under the
UCC to be intended for security, and the authorized filing by or against a
Person as debtor of any financing statement under the UCC or comparable law of
any jurisdiction).

     "Loan" or "Loans" means the loans made by the Lenders pursuant to the terms
of this Agreement.

     "Loan Collateral" means the all of the collateral security more
particularly described in the Security Documents and any other security or
collateral provided from time to time by, or on behalf of, Borrowers (or any of
them) or any other Person for the Obligations (or any portion thereof).

     "Loan Documents" means this Agreement, the Notes, the Security Documents
and all other agreements, instruments and documents relating to the Loans,
including mortgages, deeds of trust, security agreements, pledges, powers of
attorney, consents, collateral assignments, locked box and cash management
agreements, if required by Thayer, letter agreements, contracts, notices, leases
and financing statements and all other writings, all of which must be in form
and substance reasonably satisfactory to Thayer, which have been, are as of the
date of this Agreement, or will in the future be signed by, or on behalf of,
Borrowers (or any of them) and delivered to Thayer or the Lenders.


                                       5

<PAGE>

     "Maintenance Agreement" means that certain Maintenance Agreement bearing
even date herewith by and between Senior Agent and Thayer, as the same may be
amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

     "Material Adverse Effect" means a material adverse effect, as reasonably
determined by Thayer on (i) the Borrowers' (a) business, property, assets,
operations or condition, financial or otherwise taken as a whole, or (b) ability
to perform their payment and other Obligations under this Agreement and any of
the other Loan Documents taken as a whole, (ii) the recoverable value of the
Loan Collateral or the Lenders' rights or interests therein, (iii) the
enforceability in all material respects of any of the Loan Documents, or (iv)
the ability of the Lenders to exercise any of their rights or remedies under the
Loan Documents or provided by law.

     "Maturity Date" means the earlier to occur of (i) May 15, 2009 and (ii) the
date on which the Obligations become due and payable pursuant to the terms of
this Agreement, whether by acceleration or otherwise.

     "Notes" has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2.1.

     "Obligations" means the Loans owing to the Lenders or any Affiliate of any
such Persons and all other loans, advances, debts, liabilities, obligations,
indemnities, covenants and duties owing to the Lenders from Borrowers (or any of
them) and their respective Subsidiaries (individually and collectively) of any
kind, present or future, evidenced by or arising out of this Agreement or any of
the other Loan Documents, whether for the payment of money, whether arising out
of overdrafts on checking, deposit or other accounts or electronic funds
transfers (whether through automatic clearing houses or otherwise) or out of the
Lenders' non-receipt of, or inability to collect, funds or otherwise not being
made whole in connection with depository transfer checks or other similar
arrangements and whether direct or indirect (including acquired by assignment),
related or unrelated, absolute or contingent, due or to become due, now existing
or hereafter arising and however acquired, and including all interest, charges,
expenses, fees and any other sums chargeable to Borrowers (or any of them) and
their respective Subsidiaries (individually and collectively) in connection with
any of the foregoing, and all Attorneys' Fees.

     "Other Taxes" means any and all present or future stamp or documentary
taxes or any other excise or property taxes, charges or similar levies arising
from any payment made hereunder or from the execution, delivery, filing or
enforcement of, or otherwise with respect to, this Agreement or the other Loan
Documents.

     "Pension Plan" means a "pension plan", as such term is defined in section
3(2) of ERISA, as to which any Borrower or any corporation or other entity,
trade or business that is, along with such Borrower, a member of a Controlled
Group may have any liability, including any liability by reason of having been a
substantial employer within the meaning of section 4063 of ERISA at any time
during any preceding six year period, or by reason of being deemed to be a
contributing sponsor under section 4069 of ERISA.

     "Permitted Liens" means the first priority Liens and interests in favor of
the Senior Agent granted or provided under the Senior Loan Documents, the second
priority Liens and interests in favor of the Lenders granted or provided under
the Loan Documents and, to the extent reflected on


                                       6

<PAGE>

the applicable Borrower's books and records and not impairing the operations of
such Borrower or any performance under, or contemplated by, the Loan Documents:

          (i) Liens arising by operation of law for taxes not yet due and
     payable;

          (ii) Liens of mechanics, materialmen, shippers and warehousemen for
     services or materials for which payment is not yet due;

          (iii) Liens incurred or deposits made in the ordinary course of
     business in connection with workers' compensation, unemployment insurance
     and other types of social security;

          (iv) Liens, if any, specifically permitted by the Required Lenders
     from time to time in writing;

          (v) Liens on Equipment securing Indebtedness under capitalized leases
     or purchase money Indebtedness so long as (a) the total amount of
     obligations secured by the purchase money security interests or the subject
     of capitalized leases during any period does not, together with any other
     capital expenditures made by the applicable Borrower for the applicable
     period, exceed the maximum amount permitted during such period for capital
     expenditures pursuant to Section 1 of Schedule 10.28; (b) such purchase
     money Indebtedness or capitalized lease Indebtedness will not be secured by
     any of the Loan Collateral other than the property so acquired and any
     identifiable proceeds, (c) any Liens relating to such purchase money
     Indebtedness or capitalized lease Indebtedness will not extend to or cover
     any property of the applicable Borrower other than the property so acquired
     and any identifiable proceeds, and (d) the principal amount of such
     capitalized lease or purchase money Indebtedness will not, at the time of
     the incurrence thereof, exceed the value of the property so acquired;

          (vi) Liens for taxes, assessments and other similar charges to the
     extent payment thereof shall not at the time be required to be made in
     accordance with the provisions of Section 10.9;

          (vii) those Liens described on Schedule 9.7; provided that those Liens
     secure only the Indebtedness which the Liens secure on the Closing Date;
     and

          (viii) Liens arising from the claims or demands of materialmen,
     mechanics, carriers, warehousemen, landlords, bailees and other like
     Persons ("Third Party Claims") if each of the following conditions is met:
     (a) the validity or amount of the Third Party Claim is being contested in
     good faith and by appropriate and lawful proceedings promptly initiated and
     diligently conducted, (b) the applicable Borrower has given prior notice to
     Thayer of the Third Party Claim, (c) such Borrower has established
     appropriate reserves (in Thayer's reasonable discretion exercised in good
     faith) for the Third Party Claim, (d) levy and execution on the Third Party
     Claim have been and continue to be stayed, (e) the Third Party Claim does
     not prevent Thayer from having a perfected second priority security
     interest in, or a second priority mortgage lien on, the Loan Collateral
     provided by such Borrower or with respect to future advances made under
     this Agreement, (f) such Borrower's title to, and its right to use, any of
     the Loan Collateral provided by such


                                       7

<PAGE>

     Borrower are not, in Thayer's judgment exercised in good faith, materially
     affected thereby, and (g) the amount of all Third Party Claims against
     anyone or more of the Borrowers do not exceed, as of any date, $550,000 in
     the aggregate; and, provided, further, that the applicable Borrower must
     promptly pay each such Third Party Claim to the extent the dispute is
     finally settled in favor of the claimant thereof.

     "Person" means any individual, sole proprietorship, partnership, joint
venture, trust, unincorporated organization, association, limited liability
company, corporation, institution, entity, party or Governmental Authority.

     "Rate Hedging Obligations" of a Person means any and all Indebtedness of
such Person, whether absolute or contingent and howsoever and whensoever
created, arising, evidenced or acquired (including all renewals, extensions and
modifications thereof and substitutions therefor), under (i) any and all
agreements, devices or arrangements ("Rate Hedging Agreements") designed to
protect at least one of the parties thereto from the fluctuations of interest
rates, commodity prices, exchange rates or forward rates applicable to such
party's assets, liabilities or exchange transactions, including
dollar-denominated or cross-currency interest rate exchange agreements, forward
currency exchange agreements, interest rate cap or collar protection agreements,
forward rate currency or interest rate options, swaps, puts and warrants, and
(ii) any and all cancellations, buy backs, reversals, terminations or
assignments of any of the foregoing.

     "Receivables" means accounts as defined in the UCC.

     "Reportable Event" means an event described in Section 4043 of ERISA and
the regulations issued thereunder (other than a Reportable Event not subject to
the provision for 30 day notice to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation
under such regulations).

     "Required Lenders" means, at any time, Lenders holding at least 66.67% of
the sum of the Loans then outstanding.

     "Securities Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

     "Security Documents" means the Borrower Security Agreements, the Trademark
Security Agreement and any other agreements, instruments or documents executed
and delivered from time to time by, or on behalf of, Borrowers (or any of them)
or any other Person as collateral security for the Obligations.

     "Senior Agent" means U.S. Bank National Association, in its capacity as
agent under the Senior Credit Agreement and the other Senior Loan Documents or
its permitted successor or assignee.

     "Senior Credit Agreement" means that certain Financing Agreement of even
date hereof, by and among Senior Agent and the Borrowers, as the same may be
amended, restated, renewed supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

     "Senior Debt" means the "Senior Liabilities," as defined in the
Subordination Agreement.


                                       8

<PAGE>

     "Senior Loan Documents" means the "Loan Documents" as such term is defined
in the Senior Credit Agreement.

     "Solvent" means, with respect to any Person, that the Person is not
insolvent as defined or construed under any and all applicable laws. In
computing the amount of contingent liabilities at any time, it is intended that
they be computed at the amount that, in light of all the facts and circumstances
existing at the time, represents the amount that can reasonably be expected to
become an actual or matured liability.

     "Subsidiary" means, with respect to a particular Borrower, any Person as to
which such Borrower owns, directly or indirectly, at least 50% of the
outstanding shares of Capital Stock or other interests having ordinary voting
power for the election of directors, officers, managers, trustees or other
controlling Persons or an equivalent controlling interest in Thayer's judgment.

     "Subordination Agreement" mean the Subordination Agreement executed by
Thayer in favor of the Senior Agent dated as of the date of this Agreement, as
the same may be amended, restated, renewed, supplemented or otherwise modified
from time to time.

     "Taxes" means any and all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties,
deductions, charges or withholdings imposed by any Governmental Authority.

     "Trademark Security Agreement" has the meaning given in Section 6.1.

     "12 Month Period" has the meaning given on Schedule 10.28.

     "UCC" or "Uniform Commercial Code" shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code,
as enacted in the State of Minnesota, as the same may be from time to time
amended, renewed, extended or replaced; provided, however, that if by reason of
mandatory provisions of law, the perfection or the effect of perfection or
non-perfection on the security interest in any item or portion of the Loan
Collateral is governed by the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in a
jurisdiction other than the State of Minnesota, "UCC" shall mean the Uniform
Commercial Code as in effect in such other jurisdiction for purposes of
provisions hereof relating to such perfection or effect of perfection or
non-perfection.

     "USA Patriot Act" means the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing
Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001,
Public Law 1 07 D 56, as the same shall be from time to time be amended,
renewed, extended or replaced.

     Section 1.2 Environmental Definitions.

     "Environmental Activity" means any any Release, generation, abatement,
transportation or disposal of any Hazardous Substance from or on any Borrower's
property or Use of any Borrower's property which is regulated by or for which
standards of conduct or liability are imposed by any Environmental Requirements.

     "Environmental Law" means the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation and Liability Act ("CERCLA"), 42 U.S.C. Section 9601 et seq., the
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C. Section 6901 et seq., the
Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, 49 U.S.C. Section 1802 et seq.,


                                       9

<PAGE>

the Toxic Substances Control Act, 15 U.S.C. Section 2601 et seq., the Federal
Water Pollution Control Act, 33 U.S.C. Section 1251 et seq., the Clean Water
Act, 33 U.S.C. Section 1321 et seq., the Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. Section 7401
et seq., the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, 29 U.S.C. Section 651
et seq., regulations promulgated thereunder, and any other federal, state,
county, municipal, local or other statute, law, ordinance or regulation, or any
common law (including common law that may impose strict liability) regarding
human health, the environment, natural resources, or Hazardous Substances, all
as may be from time to time be amended, renewed, extended or replaced.

     "Environmental Liability" means any Indebtedness, or duty of payment or any
amount owed by or payable from, any Borrower, due to any Environmental Activity
or violation of Environmental Law, whether the foregoing described liability now
exists or arises in the future.

     "Environmental Requirements" means all present and future laws, including
Environmental Laws, authorizations, approvals, judgments, injunctions, decrees,
orders or agreements relating to Hazardous Substances or Environmental Activity.

     "Hazardous Substances" means, at any time, (i) any "hazardous substance" as
defined in Section 101(14) of CERCLA (42 U.S.C. Section 9601(14)), (ii) any
"solid waste," "hazardous waste," or "infectious waste," as such terms are
defined in any Environmental Law at such time; (iii) asbestos,
urea-formaldehyde, polychlorinated biphenyls ("PCBs"), nuclear fuel or material,
chemical waste, radioactive material, explosives, known carcinogens, petroleum
products and by-products and pollutants, contaminants, chemicals, materials or
substances which are regulated by, Environmental Law.

     "Release" means spilling, leaking, pumping, paving, emitting, emptying,
discharging, injecting, escaping, contaminating, leaching, disposing, releasing
or dumping into the environment.

     "Use" includes, but is not limited to, use, ownership, development,
construction, maintenance, management, operation or occupancy.

     Section 1.3 Other Definitional Provisions; Construction. Unless otherwise
specified,

          (i) All terms defined in this Agreement, whether or not defined in
     this Article 1, have the defined meanings provided in this Agreement when
     used in this Agreement, in any other of the Loan Documents, or any other
     certificate, instrument or other document made or delivered pursuant to
     this Agreement or any other Loan Document, unless otherwise defined
     therein.

          (ii) As used in this Agreement, in any other of the Loan Documents, or
     in any other certificate, instrument or document made or delivered pursuant
     hereto or thereto, accounting terms relating to Borrowers not defined in
     this Agreement have the respective meanings given to them in accordance
     with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of
     America as in effect at the time any determination is made or financial
     statement or information is required or furnished under this Agreement
     ("GAAP").

          (iii) References to the Uniform Commercial Code, or UCC, mean as
     enacted in the particular jurisdiction(s) encompassed by the reference.


                                       10

<PAGE>

          (iv) The definition of any agreement, document or instrument includes
     all schedules, attachments and exhibits thereto and all renewals,
     extensions, supplements, modifications, restatements and amendments thereof
     but only to the extent such renewals, extensions, supplements,
     modifications, restatements or amendments thereof are not prohibited by the
     terms of any Loan Document. All references to statutes include (a) all
     rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, (b) any amendments, renewals,
     extensions or replacements of such statutes, rules or regulations
     promulgated thereunder, and (c) any successor statutes, rules and
     regulations, including any comparable provision of the applicable statute,
     ordinance, UCC, regulation or other law as the same shall be from time to
     time be amended, renewed, extended or replaced after the date of this
     Agreement.

          (v) "Hereunder," "herein," "hereto," "this Agreement" and words of
     similar import refer to this entire document; "including" is used by way of
     illustration and not by way of limitation, unless the context clearly
     indicates the contrary; the singular includes the plural and conversely;
     and any action required to be taken by a Person is to be taken promptly,
     unless the context clearly indicates the contrary.

          (vi) All of the uncapitalized terms contained in the Loan Documents
     which are now or hereafter defined under the UCC will, unless defined in
     the Loan Documents or the context indicates otherwise, have the meanings
     now or hereafter provided for in the UCC.

          (vii) The term "good faith" means honesty in fact in the conduct or
     transaction concerned.

          (viii) All Exhibits and Schedules attached to this Agreement are
     incorporated into, made and form an integral part of, this Agreement for
     all purposes.

          (ix) The existence of references to any Borrower's Subsidiaries
     throughout this Agreement is for a matter of convenience only. Any
     references to Subsidiaries of any Borrower set forth herein shall not in
     any way be construed as consent by the Lenders to the establishment,
     maintenance or acquisition of any Subsidiary.

          (x) Whenever the sense of this Agreement or any of the other Loan
     Documents so require, the masculine or feminine gender will be substituted
     for, or be deemed to include, the neuter, the feminine gender will be
     substituted for the masculine, or the masculine will be deemed to include
     the feminine, and the neuter gender will be substituted for, or be deemed
     to include, the masculine or, as applicable, feminine gender.

     Section 1.4 Reserved.

                                   ARTICLE II

                                     LOANS.

     Section 2.1 Description of Notes and Interest. The Borrowers will authorize
the issuance and sale of an aggregate original principal amount of $10,000,000
of 16.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due May 15, 2009 (the "Notes") to be dated
the Closing Date, to bear interest (computed on the basis of a year of 360 days
and twelve 30-day months) from such date at the rate of 16.0% per


                                       11

<PAGE>

annum, payable in cash monthly in arrears on the last Business Day of each
quarter (commencing June 30, 2006) and at maturity and to be substantially in
the form attached hereto as Exhibit A. At the option of the Borrowers, all
interest due on the Notes payable quarterly or otherwise (excluding interest due
on the Maturity Date, which shall be paid in cash) may be paid through an
increase in the principal amount of the Notes, which increase shall be evidenced
by an amended and restated Note to the extent requested by the Lenders, but in
no event more frequently than annually. During the continuance of an Event of
Default, the Notes will bear a default rate of interest (computed on the basis
of 360 days and twelve 30-day months) from the date of such occurrence of an
Event of Default at the rate of 2.0% per annum in excess of the then prevailing
interest rate (the "Default Rate"). The Default Rate shall be payable in cash on
demand and on the Maturity Date, in full in cash; provided that, prior to the
Maturity Date at the option of the Borrowers, interest due on the Notes at the
Default Rate may be paid through an increase in the principal amount of the
Notes. The Notes may not be prepaid or redeemed by the Borrower except on the
terms and conditions and in the amounts and with the premium, as set forth in
Section 2.2 of this Agreement.

     Section 2.2 Prepayment and Repayment of Notes.

     (a) Optional Redemption; Redemption Premium. Upon compliance with Section
2.3, the Borrowers shall have the right to prepay all (or any part in an amount
not less than $500,000) of the Notes then outstanding by payment of the price
set forth below in Table 2.2(a) (expressed as a percentage of the principal
amount of the Notes then outstanding) together with accrued interest on the
principal amount of the Notes then outstanding to the date of such prepayment:

                                  Table 2.2(a)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
IF PREPAYMENT IS MADE
DURING THE 12-MONTH PERIOD
BEGINNING MARCH __, IN THE YEAR   PRICE
-------------------------------   -----
<S>                               <C>
2006                              103.0%
2007                              103.0%
2008                              103.0%
2009                              102.0%
2010                              101.0%
2011 and thereafter               100.0%
</TABLE>

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 2.2(a), if
the Borrowers prepay all of the Obligations in full, in cash, within ninety (90)
days following the Closing Date, no prepayment or redemption premium shall be
due pursuant to this Section 2.2(a).

     (b) Prepayment of Notes upon Change of Control. The Borrowers shall prepay
all of the Notes then outstanding together with accrued interest thereon, upon a
"Change of Control" (as defined in the Senior Credit Agreement) at the price
equal to one hundred two percent (102.0%) of the principal amount of the Notes
then outstanding on the date of such prepayment. All prepayments on the Notes
pursuant to this Section 2.2(b) shall be made in cash.

     (c) Prepayment of Notes upon Repayment of Senior Debt. Upon payment in
full, in cash, of all Senior Debt and the termination of all commitments to lend
under the Senior Credit


                                       12

<PAGE>

Agreement, the Borrowers shall prepay all of the Notes then outstanding at the
price set forth in the Table 2.2(a), together with accrued and unpaid interest
on the Notes to the date of such prepayment. All prepayments on the Notes
pursuant to this Section 2.2(c) shall be made in cash.

     (d) Prepayment of Notes Upon an Event of Default.

          (i) If an Event of Default described in Sections 11.1(e) or (f) has
     occurred, then the aggregate principal amount of the Notes then
     outstanding, together with all interest accrued (including any Default Rate
     interest) pursuant to the terms of the Notes and unpaid as of the date of
     such Event of Default, shall automatically become immediately due and
     payable.

          (ii) If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default described
     in Sections 11.1(e) or (f)) has occurred and is continuing, the Required
     Lenders may at any time at their option, by notice or notices to the
     Borrowers and to the other Lenders, declare that the aggregate principal
     amount of the Notes then outstanding, together with all interest accrued
     (including any Default Rate interest) pursuant to the terms of the Notes
     and unpaid as of the date of such Event of Default, shall automatically
     become immediately due and payable.

          (iii) Upon any Notes becoming due and payable under this Section
     2.2(d), whether automatically or by declaration, such Notes will forthwith
     mature and the entire aggregate principal amount of such Notes then
     outstanding, together with all interest accrued pursuant to the terms of
     the Notes and unpaid as of the date of such Event of Default (such interest
     to accrue at the Default Rate with respect to any overdue payment), shall
     all be immediately due and payable, in each and every case without
     presentment, demand, protest or further notice, all of which are hereby
     waived.

     (e) Payment in Full on Maturity Date. On the Maturity Date, (i) all Loans
and all other Obligations (including, without limitation, all accrued and unpaid
interest, fees, expenses and premiums) will automatically and immediately become
due and payable, and (ii) the Lenders' obligations under this Agreement and the
other Loan Documents will automatically and immediately terminate, without
notice or demand, which each Borrower hereby expressly waives. On the Maturity
Date, Borrowers will jointly and severally pay in full, in cash all of the
Obligations.

     Section 2.3 Taxes.

          2.3.1 Gross-Up. Any and all payments by or on account of any
obligation of Borrowers hereunder shall be made free and clear of and without
deduction for any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes; provided that if Borrowers
(or any of them) shall be required to deduct any Indemnified Taxes or Other
Taxes from such payments, then (i) the sum payable shall be increased as
necessary so that after making all required deductions (including deductions
applicable to additional sums payable under this Section) each Lenders receives
an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deductions been
made, (ii) each Borrower shall make such deductions and (iii) such Borrower
shall pay the full amount deducted to the relevant Governmental Authority in
accordance with applicable law.


                                       13
<PAGE>

          2.3.2 Other Taxes. In addition, each Borrower shall pay any Other
Taxes to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law.

          2.3.3 Indemnity for Taxes. Each Borrower shall indemnify each Lender
within thirty (30) Business Days after written demand therefor, for the full
amount of any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes paid by such Lender on or with
respect to any payment by or on account of any obligation of Borrowers hereunder
(including Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes imposed or asserted on or
attributable to amounts payable under this Section) and any penalties, interest
and reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or
not such Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or
asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate as to the amount
of such payment or liability delivered to Borrowing Agent by a Lender shall be
conclusive absent material error.

          2.3.4 Evidence of Payment. As soon as practicable after any payment of
Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes by any Borrower to a Governmental Authority,
but only if requested by a Lender, such Borrower shall deliver to such Lender
the original or a certified copy of a receipt issued by such Governmental
Authority evidencing such payment, a copy of the return reporting such payment
or other evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to such Lender.

          2.3.5 Survival. The Obligations described under this Section 2.3 shall
survive any termination of this Agreement.

     Section 2.4 Mitigation of Obligations. If Borrowers are required to pay any
additional amount to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of
any Lender pursuant to Section 2.3, then such Lender shall use reasonable
efforts to designate a different lending office for funding or booking its Loans
or to assign its rights and obligations hereunder to another of its offices,
branches or affiliates, if, in the reasonable judgment of such Lender, such
designation or assignment (i) would eliminate or reduce amounts payable pursuant
to Section 2.3, in the future and (ii) would not subject such Lender to any
unreimbursed cost or expense and would not otherwise be materially
disadvantageous to such Lender. Each Borrower hereby agrees to pay all
reasonable costs and expenses incurred by any Lender in connection with any such
designation or assignment.

     Section 2.5 Borrowing Agency Provisions. Each Borrower hereby irrevocably
designates the Borrowing Agent to be its attorney and agent and in such capacity
to borrow, sign and endorse notes, and execute and deliver all instruments,
documents, writings and further assurances now or hereafter required hereunder,
on behalf of such Borrower, and hereby authorizes the Lenders to pay over or
credit all Loan proceeds hereunder in accordance with the request of the
Borrowing Agent. Although they are separate legal entities that observe all
corporate and organizational formalities consistent with such separateness, the
Borrowers are part of one consolidated organization constituting a single
economic and business enterprise and share an identity of interests such that
any benefit received by any Borrower benefits the other Borrowers. The handling
of this credit facility as a co-borrowing facility in the manner set forth in
this Agreement is solely as an accommodation to the Borrowers and at their
request. The Lenders shall not incur liability to any Borrower or any other
Person as a result thereof. To induce the Lenders to do so and in consideration
thereof, each Borrower hereby indemnifies each Lender and holds each Lender
harmless from and against any and all liabilities, expenses, losses, damages and
claims of damage or injury asserted against any Lender by any Person arising
from or incurred by reason of


                                       14

<PAGE>

the handling of the financing arrangements of the Borrowers as provided herein,
reliance by any Lender on any request or instruction from the Borrowing Agent or
any other action taken by any Lender with respect to this Section 2.5, except
due to willful misconduct or gross negligence of such Lender.

     Section 2.6 Obligations Joint and Several. All obligations of the Borrowers
hereunder and under the other Loan Documents shall be joint and several. Each
Borrower hereby agrees to make payment upon the maturity of the Obligations,
whether by acceleration or otherwise, and such obligation and liability on the
part of each Borrower shall in no way be impaired or otherwise affected by any
act or omission of any Lender (other than acts or omissions resulting from the
gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Lender) including, without
limitation any extension, renewal or forbearance granted by any Lender to any
Borrower, any failure of any Lender to pursue or preserve its rights against any
Borrower or the release by any Lender of any collateral now or hereafter given
as security for all or any part of such obligations.

     Section 2.7 Waiver of Subrogation. Subject only to the provisions of
Section 2.8 below, each Borrower expressly waives any and all rights of
subrogation, reimbursement, indemnity, exoneration, contribution or any other
claim which such Borrower may now or hereafter have against any other Borrower
or any other person directly or contingently liable for the Obligations, or
against or with respect to any other Borrower's property (including, without
limitation, any property which is collateral for the Obligations), arising from
the existence or performance of this Agreement, until repayment in full of the
Obligations. In addition, each Borrower hereby expressly waives: (a) notice of
the acceptance by Thayer or any Lender of this Agreement; (b) notice of the
existence or creation or non-payment of all or any of the Obligations
(excluding, however, any notices expressly provided for in this Agreement or any
of the other Loan Documents); (c) presentment, demand, notice of dishonor,
protest, and all other notices whatsoever (excluding, however, any notices
expressly provided for in this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents);
(d) all diligence in collection or protection of or realization upon the
Obligations or any thereof, any obligation hereunder, or any security for or
guaranty of any of the foregoing; and (e) any event or conduct or action of any
other Borrower, Thayer, any Lender or any other party that might otherwise
constitute a legal or equitable discharge of a surety or guarantor but for this
provision, other than payment in full of the Obligations (except that portion of
the Obligations, if any, arising under any agreement other than this Agreement
if such other agreement provides for the payment of interest at a rate specified
therein).

     Section 2.8 Contribution and Indemnification Among the Borrowers. Each
Borrower is obligated to repay the Obligations as joint and several obligors
under this Agreement. To the extent that any Borrower shall, under this
Agreement as a joint and several obligor, repay any of the Obligations
constituting Loans made to another Borrower (an "Accommodation Payment"), then
the Borrower making such Accommodation Payment shall be entitled to contribution
and indemnification from, and be reimbursed by, each of the other Borrowers in
an amount, for each of such other Borrowers, equal to a fraction of such
Accommodation Payment, the numerator of which fraction is such other Borrower's
"Allocable Amount" (as defined below) and the denominator of which the sum of
the Allocable Amounts of all of the Borrowers. As of any date of determination,
the "Allocable Amount" of each Borrower shall be equal to the maximum amount of
liability for Accommodation Payments which could be asserted against such
Borrower hereunder


                                       15

<PAGE>

without (a) rendering such Borrower "insolvent" within the meaning of Section
101(31) of Title 11 of the United States Code entitled "Bankruptcy" (the
"Bankruptcy Code"), Section 2 of the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act (the
"UFTA"), or Section 2 of the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act ("UFCA"), (b)
leaving such Borrower with unreasonably small capital or assets, within the
meaning of Section 548 of the Bankruptcy Code, Section 4 of the UFTA, or Section
4 of the UFCA, or (c) leaving such Borrower unable to pay its debts as they
become due within the meaning of Section 548 of the Bankruptcy Code, Section 4
of the UFTA, or Section 5 of the UFCA. All rights and claims of contribution,
indemnification and reimbursement under this Section 2.8 shall be subordinate in
right of payment to the prior payment in full of the Obligations.

                                   ARTICLE III

                                  SUBORDINATION

     Section 3.1 Subordination. The Lenders acknowledge and agree that their
rights and remedies hereunder with respect to the Obligations (including,
without limitation, all of the payment and prepayment terms reflected in Article
II above) are subject to the terms and provisions of the Subordination
Agreement.

     Section 3.2 Reference to Subordination Agreement. Without limiting the
subordination referred to in Section 3.1, the Lenders acknowledge and agree
that:

     ALL PAYMENTS UNDER THIS AGREEMENT AND THE RIGHTS OF THE LENDERS EACH PARTY
     TO THIS AGREEMENT ARE SUBORDINATED, IN RIGHT OF PAYMENT AND COLLATERAL
     SECURITY, TO THE FULL PAYMENT IN CASH OF ALL SENIOR LIABILITIES AND THE
     RIGHTS OF THE HOLDERS OF ALL SENIOR LIABILITIES UPON THE TERMS SET FORTH IN
     THE SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT. EACH LENDER, BY BECOMING A LENDER HEREUNDER,
     IRREVOCABLY AGREES TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS AND PROVISIONS SET FORTH HEREIN
     AND IN THE SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT. THIS AGREEMENT IS ALSO SUBJECT TO THE
     RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER SET FORTH IN THE SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT.

                                   ARTICLE IV

                                    RESERVED.

     Section 4.1 Reserved.

     Section 4.2 Reserved.

                                    ARTICLE V

                           PRECONDITIONS TO THE LOANS.

     Section 5.1 Loans on the Closing Date. Notwithstanding any provision
contained in this Agreement to the contrary, the Lenders shall have no
obligation to make the Loans under this Agreement unless the Lenders shall have
first received:


                                       16

<PAGE>

          (i) this Agreement and the Notes, each duly executed by each Borrower;

          (ii) the other Loan Documents, each duly executed and delivered by the
     applicable Borrower and the other Persons party thereto;

          (iii) a copy of resolutions of the Board of Directors or general
     partner of each Borrower, duly adopted, which (a) authorize the execution,
     delivery and performance by each Borrower of this Agreement, the Notes and
     the other Loan Documents to which such Borrower is a party, and (b) the
     granting of a second priority security interest in substantially all of the
     assets of such Borrower in favor of Thayer, in each case certified by the
     Secretary of such Borrower;

          (iv) a copy of the Certificate or Articles of Incorporation or
     Organization (as applicable) of each Borrower, including any amendments
     thereto, certified by the Secretary of State of the State in which such
     Borrower is organized;

          (v) a copy of the Operating Agreement, Partnership Agreement or
     By-Laws of each Borrower, including any amendments thereto, certified by
     the Secretary of such Borrower;

          (vi) an incumbency certificate, executed by the Secretary of each
     Borrower, which shall identify by name and title and bear the true,
     original signatures of all of the officers of such Borrower executing any
     of the Loan Documents to which such Borrower is a party;

          (vii) certificates of corporate good standing of each Borrower issued
     by the Secretaries of each state in which such Borrower is qualified to do
     business;

          (viii) an opinion of counsel of Greenberg Traurig, LLP, outside
     counsel to Borrowers, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to
     Thayer and Thayer's counsel;

          (ix) reserved;

          (x) reserved;

          (xi) evidence of the proper filing of financing statements perfecting
     second priority security interests in favor of Thayer in all of the Loan
     Collateral;

          (xii) termination statements for all financing statements filed of
     record against any Borrower other than financing statements relating to
     Permitted Liens;

          (xiii) evidence satisfactory to Thayer of the insurance required by
     this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, together with endorsements in
     form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Thayer, duly executed by the
     insurance company;

          (xiv) copies of all financial statements and other Exhibits and
     Schedules required by this Agreement and the other Loan Documents;


                                       17

<PAGE>

          (xv) a letter of direction from Borrowing Agent with respect to the
     disbursement of the proceeds of the Loans under this Agreement;

          (xvi) such mortgagee, bailee, landlord or warehousemen's waivers as
     Thayer may deem necessary regarding locations at which any Loan Collateral
     is or will be stored or otherwise located;

          (xvii) a pay-off letter from Citicorp USA, Inc. in form and substance
     satisfactory to Thayer;

          (xviii) reserved;

          (xix) a true and correct copy of each Applicable Agreement;

          (xx) evidence that the actual out-of-pocket costs, expenses and fees
     (including attorneys' fees) paid or incurred by Thayer in connection with
     the preparation, negotiation and closing of this Agreement and the other
     Loan Documents have been (or shall be simultaneously) paid in full;

          (xxi) reserved;

          (xxii) all Exhibits and Schedules to the Loan Documents shall have
     been completed in form and substance satisfactory to the Thayer and shall
     contain no material facts or information which Thayer, in its reasonable
     judgment, determines to be unacceptable;

          (xxiii) reserved;

          (xxiv) evidence of each Borrower's capital structure and material
     accounts and terms and conditions of all Indebtedness of each Borrower,
     reasonably acceptable to Thayer;

          (xxv) reserved;

          (xxvi) evidence that the Senior Agent is prepared, but for the funding
     under this Agreement, to extend Senior Debt to the Borrowers in an
     aggregate credit facility amount not less than $50,000,000, subject to the
     terms and conditions of such credit facility, which terms and conditions
     shall be satisfactory to Thayer;

          (xxvii) evidence that the sale-leaseback transaction with respect to
     Suntron GCO's facility in Sugarland, Texas has been completed, and that
     non-escrowed sales proceeds therefrom have been received by and are
     available to the Borrowers in an amount not less than $15,000,000;

          (xxviii) reserved;

          (xxix) reserved; and


                                       18

<PAGE>

          (xxx) such other agreements, documents, instruments and certificates
     as Lenders may reasonably request.

     Section 5.2 General Conditions. In addition to any other provisions
contained in this Agreement, the making of any Loan under this Agreement will be
subject to the continued existence or fulfillment to the satisfaction of the
Lenders of each of the following conditions throughout the term of this
Agreement:

          (i) No Event of Default has occurred and is continuing;

          (ii) No law or regulation prohibits, and no order, judgment or decree
     of any arbitrator or Governmental Authority enjoins or restrains the
     Lenders, from making the requested advance;

          (iii) Each Borrower's representations and warranties contained in this
     Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which it is a party are complete
     and correct as of the date of this Agreement and continue to be true and
     correct in all material respects throughout the term of this Agreement with
     the same effect as though such representations and warranties had been made
     again on and as of each day of the term of this Agreement, except to the
     extent that such representations and warranties expressly relate to an
     earlier date, subject to such changes as are not prohibited hereby or do
     not constitute Events of Default under this Agreement; and

          (iv) No Material Adverse Effect has occurred.

                                   ARTICLE VI

                                    SECURITY.

     Section 6.1 Security Documents. The Obligations shall be secured (in such
order as may be determined by Thayer in its discretion) by a second priority
Lien on substantially all of the Loan Collateral, including:

          (i) a second priority perfected security interest in substantially all
     of the Loan Collateral pursuant to the Security Agreement dated as of the
     date of this Agreement between a Borrower and Thayer (or, in the case of
     K*TEC, pursuant to the Pledge and Security Agreement dated as of the date
     of this Agreement between K*TEC and Thayer) (as the same may be amended,
     restated, replaced, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time,
     each a "Borrower Security Agreement," collectively, the "Borrower Security
     Agreements") and accompanying financing statements;

          (ii) a second priority perfected security interest in all of the
     Trademarks, as defined in the Trademark Security Agreement dated as of the
     date of this Agreement between a Borrower and Thayer (as the same may be
     amended, restated, replaced, supplemented or otherwise modified from time
     to time, each a "Trademark Security Agreement," collectively, the
     "Trademark Security Agreements");

     Section 6.2 Reserved.


                                       19

<PAGE>

                                   ARTICLE VII

                                    RESERVED.

     Section 7.1 Reserved.

     Section 7.2 Reserved.

                                  ARTICLE VIII

                   EXAMINATION OF LOAN COLLATERAL; REPORTING.

     Section 8.1 Maintenance of Books and Records. Each Borrower shall keep and
maintain complete books of account, records and files with respect to its
business in accordance with GAAP consistently applied and shall accurately and
completely record all transactions therein. Each Borrower will maintain a
perpetual inventory system in respect of its Inventory.

     Section 8.2 Access and Inspection. The Lenders may at all times during
normal business hours have (i) access to, and the right to examine and inspect,
all of each Borrower's real and personal property and (ii) access to, and the
right to inspect, audit and make extracts from, all of each Borrower's records,
files and books of account, and each Borrower shall execute and deliver at the
request of any Lender such instruments as may be necessary for such Lender to
obtain such information concerning the business of each Borrower as such Lender
may require from any Person; however, unless an Event of Default exists, a
Lender will (A) give the applicable Borrower ten (10) Business Days' prior
notice before it makes the inspections and examinations at any office or place
of business of such Borrower, and (B) limit such inspections and examinations to
four times per calendar year. Each Borrower shall furnish the Lenders at
reasonable intervals with such statements and reports regarding each Borrower's
financial condition and the results of each Borrower's operations, in addition
to those hereinafter required, and such other information as the Lenders may
reasonably request from time to time.

     Section 8.3 Reserved.

     Section 8.4 Reserved.

     Section 8.5 Interim Financial Statements. Promptly when available and in
any event not later than forty-five (45) days after the end of each Fiscal
Quarter (except the fourth quarter, which is subject to the requirement of
Section 8.7) and thirty (30) days after the end of each interim Fiscal Month
that is not the third month of a Fiscal Quarter or the 12th month of a Fiscal
Year, in each case occurring after the date of this Agreement (or such shorter
period as may be required by the SEC for the filing of the Borrowers' quarterly
reports on Form 10-Q), Borrowing Agent shall furnish to Thayer a monthly (and,
as applicable, quarterly) consolidated income statement for all Borrowers,
balance sheet and cash flow statements, (a) showing each Borrower's financial
condition and the results of each Borrower's operations for the periods covered
by such statements in such detail as Thayer may from time to time reasonably
require, (b) prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied (except as
otherwise disclosed to Thayer to the extent such exceptions are acceptable to
Thayer), (c) containing all disclosures required to fully and accurately present
the financial position and results of operations of each Borrower (subject to
normal year-end adjustments and the omission of footnotes) and to make such
statements not misleading under the


                                       20

<PAGE>

circumstances, and (d) setting forth in each case in comparative form, the
figures for the corresponding Fiscal Month (and, as applicable, Fiscal Quarter)
and the corresponding portion of each Borrower's previous Fiscal Year.

     Section 8.6 Annual Projections. Promptly when available and in any event
not later than 10 days prior to the end of each Fiscal Year, each Borrower shall
furnish to Thayer, detailed projections for the next fiscal year, on a
consolidated basis with the other Borrowers, the projected income and cash flow
for each Fiscal Month, the monthly operating budget, the monthly balance sheet,
and the monthly borrowing availability of such Borrower, in each case
accompanied by a certificate of such Borrower's chief financial officer,
countersigned by such Borrower's chief executive officer, stating (i) the
assumptions on which the projections were prepared, (ii) that the assumptions,
except as otherwise noted, were prepared on a consistent basis with the
operation of such Borrower's business during the immediately preceding fiscal
year and with factors known to exist as of the date of the certificate or
reasonably anticipated to exist during the periods covered by the projections,
and (iii) that the officers signing the certificate have no reason to believe
that the projections are incorrect or misleading in any material respect.

     Section 8.7 Annual Financial Statements. Promptly when available and in any
event not later than 105 days after the end of fiscal year 2005 and 90 days
after the end of each other fiscal year (or such shorter period as may be
required by the SEC for the filing of annual reports on Form 10-K), Borrowers
shall submit to Thayer consolidated financial statements including a balance
sheet and related statements of income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for
the year then ended, all on a consolidated basis, and setting forth in
comparative form, the figures for the previous fiscal year. All of the foregoing
annual financial statements must be audited in accordance with United States
generally accepted auditing standards by an independent certified public
accounting firm reasonably acceptable to Thayer and shall be prepared and
presented in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, on a consolidated basis,
and shall be accompanied by an audit report of Borrowers' independent certified
public accountants.

     Section 8.8 Management Reports; Changes to Applicable Agreements. Borrowers
shall furnish to Thayer promptly on receipt copies of all management letters and
any other material reports provided by Borrowers' independent accountants. In
addition, promptly upon execution thereof, each Borrower will deliver to Thayer
a true and correct copy of any and all amendments, restatements, replacements,
extensions, supplements or other modifications of any Applicable Agreement as
Thayer deems necessary.

     Section 8.9 Comparisons to Financials; Certificates. With each monthly or
annual financial statement submitted by Borrowers to Thayer under Sections 8.5
and 8.7, each Borrower will deliver to Thayer a comparison prepared by such
Borrower of the projected financial position and results of operations of such
Borrower provided for in Section 8.6 with the actual financial position and
results of operations of such Borrower for the applicable period and an
explanation of any material variations between them. Each Borrower shall also
furnish Thayer together with all materials required pursuant to Sections 8.5,
8.6, and 8.7, a certificate signed by the chief financial officer of such
Borrower in the form of Exhibit E, together with detailed computations
(acceptable to Thayer) showing the calculation of the actual reported levels for
each of the Financial Covenants (as defined in Section 10.28).


                                       21

<PAGE>

     Section 8.10 Tax Returns; Additional Information. Promptly upon Thayer's
request after Borrowers have filed their tax returns with each applicable
Governmental Authority, each Borrower shall deliver to Thayer a copy of all
federal (and at Thayer's request all state and local) income tax returns and
schedules, and any related extensions, filed by such Borrower in respect of each
taxable year ending on and after December 31, 2005. Each Borrower shall furnish
all other tax and financial information as Thayer may reasonably request from
time to time.

     Section 8.11 SEC Filings and Press Releases. (i) Promptly after the filing
or delivery thereof, Suntron shall furnish to Thayer copies of all financial
information, proxy materials, notices, registration statements, prospectuses,
press releases and reports, if any, which Suntron or any of its Subsidiaries
shall publicly file with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any successor
thereto (the "SEC"), deliver to holders (or any trustee, agent or other
representative therefor) of its Indebtedness pursuant to the terms of the
documentation governing such Indebtedness, or otherwise make available to the
public.

          (ii) On or prior to the dates by which Suntron, or any of its
     Subsidiaries, is required to file annual reports, quarterly reports and
     other documents with the SEC pursuant to Section l3(a) or 15(d) of the
     Securities Exchange Act, or any successor provision thereto, Suntron, or
     the applicable Subsidiary, shall furnish to Thayer copies of such reports
     and documents as filed with the SEC.

     Section 8.12 Consolidating Financial Information. Within a reasonable time
following request by Thayer, the Borrowers will deliver to Thayer consolidating
reports (in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Thayer) relating to any
of the consolidated financial information (other than statements of cash flows)
and other consolidated reports and listings delivered pursuant to this Article
VIII.

                                   ARTICLE IX

                  WARRANTIES AND REPRESENTATIONS AND COVENANTS.

In order to induce the Lenders to enter into this Agreement and to make the
Loans hereunder, each Borrower warrants, represents and covenants that, as of
the date hereof and until the Obligations (other than contingent Obligations
relating to indemnities that survive repayment of the Loans, so long as no claim
has been asserted with respect to any such contingent Obligation) are fully
paid, performed and satisfied, the representations, warranties and covenants set
forth in this Section 9 are and shall remain true.

     Section 9.1 Corporate Status. Each Borrower (i) is duly organized and is
and shall remain validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its
state of organization, and is and shall remain qualified to do business as a
foreign corporation under the laws of the jurisdictions listed on Schedule 9.1
and under the laws of each other jurisdiction in which the failure to be so
qualified and in good standing would have a Material Adverse Effect, and (ii)
has and shall maintain all requisite power and authority, corporate or
otherwise, to conduct its business, to own its property, to execute, deliver and
perform all of its obligations under this Agreement and each of the other Loan
Documents, and to grant the Liens on the Loan Collateral provided by it. No
Borrower is (a) an "investment company", (b) an "investment adviser", (c) a
company "controlled"


                                       22

<PAGE>

by an "investment company" as such terms are defined in the Investment Company
Act of 1940, as amended, or (d) a "holding company" as that term is defined in,
nor is any Borrower otherwise subject to regulation under, the Public Utility
Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended.

     Section 9.2 Due Authorization; Validity. The signing and delivery of the
Loan Documents, the performance by each Borrower of its Obligations under the
Loan Documents, and the grant of the Liens on or security interests in, the Loan
Collateral provided by each Borrower has been duly authorized by all requisite
corporate or other action of such Borrower. This Agreement and each of the other
Loan Documents have been duly executed and delivered by such Borrower, and each
will constitute, upon the due execution and delivery thereof, the legal, valid,
and binding obligations of such Borrower enforceable in accordance with their
respective terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization or similar laws affecting creditors' rights
generally.

     Section 9.3 No Violation. The execution, delivery and performance by each
Borrower of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and the grant of the
Liens on or security interests in the Loan Collateral provided by such Borrower,
do not and will not (i) constitute a violation of any applicable law, (ii)
constitute a breach of any provision contained in any Borrower's Articles of
Incorporation, Articles of Organization, Certificate of Partnership, By-Laws,
Operating Agreement, LLC Agreement, Partnership Agreement or any governing or
other organization documents of any Borrower or contained in any order of any
court or other Governmental Authority or in any Applicable Agreement, or (iii)
result in the creation or imposition of any Lien on any Borrower's properties
(other than to Thayer).

     Section 9.4 Use of Loan Proceeds. Each Borrower's uses of the proceeds of
the Loans to such Borrower pursuant to this Agreement are, and will continue to
be, legal and proper uses (duly authorized by such Borrower's Board of Directors
or general partner). Such uses do not and shall not violate any applicable laws
or statutes as in effect as of the date hereof or hereafter. The Loans are not
and shall not be secured, directly or indirectly, by any stock for the purpose
of purchasing or carrying any margin stock or for any purpose which would
violate either Regulation U, 12 C.F.R. Part 221, or Regulation X, 12 C.F.R. Part
224, promulgated by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

     Section 9.5 Management Ownership of Assets; Licenses; Patents. Each
Borrower employs and shall continue to employ active, full-time, professional
management adequate to handle its affairs, and each Borrower has, and will
continue to have, adequate employees, assets, governmental approvals, licenses,
permits, patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade names to continue to conduct
its business as heretofore and hereafter conducted by it, and all patents,
registered copyrights, trademarks and trade names and all material licenses
(other than commercial software licenses in the ordinary course of business)
(whether as licensor or licensee) of any patents, trademarks, and copyrights
owned or claimed by any Borrower existing as of the Closing Date are described
in Schedule 9.5.

     Section 9.6 Indebtedness. No Borrower has any Indebtedness except for (i)
Indebtedness identified on Schedule 10.10, (ii) the Obligations, (iii)
Indebtedness (a) which is unsecured, (b) which is not for borrowed money, (c)
which has been incurred in the ordinary course of business, (d) which is not
otherwise prohibited under any provision of this Agreement, and (e) the


                                       23

<PAGE>

nonpayment of or other default under which would not have a Material Adverse
Effect, and (iv) other Indebtedness permitted to be incurred or paid by
Borrowers pursuant to Section 10.10. Except as otherwise set forth or reflected
in the Financials, no Borrower has guaranteed the obligations of any Person
(except by endorsement of negotiable instruments payable at sight for deposit or
collection or similar banking transactions in the usual course of such
Borrower's business).

     Section 9.7 Title to Property; No Liens. Each Borrower has (i) good and
indefeasible title to, and ownership of, all of its personal property, including
the Loan Collateral provided by it and (ii) good and marketable fee simple title
to all of its owned real property, in each case free and clear of all Liens
except to the extent of Permitted Liens.

     Section 9.8 Restrictions; Labor Disputes; Labor Contracts. Except as
described in Schedule 9.8, no Borrower is a party or subject to, any charge,
corporate restriction, judgment, decree or order, for which such Borrower's
compliance or non-compliance could reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect. Except as described on Schedule 9.8, no Borrower is (i) a party
to any written employment contract or labor contract or (ii) the subject of any
labor dispute. No collective bargaining agreement or other labor contract
identified on Schedule 9.8 is scheduled to expire during the term of this
Agreement except as described on Schedule 9.8. No union or other labor
organization is seeking to organize, or to be recognized as, a collective
bargaining unit of employees of any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or for
any similar purpose. To each Borrower's knowledge no key employee of any
Borrower is subject to any agreement in favor of anyone other than Borrower
which restricts or limits that individual's right to engage in the type of
business activity conducted by such Borrower in any manner which could
materially impair the ability of such individual to carry out his or her duties
with such Borrower or to use any property or confidential information or which
grants to any Person, other than such Borrower, any rights to inventions or
other ideas susceptible to legal protection developed or conceived by any such
key employee of such Borrower.

     Section 9.9 No Violation of Law. Except as described on Schedule 9.9, no
Borrower is in violation of any applicable statute, regulation or ordinance of
any Governmental Authority (including any Environmental Law), which violation
could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. All Inventory
manufactured and produced by each Borrower has been manufactured and produced in
compliance with all applicable requirements of Sections 6, 7 and 12 of the Fair
Labor Standards Act, as amended, and all regulations and orders of the United
States Department of Labor, except to the extent any non-compliance could not
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

     Section 9.10 Hazardous Substances. Except as described on Schedule 9.10,
(i) no investigations, inquiries, orders, hearings, actions or other proceedings
by or before any Governmental Authority are pending or, to the knowledge of any
Borrower, threatened in connection with any Environmental Activity or alleged
Environmental Activity; (ii) no Hazardous Substances have been released by
Borrower or to the Borrower's knowledge by a third party in such manner or
quantity as may reasonably be expected to or in fact does (a) violate any
applicable Environmental Law or (b) materially and adversely affect the value of
any Borrower's Facility; (iii) the Use of any Borrower's property does not
violate any applicable Environmental Requirements; (v) to each Borrower's
knowledge, none of Borrower's Facilities prior to when the applicable


                                       24

<PAGE>

Borrower has owned or leased them has been used for the disposal of Hazardous
Substances or was the site of any Release of Hazardous Substances in violation
of any Environmental Laws; (vi) none of the business operations of any Borrower
have contaminated the lands, waters or other property of others with Hazardous
Substances in violation of Environmental Laws; (vii) to Borrower's knowledge, no
underground or above ground storage tank (regardless of contents) has been in
the past, or is now, located on, at or beneath any Borrower's Facility; and
(viii) none of Borrower's Facilities since the applicable Borrower has owned or
leased them has been used by any Borrower for the production, treatment,
storage, generation, disposal or Release of any Hazardous Substance other than
in accordance with applicable Environmental Laws.

     Section 9.11 Absence of Default. No Borrower is in default under any
Applicable Agreement and has not received any notice of breach, termination or
acceleration or demand for adequate assurances under any Applicable Agreement,
except to the extent such default, breach, termination, acceleration or demand
could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

     Section 9.12 Accuracy of Financials; No Material Changes. The Financials
(i) have been prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied and are
true, correct and complete in all material respects and (ii) fairly present each
Borrower's assets, liabilities and financial condition and results of operations
and those of such other Persons described therein as of the date thereof
(subject to normal year-end adjustments and the lack of footnotes in the case of
monthly or pro forma Financials). There are no omissions from the Financials or
other facts or circumstances not reflected in the Financials which are or may be
material, and there has been no material and adverse change in any Borrower's
assets, liabilities or financial condition since the date of the Financials nor
has there been any material damage to or loss of any Borrower's assets or
properties since such date, except for any impact resulting from the sale of the
Sugar Land, Texas real property. No Borrower's outstanding advances to any
Person constitute any equity or long term investment in any Person which is not
reflected in the Financials. Each Borrower's fiscal year is from January 1 to
December 31.

     Section 9.13 Pension Plans. Except as described on Schedule 9.13, neither
any Borrower nor any Controlled Group member has ever sponsored, maintained, or
contributed (or become obligated to sponsor, maintain, or contribute) to a
Pension Plan subject to Title IV of ERISA. Neither any Borrower nor any
Controlled Group member has ever sponsored, maintained, or contributed (or
become obligated to sponsor, maintain, or contribute) to any "multiemployer
plan" (as defined in ERISA). No "prohibited transaction," or "reportable event",
as those terms are defined by ERISA, has occurred or is continuing as to any
Pension Plan of any Borrower or any Controlled Group member, which poses a
threat of the imposition of taxes or penalties against such Pension Plans (or
trusts related thereto), any Borrower or any Controlled Group member, the
imposition or payment of which could have a Material Adverse Effect. Each
Pension Plan that is intended to meet the requirements of qualified pension
benefit plans under Sections 401(a) and 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code has
received a current favorable determination letter to that effect under the
Internal Revenue Code, or a favorable determination letter is currently pending,
and neither any Borrower nor, to each Borrower's knowledge (after making due
inquiries), any Controlled Group member has violated such requirements with
respect to any Pension Plan.


                                       25

<PAGE>

     Section 9.14 Taxes and Other Charges. Each Borrower has filed all federal,
state and local tax returns and other reports which it is required by law to
file. All of such tax returns and reports accurately and properly reflect the
taxes due for the periods covered thereby. Except as described on Schedule 9.14,
each Borrower has paid all taxes, assessments and other similar charges that are
due and payable except for any such taxes, assessments or charges which are
being contested in good faith in accordance with the terms of Section 10.9.
Except as disclosed on Schedule 9.14, each Borrower has withheld all employee
and similar taxes which it is required by law to withhold and has maintained
adequate reserves for the payment of all taxes and similar charges. Except as
described on Schedule 9.14, no tax Liens have been filed with respect to any
Borrower and, to the knowledge of each Borrower, no claims are being asserted
with respect to any such taxes, assessments or charges (and no basis exists for
any such claims). There are not in effect any waivers of applicable statutes of
limitations for federal, foreign, state or local taxes for any period. No
Borrower is a party to any tax-sharing agreement or arrangement.

     Section 9.15 No Litigation. Except as described on Schedule 9.15, there is
not, as of the Closing Date, any litigation, action or proceeding pending (with
respect to which process has been served) or, to any Borrower's knowledge,
overtly threatened, against any Borrower.

     Section 9.16 No Brokerage Fee. No brokerage, finder's or similar fee or
commission is due to any Person by reason of any Borrower entering into this
Agreement or by reason of any of the transactions contemplated hereby, and each
Borrower shall indemnify and hold Thayer and the Lenders harmless from all such
fees and commissions. Except as provided for in the fee letter between the
Borrowers and the Senior Agent, no Borrower is responsible to pay any brokerage,
finder's or similar fee or commission to any Person by reason of Senior Agent's
entering into the Senior Credit Agreement

     Section 9.17 Subsidiaries and Affiliates. All Persons who are Subsidiaries
or Affiliates of any Borrower are identified in Schedule 9.17. Except as set
forth on Schedule 9.17, no Subsidiary or Affiliate of any Borrower (i) sells or
leases any goods or real property to any Borrower, (ii) sells any services to
any Borrower, (iii) purchases or leases any goods or real property, or purchases
any services from any Borrower, or (iv) is a party to any contract or commitment
with any Borrower.

     Section 9.18 Capitalization; Warrants. Schedule 9.18 sets forth the number
of shares of Capital Stock of each Borrower which are authorized and the number
of such shares which are outstanding. Each outstanding share of Capital Stock is
a common share and is duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable. Set forth in Schedule 9.18 is a complete and accurate list of all
Persons who are record and beneficial owners of 20% or more of the Capital Stock
of each Borrower and of Thayer-Blum Funding III, LLC. All warrants,
subscriptions, options, instruments, rights and agreements under which any
shares of Capital Stock of any Borrower are or may be redeemed, retired,
converted, encumbered, bought, sold or issued are described in Schedule 9.18.

     Section 9.19 Noncompetition Agreements. No Borrower is subject to any
contract or agreement containing a covenant not to compete in any line of
business with any Person.

     Section 9.20 Deposit and Other Accounts. All of the accounts maintained by
each Borrower with any bank, brokerage house or other financial institution are
set forth in Schedule


                                       26

<PAGE>

9.20, and none of such other accounts (other than accounts designated as
"Payroll Accounts" or "Disbursement Accounts") is subject to withdrawal other
than by transfers of amounts therein to the Locked Box or the Special Account
(as such terms are defined in the Senior Credit Agreement).

     Section 9.21 Solvency. Each Borrower and each of its Affiliates (exclusive
of such Borrower's officers, stockholders and directors), as the case may be,
will be Solvent after (i) receipt and application of the Loans in accordance
with the terms of this Agreement, (ii) the execution and delivery of this
Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which any of them is a party, and
(iii) the filing of any financing statements or other perfecting notices or
actions in connection with this Agreement.

     Section 9.22 Full Disclosure. No representation or warranty made by any
Borrower or any of its Affiliates, as the case may be, in this Agreement, any
other Loan Document to which it is a party, or in any other document furnished
from time to time in connection herewith or therewith contains or will contain
at the time such representation is made or such document furnished, any untrue
statement of a material fact or omits or will omit to state any material fact
necessary to make the statements herein or therein not misleading.

     Section 9.23 Casualties. Neither the business nor the properties of any
Borrower are affected by any fire, explosion, accident, drought, storm, hail,
earthquake, embargo, act of God or of the public enemy or other casualty loss
(whether or not covered by insurance) which may have a Material Adverse Effect.

     Section 9.24 Leases; Bailments. Except as listed on Schedule 9.24, no
Borrower is a party to any lease, assignment, sublease, or other agreement
relating to any real property or leasehold interest in real property, or any
material equipment or other material personal property. Schedule 9.24 correctly
sets forth each lease, assignment, sublease and other agreement, existing as of
the Closing Date, to which any Borrower is a party relating to (i) any real
property or leasehold interest in real property or (ii) any material equipment
or other material personal property, together with the legal name of the Person
that owns the lessor's or assignor's interest under each such lease, assignment,
sublease or other agreement. Schedule 9.24 also correctly sets forth each
warehouse and other location (including street address, city and state) at which
Inventory of any Borrower is held, stored, maintained or controlled by any
Person other than a Borrower, together with the legal name of the Person that
holds, stores, maintains or controls Inventory of the applicable Borrower at
each such location; provided, however, that locations at which Inventory of
anyone or more of the Borrowers valued at less than $50,000 in the aggregate is
held, stored, maintained or controlled are not required to be disclosed on
Schedule 9.24.

     Section 9.25 Insurance Policies. Schedule 9.25 correctly sets forth all of
the insurance policies maintained by each Borrower, including the carriers
thereof, and the types of coverage and insured amounts covered thereby.

     Section 9.26 Consents. No authorization or approval or other action by, and
no notice to or filing with, any Governmental Authority or any other Person is
required for the due execution, delivery and performance by any Borrower of any
Loan Document to which it is or will be a party.


                                       27

<PAGE>

     Section 9.27 Anti-Terrorism Laws. Neither any Borrower nor any Subsidiary
or Affiliate of any Borrower is in violation of any Anti-Terrorism Law or
engages in or conspires to engage in any transaction that evades or avoids, or
has the purpose of evading or avoiding, or attempts to violate, any of the
prohibitions set forth in any Anti-Terrorism Law. Neither any Borrower nor any
Subsidiary or Affiliate of any Borrower or, to the knowledge of each Borrower,
their respective agents acting or benefiting in any capacity in connection with
the Loans or other transactions hereunder, is a Blocked Person. Neither any
Borrower nor, to the knowledge of each Borrower, any of its agents acting in any
capacity in connection with the Loans or other transactions hereunder (i)
conducts any business or engages in making or receiving any contribution of
funds, goods or services to or for the benefit of any Blocked Person, or (ii)
deals in, or otherwise engages in any transaction relating to, any property or
interests in property blocked pursuant to the Executive Order No. 13224.

     Section 9.28 Updating Representations and Warranties. To the extent
necessary to cause the representations and warranties set forth in this Article
IX to remain true, complete and accurate as of the date hereof and as of each
day on which a Loan is made hereunder, each Borrower shall update in writing any
Schedules or Exhibits provided for in this Article IX promptly upon learning of
any circumstance which may have the effect of making any such representation or
warranty contained in this Article IX untrue or misleading. The requirement of
each Borrower to update any Schedule or Exhibit provided for herein is not, and
may not be construed to be, a cure of any Default or Event of Default occurring
prior to any such update or existing at the time of any such update without the
written waiver of such Default or Event of Default by the Lenders or Thayer with
the consent of the Lenders as provided herein.

                                   ARTICLE X

                                   COVENANTS.

Until the Obligations (other than contingent Obligations relating to indemnities
that survive repayment of the Loans, so long as no claim has been asserted with
respect to any such contingent Obligation) are fully paid, performed and
satisfied, each Borrower will observe, perform, and comply with each of the
covenants set forth below in this Article X.

     Section 10.1 Reserved.

     Section 10.2 Notice of Litigation. Each Borrower will notify Thayer in
writing, promptly on such Borrower's learning thereof, of any litigation, suit
or administrative proceeding which could reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect, whether or not the claim is considered by such Borrower
to be covered by insurance.

     Section 10.3 Notice of ERISA Events. Each Borrower will notify Thayer in
writing (i) at least 10 days prior to the adoption by such Borrower or any
Controlled Group member of any Pension Plan subject to Title IV of ERISA; (ii)
promptly on the occurrence of any Reportable Event, and (iii) 90 days prior to
any termination, partial termination or merger of a Pension Plan or a transfer
of a Pension Plan's assets.


                                       28
<PAGE>

     Section 10.4 Notice of Labor Disputes. Each Borrower will notify Thayer in
writing (i), promptly upon such Borrower's learning thereof, of (a) any labor
dispute to which such Borrower may become a party and which could reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect or (b) any strikes, walkouts, or
lockouts relating to any of its plants or other facilities, and (ii) the
entering into of any labor contract relating to any of its plants or other
facilities.

     Section 10.5 Compliance with Laws. Each Borrower will comply with the
requirements of all applicable laws, statutes, regulations, rules or ordinances
of any Governmental Authority, the noncompliance with which could reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

     Section 10.6 Notice of Violations of Law, Tax Assessments. Each Borrower
will notify Thayer in writing, promptly upon such Borrower's learning thereof,
of any violation of any law, statute, regulation, rule or ordinance of any
Governmental Authority, and of the imposition of any federal, state or local tax
withholding or assessment, applicable to such Borrower, the violation or
imposition of which would have a Material Adverse Effect. Each Borrower will (i)
upon Thayer's request, provide Thayer with copies of all communications between
such Borrower and any Governmental Authorities which relate to violations of
Environmental Law; and (ii) notify Thayer promptly after confirming the Release
of any Hazardous Substances on Borrower's property that would have a Material
Adverse Effect.

     Section 10.7 Notice of Violations of Certain Agreements. Each Borrower will
notify Thayer in writing, within five Business Days after the earlier of when
such Borrower learns, or is notified of the occurrence, of any material breach
by such Borrower of, a notice of termination or acceleration, or any demand for
adequate assurances under, any Applicable Agreement.

     Section 10.8 Notice of Customer Defaults. Each Borrower will notify Thayer
in writing, promptly upon such Borrower's learning thereof, of any default by
any obligor under any material note or other evidence of debt payable to such
Borrower or of anything which could reasonably be expected to have a material
adverse effect on the ability of any obligor of such Borrower to pay any
Indebtedness owing to such Borrower.

     Section 10.9 Taxes and Charges. Each Borrower will (i) file all federal,
state and local tax returns and other reports which it is required by law to
file, (ii) pay all taxes, assessments and other similar charges that are due and
payable, (iii) withhold all employee and similar taxes which it is required by
law to withhold, and (iv) maintain adequate reserves for the payment of all
taxes and similar charges; provided, however, that no such taxes, assessments or
charges need be paid during such period as they are being contested in good
faith by the applicable Borrower, in appropriate proceedings promptly commenced
and diligently prosecuted, if adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP have
been set aside on such Borrower's books, and the continuance of any such contest
does not (a) result in any part of the Loan Collateral or any other property of
such Borrower being made the subject of (1) any proceeding in foreclosure, (2)
any levy or execution (which shall not have been stayed or dismissed), or (3)
any seizure or other loss and (b) prevent Thayer from having a perfected second
priority security interest in, or as applicable, mortgage Lien on, the Loan
Collateral; and provided, further, that such Borrower will promptly pay such
tax, assessment or charge when the dispute is finally settled.

     Section 10.10 Indebtedness; Guaranties.


                                       29

<PAGE>

          (i) No Borrower will incur any Indebtedness other than the
     Obligations, the Senior Debt and:

               (a) existing Indebtedness identified on Schedule 10.10;

               (b) Indebtedness (1) which is unsecured, (2) which is not for
          borrowed money, or the issuance of any letter of credit, acceptance
          transaction, or similar credit instrument or facility, (3) which is
          incurred in the ordinary course of business, (4) which is not
          otherwise prohibited under any provision of this Agreement, and (5)
          the incurrence of which would not have a Material Adverse Effect;

               (c) Indebtedness in respect of taxes, assessments or governmental
          charges to the extent that payment thereof shall not at the time be
          required to be made in accordance with the provisions of Section 10.9;

               (d) Indebtedness in respect of judgments or awards which (1) have
          been vacated, discharged or stayed within forty five (45) days of the
          entry thereof or have been in force for less than the applicable
          appeal period so long as execution is not levied thereunder (or in
          respect of which (A) the applicable Borrower shall at the time in good
          faith be prosecuting an appeal or proceedings for review and (B) a
          stay of execution shall have been obtained pending such appeal or
          review), and (2)(A) are not, in the aggregate, in an amount in excess
          of $550,000 (and individually in excess of $275,000) of any available
          insurance coverage, as determined by Thayer in its discretion
          exercised in good faith, in effect to satisfy such judgments or award
          for which the insurer has admitted in writing its liability for the
          full amount thereof and (B) do not have a Material Adverse Effect
          (regardless of monetary amount or insurance coverage);

               (e) Indebtedness under capitalized leases or purchase money
          financing if (1) such Indebtedness is not secured by any of the Loan
          Collateral other than the property so acquired and any identifiable
          proceeds; (2) any Liens relating to such Indebtedness do not extend to
          or cover any property of any Borrower other than the property so
          acquired and any identifiable proceeds therefrom; (3) the principal
          amount of such capitalized lease or purchase money Indebtedness will
          not, at the time of the incurrence thereof, exceed the value of the
          property so acquired; and (4) the total amount of such Indebtedness
          during any period does not exceed the maximum amount permitted during
          such period for capital expenditures pursuant to Section 1 of Schedule
          10.28; and

               (f) other Indebtedness not in excess of $55,000 in the aggregate
          outstanding at any one time;

provided, that no Indebtedness otherwise permitted under this Section 10.10 to
be incurred shall be permitted to be incurred if, after giving effect to the
incurrence thereof, any Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing.

          (ii) No Borrower will guaranty or enter into any agreements of
     guaranty or indemnity of the obligations of any Person, except (A) by
     endorsement of negotiable


                                       30

<PAGE>

     instruments payable at sight for deposit or collection or similar banking
     transactions in the usual course of the applicable Borrower's business, and
     (B) guarantees by one Borrower of Indebtedness permitted under subpart (i)
     of this Section 10.10 that is owed by another Borrower.

     Section 10.11 Restrictions; Labor Disputes. No Borrower will (a) become a
party or subject to any charge, corporate restriction, judgment, decree or order
or any labor dispute or enter into any contract, agreement or arrangement which,
in any case, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, or
(b) enter into or become subject to any collective bargaining agreement or
similar labor contract which is scheduled to expire during the term of this
Agreement, or which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect.

     Section 10.12 Pension Plans. No Borrower will, and will not allow any
Controlled Group member to, permit any Reportable Event or "prohibited
transaction" (as defined by ERISA) for which no statutory or class exemption
exists under Sections 407 or 408 of ERISA or Sections 4975(c)(2) or 4975(d) of
the Internal Revenue Code to occur or to continue as to any Pension Plan of any
Borrower or any Controlled Group member, which poses a threat of (i) termination
of such Pension Plans (or trusts related thereto), which termination could have
a Material Adverse Effect or (ii) the imposition of taxes or penalties against
such Pension Plans (or trusts related thereto), any Borrower, or any Controlled
Group member, the imposition or payment of which could have a Material Adverse
Effect. With respect to each Pension Plan that is intended to meet the
requirements of qualified pension benefit plans under Sections 401(a) and 501(a)
of the Internal Revenue Code, each Borrower and the applicable Controlled Group
members shall continue to maintain the qualified status of such Pension Plans,
and all contributions to Pension Plans which any Borrower or any member of the
Controlled Group is obligated to make shall be timely made when due, unless the
failure to do so would not have a Material Adverse Effect. No Borrower may, and
no Borrower will permit any Controlled Group member to, incur any liability to
the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, the incurrence of which could
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

     Section 10.13 Solvency. Each Borrower will continue to be, and will cause
its Affiliates (other than such Borrower's officers, stockholders or directors)
to continue to be, Solvent.

     Section 10.14 Property Insurance. Each Borrower will insure all of its real
and personal property, including the Loan Collateral provided by each Borrower
against loss or damage by fire, theft, burglary, pilferage, loss in transit and
such other extended coverage hazards as Thayer shall specify in amounts and
under policies by insurers reasonably acceptable to Thayer. Copies of the
policies or a certificate thereof signed by the insurer evidencing that such
insurance coverage is in effect for periods of not less than one year (as
measured from the date of renewal) shall be delivered to Thayer within 5
Business Days after the issuance of the policies to the applicable Borrower and
after each renewal thereof. All premiums thereon shall be paid by each Borrower
when due so as to keep such insurance in full force and effect at all times.
Each such policy shall name Thayer, subordinated to Senior Agent (and no other
party, other than Senior Agent) as loss payee and, as appropriate, mortgagee
under a New York standard mortgagee clause or other similar clause reasonably
acceptable to Thayer and shall provide that such policy may not be amended or
canceled without 30 days prior written notice to Thayer. If any Borrower fails
to do so, Thayer


                                       31

<PAGE>

may (but shall not be required to) procure such insurance and charge the cost to
the Borrowers as part of the Obligations payable on demand and secured by the
Loan Collateral.

     Section 10.15 Liability Insurance. Each Borrower will, at all times,
maintain in full force and effect such liability insurance with respect to its
activities and business interruption, product liability and other insurance as
may be reasonably required by Thayer, such insurance to be provided by
insurer(s) reasonably acceptable to Thayer. Such insurance shall name Thayer,
subordinated to Senior Agent, as an additional insured containing a severability
of interest/cross-liability endorsement acceptable to Thayer.

     Section 10.16 Mergers; Acquisitions. No Borrower will merge or consolidate
or be merged or consolidated with or into any other Person, or otherwise
reorganize, liquidate or wind-up or dissolve itself, provided, however, upon
written consent from the Thayer (which consent shall not be unreasonably
withheld), any Borrower may merge or consolidate with any other Borrower. No
Borrower will (i) purchase or otherwise acquire (a) all or substantially all of
the assets of any Person or the assets comprising any line of business or
business unit or division or (b) any partnership, joint venture or limited
liability company interest in or with any Person or (ii) purchase the securities
of, create, invest in, or form any Person (including a Subsidiary).

     Section 10.17 Investments. No Borrower will, and will not permit any
Subsidiary to, invest in any Person, whether payment therefor is made in cash or
Capital Stock of any Borrower or any Subsidiary of any Borrower, and whether
such investment is by acquisition of Capital Stock or Indebtedness, or by loan,
advance, transfer of property out of the ordinary course of business, capital
contribution, equity or other profit sharing interest, extension of credit on
terms other than those normal in the ordinary course of business or otherwise,
or deposit with a financial institution except the following and after
compliance with the applicable terms of the Borrower Security Agreements (a
"Permitted Investment"): (i) any evidence of indebtedness issued or directly and
fully guaranteed or insured by the United States of America or any agency or
instrumentality thereof (provided that the full faith and credit of the United
States of America is pledged in support thereof) in each case maturing not more
than three months from the date of acquisition thereof; (ii) certificates of
deposit or acceptances of any financial institution that is a member of the
Federal Reserve System having combined capital and surplus and undivided profits
of not less than $500,000,000 in each case maturing not more than three months
from the date of acquisition thereof; and (iii) commercial paper issued by a
corporation that is not an Affiliate of any Borrower and is organized under the
laws of any state of the United States or the District of Columbia and rated at
least A-I by Standard & Poor's Rating Services or at least P-l by Moody's
Investors Services, Inc. in each case maturing not more than three months from
the date of acquisition thereof; and (iv) except as permitted under Section
10.18; provided, that no Permitted Investments under clauses (i), (ii), or (iii)
of this Section 10.17 otherwise permitted under this Section 10.17 may be made
if (a) any Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or is
created thereby or (b) after making the Permitted Investment, any Revolving
Loans or Interim Advances are then outstanding.

     Section 10.18 Distributions; Loans; Fees. No Borrower will (i) declare or
pay cash or stock distributions (including any return of capital) or dividends
upon any Borrower's Capital Stock (including any preferred stock now or
hereafter issued by Borrower), (ii) make any distributions of any Borrower's
assets, (iii) incur, permit, or make any loans, advances or extensions of credit
to any


                                       32

<PAGE>

Person, including any Borrower's Affiliates, officers, employees, or directors,
or (iv) pay any consulting, management or directors' fees to or for the account
of any stockholder, director, officer, or other Affiliate of any Borrower,
except that:

     (a) Borrowers may make advances to their officers and employees with
respect to expenses incurred by those officers and employees which (1) expenses
are (A) ordinary and necessary business expenses and (B) reimbursable by the
applicable Borrower and (2) do not exceed in the aggregate for all Borrowers,
$550,000, outstanding at anyone time;

     (b) EFTC and/or K*TEC may make one or more distributions to Suntron in an
aggregate amount not to exceed $330,000 in any Fiscal Year for the purpose of
funding directors' fees; and

     (c) so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is
continuing, Borrowers may pay the management fees in connection with the
management agreement described on Schedule 9.17 attached hereto (it being
understood and agreed, however, that any management fees that are prohibited
from being paid by reason of the occurrence and continuance of a Default or
Event of Default will continue to accrue and may be collected following the cure
or waiver of such Default or Event of Default).

     Section 10.19 Redemption of Stock. No Borrower will voluntarily or pursuant
to any contractual or other obligations, redeem, retire, purchase, repurchase or
otherwise acquire, directly or indirectly, or exercise any call rights relating
to, any Borrower's Capital Stock or any other securities now or hereafter issued
by any Borrower (including any warrants or options for any Capital Stock of any
Borrower).

     Section 10.20 Stock Rights. Without Thayer's consent (which shall not be
unreasonably withheld), no Borrower will (i) change the rights or obligations
associated with, or the terms of, any class of Capital Stock now issued by any
Borrower or (ii) issue any new class of Capital Stock of any Borrower.

     Section 10.21 Capital Structure; Fiscal Year. No Borrower will make any
change in (i) any Borrower's capital structure or (ii) any Borrower's business
objectives, purposes and operations which might in any way have a Material
Adverse Effect. No Borrower will change such Borrower's fiscal year.

     Section 10.22 Affiliate Transactions. Other than the transactions disclosed
on Schedules 9.17 and 10.22 attached hereto, no Borrower will enter into, or be
a party to, any transaction with any Borrower's Affiliates.

     Section 10.23 Operating Accounts. At all times until the Obligations (other
than contingent Obligations relating to indemnities that survive repayment of
the Loans and termination of the Commitments, so long as no claim has been
asserted with respect to any such contingent Obligation) are fully paid and
satisfied, each Borrower will maintain its primary operating accounts with
Senior Agent.

     Section 10.24 Sale of Assets. No Borrower will sell, lease or otherwise
dispose of or transfer, whether by sale, merger, consolidation, liquidation,
dissolution, or otherwise (including by


                                       33

<PAGE>

a sale-leaseback transaction), any of its assets, including the Loan Collateral
except: (i) the sale of Inventory in the ordinary course of business; however, a
sale in the ordinary course of business will not include a transfer in total or
partial satisfaction of Indebtedness, (ii) the sale of any item of Equipment for
cash in an arm's-length transaction having a fair market value of less than
$550,000, provided that in any 12 month period the total amount of Equipment
sold by Borrowers may not exceed an aggregate fair market value equal to
$2,200,000, and (iii) the sale of the undeveloped land in Sugar Land, Texas. All
of the proceeds from any disposition of any Equipment and the sale of the
undeveloped Sugar Land, Texas property will be delivered to Senior Agent to be
applied by Senior Agent in accordance with the terms of the Senior Credit
Agreement.

     Section 10.25 Intervention by Governmental Authority. No Borrower will
permit to occur any seizure by, or the vesting of or intervention by or under
the jurisdiction of, any Governmental Authority by which Borrower's management
is displaced or its authority in the conduct of its business is materially
curtailed.

     Section 10.26 Levy Against Loan Collateral. No Borrower will permit (i) any
attachment or distraint of any of the Loan Collateral to occur or (ii) any of
the Loan Collateral to become subject, at any time, to any mandatory court order
or other legal process, except to the extent such attachment, distraint, order
or process relates solely to Loan Collateral which has an aggregate value of
$110,000 or less.

     Section 10.27 Judgments. No Borrower will permit any judgment or award to
be rendered against it (i)(a) in excess of $330,000 (or any number of judgments
or awards in excess of $825,000 in the aggregate) of any available insurance
coverage, as determined by Thayer in its discretion exercised in good faith, in
effect to satisfy such judgments or award for which the insurer has admitted in
writing its liability for the full amount thereof or (b) which has a Material
Adverse Effect (regardless of monetary amount or insurance coverage), and (ii)
which have not been vacated, discharged or stayed within fifteen (15) days of
the entry thereof.

     Section 10.28 Financial Covenants. Each Borrower will observe, perform and
comply with all of the financial covenants contained in Schedule 10.28
(collectively, the "Financial Covenants").

     Section 10.29 Reserved.

     Section 10.30 Tax Shelter Regulations. No Borrower intends to treat the
Loans and related transactions as being a "reportable transaction" (within the
meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.6011-4). If any Borrower determines to
take any action inconsistent with such intention, it will promptly notify Thayer
thereof. If any Borrower so notifies Thayer, such Borrower acknowledges that
anyone or more of the Lenders may treat its Loans as part of a transaction that
is subject to Treasury Regulation Section 301.6112-1, and such Lender or Lenders
will maintain the lists and other records required by such Treasury Regulation.

     Section 10.31 Limitation on Rate Hedging Agreements. No Borrower will at
any time enter into any Rate Hedging Agreement except those listed on Schedule
10.31 hereof without the consent of the Required Lenders.

     Section 10.32 Anti-Terrorism Laws. No Borrower will, and will not cause or
permit any Subsidiary to, (i) conduct any business or engage in any transaction
or dealing with any Blocked


                                       34

<PAGE>

Person, including the making or receiving any contribution of funds, goods or
services to or for the benefit of any Blocked Person, (ii) deal in, or otherwise
engage in any transaction relating to, any property or interests in property
blocked pursuant to Executive Order No. 13224, or (iii) engage in or conspire to
engage in any transaction that evades or avoids, or has the purpose of evading
or avoiding, or attempts to violate, any of the prohibitions set forth in
Executive Order No. 13224, the USA Patriot Act or any other Anti- Terrorism Law.
Each Borrower shall deliver to Thayer and the Lenders any certification or other
evidence requested from time to time by Thayer or the Lenders in their sole
discretion confirming compliance with this Section 10.32.

     Section 10.33 Further Assurances. Each Borrower will execute and deliver or
cause to be executed and delivered any and all further documents and instruments
and to take any and all further actions as may be reasonably determined by
Thayer to be necessary or appropriate to the transactions contemplated herein or
in the other Loan Documents.

     Section 10.34 Conduct of Business. Neither RodniC LLC nor CathiO LLC shall
conduct any business other than holding a general partnership interest and
limited partnership interest respectively in Suntron GCO. Suntron shall not
conduct any business other than holding the Capital Stock of K*TEC and EFTC, and
in no event shall Suntron request any Loans for its own account or, except to
the extent permitted under Section 10.18(b), be the ultimate recipient (whether
via one or more dividends, distributions, intercompany loans or otherwise) of
any Loan proceeds. In no event shall any Person other than Suntron own any
Capital Stock of K*TEC or EFTC. For purposes of this Section 10.34, "conduct
business" shall include holding any asset and/or incurring any liability (other
than tax liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business).

                                   ARTICLE XI

                               EVENTS OF DEFAULT.

     Section 11.1 Events of Default. (i) Each of the following events, whether
or not caused by or within the control of Borrowers (or any of them), will
constitute an "Event of Default" under this Agreement:

               (a) (1) Any Borrower does not pay, when due, any fees due under
          this Agreement, or (2) Any Borrower does not pay, when due, any
          principal, interest, or other Obligations;

               (b) (1) Any Borrower does not observe, perform, or comply with
          any of the Financial Covenants, (2) any of the Loan Documents cease,
          for any reason, to be in force and effect in all material respects, or
          any Borrower or any other Person which is a party to any of the Loan
          Documents so asserts in writing, (3) any of the Liens (other than
          Liens against Loan Collateral valued at less than $110,000 in the
          aggregate) created by any of the Loan Documents ceases to be
          enforceable in accordance with its terms, or (4) any Loan Document
          ceases to be effective in all material respects to grant perfected
          Liens on the collateral described therein with the priority purported
          or warranted to be created thereby, except to the extent such
          ineffectiveness was caused solely by the act or omission of Thayer;


                                       35

<PAGE>

               (c) Any Borrower does not observe, perform, or comply with any
          term or provision of this Agreement or of any of the other Loan
          Documents to which it is a party (exclusive of those defaults covered
          by the other clauses of this Section 11.1(i));

               (d) Any representation, warranty or statement made by, or on
          behalf of any Borrower, (1) in this Agreement, in connection with this
          Agreement, in connection with any transaction relating to this
          Agreement or in any of the other Loan Documents to which it is a party
          was false in any material respect, in the good faith judgment of
          Thayer, when made or furnished or when treated as being made or
          furnished or (2) to induce the Lenders to make any Loan was false in
          any material respect, in the good faith judgment of Thayer, when made
          or furnished or when treated as being made or furnished;

               (e) Any Borrower: (1) is, as of any date, not Solvent, (2)
          becomes generally unable to pay its debts as they become due, (3)
          makes a general assignment for the benefit of creditors, or (4) calls
          a meeting of creditors for the composition of debts; or the Board of
          Directors, general partner or any other governing body of any Borrower
          (or any committee thereof) adopts a resolution authorizing or has
          otherwise authorized the actions described in subitems (3) or (4) of
          this clause (e);

               (f) (1) There is filed by any Borrower any case, petition,
          proceeding or other action ("Bankruptcy Case") under any existing or
          future bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, liquidation or
          arrangement or readjustment of debt law or any similar existing or
          future law of any applicable jurisdiction ("Insolvency Law"), (2) an
          involuntary Bankruptcy Case ("Involuntary Proceeding") is commenced
          against any Borrower under any Insolvency Law and the Involuntary
          Proceeding is not controverted within 12 days, or is not dismissed
          within 75 days, after the commencement of the Bankruptcy Case, or (3)
          a custodian, receiver, trustee, sequestrator, or agent is appointed or
          authorized to take charge of any Borrower's properties; (the
          occurrence of any event described in the foregoing subparagraphs (i),
          (ii), or (iii), a "Borrower Bankruptcy Event");

               (g) (1) The Required Lenders, in the exercise of their reasonable
          judgment exercised in good faith, determine that there has occurred
          any material and adverse change in the business operations or
          condition, financial or otherwise, of Borrowers taken as a whole or in
          any Borrower's ability to perform any of its payment or other
          Obligations under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents to
          which it is a party or (2) the Required Lenders, in their judgment
          exercised in good faith, determine that there has occurred any
          material and adverse change in the aggregate value of, or Thayer or
          the Lenders' rights or interests in, the Loan Collateral with the
          result that Thayer or the Lenders' security for the Obligations is
          materially diminished;

               (h) There is enacted any legislation (federal, state or local)
          which allows any Person to obtain a Lien on any part of the Loan
          Collateral (other Loan Collateral


                                       36

<PAGE>

          valued at less than $110,000 in the aggregate) which is superior to
          the Liens and interests of Thayer or the Lenders on and in such part
          of the Loan Collateral;

               (i) There occurs an uninsured casualty loss with respect to any
          of the Loan Collateral having an aggregate fair market value of
          greater than $275,000;

               (j) (1) Any default occurs under the payment terms applicable to
          any Indebtedness of any Borrower (excluding the Indebtedness of the
          Borrowers under the Senior Loan Documents) in an aggregate amount
          exceeding $550,000 which represents any borrowing or financing from,
          by or with any Person or (2) there occurs a material breach by any
          Borrower under any Applicable Agreement (other than the ones described
          in subitem (1) of this clause (j) or in clause (r) of this Section
          11.1(i)), the result of which breach is the delivery of a notice of
          acceleration, or the termination of such Applicable Agreement;

               (k) A contribution failure occurs with respect to any Pension
          Plan sufficient to give rise to a Lien under Section 302(f) of ERISA;

               (l) There is instituted against any Borrower any criminal
          proceeding for which forfeiture of any material portion of the Loan
          Collateral is a potential penalty, or any Borrower is enjoined,
          restrained or in any way prevented by order of any Governmental
          Authority from conducting any material part of its business affairs
          and such order is not completely stayed, to the reasonable
          satisfaction of Thayer, or dissolved within twelve (12) Business Days
          from the effective date of such order;

               (m) Except pursuant to an intercompany merger permitted under
          Section 10.16, any Borrower shall voluntarily dissolve or cease to
          exist, or any final and nonappealable order or judgment shall be
          entered against any Borrower decreeing its involuntary dissolution;

               (n) There occurs a Change of Control;

               (o) The audit report required pursuant to Section 8.7 is not an
          unqualified audit report;

               (p) Any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries discovers,
          identifies, is given notice by any Person, or otherwise has knowledge
          of either of the following conditions, which, by itself or in the
          aggregate, will or could reasonably be expected to have a Material
          Adverse Effect: (1) the existence of any Environmental Liability or
          (2) any one or more Releases of Hazardous Substances on, about or
          affecting any Borrower's Facility or any Borrower's or such
          Subsidiary's business operations;

               (q) Reserved;

               (r) Reserved; or

               (s) Reserved.


                                       37

<PAGE>

          (ii) Each Event of Default will be deemed continuing until it is
     waived in writing by, or cured to the written satisfaction of, the Lenders
     in accordance with Section 14.1.

     Section 11.2 Cure Periods.

          (i) Subject to Section 11.2(ii),

               (a) an event or condition of the type described in clause (c) of
          Section 11.1(i) (exclusive of a default arising solely by virtue of
          noncompliance with Sections 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.7, 8.9, or 8.11,
          insofar as insurance coverage is no longer in effect, Sections 10.14
          or 10.15, or Section 10.28) will be considered an Event of Default for
          purposes of Section 12.1 of this Agreement only if the applicable
          Borrower or Borrowers fail(s) to cure the default within forty (40)
          days after the earlier of (1) the date on which the applicable
          Borrower(s) has knowledge of the existence of such event or condition
          or (2) the date on which Thayer notifies such Borrower(s) of the
          existence of such event or condition; however, if a period of cure is
          provided for in any of the other Loan Documents with respect to a
          default under such other Loan Documents, the period of cure set forth
          in this Section 11.2(i)(a) will not be applicable to such default;

               (b) an event or condition of the type described in clause (g) of
          Section 11.1(i) will be considered an Event of Default for purposes of
          Section 12.1 of this Agreement only if (1) Thayer shall have first
          given written notice thereof to Borrowing Agent, and (2) either (A)
          Borrowers shall fail, within twenty (20) days after the delivery of
          such notice from Thayer, to deliver a business plan to Thayer which,
          to the Required Lenders' sole satisfaction, shall provide a reasonably
          acceptable means to cure such default or (B) Borrowers fail to cure
          such default to Required Lenders' sole satisfaction within twenty (20)
          days after Thayer gives Borrowing Agent written approval of such
          business plan. Nothing in this clause (b) of Section 11.2(i), however,
          obligates Required Lenders under any circumstances to (w) support any
          business plan proposed by Borrowers, (x) consider any more than the
          original business plan proposed by Borrowers, or (y) consider any
          business plan proposed by Borrowers if any other Event of Default has
          occurred or then exists; and

               (c) an event or condition of the type described in clause (a)(1)
          of Section 11.1(i) will be considered an Event of Default for purposes
          of Section 12.1 of this Agreement only if the applicable Borrower or
          Borrowers fail(s) to cure the default within five (5) Business Days.

          (ii) Section 11.2(i) will not be applicable with regard to (a) any
     Event of Default which by its nature is not susceptible of cure (including,
     without limitation, any violation of the Financial Covenants), (b) an Event
     of Default if, within the 12 calendar months immediately preceding the
     occurrence of such default, any Borrower has previously breached the same
     provision of this Agreement twice, or (c) any Event of Default, as a result
     of which, the Required Lenders reasonably believe, in good faith, that
     there exists an


                                       38

<PAGE>

     immediate and material risk, threat, or danger to the value of the Loan
     Collateral or the Lenders' interests in the Loan Collateral, or the
     collectibility of the Obligations.

          (iii) Notwithstanding any period of cure as provided in Section
     11.2(i), all of the Lenders' rights and remedies under the Loan Documents
     during the continuance of an Event of Default (subject to Sections 11.2(i)
     and 11.2(ii)), (including, without limitation, the right to assess the
     Default Rate), will, at the Required Lenders' option, be applicable until
     any such Event of Default is cured to the written satisfaction of the
     Lenders in accordance with Section 14.1.

                                   ARTICLE XII

                          LENDERS' RIGHTS AND REMEDIES.

     Section 12.1 Acceleration. Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default, in
addition to all other rights and remedies provided in the Loan Documents or
available at law or in equity, Thayer, without further notice or demand but
subject to Section 11.2,

          (i) may, and will (if requested by the Required Lenders):

               (a) declare the Loans and all other Obligations to be immediately
          due and payable, whereupon the Loans and all other Obligations shall
          be immediately due and payable, and

               (b) reserved.

          (ii) may terminate this Agreement, and

          (iii) will have all rights to realize upon, and exercise the Lenders'
     rights with respect to, the Loan Collateral pursuant to this Agreement and
     the other Loan Documents, and as otherwise provided by applicable law.

     Section 12.2 Fees and Expenses. Each Borrower shall pay to Thayer,
immediately and as part of the Obligations, all reasonable actual out-of-pocket
costs and expenses, including court costs, Attorneys' Fees and costs of sale,
incurred by Thayer or the Lenders in exercising any of its rights or remedies
under the Loan Documents.

     Section 12.3 Reserved.

                                  ARTICLE XIII

                                    RESERVED.

     Section 13.1 Reserved.

     Section 13.2 Reserved.


                                       39

<PAGE>

                                   ARTICLE XIV
                AMENDMENTS; WAIVERS; ASSIGNMENTS; PARTICIPATIONS.

     Section 14.1 Amendments and Waivers.

          14.1.1 Amendments and Waivers. Neither this Agreement, any other Loan
Document, nor any terms of this Agreement or any other Loan Document may be
amended, supplemented or modified except in writing and in accordance with the
provisions of this Section 14.1. Thayer or the Required Lenders may (with the
consent of Thayer) from time to time, (i) enter into with Borrowers written
amendments, supplements or modifications to this Agreement and the other Loan
Documents for the purpose of adding any provisions to this Agreement or the
other Loan Documents or changing in any manner the rights or obligations of the
Lenders or of Borrowers under this Agreement or under any of the other Loan
Documents or (ii) waive at Borrowing Agent's request, on the terms and
conditions as the Required Lenders (with the consent of Thayer) or Thayer, as
the case may be, may specify in the applicable instrument, any of the
requirements of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents or any Default or
Event of Default and its consequences.

          14.1.2 Binding Effect. Any waiver and any amendment, supplement or
modification pursuant to this Section 14.1 will apply to each of the Lenders and
shall be binding on each the Lenders and all future holders of the Obligations,
even if executed solely by Thayer and the Borrowers. Each Lender expressly
agrees that all waivers, amendments, modifications, supplements or any other
changes to the Loan Documents executed by Thayer shall be binding on such
Lender.

          14.1.3 No Waiver. Failure by Thayer or any Lender to exercise any
right, remedy or option under this Agreement or in any Loan Document or delay by
Thayer or any Lender in exercising the same shall not operate as a waiver by
Thayer or any Lender of its right to exercise any such right, remedy or option.

     Section 14.2 Assignment.

          14.2.1 Borrower Assignments. No Borrower may assign, transfer or
otherwise dispose of any of its rights or obligations hereunder or under any
other Loan Document, by operation of law or otherwise without the consent of
Thayer, and any such assignment, transfer or other disposition without the
consent of Thayer shall be void.

          14.2.2 Lender Assignments. Any Lender may, in accordance with the
terms of the Subordination Agreement and applicable law, assign its interests
under this Agreement upon such terms as Thayer shall prescribe, subject to the
terms of the Subordination Agreement and applicable law.

          14.2.3 Benefit; Binding Effect. All of the rights, privileges,
remedies and options given to the Lenders under the Loan Documents shall inure
to the benefit of each Lender's successors and assigns, and all the terms,
conditions, covenants, provisions and warranties herein shall inure to the
benefit of and bind the permitted successors and assigns of each Borrower and
the Lenders, respectively.


                                       40
<PAGE>

     Section 14.3 Reserved.

     Section 14.4 Law Requirements. Nothing in the Loan Documents will prohibit
any Lender from pledging or assigning its interests in the Loans to any Federal
Reserve Bank in accordance with applicable law.

                                   ARTICLE XV

                                    GENERAL.

     Section 15.1 Severability. If any term of this Agreement is found invalid
under Minnesota law or laws of mandatory application by a court of competent
jurisdiction, the invalid term will be considered excluded from this Agreement
and will not invalidate the remaining terms of this Agreement.

     Section 15.2 Governing Law. THIS AGREEMENT HAS BEEN DELIVERED AND ACCEPTED
AT AND SHALL BE DEEMED TO HAVE BEEN MADE AT MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA. THIS
AGREEMENT SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE A CONTRACT MADE UNDER AND GOVERNED BY THE
INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA (WITHOUT REFERENCE TO CONFLICTS OF LAW
PRINCIPLES).

     Section 15.3 WAIVER OF JURISDICTION. AS A SPECIFICALLY BARGAINED INDUCEMENT
FOR THAYER AND THE LENDERS TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND EXTEND CREDIT TO
BORROWERS, EACH BORROWER, THAYER AND THE LENDERS AGREE THAT ANY ACTION, SUIT OR
PROCEEDING IN RESPECT OF OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN
DOCUMENTS, THEIR VALIDITY OR PERFORMANCE, AND WITHOUT LIMITATION ON THE ABILITY
OF THAYER AND THE LENDERS, THEIR SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, TO EXERCISE ALL RIGHTS
AS TO THE LOAN COLLATERAL AND TO INITIATE AND PROSECUTE IN ANY APPLICABLE
JURISDICTION ACTIONS RELATED TO REPAYMENT AND COLLECTION OF THE OBLIGATIONS,
SHALL BE INITIATED AND PROSECUTED AS TO ALL PARTIES AND THEIR SUCCESSORS AND
ASSIGNS AT MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA. EACH BORROWER, THAYER AND THE LENDERS EACH
CONSENT TO AND SUBMIT TO THE EXERCISE OF JURISDICTION OVER ITS PERSON BY ANY
COURT SITUATED AT MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA HAVING JURISDICTION OVER THE SUBJECT
MATTER, AND CONSENTS THAT ALL SERVICE OF PROCESS BE MADE BY CERTIFIED MAIL
DIRECTED TO BORROWING AGENT, THAYER AND THE LENDERS AT THEIR RESPECTIVE
ADDRESSES SET FORTH IN SECTION 15.7 OR AS OTHERWISE PROVIDED UNDER THE LAWS OF
THE STATE OF MINNESOTA. EACH BORROWER, THAYER AND THE LENDERS WAIVE ANY
OBJECTION BASED ON FORUM NON CONVENIENS, AND ANY OBJECTION TO VENUE OF ANY
ACTION INSTITUTED HEREUNDER, AND CONSENT TO THE GRANTING OF SUCH LEGAL OR
EQUITABLE RELIEF AS IS DEEMED APPROPRIATE BY THE COURT.

     Section 15.4 Survival. All of Borrowers' covenants, agreements, and
representations and warranties contained in this Agreement, the other Loan
Documents, and in the certificates or other instruments delivered in connection
herewith and therewith, shall be considered to have been relied


                                       41

<PAGE>

upon by the parties hereto and shall survive the execution, delivery and
acceptance of this Agreement and the making of any Loans, regardless of any
investigation made by any such party or on its behalf and notwithstanding that
Thayer or any Lender may have notice or knowledge of any Default or Event of
Default or incorrect representation or warranty at the time any credit is
extended hereunder, and shall continue in full force and effect until the
Obligations (other than contingent Obligations relating to indemnities that
survive repayment of the Loans, so long as no claim has been asserted with
respect to any such contingent Obligation) are fully performed, paid and
satisfied in full.

     Section 15.5 Application of Payments; Revival of Obligations. Thayer and
the Lenders shall have the continuing right to apply or reverse and reapply any
payments to any portion of the Obligations. To the extent any Borrower makes a
payment or payments to Thayer or any Lender or Thayer or any Lender receives any
payment or proceeds of the Loan Collateral or any other security for Borrowers'
benefit, which payment(s) or proceeds or any part thereof are subsequently
voided, invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside or
required to be repaid to a trustee, receiver or any other party under any
bankruptcy act, state or federal law, common law or equitable cause, then, to
the extent of such payment or proceeds received, the Obligations or part thereof
intended to be satisfied shall be revived and shall continue in full force and
effect, as if such payment or proceeds had not been received.

     Section 15.6 Fees and Expenses.

          (i) Each Borrower jointly and severally agrees to pay or, as
     applicable, reimburse Thayer and each Lender for the following actual
     out-of-pocket costs, fees, expenses and obligations ("Expenses"):

               (a) Borrowers will pay or, as applicable, reimburse Thayer and
          each Lender for all reasonable costs, fees, expenses and obligations
          incurred by Thayer or such Lender, whether a Default or Event of
          Default then exists, in connection with, arising out of, or related
          to: (1) the entering into, negotiation, preparation, closing,
          administration (including amendment, waiver, or other consent with
          respect to) of this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, the
          credit facilities provided hereby, or the exercise of any of the
          rights or remedies of Thayer or the Lenders hereunder and thereunder;
          (2) any Loans made by the Lenders hereunder; (3) any transaction
          contemplated by this Agreement or the other Loan Documents; (4) any
          inspection, audit, appraisal, or verification of the Loan Collateral
          or any Borrower; or (5) any liability under Section 3505 of the
          Internal Revenue Code and all other local, state and federal statutes
          of similar import; and

               (b) Borrowers will pay or, as applicable, reimburse Thayer and
          each Lender for all reasonable costs, fees, expenses and obligations
          incurred by Thayer or such Lender following the occurrence and during
          the continuance of an Event of Default, which are in connection with,
          arise out of, or are related to: (1) enforcing any Obligation or in
          foreclosing against any of the Loan Collateral or exercising,
          enforcing or preserving any other right or remedy available by reason
          of any Event of Default, (2) any refinancing or restructuring of the
          credit arrangements provided under this Agreement in the nature of a
          "work-out" or in any insolvency or


                                       42

<PAGE>

          bankruptcy proceeding, (3) commencing, defending or intervening in any
          litigation or in filing a petition, complaint, answer, motion or other
          pleadings in any legal proceeding relating to any Borrower and related
          to or arising out of the transactions contemplated hereby or by any of
          the Loan Documents, (4) taking any other action in or with respect to
          any suit or proceeding (whether in bankruptcy or otherwise), (5)
          protecting, preserving, collecting, leasing, selling, taking
          possession of, or liquidating any of the Loan Collateral, or (6)
          attempting to enforce or enforcing any Lien on or security interest in
          any of the Loan Collateral or any other rights under the Loan
          Documents.

          (ii) The Expenses (a) will include Attorneys' Fees and fees of other
     professionals, all lien search and title search fees, all filing and
     recording fees and all travel expenses and (b) are part of the Obligations,
     payable upon Thayer's demand, and will be secured by the Loan Collateral.

          (iii) The Obligations described under this Section 15.6 shall survive
     any termination of this Agreement.

     Section 15.7 Notices; Electronic Mail.

          15.7.1 Notice. Any notice required, permitted or contemplated
hereunder shall, except as expressly provided in this Agreement or the other
Loan Documents, be in writing and addressed to the party to be notified at the
address set forth below or at such other address as each party may designate for
itself from time to time by notice hereunder, and shall be deemed validly given
(i) three days following deposit in the U.S. certified mails (return receipt
requested), with proper postage prepaid, or (ii) the next Business Day after
such notice was delivered to a regularly scheduled overnight delivery carrier
with delivery fees either prepaid or an arrangement satisfactory with such
carrier, made for the payment thereof, or (iii) upon receipt of notice given by
facsimile or personal delivery:

     To a Lender: At its address listed on the applicable signature page of this
Agreement

With a copy to: Kirkland & Ellis LLP
                200 East Randolph Drive
                Chicago, Illinois 60601
                Attention: James C. Anderson, Esq.
                Facsimile: 312-660-0891

To Borrowers:   Suntron Corporation
                2401 West Grandview Road
                Phoenix, AZ 85023
                Attention: Thomas B. Sabol, CFO
                Telephone: 602-789-6600
                Facsimile: 602-282-5730

With a copy to: Greenberg Traurig, LLP
                2375 East Camelback Road
                Suite 700


                                       43

<PAGE>

                Phoenix, AZ 85016
                Attention: Jeffrey H. Verbin, Esq.
                Telephone: 602-445-8202
                Facsimile: 602-445-8630

          15.7.2 Electronic Mail. Thayer may, in its discretion, elect, from
time to time, to receive certain routine information, including reports,
otherwise required by the terms of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents
("Reports") from Borrowing Agent via electronic mail transmission ("e-mail").
Thayer will designate from time to time its e-mail address to Borrowing Agent
(the "Thayer E-mail Address"). All e-mail transmissions of Reports from
Borrowing Agent shall contain the information as specified in this Agreement,
shall be formatted or displayed in a manner and order substantially similar to
that shown in this Agreement or otherwise required by Thayer and shall conform
to the specifications described in this Agreement. Borrowing Agent will be
solely responsible for the confidentiality of the contents of e-mail
transmissions during transmission to the Thayer E-mail Address, as Borrowing
Agent acknowledges that none of Thayer or any Lender is responsible for any
compromise of data transmitted across public computer networks or
telecommunications facilities, including the Internet. Borrowing Agent and each
Borrower will be responsible for the accuracy of all information provided to
Thayer via e-mail transmission to the Thayer E-mail Address, and any information
so received by Thayer will be deemed to have been submitted by and received from
Borrowers. In the event of a failure of the transmission of the Reports, it is
the responsibility of Borrower to transmit the contents of any pending
transmission to Thayer using an alternative method which is timely and in
accordance with this Agreement. Each Borrower agrees that, by Borrowing Agent
sending Thayer the Reports via e-mail transmission, each Borrower is certifying
the truthfulness and accuracy of the Reports submitted each and every time
Borrowing Agent sends Thayer the Reports. Each Borrower further agrees that, on
each occasion when Borrowing Agent sends Thayer e-mail transmissions containing
Reports, each Borrower is warranting and representing to Thayer the truthfulness
and accuracy of the representations and warranties relevant to that Report set
forth in the relevant Loan Document. Each Borrower consents to and represents
that it is each Borrower's intent that by Borrowing Agent's insertion of
Borrowing Agent's name in the subject line of the transmitting e-mail, or on the
Reports (including the header and/or the certification line), each Borrower
intends such to constitute a legally binding and enforceable signature of each
Borrower, and in all aspects the legal equivalent of each Borrower's handwritten
signature.

     Section 15.8 Indemnification. In consideration of the execution and
delivery of this Agreement by Thayer and the Lenders and the making of any Loan,
each Borrower hereby indemnifies, exonerates and holds Thayer and the Lenders
and each of their officers, directors, employees, Affiliates, and agents
(collectively the "Indemnified Parties" and, individually, as "Indemnified
Party") free and harmless from and against any and all actions, causes of
action, suits, demands, investigations, obligations, judgments, losses, costs,
liabilities, damages, and expenses (irrespective of whether such Indemnified
Party is a party to the action for which indemnification hereunder is sought),
including Attorneys' Fees and disbursements (the "Indemnified Liabilities"),
which are incurred by, accrued, asserted, made or brought against, charged to,
or recoverable from the Indemnified Parties or any of them as a result of, or
arising out of, or relating to, or as a direct or indirect result of:


                                       44

<PAGE>

          (i) any transaction financed or to be financed in whole or in part or
     directly or indirectly with the proceeds of any Loan;

          (ii) the entering into and performance of this Agreement and the other
     Loan Documents by any of the Indemnified Parties;

          (iii) any breach by Borrowers (or any of them) of any term, provision,
     representation, warranty or covenant of this Agreement or the other Loan
     Documents;

          (iv) any Environmental Law, regardless of whether or not caused by, or
     within the control of, Borrowers (or any of them);

          (v) that certain letter dated March __, 2006 executed by the Thayer
     and addressed to Chicago Title Insurance Company and GSL Industrial
     Partners, L.P. and assigns, or

          (vi) reserved;

except to the extent that the Indemnified Liability is caused by or results from
the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Indemnified Party, as
determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final non-appealable
judgment or order. If and to the extent that the foregoing undertaking may be
unenforceable for any reason, each Borrower hereby agrees to make the maximum
contribution to the payment and satisfaction of each of the Indemnified
Liabilities which is permissible under applicable law, except to the extent that
such Indemnified Liabilities have arisen by reason of an Indemnified Party's
gross negligence or willful misconduct, as determined by a court of competent
jurisdiction in a final non-appealable judgment or order. The Obligations
described under this Section 15.8 will survive any termination of this Agreement
and shall be due and payable on demand.

     Section 15.9 Additional Waivers by Borrowers. Each Borrower waives
presentment and protest of any instrument and notice thereof, and, except as
expressly provided in the Loan Documents, demand, notice of default and all
other notices to which each Borrower might otherwise be entitled. Each Borrower
agrees that no Borrower shall assert any claim against Thayer or any Lender on
any theory of liability for consequential, special, indirect or punitive
damages.

     Section 15.10 Equitable Relief. Each Borrower recognizes that, in the event
any Borrower fails to perform, observe or discharge any of its obligations or
liabilities under this Agreement, any remedy at law may prove to be inadequate
relief to Thayer and the Lenders; therefore, each Borrower agrees that Thayer
and the Lenders, if Thayer and the Lenders so request, shall be entitled to
temporary and permanent injunctive relief in any such case without the necessity
of proving actual damages.

     Section 15.11 Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the other Loan Documents
set forth the entire agreement of the parties with respect to its subject matter
and supersede all previous understandings, written or oral, in respect thereof.
Two or more duplicate originals of this Agreement may be signed by the parties,
each of which shall be an original but all of which together shall constitute
one and the same instrument. Any documents delivered by, or on behalf


                                       45

<PAGE>

of, Borrowers (or any of them) by fax transmission or other electronic delivery
of an image file reflecting the execution hereof: (i) may be relied on by Thayer
and the Lenders as if the document were a manually signed original and (ii) will
be binding on Borrowers for all purposes of the Loan Documents.

     Section 15.12 Headings. Section headings in this Agreement are included for
convenience of reference only and shall not relate to the interpretation or
construction of this Agreement.

     Section 15.13 Cumulative Remedies. The remedies provided in this Agreement
and the other Loan Documents are cumulative and not exclusive of any remedies
provided by law. Exercise of one or more remedy(ies) by Thayer or the Lenders
does not require that all or any other remedy(ies) be exercised and does not
preclude later exercise of the same remedy. If there is any conflict, ambiguity,
or inconsistency, in Thayer's judgment, between the terms of this Agreement or
any of the other Loan Documents, then the applicable terms and provisions, in
Thayer's judgment, providing Thayer and the Lenders with greater rights,
remedies, powers, privileges, or benefits will control.

     Section 15.14 Recourse to Directors or Officers. The obligations of Thayer
and the Lenders under this Agreement are solely the corporate, general
partnership, limited partnership or limited liability company, as applicable,
obligations of Thayer and the Lenders. No recourse shall be had for the payment
of any amount owing in respect to this Agreement or for the payment of any fee
hereunder or for any other obligation or claim arising out of or based upon this
Agreement against any stockholder, employee, officer, general partner, limited
partner, member, manager or director of Thayer and the Lenders.

     Section 15.15 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. AS A SPECIFICALLY BARGAINED INDUCEMENT
FOR THAYER AND THE LENDERS TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND EXTEND CREDIT TO THE
BORROWERS, THE BORROWERS, THAYER AND THE LENDERS EACH WAIVE TRIAL BY JURY WITH
RESPECT TO ANY ACTION, CLAIM, SUIT OR PROCEEDING IN RESPECT OF OR ARISING OUT OF
THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS OR THE CONDUCT OF THE RELATIONSHIP
BETWEEN OR AMONG THAYER, THE LENDERS AND BORROWER.

     Section 15.16 PATRIOT ACT NOTICE. To help the government fight the funding
of terrorism and money laundering activities, federal law requires all financial
institutions to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each
party who opens an account. Thayer will ask each party to a financial
transaction their name, address and other information that will allow Thayer to
identify such party. Thayer may also ask to see other documents that
substantiate a party's identity.

     Section 15.17 Advertising. Subject to Borrowing Agent's approval, which
will not be unreasonably withheld, each Borrower hereby authorizes and permits
Thayer to use any Borrower's name and logo, and to disclose Borrowers'
transaction hereunder, in connection with any advertising program to be
conducted by Thayer (which program may include so called "tombstone"
advertisements, in various formats, in one or more publications selected by
Thayer). Each Borrower agrees that Thayer, its affiliates and advertising agent,
and their respective employees,


                                       46

<PAGE>

shall have no liability to any Borrower in connection with any use or disclosure
approved by the Borrowing Agent pursuant to the preceding sentence.

      [Remainder of page intentionally left blank; signature page follows]


                                       47

<PAGE>

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed by the parties
hereto as of the day and year first above written.

                                        BORROWER AND BORROWING AGENT:

                                        EFTC OPERATING CORP.,
                                        a Delaware corporation


                                        By:
                                            ------------------------------------
                                        Name: James A. Doran
                                        Title: Vice President


                                        OTHER BORROWERS

                                        K*TEC OPERATING CORP.,
                                        a Delaware Corporation


                                        By:
                                            ------------------------------------
                                        Name: James A. Doran
                                        Title: Vice President


                                        SUNTRON GCO, L.P.,
                                        a Texas limited partnership

                                        By: RodniC LLC, a Texas limited
                                            liability company, its General
                                            Partner


                                        By:
                                            ------------------------------------
                                        Name: James A. Doran
                                        Title: Chief Accounting Officer


                                        SUNTRON CORPORATION,
                                        a Delaware corporation


                                        By:
                                            ------------------------------------
                                        Name: Thomas B. Sabol
                                        Title: Chief Financial Officer

<PAGE>

                                        SUNTRON-IOWA, INC.,
                                        a Delaware corporation


                                        By:
                                            ------------------------------------
                                        Name: James A. Doran
                                        Title: Vice President


                                        CURRENT ELECTRONICS, INC.,
                                        a Oregon corporation


                                        By:
                                            ------------------------------------
                                        Name: James A. Doran
                                        Title: Vice President


                                        RM ELECTRONICS, INC.,
                                        a New Hampshire corporation


                                        By:
                                            ------------------------------------
                                        Name: James A. Doran
                                        Title: Vice President


                                        SUNTRON-KANSAS, INC.,
                                        a Delaware corporation


                                        By:
                                            ------------------------------------
                                        Name: James A. Doran
                                        Title: Vice President

<PAGE>

                                        LENDER:

                                        THAYER EQUITY INVESTORS IV, L.P.

                                        By: TC Equity Partners IV, L.L.C.,
                                            its general partner

                                        By: Thayer Management Partners, L.L.C.,
                                            its managing member


                                        By: Douglas P. McCormick
                                            ------------------------------------
                                        Its Managing Partner
                                            ------------------------------------

                                        Address:

                                        c/o Thayer Capital Partners
                                        1455 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
                                        Washington, D.C. 20004
                                        Attention: Rona Kennedy
                                        Facsimile No.: (202) 371-0391

                                        With a copy to:

                                        Thayer Capital Partners
                                        4508 IDS Center
                                        Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402
                                        Attention: Dan Moorse
                                        Facsimile No.: (612) 332-2012

<PAGE>

                                 SCHEDULE 10.28

                               Financial Covenants

     Section 1. Capital Expenditures. Borrowers will not make capital
expenditures (including expenditures for fixed assets, leases, maintenance, or
repairs capitalized or required, in accordance with GAAP consistently applied,
to be capitalized on the applicable Borrower's books by purchase, lease-purchase
agreement, option or otherwise) in a total amount that exceeds $6,600,000 in the
aggregate (after deducting, the net cash proceeds actually received by Borrowers
from any permitted sale of property, plant and equipment during the applicable
Fiscal Year excluding, however, any proceeds received in connection with the
Sugar Land, Texas land and building sale transactions), on a consolidated basis,
during any Fiscal Year (as defined in Section 2(b) of this Schedule 10.28)
ending on or after December 31, 2005.

     Section 2. Minimum Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio.

          (a) (i) As of the end of any Fiscal Quarter or Fiscal Year ending on
     or after April 3, 2006 but before July 3, 2006, Borrowers will not permit
     the ratio resulting from dividing Borrowers' Adjusted EBITDAR (as defined
     below) for the period commencing on October 3, 2005 and ending on the last
     day of such Fiscal Quarter, by Borrowers' Fixed Charges (as defined below)
     for the same measurement period, to be less than 1.00 to 1.00

          (ii) Borrowers will not permit the ratio ("Fixed Charge Coverage
     Ratio") resulting from dividing Borrower's 12 Month Adjusted EBITDAR (as
     defined below) by Borrowers' Fixed Charges (as defined below) for the
     applicable 12 Month Period (as defined below) to be less than 1.00 to 1.00
     as of the end of any Fiscal Quarter or Fiscal Year ending on or after
     October 1, 2006.

          (b) For purposes of this Schedule 10.28:

          "Adjusted EBITDAR" means, for any measurement period, the total
     (without duplication), in Dollars, of (all as determined in accordance with
     GAAP consistently applied): (i) EBITDAR for such period, plus (ii)
     Restructuring Costs deducted by the Borrowers in calculating the Borrowers'
     consolidated earnings for such period (subject, however, to the $5,000,000
     cumulative cap set forth in the definition of Restructuring Costs), minus
     (iii) the aggregate amount of income taxes paid in cash by the Borrowers
     during such period, minus (iv) the aggregate capital expenditures (after
     deducting, but in no event below zero, the net cash proceeds actually
     received by Borrowers from any permitted sale of property, plant and
     equipment during the applicable measurement period excluding, however, any
     proceeds received in connection with the Sugar Land, Texas land and
     building sale transactions) (in each case as reported in the Borrowers'
     consolidated cash flow statement prepared in accordance with GAAP)
     exclusive of those capital expenditures made from funds borrowed by the
     applicable Borrower or pursuant to any capitalized lease (for purposes of
     this clause (iv) "funds borrowed" will not include funds borrowed from a
     Lender as a Revolving Loan) for such period, plus (v) any Required Capital
     Contributions contributed to the Borrowers in cash pursuant to the
     Maintenance Agreement during such period, plus (vi) any non-cash charges
     related to stock-based compensation expenses and

<PAGE>

     non-cash write-offs or write-downs of unamortized debt issuance costs
     during such period, plus (vii) non-cash restructuring costs related to the
     write-down or write-off of property, plant and equipment and intangible
     assets and any other non-cash restructuring charges (excluding such
     non-cash charges related to Receivables or Inventory) during such period,
     plus (viii) any non-cash charge related to the Applied Materials
     litigation, to the extent that the net cash proceeds actually received by
     Borrowers are less than the net book value of Inventory directly related to
     Applied Materials, Inc. during such period, less (ix) any gain that results
     from any settlement, award or judgment related to the Applied Materials
     litigation, to the extent that the net cash proceeds actually received by
     Borrowers exceed the net book value of Inventory directly related to
     Applied Materials, Inc. during such period.

          "EBITDAR" means, for any measurement period, the total (without
     duplication), in Dollars (all as determined in accordance with GAAP
     consistently applied) of the consolidated earnings before interest expense,
     income taxes, depreciation, amortization and rent expense of the Borrowers
     for such period. EBITDAR, for purposes of this Schedule 10.28 and the
     Financing Agreement, will (i) be calculated utilizing standard costs which
     approximate the first in-first out method of cost accounting for Inventory,
     and (ii) not include any (a) gain or non-cash loss arising from the sale of
     capital assets, (b) gain arising from any write-up of assets, (c) gain
     arising from the acquisition of debt securities or Capital Stock of any
     Borrower or its Subsidiaries or from cancellation or forgiveness of
     Indebtedness, (d) gain or income arising from accretion of any negative
     goodwill, or (e) gain or non-cash loss recognized by any Borrower as
     earnings which relate to any extraordinary accounting adjustments or
     non-recurring items of income or include any amounts attributable to
     extraordinary gains or extraordinary items of income or any other
     non-operating, non-recurring gain from time to time occurring.

          "Fixed Charges" means, for any measurement period, the total (without
     duplication), in Dollars, of (all as determined in accordance with GAAP
     consistently applied): (i) the aggregate consolidated principal payments
     relating to long-term debt and obligations of the Borrowers, in each case,
     paid or which were scheduled to be paid during such period, (ii) aggregate
     consolidated interest expense of the Borrowers for such period, including
     interest incurred on the Obligations, the Subordinated Debt and any other
     Indebtedness for such period (including amortization of original issue
     discount and excluding non-cash interest expense that is accrued but
     "payable-in-kind" and excluding the amortization, write-down or write-off
     of debt issuance costs), and (iii) aggregate consolidated rent expense of
     the Borrowers.

          "Fiscal Month" for the first month of each Fiscal Quarter means the
     Sunday which is generally five weeks after the start of each Fiscal
     Quarter; for the second month of each Fiscal Quarter means the Sunday which
     is four weeks after the end of the first Fiscal Month of each Fiscal
     Quarter; and for the third month of each Fiscal Quarter means the last four
     week period in each Fiscal Quarter. The actual last day of each Fiscal
     Month through December 2009 are set forth on Schedule 10.28A attached
     hereto.

          "Fiscal Quarter" means, in respect of a date as of which the
     applicable Financial Covenant is being calculated, any quarter of a Fiscal
     Year, the first Fiscal Quarter beginning on January 1 and ending on the
     Sunday closest to March 31, the second Fiscal Quarter

<PAGE>

     ending on the Sunday closest to June 30, the third Fiscal Quarter ending on
     the Sunday closest to September 30, and the fourth Fiscal Quarter ending on
     December 31.

          "Fiscal Year" means the fiscal year of the Borrowers for financial
     accounting purposes, beginning on January 1 and ending on December 31.

          "Litigation Costs" means the aggregate legal fees and related costs
     incurred in the lawsuit involving Applied Materials, Inc. that are payable
     in cash, after deducting, but in no event below zero, the net cash proceeds
     actually received by Borrowers from any settlement, award or judgment
     related to such litigation.

          "Restructuring Costs" for purposes of the calculations performed
     pursuant to this Schedule 10.28 means an amount equal to (a) the aggregate
     lease termination fees, severance costs, retention costs, relocation and
     moving expenses and other restructuring charges incurred and actually paid
     in cash by the Borrowers in connection with the restructuring of its
     business, plus (b) Litigation Costs; provided, however, that in no event
     shall aggregate Restructuring Costs (i.e. the sum of (a) and (b)) in excess
     of $5,000,000 be added to EBITDAR in the calculation of Adjusted EBITDAR
     during the term of this Agreement.

          "12 Month Adjusted EBITDAR" means Adjusted EBITDAR for the 12 Month
     Period for which the applicable Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is then being
     determined. "12 Month Adjusted EBITDAR" will be calculated for each 12
     Month Period ending as of the end of each Fiscal Quarter or Fiscal Year
     ending on or after October 1, 2006.

          "12 Month Period" means, in respect of a date as of which the
     applicable Financial Covenant is being calculated, the four consecutive
     Fiscal Quarters immediately preceding the date as of which the Financial
     Covenant is being calculated (i.e., a rolling four Fiscal Quarter (or 12
     Fiscal Month) period).

     Section 3. Calculation of Financial Covenants.

          (a) Thayer, in addition to the information contained on the financial
     statements submitted to Thayer pursuant to Sections 8.5 and 8.7 of the
     Agreement, may calculate EBITDAR and the other specified amounts under this
     Schedule 10.28 (and under the other Financial Covenants contained in the
     Agreement) on the basis of factual information provided by Borrowing Agent
     to Thayer, which calculation(s) will be binding on Borrowers; however,
     Thayer will act in a commercially reasonable manner in relying on any such
     other factual information and will give notice to Borrowing Agent of
     Thayer's computations made pursuant to this Section 3 and an opportunity to
     provide Thayer with any additional or contrary information. Borrowing Agent
     must provide any additional (or contrary) information within twenty (20)
     Business Days after Thayer gives notice to the Borrowing Agent of Thayer's
     computations.

          (b) The Financial Covenants will be based on the Borrowers'
     consolidated financial performance, unconsolidated with any Person other
     than CathiO L.L.C., RodniC L.L.C and Suntron de Mexico S. De R.L. de C.V.

<PAGE>

     Section 4. Definitions. Capitalized terms used, but not defined, in this
Schedule 10.28 have the meanings given to them in the Agreement.