<PAGE>
 

                                                                  EXHIBIT 2.1


 
                           ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT

                                 By And Among

                          CAMBRIDGE INDUSTRIES, INC.,

                               LIVINGSTON, INC.

                                      And

                             ROBERT D. MORGANSTERN








                                 January 14,1998
                        (Effective as of January 1, 1998)
<PAGE>
 
                           ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT
                           ------------------------

         This Asset Purchase Agreement is made and entered into on January 14,
1998, effective as of January 1, 1998 (the "Effective Date") by and among
CAMBRIDGE INDUSTRIES, INC., a Delaware corporation ("Purchaser"), LIVINGSTON,
INC., a Washington corporation ("Seller"), and ROBERT D. MORGANSTERN, the sole
shareholder of Seller ("Shareholder").

                                   RECITALS:

         A.    Seller is engaged in the business of manufacturing, assembling
and selling plastic components for the transportation and marine industries (the
"Business").

         B.    Seller desires to sell and Purchaser desires to purchase
substantially all the operating assets used or usable in connection with the
operation of the Business, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set
forth in this Agreement.

         NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the premises, the mutual
covenants and agreements contained herein and other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby mutually
acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

                                   ARTICLE I

                          PURCHASE AND SALE OF ASSETS
                          ---------------------------

         1.1   Purchase and Sale of the Assets. Subject to the terms and
               -------------------------------
conditions set forth in this Agreement, Seller hereby agrees to transfer, sell
and assign to Purchaser on the Closing Date, and Purchaser agrees to purchase on
the Closing Date, all of the operating assets and properties, personal, tangible
and intangible, wherever situated, owned by Seller or in which Seller has any
right or interest and used or usable in connection with the operation of the
Business (whether known or unknown, tangible or intangible, real, personal or
mixed, and wherever located) (all such assets and properties being hereinafter
referred to as the "Assets"), other than the assets identified in Section 1.2,
including, without limitation, the following:

               (a)   All furniture, fixtures and other fixed assets owned by
         Seller and used in the operation of the Business, including without
         limitation those listed on Schedule 1.1(a), attached hereto and made
                                    ---------------
         a part hereof.

               (b)   The goodwill and other intangible assets associated with 
         the Business.

               (c)   All patents, patent applications, trademarks, trademark
         applications and registrations, trade names, service marks, service
         names, copyrights, copy right applications and registrations,
         commercial and technical trade secrets, engineering, production and
         other designs, drawings, specifications, formulae, technology, computer
         and electronic data processing programs and software, inventions,
         processes, know-how, confidential information and other proprietary
         property rights and interests used in or relating to the Business or
         Division (hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Intellectual
         Property"), including, without limitation the items set forth on the
         attached Schedule 4.1(e);
                  ---------------

               (d)   All sales and business records, personnel records of
         Seller's employees, credit records of Seller's customers, customer
         list, advertising and promotional materials, and all other books and
         records of every kind and nature which relate to the Business, other
         than Seller's minute books and related corporate records.

                                      -1-
<PAGE>
 
               (e)   All equipment, machinery, tools, dies, jigs, patterns,
         molds, engineering and office equipment, and vehicles used in
         connection with or related to the Business, including, without
         limitation, the items listed on the attached Schedule 1.1(e).
                                                      ---------------

               (f)   All leases entered into by Seller for the use of personal
         property to the extent such personal property is used in connection
         with Business, and all other contracts and agreements (collectively,
         "Contracts"), entered into by Seller in the ordinary course of the
         Business, including, without limitation, those described on Schedule
                                                                     --------
         1.1(f), other than those specifically excluded on Schedule 1.2(d).
         ------                                            ---------------

               (g)   All licenses and permits held by Seller in connection with
         the Business or the Assets, including, without limitation, those
         described on Schedule 1.1(g).
                      ---------------

               (h)   All inventories of whatever nature or kind.

               (i)   All third party warranties and claims for warranties
         relating to the Business or the Assets, including, without limitation,
         the warranties set forth on Schedule 1.1(i).
                                     ---------------

               (j)   The leases and subleases for all land, buildings and
         improvements leased by Seller and used in connection with the Business
         (the "Real Property"), as described on the attached Schedule 1.1(i).
                                                             ---------------

               (k)   All of Seller's accounts receivable, including without
         limitation those described on the attached Schedule 1.1(k).
                                                    ---------------

               (l)   All of Seller's cash and cash equivalents.

               (m)   All claims and rights of Seller in connection with any
         litigation in which the Seller, in connection with the Business, is a
         claimant.

         1.2   Excluded Assets. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
               ---------------
contained in Section 1.1 above, the following shall not be included in the
Assets and shall not be sold by Seller to Purchaser:

               (a)   All tax returns of Seller.

               (b)   Seller's right to any refunds from Washington State
         Industrial Insurance Fund for the years 1995, 1996 and 1997.

               (c)   Any and all written or oral employment agreements (unless
         otherwise specifically assumed hereunder).

               (d)   Any items listed on Schedule 1.2(d), attached hereto and
                                         ---------------
         made a part hereof.


                                  ARTICLE II

                              LIABILITIES ASSUMED
                              -------------------

         2.1   Assumption of Liabilities. Purchaser shall not assume and shall
               -------------------------
not be liable for any liabilities of Seller, of whatever type or nature, other
than (i) all current liabilities of the Business set forth on the face of the
June 30 Balance Sheet (as defined in Section 4.1(1)) (rather than the notes
thereto) up to the amount of such liabilities set forth therein, (ii) all
accounts payable which have arisen after the date of the June 30 Balance Sheet
and which have been incurred in the ordinary course of business, including
current payroll tax liabilities and pro rated property taxes payable (iii) all
of Seller's obligations to the U.S. Bank of Washington, N.A., (iv) all of
Seller's obligations to Shareholder

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
represented by that certain promissory note, dated July 18, 1996, in the
original principal amount of $300,000, and (v) all of Seller's obligations to
Steven Dow, a former shareholder of Seller (the "Former Shareholder"), under
that certain consulting agreement between Seller and the Former Shareholder
dated October 31, 1995, a copy of which is attached to Schedule 1.1(f) attached
                                                       ---------------
hereto; and (vi) those liabilities arising from and after the Effective Date
with respect to any other contracts or agreements assumed by Purchaser hereunder
and not identified on the Schedule 1.2(d) (collectively, the "Assumed
                          ---------------
Liabilities").

         2.2   Excluded Liabilities; No Other Liabilities Assumed. Other than
               --------------------------------------------------
the Assumed Liabilities, Purchaser has not agreed to pay and shall not assume,
nor have any liability or obligation, direct or indirect, absolute or contingent
for any liability or obligation of the Seller ("Excluded Liabilities"). Without
limiting the foregoing, the Excluded Liabilities include the following: (a) all
of Seller's obligations or liabilities to the Former Shareholder with respect to
the redemption of the shares of capital stock of Seller owned by the Former
Shareholder (the "Stock Liability"); (b) any liability or obligation in respect
of any litigation arising out of the conduct of the Business by Seller prior to
the Closing; (c) any liability or obligation of Seller under the Environmental
Laws (as defined in Section 4.1(s) in respect of solid waste or Hazardous
Materials which have been transported by or on behalf of Seller for off-site
disposal, and all arrangements therefor; (d) any liability or obligation of
Seller for any violation of the Environmental Laws to the extent arising from
the operation of the Business prior to the Closing Date, including, without
limitation, in respect of any fine or penalty arising from any permit violation;
(e) liabilities or obligations of Seller relating to any employee pension,
savings, severance, separation, bonus or other employee plan, program or
arrangement or to any employee of Seller for vacation pay; (f) any federal,
state or local Tax liability (or adjustments thereto) relating to the Business
prior to the Closing.

                                  ARTICLE III

                                PURCHASE PRICE
                                --------------
 
         3.1   Initial Purchase Price for Assets. For and in consideration of
               ---------------------------------
the sale of the Assets in accordance with the provisions hereof, Purchaser shall
pay to Seller the sum of Two Million One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars
($2,150,000) (the "Initial Purchase Price") and Purchaser shall assume the
Assumed Liabilities.

         3.2   Income Adjustment. Seller projects that the Business will produce
               -----------------
Adjusted Income (defined below) in calendar years 1998 and 1999 of $1,856,000 in
the aggregate, exclusive of any new earnings produced by Purchaser that are not
from Paccar, Inc. (the "Projected Income"). To the extent that the actual
Adjusted Income produced by the Business in calendar years 1998 and 1999 in the
aggregate, exclusive of any new earnings produced by Purchaser that are not
earnings from Paccar, Inc. that constituted a part of the Business prior to the
Effective Date (other than earnings from Paccar, Inc.'s Kenworth Division
relating to products manufactured by processes currently used in production by
Seller, which shall constitute earnings produced by Seller) (the "Actual
Income"), is less than the Projected Income, the Initial Purchase Price shall be
reduced by an amount (the "Income Adjustment") equal to the lesser of (i)
$305,000 or (ii) the amount by which the Projected Income exceeds the Actual
Income. For purposes of this Agreement, "Adjusted Income" means the Business's
earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, excluding (i)
any principal or interest payments to the Former Shareholder pursuant to the
consulting agreement described in Section 2.1(v), (ii) the Stock Liability
(defined in Section 2.2), (iii) income from any sale of the assets of the
Business other than in the ordinary course of business, and (iv) any increase in
overhead or direct costs mandated by Purchaser. The Income Adjustment, if any,
is to be made pursuant to the Note (as defined in Section 3.6(b)) and if there
is any inconsistency between the terms of this Section 3.2 and the terms of the
Note, the terms of the Note shall prevail. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the
event that Purchaser should sell or transfer a substantial portion of the Assets
or Business during calendar years 1998 or 1999 without the prior written consent
of Seller (which consent will not be unreasonably withheld provided that such
sale or transfer does not adversely affect the projected earnings of the
Business), the terms of this Section 3.2 and the Income Adjustment shall lapse.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
         3.3   Net Worth Adjustment. If Seller's net worth on the Closing Date
               --------------------
(defined in Section 8.1 below) (the "Closing Date Net Worth"), determined, after
giving effect to the Distribution (defined in Section 11.1 below), on the basis
of Seller's unaudited balance sheet dated as at the Closing Date (the "Closing
Date Balance Sheet"), prepared and finally determined in accordance with Section
3.4 below, is less than Seller's net worth (the "June 30 Net Worth") as set
forth on Seller's June 30, 1997 balance sheet (the "June 30 Balance Sheet"), the
Initial Purchase Price shall be reduced by an amount (the "Net Worth
Adjustment") equal to the amount by which the June 30 Net Worth exceeds the
Closing Date Net Worth.

         3.4   Preparation of Closing Date Balance Sheet and Determination of
               --------------------------------------------------------------
Net Worth Adjustment.
--------------------

               (a)   Seller shall prepare and deliver to Purchaser, within
         twenty (20) days following the Closing Date, the Closing Date Balance
         Sheet setting forth the Closing Date Net Worth. The Closing Date
         Balance Sheet shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted
         accounting principles consistently applied with the principles used in
         preparation of the June 30 Balance Sheet.

               (b)   Purchaser may object to the Net Worth Adjustment or to any
         of the information contained in the Closing Date Balance Sheet which
         could affect the Net Worth Adjustment if such objection is based on a
         claim that the Closing Date Balance Sheet was not prepared in
         accordance with subsection 3.4(a). Any such objection must be made by
         delivery of a written statement of objections (stating the basis of the
         objections with reasonable specificity) to Seller within 60 days
         following delivery of the Closing Date Balance Sheet. In connection
         with its review of the Closing Date Balance Sheet and during such 60
         day period, Purchaser may, at its sole cost and expense, have the
         Closing Date Balance Sheet audited by its accountants. If Purchaser
         makes any such objection, Purchaser and Seller shall seek in good faith
         to resolve such differences within 20 days following the delivery of
         such objections. During such time, if Seller disagrees with the
         objections of Purchaser, it shall state the basis of such disagreement
         with reasonable specificity. If Purchaser does not so object to the
         Closing Date Balance Sheet within such 60-day period, the Closing Date
         Balance Sheet shall be considered final and binding upon the parties.
         If Purchaser and Seller are unable to mutually resolve any disputes
         with respect to any aspect of the price differential within the periods
         described above, the parties shall, within ten (10) days following the
         expiration of such periods, engage the Seattle, Washington office of
         Arthur Andersen or such other mutually agreed upon accounting firm (the
         "Mediator") to act as a Mediator and determine, in accordance with the
         provisions of this Section 3.4, the appropriate Net Worth Adjustment.
         In connection with the review of the Closing Date Balance Sheet by
         Purchaser or its accountants, Purchaser and its accountants shall have
         reasonable access to the records of the Business and any work papers
         prepared by Seller, its officers or accountants in the preparation of
         the Closing Date Balance Sheet.

         3.5   Submission to Mediator. If the Mediator is engaged pursuant to
               ----------------------
Section 3.4(b), then, within ten (10) days of the engagement, the Mediator shall
be furnished with a copy of this Agreement, a letter from Seller describing
Seller's position on the disputed amount and a letter from Purchaser describing
Purchaser's position on the disputed amount. Neither party shall make any
additional submission except pursuant to the Mediator's written request. The
Mediator shall have thirty (30) days to review such documents and such other
information as the Mediator deems appropriate. Within such thirty-day period,
the Mediator will furnish both parties with its written determination with
respect to each of the unresolved price differentials in dispute. In arriving at
its determination, the Mediator may select either the adjustment as proposed by
the position of the Seller or by the position of Purchaser, or its own
determination (provided such determination is between the Seller's or
Purchaser's position) with respect to such differential. The determination of
the Mediator with respect to each such adjustment will be final and binding upon
the parties and a judgment, based on the Mediator's determination, may be
entered into a court of competent jurisdiction in accordance with, and pursuant
to, the United States Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C., Section 1 et.seq. or the
Michigan Uniform Arbitration Act, MCL, Section 600.5001 et. seq. The fee of the
Mediator shall be borne by the Parties in the same proportion that the

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
dollar amount of the disputed items lost by a party bears to the total dollar
amount in dispute in the mediation. In the process of preparing and reviewing
the price differential and conducting of review by either party or the Mediator,
each party will grant the other party all reasonable access to the records of
the Business and any workpapers, including accountant's workpapers, prepared
with respect to the price differential.

         3.6   Payment of Purchase Price. As used in this Agreement, the term
               -------------------------
"Purchase Price" shall mean the Initial Purchase Price taking into consideration
the Income Adjustment and the Net Worth Adjustment. Purchaser shall pay the
Purchase Price to Seller as follows:

               (a)   Purchaser shall pay to Seller in cash at Closing (as
         defined in Section 8.1) the sum of $600,000 (less the cost of obtaining
         the Letter of Credit as provided in subsection (c) below), of which
         $422,690 shall be paid to Former Shareholder on behalf of Seller in
         full payment of the Stock Liability;

               (b)   The balance of the Purchase Price (other than the portion
         of the Purchase Price attributable to the Assumed Liabilities and
         without regard to the Net Worth Adjustment) shall be evidenced by a
         promissory note (the "Original Note") in the form and substance set
         forth on Exhibit "A" to this Agreement, which shall be delivered to
                  -----------
         Seller at the Closing. If necessary, the Original Note shall be
         replaced and superseded by a replacement note (the "Replacement Note")
         in an amount equal to the Purchase Price (taking into account the Net
         Worth Adjustment) at such time as the Net Worth Adjustment is finally
         determined pursuant to Sections 3.4 and 3.5. All terms of the
         Replacement Note, other than the principal amount thereof, shall be
         identical to the Original Note. For purposes of this Agreement, the
         then outstanding promissory note, whether the Original Note or the
         Replacement Note, shall be referred to in this Agreement as the "Note."
         Purchaser's obligations under the Note shall be junior and subordinate
         in all rights to Purchaser's obligations to senior and senior
         subordinated creditors, which shall nonetheless not affect Seller's
         right to draw on the Letter of Credit or the Replacement Letter of
         Credit, as defined in Section 3.6 (c) below.

               (c)   Purchaser shall cause a $1,000,000 letter of credit (the
         "Letter of Credit"), which will expire on February 15, 1999, to be
         issued in favor of Seller at the Closing, to secure payment of
         Purchaser's obligations under the Note. Seller shall be responsible for
         all costs and expenses incurred in obtaining and maintaining the Letter
         of Credit and Purchaser shall be entitled to set off all costs and
         expenses incurred in obtaining the Letter of Credit against the portion
         of the Purchase Price to be paid to Seller at the Closing. If requested
         by Seller, at least sixty (60) days prior to February 15, 1999,
         Purchaser shall cause another letter of credit (the "Replacement Letter
         of Credit"), which will expire on February 15, 2000, to be issued in
         favor of Seller as of February 15, 1999, to secure payment of
         Purchaser's then-remaining obligations under the Note. The Replacement
         Letter of Credit shall be in such amount as Seller may reasonably
         request, but in no event in an amount exceeding the positive
         difference, if any, found by subtracting the amount paid to Seller
         under the Note on February 15, 1999 from $1,000,000. Purchaser shall be
         entitled to set off all costs and expenses incurred in obtaining and
         maintaining the Replacement Letter of Credit against future payments to
         be made by Purchaser to Seller pursuant to the Note.

         3.7   Allocation of Purchase Price. The parties agree that for all tax
               ----------------------------
and other reporting purposes, the Purchase Price (other than the amount thereof
attributable to cash, cash equivalents, and accounts receivable) shall be
allocated among the Assets as follows: (i) furniture, fixtures, machinery,
equipment and leasehold improvements shall be allocated an amount of the
Purchase Price equal to the basis of such assets for federal income tax purposes
(generally, cost less depreciation and amortization); and (ii) the balance of
the Purchase Price shall be allocated to goodwill and other intangible Assets.

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
                                  ARTICLE IV

                        REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
                        ------------------------------

         4.1   Representations and Warranties of Seller. Seller and Shareholder
               ----------------------------------------
hereby, jointly and severally, represent, warrant and covenant the following to
Purchaser:

               (a)   Assets. The Assets constitute all of the assets used by
                     ------
         Seller in the operation of the Business, other than as set forth on
         Schedule 1.2(d). Seller owns and has an unencumbered, marketable title
         ---------------
         to or has an unencumbered interest in all of the Assets being sold to
         Purchaser pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, except for those
         liabilities which will be released concurrently with the Closing or
         which Purchaser is expressly assuming pursuant to this Agreement.

               (b)   Good Standing and Authority. Seller is a corporation
                     ---------------------------
         organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
         State of Washington, with the corporate power and authority to enter
         into this Agreement, and to consummate the transactions contemplated
         herein. Seller is duly qualified to do business and in good standing in
         each jurisdiction in which it is required to be so qualified. Seller
         has full corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this
         Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated herein. This
         Agreement and all instruments of transfer and other documents to be
         delivered by Seller in connection with this Agreement and the
         consummation of the transactions contemplated herein have been or will
         be, on or prior to the Closing Date, duly authorized and approved by
         all necessary and proper corporate action of Seller, and all
         instruments of transfer and other documents to be delivered in
         connection wherewith, when executed and delivered, will constitute
         legal, valid and binding obligations of Seller enforceable against
         Seller in accordance with their respective terms, except to the extent
         that the enforcement thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency,
         reorganization, moratorium or similar laws of general application
         affecting creditors' rights generally and application of general
         principles of equity.

               (c)   Liens. There are no judgments, liens or security interests
                     -----
         which will be outstanding on the Closing Date against the Seller or the
         Assets, which would affect Seller's title to or ability to transfer the
         Assets, except those which will be released concurrently with the
         Closing or which Purchaser is expressly assuming pursuant to Section
         2.1.

               (d)   Equipment and Other Assets. Schedule 1.1(a) contains a
                     --------------------------  ---------------
         true and complete list of all material furniture, fixtures and fixed
         assets used by Seller in the Schedule 1.1(e) contains a true and
                                      ---------------
         complete list of all equipment, machinery, tools, dies, jigs, patterns,
         mold, engineering and office equipment, and vehicles used by Seller in
         the Business; Schedule 1.1(f) contains a true and complete list of all
                       ---------------
         personal property leases and other contracts and agreements entered
         into by Seller; Schedule 1.1(i) contains a true and complete list of
                         ---------------
         all material third party warranties relating to the Business and the
         Assets; Schedule 1.1(i) contains a true and complete list of all real
                 ---------------
         property leased by Seller and used in connection with the Business; and
         Schedule 1.1(k) contains a true and complete list of all accounts
         ---------------
         receivable as of two (2) business days immediately preceding the
         Closing Date.

               (e)   Intellectual Property. The attached Schedule 4.1(e)
                     ---------------------               ---------------
         contains a true and complete list of all patents, patent applications,
         registered trademarks, applications for registered trademarks,
         registered service marks, applications for registered service marks,
         logos, registered copyrights and applications for registered copyrights
         used in the Business and any and all corporate and assumed names under
         which Seller has in the past conducted or is currently conducting
         business. Except as set forth on the attached Schedule 4.1(e), Seller
                                                       ---------------
         is the owner of or licensee under a valid license for the Intellectual
         Property (defined in Section 1.1(c)) material to the Business taken as
         a whole, has good and marketable title to or is a licensee under a
         valid license of and has the exclusive right to assign its entire
         right, title and interest in and to all of the Intellectual Property
         relating to the Business. The items comprising such Intellectual
         Property

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
         are the only proprietary property used or necessary in connection with
         the Business. Seller has not infringed, misappropriated or misused any
         Intellectual Property of another. Except as set forth on the attached
         Schedule 4.1(e), to Seller's knowledge, no third party has infringed,
         ---------------
         misappropriated or misused any of the Intellectual Property or other
         proprietary information related to the Business.

               (f)   Good Condition. Except as set forth in Schedule 4.1(f), all
                     --------------                         ---------------
         facilities used by Seller in the operation of the Business, all of the
         Assets, and the personal property covered by the leases, agreements and
         contracts described in Schedule 1.1(f), are currently operating for
                                ---------------
         their respective intended uses and need no major repairs, normal wear
         and tear excepted.

               (g)   Contracts. Schedule 1.1(f) identifies all major Contracts
                     ---------  ---------------
         with respect to the Business or the Division. All Contracts listed on
         Schedule 1.1(f) were entered into in the ordinary course of business.
         ---------------
         Except as set forth on Schedule 1.1(f), Seller has complied in all
                                ---------------
         material respects with the provisions of each such Contract and is not
         in default thereunder and Seller does not have knowledge that the other
         party or parties thereto have failed to comply in all material respects
         with the provisions of each such Contract or is in default thereunder.

               (h)   Litigation. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.1(h) hereto,
                     ----------                         ---------------
         there are no actions, suits, investigations or proceedings, either
         pending or threatened against Seller, the Business or the Assets, at
         law or in equity, before any federal, state, municipal, or other
         governmental department, commission, board, agency, court or
         instrumentality. Seller is not in default with respect to any order,
         writ, injunction or decree of any court or other governmental
         department, commission, board, agency or instrumentality.

               (i)   Compliance with Applicable Laws and Regulations. Except as
                     -----------------------------------------------
         set forth on Schedules 4.1(i) and 4.1(s), Seller has complied in all
                      ---------------------------
         material respects with all laws, regulations, rules, orders, judgments,
         decrees and other requirements imposed by any governmental authority
         applicable to it in the operation of the Business and ownership of the
         Assets.

               (j)   Permits and Licenses. Schedule 1.1(g) lists all
                     --------------------  ---------------
         governmental franchises, permits, licenses or other authorizations held
         by Seller in connection with the Business, and the Assets, all of which
         are in full force and effect, and true copies of which have been
         delivered to Purchaser. Seller has obtained all permits, licenses,
         franchises and other authorizations necessary or desirable with respect
         to, and have complied with all laws applicable to, the operation of the
         Business and ownership of the Assets, and Seller has not engaged in any
         activity which would cause revocation or suspension of any such
         permits, licenses, franchises or authorizations. No action or
         proceeding looking to or contemplating the revocation or suspension of
         any such permits, licenses, franchises or authorizations are pending or
         threatened.

               (k)   Employees. Schedule 4.1(k) contains a complete and accurate
                     ---------  ---------------
         list of all of Seller's current employees, such employees' salaries or
         hourly rates, and annual bonuses (last paid or payable), if any, and
         the total value and list of any other fringe benefits or incentive paid
         or payable to such employees. Except as specifically described in
         Schedule 4.1(k), all employees are actively at work and no employee is
         ---------------
         currently on a leave of absence, layoff, suspension, sick leave,
         workers compensation, short or long term disability, military leave or
         otherwise not actively performing his or her work during all normally
         scheduled business hours.

               (l)   Employee Relations. All payments determined to be due from
                     ------------------
         Seller on account of Seller's employees' work, health or welfare
         insurance, under any agreement, whether oral or written, will have been
         paid as of the Effective Date. Any amounts due to or with respect to
         Seller's employees, including health and welfare or workers
         compensation benefits, incurred prior to the Effective Date, which
         cannot be determined on or before the Closing Date, shall be paid by
         Seller immediately upon determination thereof. Purchaser shall, in no
         way, be deemed to be liable for any such amounts. Except as provided in
         Section 4.1(v) below, Seller has no pension, profit sharing, retirement
         or similar plan, or other employee benefit plan, in effect.

                                      -7-
<PAGE>
 
               (m)   Financial Information. Schedule 4.1(m) consists of:
                     ---------------------  ---------------

                     (i)    Seller's reviewed financial statements for the year
               ended December 31, 1996;

                     (ii)   Seller's unaudited financial statements for the ten
               months ended October 31, 1997; and

                     (iii)  Seller's unaudited balance sheet as at June 30, 1997
               (the "June 30 Balance Sheet").

                     (iv)   All such financial statements (the "Financial
               Statements") were prepared from the Sellers books of account in
               accordance with generally accepted accounting principles,
               consistently applied, and materially accurately present the
               financial position, results of operations and cash flows of
               Seller at the dates and for the periods indicated.

               (n)   No Undisclosed Liabilities. Except as and to the extent
                     --------------------------
         reflected in the June 30 Balance Sheet, the current liabilities
         incurred by Seller in the ordinary course of business since the date of
         the June 30 Balance Sheet, and the Assumed Liabilities, Seller has no
         debts, liabilities or obligations of any nature or kind (whether
         absolute, accrued, contingent, unliquidated or otherwise, whether or
         not known to Seller, whether due or to become due and regardless of
         when asserted) arising out of transactions entered into at or prior to
         the Closing, or any action or inaction at or prior to the Closing or
         any state of facts existing at or prior to the Closing. Except as set
         forth on Schedule 4.1(o), Seller knows of no existing, proposed or
                  ---------------
         threatened change which would be a material adverse change to the
         Business or its future prospects.

               (o)   Conduct of Business Since June 30. 1997. Except as set
                     ---------------------------------------
         forth on Schedule 4.1(o), since June 30, 1997, there has not been any
                  ---------------
         material adverse change in the business, operations, or condition
         (financial or otherwise) of the Business. Except as set forth on
         Schedule 4.1(o), since June 30, 1997, Seller has caused the Business to
         ---------------            
         be conducted only in the ordinary course and has not:

                     (i)    made or incurred any capital expenditures in excess
               of $25,000 in any one transaction or series of similar
               transactions;

                     (ii)   except in accordance with consistent prior practice
               and in the ordinary course, made any change in the rate of
               compensation, commission, bonus or other direct or indirect
               remuneration payable or to become payable to any employee or
               agent of Seller, or agreed or orally promised to pay,
               conditionally or otherwise, any bonus, extra compensation,
               pension or severance or vacation pay, to any employee, or agent
               of Seller;

                     (iii)  sold or transferred any of its assets, other than
               inventories in the ordinary course of business;

                     (iv)   terminated or materially amended any material
               Contract to the detriment of Purchaser;

                     (v)    incurred or guaranteed any loan or other obligation
               (in connection with or related to the Business or the Assets)
               other than in the ordinary course of business;

                     (vi)   subjected any of the Assets to any mortgage, pledge,
               lien or other material encumbrance;

                     (vii)  declared or paid any dividend with respect to the
               capital stock of Seller other than the Distribution authorized in
               Section 11.1; or

                                      -8-
<PAGE>
 
                     (viii) entered into any agreement or commitment (other than
               this Agreement or any arrangement provided for or contemplated in
               this Agreement) to take any of the types of action described in
               subsection (i) through (vii) of this Section 4.1(o).

               (p)   Tax Matters.
                     -----------

               Except as set forth on the attached Schedule 4.1(p):
                                                   ---------------

                     (i)    Seller has filed all Tax Returns which it is
               required to file under applicable laws and regulations, and all
               such Tax Returns are complete and correct and have been prepared
               in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations;

                     (ii)   Seller has paid all Taxes due and owing by it
               (whether or not such Taxes are required to be shown on a Tax
               Return) and has withheld and paid over to the appropriate taxing
               authority all Taxes which it is required to withhold from amounts
               paid or owing to any employee, stockholder, creditor or other
               third party;

                     (iii)  Seller has not waived any statute of limitations
               with respect to any Taxes or agreed to any extension of time with
               respect to any Tax assessment or deficiency;

                     (iv)   the accrual for Taxes on the June 30 Balance Sheet
               would be adequate to pay all Tax liabilities of Seller if its
               current tax year were treated as ending on the date of the June
               30 Balance Sheet (excluding any amount recorded which is
               attributable solely to timing differences between book and Tax
               income);

                     (v)    since the date of the June 30 Balance Sheet, Seller
               has not incurred any liability for Taxes other than in the
               ordinary course of business;

                     (vi)   no foreign, federal, state or local tax audits or
               administrative or judicial proceedings are pending or being
               conducted with respect to Seller;

                     (vii)  Seller has not received from any foreign, federal,
               state or local taxing authority any (a) written notice indicating
               an intent to open an audit or other review or (b) request for
               information related to Tax Matters; and

                     (viii) there are no material unresolved questions which
               have been made known to the Seller by any taxing authority or
               claims concerning Seller's Tax liability.

                     (ix)   Except as set forth on the Schedule 4.1(p), Seller
                                                       ---------------
               (a) has not made an election under `341(f) of the IRC, (b) is not
               liable for the Taxes of another Person (l) under Treas. Reg.
               `1.1502-6 (or comparable provisions of state, local or foreign
               law), (2) as a transferee or successor, (3) by contract or
               indemnity or (4) otherwise, (c) is not a party to any tax sharing
               agreement or (d) has not made any payments, is not obligated to
               make any payments or is not party to an agreement that could
               obligate it to make any payments that would not be deductible
               under IRC `280G.

               For purposes of this Agreement "Tax" means any federal, province,
                                               ---
         local, or foreign income, gross receipts, license, payroll, employment,
         excise, severance, stamp, occupation, premium, windfall profits,
         environmental, customs duties, capital stock, franchise, profits,
         withholding, social security (or similar), unemployment, disability,
         real property, personal property, sales, use, transfer, registration,
         value added, alternative or add-on minimum, estimated, or other tax of
         any kind whatsoever, including any interest, penalty, or addition
         thereto, whether disputed or not. For purposes of this Agreement, "Tax
                                                                            ---
         Return" means any return, declaration, report, claim for refund, or
         ------
         information return or statement relating to Taxes, including any
         schedule or attachment thereto, and including any amendment thereof.

                                      -9-
<PAGE>
 
               (q)   Real Property Owned. Seller does not own and has never
                     -------------------
         owned real property used, in any way, in connection with the Business.

               (r)   Real Property Leased. Schedule 4.1(r) lists and briefly
                     --------------------  ---------------
         describes all real properties leased or subleased to Seller for use in
         connection with the Business (the "Real Property"). Seller has
         delivered to Purchaser correct and complete copies of the leases and
         subleases listed on Schedule 4.1(r). With respect to each such lease or
                             ---------------
         sublease:

                     (i)    the lease or sublease is legal, valid, binding,
               enforceable and in full force and effect;

                     (ii)   the lease or sublease will continue to be legal,
               valid, binding, enforceable and in full force and effect on
               identical terms following the Closing;

                     (iii)  neither the Seller nor, to the Seller's knowledge,
               any other party to the lease or sublease is in breach or default,
               and no event has occurred which, with notice or lapse of time,
               would constitute such a breach or default or permit termination,
               modification or acceleration under the lease or sublease by
               Seller, or, to Seller's knowledge, by any other party to the
               lease or sublease;

                     (iv)   no party to the lease or sublease has repudiated any
               of its provisions;

                     (v)    there are no disputes, oral agreements or
               forbearance programs in effect as to the lease or sublease; 

                     (vi)   Seller has not assigned, transferred, conveyed,
               mortgaged, deeded in trust or encumbered any interest in the
               leasehold or subleasehold;

                     (vii)  all facilities leased or subleased thereunder
               are supplied with utilities and other services necessary for the
               operation of such facilities; and 

                     (viii) all facilities leased or subleased are in good
               operating condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted. No property
               insurer or similar body has made any recommendations which have
               not been complied with, and, except as set forth in Schedule
                                                                   --------
               4.1(r), all structures on the leased real property meet all
               ------
               qualifications for "highly protected risk" classification for
               fire insurance purposes.

               (s)   Environmental. Health and Safety Matters.
                     ----------------------------------------

                     (i)   Definitions.
                           -----------

                           (A)   "Environmental Laws" shall mean and all
                     international, federal, state, and local statutes, laws,
                     regulations, ordinances, orders, common law, and similar
                     provisions having the force or effect of law, concerning
                     public health or safety, worker health or safety or
                     pollution or protection of the environment, including but
                     not limited to, the Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. (S) 7401 et
                                                                           --
                     seq., the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. (S) 1251 et seq., the
                     ---                                           -- ---
                     Resource Conservation Recovery Act ("RCRA"), 42 U.S.C. (S)
                     6901 et seq., the Toxic Substances Control Act, 15 U.S.C.
                          -- ---
                     (S) 2601 et seq., and the Comprehensive Environmental
                              -- ---
                     Response, Compensation and Liability Act ("CERCLA"), 42
                     U.S.C. (S) 9601 et seq. whether currently in existence or
                                     -- ---
                     hereafter enacted or which govern: (i) the existence,
                     cleanup removal and/or remedy of contamination or threat of
                     contamination on or about the Owned Real Property and
                     Leased Real Property (collectively, the "Real Property");
                     (ii) the emission or discharge of Hazardous Materials into
                     the environment; (iii) the control of Hazardous Materials;
                     or (iv) the use, generation,

                                     -10-
<PAGE>
 
                     transport, treatment, storage, disposal, removal,
                     recycling, handling or recovery of Hazardous Materials,
                     including building materials. 

                           (B)   "Hazardous Materials" shall mean any material
                     or substance: (i) is or becomes defined as a "hazardous
                     substance", "pollutant" or contaminant" pursuant to CERCLA
                     and amendments thereto and regulations promulgated
                     thereunder; (ii) containing gasoline, oil, diesel fuel or
                     other petroleum products, or fractions thereof; (iii) which
                     is or becomes defined as a "hazardous waste" pursuant to
                     RCRA and amendments thereto and regulations promulgated
                     thereunder; (iv) containing polychlorinated biphenyls
                     (PCBs); (v) containing asbestos; (vi) which is radioactive;
                     (vii) which is biologically hazardous; (viii) the presence
                     of which requires investigation or remediation under any
                     federal, state or local statute, regulation, ordinance or
                     policy; (ix) which is or becomes defined as a "hazardous
                     waste", "hazardous substance", "pollutant" or "contaminant"
                     or other such terms used to define a substance having an
                     adverse effect on the environment under any federal, state
                     or local statute, regulation or ordinance; (x) any toxic,
                     explosive, dangerous, corrosive or otherwise hazardous
                     substance, material or waste which is or becomes regulated
                     by any federal, state or local governmental authority or
                     (xi) which causes a nuisance upon or waste to the Real
                     Property.

                           (C)   "Environmental Reports" shall mean the
                     Environmental Reports obtained from Environmental
                     Associates, Inc. and Environmental Resource Management with
                     respect to the environmental condition of the Real Property
                     listed on Schedule 4.1(s).
                               ---------------

                     (ii)  Except as set forth in the Environmental Reports,
               Seller has not received notice, nor does it have any information
               which indicates that Seller will be receiving such a notice, of
               proceedings, claims or losses relating to alleged violations by
               the Seller of any Environmental Laws relating to the Business of
               Division, or relating to the presence, discharge, release or
               disposal of Hazardous Materials on the Real Property or on
               property adjoining the Real Property:

                           (A)   Seller has not received notice as a potentially
                     responsible party ("PRP") for any facility, site or
                     location pursuant to CERCLA or other similar Environmental
                     Law relating to the Business or the Real Property;

                           (B)   Seller is in compliance with all applicable
                     limitations, restrictions, conditions, standards,
                     prohibitions, requirements and obligations established
                     under the requirements of Environmental Laws relating to
                     the Business or the Division, except where such
                     noncompliance would not have any reasonable likelihood,
                     singly or in the aggregate, of materially adversely
                     affecting the financial condition, operations, assets,
                     business or properties of the Divisions, taken as a whole;

                           (C)   Seller has timely filed all notices, reports
                     and other submissions required under all Environmental
                     Laws, except for such notices, reports or other submissions
                     with respect to which the failure to so file would not have
                     any reasonable likelihood, singly or in the aggregate, of
                     materially adversely affecting the financial condition,
                     operations, assets, business or properties of the Business;

                           (D)   All Real Property owned, operated or leased by
                     Seller is and continues to be owned and operated in
                     compliance with all Environmental Laws, in each case except
                     for such violations which would not have any reasonable
                     likelihood, singly or in the aggregate, of materially
                     adversely affecting the

                                     -11-
<PAGE>
 
                     financial condition, operations, assets, business or
                     properties of the Business, taken as a whole and all Real
                     Property has been owned, operated or leased by Seller in
                     compliance with all Environmental Laws, in each case except
                     for such violations which would not have any reasonable
                     likelihood, singly or in the aggregate, of materially
                     adversely affecting the financial condition, operations,
                     assets, business or properties of the Business;

                           (E)   Seller has been issued all permits,
                     certificates, approvals, licenses and other authorizations
                     required under all Environmental Laws, has timely applied
                     therefore and is and continues to be in compliance
                     therewith and Seller has had all such required permits, and
                     other authorizations and have been in compliance therewith,
                     in each case except for such permits and other
                     authorizations with respect to which the failure to obtain
                     or to comply with which would not have any reasonable
                     likelihood, singly or in the aggregate, of materially
                     adversely affecting the financial condition, operations,
                     assets, business or properties of the Business;

                           (F)   Neither Seller nor, to Seller's knowledge, any
                     other person, has ever caused or suffered any Hazardous
                     Materials to be disposed onto or into soils of the Real
                     Property or other property, owned or operated or leased by
                     Seller, which would have any reasonable likelihood, singly
                     or in the aggregate, of materially adversely affecting the
                     financial condition, operations, assets, business or
                     properties of the Business;

                           (G)   There is no contamination in soils or
                     groundwater of or beneath any Real Property owned or leased
                     by Seller, above levels that exceed remediation standards
                     based on regulations, guidances or risk-based criteria
                     warranting studies or remediation or both which would have
                     any reasonable likelihood, singly or in the aggregate, of
                     materially adversely affecting the financial condition,
                     operations, assets, business or properties of the Business;

                           (H)   Except as set forth in the Environmental
                     Reports, there have not been and there are no underground
                     storage tanks, active or abandoned, on or under any Real
                     Property or other property now or previously owned or
                     leased by Seller, which have not been removed together with
                     any associated contaminated media in accordance with
                     currently applicable requirements;

                           (l)   No conditions exist at or on or under any Real
                     Property now or previously owned, leased or operated by
                     Seller, which, with the passage of time, or the giving of
                     notice or both, would give rise to liability under any
                     Environmental Law or any common law which would have any
                     reasonable likelihood, singly or in the aggregate, of
                     materially adversely affecting the financial condition,
                     operations, assets, business or properties of the Business
                     taken as a whole;

                           (J)   Seller has not arranged for the transportation,
                     treatment or disposal of any waste that was disposed of or
                     treated at any site listed on any federal CERCLA or state
                     list or other lists of hazardous substances sites;

                           (K)   There are no liens under Environmental Laws on
                     any of the Real Property or other assets owned, leased or
                     operated by Seller and no government actions have been
                     taken or are in process which could subject any of such
                     properties or assets to such liens;

                           (L)   There have been no environmental
                     investigations, audits, reviews or assessments commissioned
                     by Seller of any property or facility

                                     -12-
<PAGE>
 
                     currently or previously owned or operated by Seller which
                     have not been provided to Purchaser; and

                           (M)   Without limiting the generality of the
                     foregoing, to Seller's knowledge, there are no other facts,
                     events or conditions relating to the past or present
                     operations, properties or facilities of Seller which would
                     give rise to any material liability or investigatory,
                     corrective or remedial obligation under any Environmental
                     Laws.

               (t)   Consents, Approvals and Authorizations. Except as set forth
                     --------------------------------------
         in Schedule 4.1(t), no consent, approval or authorization of or
            ---------------
         designation, declaration or filing with, any governmental authority, or
         any lenders, lessors, creditors, shareholders or others, is required on
         the part of Seller in connection with the valid execution and delivery
         of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated
         herein without breach or violation of any agreement, lease, indenture
         or other instrument, or any judgment, decree, order, award, law, rule
         or regulation applicable to or affecting Seller, the Business or the
         Assets, other than any consent, approval or authorization, filing or
         notification which, if not obtained or made would not have a material
         adverse effect on the Business.

               (u)   Insurance. Seller has maintained and now maintains
                     ---------
         insurance with respect to the Assets and the Business, covering
         property damage by fire or other casualty, and against such
         liabilities, claims and risks, including without limitation, workers
         compensation. Schedule 4.1(u) hereto contains a true and correct copy
                       ---------------
         of all insurance policies maintained by Seller. Except as disclosed in
         Schedule 4.1(u), no policy of insurance is subject to any deductible,
         ---------------
         self-insured retention, retrospective rating agreement, indemnification
         agreement, or any other method or device by which the insured person is
         subject to all or any part of the liability for any or all claims. True
         and correct copies of all such insurance policies have concurrently
         herewith or prior hereto been delivered to Purchaser. All such
         insurance policies will be in full force and effect through the
         Effective Date. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.1(u), there is no
                                                ---------------
         state of facts and no event has occurred forming the basis for any
         present property, casualty or, to the knowledge of Seller, fidelity
         claim against it which is not fully covered by insurance. Schedule
                                                                   --------
         4.1(u) hereto contain loss runs for the last five years setting forth
         ------
         all property, general and products liability and workers compensation
         claim activity against the Business, including the date and place of
         the occurrence, claimant's name, reserves, amounts paid, a brief
         description of the incident and whether the claim is open or closed.
         Except as set forth in Schedule 4.1(u), Seller knows of no occurrence,
                                ---------------
         circumstance, or event which could reasonably be expected to result in
         the claim against it of the type enumerated in such schedule.

               (v)   Employee Benefits. Except for the employee benefit plans
                     -----------------
         listed in the attached Schedule 4.1(v) (the "Employee Benefit Plans"),
                                ---------------
         Seller is not a party to or bound by any profit sharing, stock option,
         pension, severance, retirement, stock purchase, hospitalization, group
         or individual life, disability or health insurance, or employee welfare
         benefit or similar plan or agreement providing benefits to the current
         or former employees or agents of Seller. Seller shall timely pay all
         amounts due under or with respect to the Employee Benefit Plans, and
         Seller does not, nor will it prior to the Closing Date, participate in,
         contribute to or employ any persons covered by a multiemployer plan, as
         defined in Section 3(37) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act
         of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"), and has not, and will not prior to the
         Closing Date, incur any withdrawal liability within the meaning of
         Title IV of ERISA. Seller does not, nor will it prior to the Closing
         Date, maintain a pension plan, as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA,
         subject to Section 412 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
         (the "Code"), or Title IV of ERISA. Seller has complied with, and will
         through and after the Closing Date, continue to comply with the
         Employee Benefit Plans and all requirements of law relating to the
         Employee Benefit Plans, and Purchaser shall have no liability or
         responsibility whatsoever with respect to the Employee Benefit Plans.

                                     -13-
<PAGE>
 
               (w)   Notes and Accounts Receivable. All notes and accounts
                     -----------------------------
         receivable of Seller, including receivables for customer tooling, are
         reflected properly on its books and records, are valid receivables
         subject to no setoffs or counterclaims, are current and collectible,
         and will be collected in substantial accordance with their terms and at
         their recorded amounts, subject only to the reserve for bad debts set
         forth on the face of the June 30 Balance Sheet as adjusted for the
         passage of time through the Closing Date in accordance with generally
         acceptable accounting principles.

               (x)   Inventory. All inventory included in the Assets is properly
                     ---------
         valued on its books and records at the lower of cost or market
         (calculated on a FIFO basis), finished goods were produced to satisfy
         existing contracts, and all inventory, including raw materials and work
         in process are useable in current or anticipated production and are not
         obsolete, damaged or deteriorated. With respect to all inventory which
         Seller holds on consignment, (i) all such inventory is salable in the
         ordinary course of business and (ii) there are no disputes between
         Seller and the consignors of such inventory.

               (y)   Non-Violative Agreement. Neither the execution and delivery
                     -----------------------
         of this Agreement nor the consummation of the transaction contemplated
         herein will conflict with or result in the breach of the terms,
         conditions or provisions of any other agreement or instrument to which
         Seller is a party, or by which it may be bound or to which it may be
         subject, or constitute a default thereunder, which would result in
         Seller or the Assets being subjected to a lien or other encumbrance.

               (z)   Disclosure. No representation or warranty by the Seller
                     ----------
         contained in this Agreement and no statement contained in any
         certificate or other instrument furnished or to be furnished pursuant
         hereto or in connection with the transaction contemplated hereby,
         contains or will contain any untrue statement of a material fact, or
         omits or will omit, to state a material fact necessary in order to make
         any of the statements not misleading, or necessary in order to provide
         Purchaser with all material information regarding the Assets or the
         Business.

         4.2   Representations and Warranties of Purchaser. Purchaser hereby
               -------------------------------------------
represents, warrants and covenants the following to Seller and Shareholder:

               (a)   Purchaser's Authority. Purchaser is a corporation
                     ---------------------
         organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
         State of Delaware with the power and authority to enter into this
         Agreement, and to consummate the transactions contemplated herein.

               (b)   Obligations of Purchaser. The execution of this Agreement
                     ------------------------
         and the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein have been
         duly authorized and approved by the Board of Directors of Purchaser,
         and this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding obligation of
         Purchaser, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except to the
         extent that the enforcement thereof may be limited by bankruptcy,
         insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws of general
         application affecting creditors' rights generally and application of
         general principles of equity.

               (c)   Non-Violative Agreement. Neither the execution and
                     -----------------------
         delivery of this Agreement nor the consummation of the transactions
         contemplated herein will conflict with or result in the breach of the
         terms, conditions or provisions of any other agreement or instrument to
         which Purchaser is a party, or by which Purchaser may be bound or to
         which it may be subject, or constitute a default thereunder.

               (d)   Litigation. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.2(d) hereto,
                     ----------                         ---------------
         there are no actions, suits, investigations or proceedings, either
         pending or threatened against Purchaser, at law or in equity, before
         any federal, state, municipal, or other govemmental department,
         commission, board, agency, court or instrumentality, which would
         materially adversely affect Purchaser's

                                     -14-
<PAGE>
 
         ability to perform its obligations, or consummate the transactions
         contemplated, under this Agreement.

               (e)   Consents, Approvals and Authorizations. Except as set forth
                     --------------------------------------
         in Schedule 4.2(e), no consent, approval or authorization of or
            ---------------
         designation, declaration or filing with, any governmental authority, or
         any lenders, lessors, creditors, shareholders or others, is required on
         the part of Purchaser in connection with the valid execution and
         delivery of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions
         contemplated herein without breach or violation of any agreement,
         lease, indenture or other instrument, or any judgment, decree, order,
         award, law, rule or regulation applicable to or affecting Purchaser,
         other than any consent, approval or authorization, filing or
         notification which, if not obtained or made would not have a material
         adverse effect on Purchaser or its ability to consummate the
         transactions contemplated in this Agreement.

               (f)   Disclosure. No representation or warranty by Purchaser
                     ----------
         contained in this Agreement and no statement contained in any
         certificate or other instrument furnished or to be furnished pursuant
         hereto or in connection with the transaction contemplated hereby,
         contains or will contain any untrue statement of a material fact, or
         omits or will omit, to state a material fact necessary in order to make
         any of the statements not misleading, or necessary in order to provide
         Seller with all material information regarding Purchaser's ability to
         perform its obligations and to consummate the transactions contemplated
         in this Agreement.


                                   ARTICLE V

                               EMPLOYEE MATTERS
                               ----------------

         5.1   Obligation to Hire. Effective as of the Closing Date, Purchaser
               ------------------
will offer employment to substantially all employees of Seller who are actively
employed (excluding employees on layoff, leave, military leave, suspension, sick
leave, workers' compensation, salary continuance or long-term or short-term
disability, on the date immediately preceding the Closing Date ("Inactive
Employees")) on terms and conditions similar to those under which Purchaser
employs persons of similar skill, experience and training. Those employees
accepting such offers of employment are referred to in this Agreement as
"Continued Employees." Nothing contained in this Agreement is intended to confer
upon any Continued Employee any right to continued employment after the Closing
Date, subsequent to Purchaser's evaluation of its employment needs with respect
to the Business.

         5.2   Employee Benefit Plans for Continued Employees. Effective as of a
               ----------------------------------------------
Continued Employee's acceptance of employment with Purchaser, a Continued
Employee shall be entitled to the benefits afforded under, and subject to the
terms and conditions of, Purchaser's employee benefit plans. Purchaser shall
give prior service credit to the Continued Employees with respect to
eligibility, vesting and retirement under Purchaser's employee benefit plans.
Seller shall retain all liability to fully perform, pay and discharge all
incurred but unpaid claims under the insurance programs provided to Seller's
employees immediately preceding the Closing Date. Upon the Closing, Purchaser
shall be responsible for administering all continuation coverage under any
medical and health plans of Seller for Seller's employees and their spouses,
dependents and beneficiaries, in accordance with the Consolidated Omnibus Budget
Reconciliation Act of 1985 ("COBRA") for all qualified beneficiaries whose
original Qualifying Event (as defined in COBRA) occurred on or prior to the
Effective Date.

         5.3   Worker's Compensation Claims. Purchaser and Seller hereby
               ----------------------------
acknowledge and agree that all workers compensation benefit claims payable to
Seller's employees for any claim for workers compensation benefits arising as
the result of an injury or occupational disease sustained while employed by
Seller will be covered under the Washington State Industrial Insurance program
in which Seller is a participant, even if such claims are filed subsequent to
the Closing.

                                     -15-
<PAGE>
 
         5.4   Special Employment Arrangements. At the Closing, Purchaser and
               -------------------------------
Shareholder shall enter into an employment agreement in the form and substance
set forth on Exhibit "B." In addition, notwithstanding anything to the contrary
             ------------
contained in Section 5.1 above, Purchaser shall offer employment to Seller's
employees Paul Rittenhouse, Rod Cameron, John Turpen, Dick Krueger and Brian
Carmody, on terms and conditions similar to those under which Purchaser employs
persons of similar skill, experience and training, but with salaries reasonably
commensurate with those paid to such individuals by Seller.

         5.5   Employee Vacation Benefits. The parties agree that employees of
               --------------------------
Seller hired by Purchaser shall be entitled to equal or better vacation benefits
as if they had continued to be employed by Seller. All such vacations after
Closing shall be the responsibility of Purchaser. However, Purchaser shall not
be responsible for any vacation carryovers from 1997 to 1998.


                                  ARTICLE VI

                                  COVENANTS
                                  ---------

         6.1   Interim Operations. Seller shall maintain, operate and further
               ------------------
the Business in the ordinary course; there shall be no material adverse changes
in the Business; there shall be no sale of the Assets other than in the ordinary
course of business; and Seller shall not enter into any agreement, contract or
other document, except in the ordinary course of business, without the prior
written consent of Purchaser, from and after the date hereof to the Closing
Date, and Purchaser shall be kept fully informed of the Business and all
transactions of Seller (other than in the ordinary course of business) during
such period. From the Effective Date through the Closing Date, Purchaser shall
reimburse Seller for all payments to or on behalf of the employees of the
Business hired by Purchaser, including without limitation all payroll expenses.

         6.2   Additional Capital. Following the Closing, at such time and in
               ------------------
such amount as Purchaser may reasonably deem appropriate, Purchaser shall
provide the Business with capital sufficient to implement the planned
improvements from Robotic Water Jet Trimming and Dust Control Enhancements, and
to continue research and development at current levels for Seller's infusion
process, until such time as Purchaser reasonably determines that such capital
and such efforts will no longer provide reasonable cost-effective benefits to
Purchaser or the planned improvement are completed.

         6.3   Full Access. Seller shall fully cooperate with Purchaser and make
               -----------
available to Purchaser, Seller's accountants, attorneys, lenders, employees,
officers and other representatives, all records, books of account, documents and
information which Purchaser, its agents, representatives, attorneys, accountants
or lenders may from time-to-time request, so that Purchaser may investigate all
aspects of the Business, Assets, and prospects and financial condition of the
Business.

         6.4   Notice of Material Developments. Seller and Purchaser will give
               -------------------------------
prompt written notice to the other of any (i) representation or warranty
contained herein which was true as of the date hereof, but which has
subsequently become untrue, (ii) breach of any covenant hereunder by either
party, and (iii) any other material development affecting the ability of such
party to consummate the transactions contemplated in this Agreement.

         6.5   Exclusivity. From the date hereof through January 31, 1998,
               -----------
neither Seller nor Shareholder shall, directly or indirectly, offer or solicit
offers for, or maintain discussions or negotiations with respect to, the sale of
the Business or Assets (other than in the ordinary course of business) or any
capital stock of Seller, with any party other than Purchaser unless Purchaser
consents thereto in writing.

         6.6   Consent and Approvals. Seller shall use its best efforts to
               ---------------------
obtain any consent, approval, authorization, designation, declaration or filing
required by Seller in connection with the consummation of the transactions
contemplated in this Agreement, and true copies thereof have or will be given to
Purchaser's counsel.

                                     -16-
<PAGE>
 
         6.7   Confidentiality. All information and documents delivered or
               ---------------
disclosed by Seller in connection with the transactions contemplated in the
Agreement shall be treated and held by Purchaser, its employees, and agents as
confidential and proprietary in accordance with the letter agreement between the
parties dated July 23, 1997, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit "G"
                                                                   -----------
and incorporated herein by this reference.


                                  ARTICLE VII

                             CONDITIONS TO CLOSING
                             ---------------------

         7.1   Conditions Precedent to Purchaser's Obligation. The obligation of
               ----------------------------------------------
Purchaser to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement at the
Closing is subject to the satisfaction of all of the following conditions, any
of which may be waived in writing by Purchaser:

               (a)   Seller's Representations, Warranties and Covenants. All
                     --------------------------------------------------
         representations and warranties of Seller herein contained shall be true
         and correct as of the Effective Date and on the Closing Date, and
         Seller shall have performed, and there shall be no breach of, Seller's
         covenants and agreements set forth herein on or before the Closing
         Date.

               (b)   Environmental Reports. Purchaser shall be satisfied, in
                     ---------------------
         its sole discretion, with the results set forth in the Environmental
         Reports (as defined in Section 4.l(s)(i)(C)).

               (c)   Real Property Leases.
                     --------------------

                     (i)    Purchaser and DM Properties Limited Partnership, the
               lessor of one of the parcels of the Real Property, shall have
               entered into a new lease for such Real Property (or,
               alternatively, an amendment and assignment of the existing lease
               for such Real Property) (in either event, the "DM Lease") on
               terms and conditions satisfactory to Purchaser.

                     (ii)   Purchaser and "B" Street Partners, the lessor of one
               of the parcels of the Real Property, shall have entered into a
               new lease for such Real Property (or, alternatively, an
               assignment and assumption agreement with respect to the existing
               lease for such Real Property in the form and substance set forth
               on the attached Exhibit "C" (in either event, the "`B' Street
                               -----------
               Lease").

               (d)   Release of Guarantees. Purchaser and Seller shall have
                     ---------------------
         obtained the release of all guarantees of debt of the Seller made by
         Shareholder and the Former Shareholder executed in favor of U.S. Bank
         of Washington, N.A.

               (e)   Documentation. All documents relating to the transactions
                     -------------
         contemplated in this Agreement shall be satisfactory in form and
         content to Purchaser's legal counsel.

               (f)   Approvals. All directors', shareholders', lender and other
                     ---------
         approvals or consents, including the consent of the Former Shareholder
         to assignment of the Consulting Agreement to Purchaser (the "Former
         Shareholder's Consent"), to the transactions contemplated herein which
         may be required of Seller shall have been obtained by Seller.

               (g)   No Encumbrances. All of the Assets shall be owned free and
                     ---------------
         clear of all liens and encumbrances, other than those liens and
         encumbrances the obligations of which will be released concurrently
         with the Closing or which Purchaser specifically agrees to assume
         pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

                                     -17-
<PAGE>
 
               (h)   UCC Searches. Purchaser, at its sole expense, shall have
                     ------------
         obtained Uniform Commercial Code financing statement searches, or its
         equivalent with respect to foreign jurisdictions dated not earlier than
         ten (10) days prior to the Closing Date, from each state, country and
         foreign jurisdiction in which Seller owns or leases any property,
         showing no security interests, pledges, liens, claims or encumbrances
         in or affecting any part of Seller's assets, other than those which
         Seller causes to be released prior to or concurrently with the Closing
         or which Purchaser specifically agrees to assume pursuant to the terms
         of this Agreement.

               (i)   Litigation. There shall be no action, suit or proceeding
                     ----------
         pending or threatened before any court or quasi-judicial or
         administrative agency of any jurisdiction wherein an unfavorable
         judgment, order, decree, stipulation, injunction or charge would (i)
         prevent consummation of the transactions contemplated herein, (ii)
         cause any of the transactions contemplated herein to be rescinded
         following consummation, or (iii) affect adversely the right of
         Purchaser to own, operate or control the Assets or the Business.

               (j)   Covenant Not to Compete. Seller shall execute, enter into
                     -----------------------
         and deliver to Purchaser a Confidentiality Agreement and Covenant Not
         to Compete (the "Covenant Not to Compete") in substantially the form
         and content set forth in Exhibit "D" hereto.
                                  -----------

               (k)   Employment Agreement. Purchaser and Shareholder shall
                     --------------------
         execute, enter into and deliver the employment agreement described in
         Section 5.4 (the "Employment Agreement").

               (l)   Consents and Estoppel Certificates. All leases for all
                     ----------------------------------
         personal property used by Seller shall be satisfactory to Purchaser and
         shall be properly assigned. In the event that the existing `B' Street
         Lease is assigned to Purchaser (as opposed to Purchaser and the lessor
         thereof entering into a new lease), Seller shall obtain the a consent
         and estoppel certificate from the such lessor, certifying that the
         existing `B' Street Lease and all amendments thereto are as attached to
         the certificate and (i) such lease is in full force and effect, (ii)
         there are no uncured defaults thereunder, (iii) the date through which
         lease payments or any other applicable payments thereunder have been
         paid, and (iv) the amount of any security deposit held thereunder.

               (m)   Warranty Bill of Sale and Assignment and Assumption.
                     ---------------------------------------------------
         Seller shall deliver all necessary consents to assignment of any
         contract to be assumed by Purchaser hereunder. Seller shall execute and
         deliver to Purchaser a Warranty Bill of Sale and Assignment and
         Assumption Agreement in substantially the form and substance set forth
         in Exhibit "E" hereto.
            -----------

               (n)   Vehicles. Seller shall have properly transferred title to
                     --------
         the vehicles listed on Schedule 1.1(e) to Purchaser.
                                ---------------

         7.2   Conditions Precedent to Seller's Obligation. The obligation of
               -------------------------------------------
Seller to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement at the
Closing is subject to the satisfaction of all of the following conditions, any
of which may be waived in writing by the Seller:

               (a)   Purchaser's Representations, Warranties and Covenants. All
                     -----------------------------------------------------
         representations and warranties of the Purchaser contained herein shall
         be true and correct as of the Effective Date and on the Closing Date,
         and Purchaser shall have performed, and there shall be no breach of,
         Purchaser's covenants and agreements set forth herein on or before the
         Closing Date.

               (b)   Release of Guarantees. Purchaser and Seller shall have
                     ---------------------
         obtained the release of all guarantees of debt of the Seller made by
         Shareholder and the Former Shareholder executed in favor of U.S. Bank
         of Washington, N.A.

               (c)   Approvals. All directors', shareholders' and other
                     ---------
         approvals or consents to the transactions contemplated herein which may
         be required of Purchaser shall have been obtained by Purchaser.

                                     -18-
<PAGE>
 
               (d)   Leases. Purchaser shall have entered into the DM Lease and
                     ------
         the `B' Street Lease.

               (e)   Litigation. There shall be no action, suit or proceeding
                     ----------
         pending or threatened before any court or quasi-judicial or
         administrative agency of any jurisdiction wherein an unfavorable
         judgment, order, decree, stipulation, injunction or charge would (i)
         prevent consummation of the transactions contemplated herein, (ii)
         cause any of the transactions contemplated herein to be rescinded
         following consummation, or (iii) affect adversely the right of
         Purchaser to own, operate or control the Assets or the Business.

               (f)   Employment Agreement. Purchaser and Shareholder shall
                     --------------------
         execute, enter into and deliver the Employment Agreement.

               (g)   Delivery of Note and Letter of Credit. Purchaser shall
                     -------------------------------------
         have delivered to Seller the Note and the Letter of Credit (on terms
         reasonably satisfactory to Seller and Seller's counsel).

               (h)   Documentation. All documents relating to the transactions
                     -------------
         contemplated in this Agreement shall be satisfactory in form and
         content to Seller's legal counsel.



                                  ARTICLE VIII

                                    CLOSING

         8.1   Closing. The closing (the "Closing") of the transaction
               -------
contemplated herein shall be at the offices of Jaffe, Raitt, Heuer & Weiss,
Professional Corporation on January __, 1998 (the "Closing Date"), or at such
other time and location as mutually agreed to by the parties and shall, in any
event, be effective as of 12:01 a.m. on January 1, 1998.

         8.2   Documents to Be Delivered at Closing by Seller. At the Closing,
               ----------------------------------------------
Seller shall deliver to Purchaser:

               (a)   A certificate executed by an officer of Seller, dated the
         Closing Date, to the effect that (i) the warranties and representations
         of Seller contained herein are true on the Closing Date with the same
         effect as though made on and as of the Closing Date and the Effective
         Date, (ii) Seller has performed and complied with all obligations
         imposed upon it hereunder, including the performances of all covenants,
         (iii) there has been no material adverse change in the Business or the
         Assets from the date of this Agreement to the Closing Date, and (iv)
         Seller has operated the Business only in the ordinary course, and there
         have been no material adverse changes in the Business or Assets from
         the date hereof to the Closing Date.

               (b)   Certified Resolutions of Seller's Board of Directors and,
         if applicable, shareholders approving the terms and conditions of this
         Agreement and the sale of the Assets as herein provided.

               (c)   Warranty Bill of Sale and Assignment and Assumption
         Agreement, transferring all of the Assets to Purchaser, in the form
         attached hereto as Exhibit "E" and made a part hereof.
                            -----------

               (d)   The Covenant Not to Compete.

               (e)   The consent and estoppel certificates described in Section
         7.1(j) above.

               (f)   All of the Assets.

                                     -19-
<PAGE>
 
               (g)   The DM Lease.

               (h)   The Assignment and Assumption of the "B" Street Lease or
         new "B" Street Lease, as the case may be.

               (i)   The Employment Agreement.

               (j)   The Former Shareholder's Consent.

               (k)   Such other documents and instruments as may be reasonably
         requested by counsel for Purchaser.

         8.3   Documents to be Delivered at Closing by Purchaser. At the
               -------------------------------------------------
Closing, Purchaser shall deliver to Seller:

               (a)   Certificate executed by an officer of Purchaser dated the
         Closing Date, to the effect that (i) the warranties and representations
         of Purchaser contained herein are true on the Closing Date with the
         same effect as though made on and as of the Closing Date and the
         Effective Date, and (ii) Purchaser has performed and complied with all
         obligations imposed upon it hereunder, including the performances of
         all covenants.

               (b)   Certified Resolutions of the Board of Directors of
         Purchaser approving the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the
         purchase of the Assets as herein provided.

               (c)   The Purchase Price as provided in Article III (including
         the Note and the Letter of Credit).

               (d)   The Employment Agreement.

               (e)   Such other documents and instruments as may be reasonably
         requested by counsel for Seller.


                                  ARTICLE IX

                                INDEMNIFICATION
                                ---------------

         9.1   Indemnification of Purchaser. Seller and Shareholder hereby,
               ----------------------------
jointly and severally, agree to indemnify, defend (as provided below) and hold
Purchaser, and its officers, directors, employees, shareholders, successors and
assigns, harmless from and against any and all liability, loss, costs or
expenses which Purchaser may suffer and become liable for as a result or in
connection with:

               (a)   Any and all liabilities and obligations and claims against
         Seller not assumed by Purchaser pursuant to the provisions of this
         Agreement, whether disclosed or not, including without limitation, any
         and all liabilities and obligations of, or claims, demands, liens, or
         judgments against Purchaser incurred or which arise from or in any way
         relate to the activities of Seller, claims arising as the result of
         injuries alleged to have been sustained at any time as the result of
         any actual or alleged defect in a product manufactured by Seller or the
         operation of the Business by Seller, prior to the Closing;

               (b)   Any and all liabilities and claims incurred by Purchaser
         based upon, arising out of or otherwise in connection with
         non-compliance by Seller with the provisions of any bulk transfer laws
         which may apply to the transactions contemplated in this Agreement;

                                     -20-
<PAGE>
 
               (c)   Any and all monetary damages or deficiencies resulting
         from any misrepresentation, or breach of warranty, under this Agreement
         or resulting from any misrepresentation or omission from any
         certificate, schedule, list, or other instrument to be furnished by
         Seller to Purchaser under this Agreement;

               (d)   Any nonfulfillment of any agreement or covenant on the
         part of Seller; or

               (e)   Any and all actions, suits, proceedings, demands,
         assessments, judgments, costs, and expenses including reasonable
         attorneys and consultants fees, incident to any of the foregoing;

provided, however, that within sixty (60) days after learning of the assertion
of any claim against which Purchaser claims indemnification hereunder, Purchaser
shall notify Seller and afford it the opportunity to assume the defense or
settlement thereof at its own expense with counsel of its choosing, and
Purchaser shall have cooperated fully to make available to Seller all pertinent
information under its control or in its possession. Purchaser shall have the
right to join in the defense of any such claim with counsel of its own choosing
and at its own expense.

         9.2   Indemnification of Seller. Purchaser hereby agrees to indemnify,
               -------------------------
defend (as provided below) and hold Seller and Shareholder, and their respective
successors and assigns, and Seller's officers and directors and shareholder
harmless from and against any and all liability, loss, cost or expense which
Seller or Shareholder may suffer or become liable for as a result or in
connection with:

               (a)   Any and all liabilities, obligations and claims, which
         arise from or in any way relate to the ownership or operation of the
         Business by Purchaser after the Closing Date;

               (b)   Any and all liabilities and claims arising after the
         Closing Date under any contract, agreement or lease assigned to
         Purchaser pursuant to the terms of this Agreement;

provided, however, that within sixty (60) days after learning of the assertion
of any claim against which Seller claims indemnification hereunder, Seller shall
notify Purchaser and afford it the opportunity to assume the defense or
settlement thereof at its own expense with counsel of its choosing, and Seller
shall have cooperated fully to make available to Purchaser all pertinent
information under its control or in its possession. Seller shall have the right
to join in the defense of any such claim with counsel of its own choosing and at
its own expense.

         9.3   Minimization of Indemnities. The parties hereto shall each use
               ---------------------------
reasonable efforts to minimize the obligation of the others to indemnify
hereunder, by, among other reasonable things and without limiting the generality
of the foregoing, taking such reasonable remedial action as it believes may
minimize such obligation and seeking to the maximum extent possible
reimbursement from insurance carriers under applicable insurance policies
covering any such liability.

         9.4   Assignment of Claims. The parties hereto agree upon satisfaction
               --------------------
of the obligation to indemnify hereunder, and in consideration thereof, to
assign to the party making such payment or giving such credit, any and all
claims, causes of action and demands of whatever kind and nature which such
indemnified party may have against any person, firm or other entity giving rise
to such indemnified loss, and to reasonably cooperate in any efforts to recover
therefrom.

         9.5   Purchaser's Right to Settle Claims. Notwithstanding anything
               ----------------------------------
herein contained to the contrary, in the event that, in order to protect the
Business to be acquired by Purchaser hereunder or the customers of the Business,
or the Assets, Purchaser shall desire to settle any claims or actions, the
defense of which Seller would otherwise be entitled to assume pursuant to the
provisions hereof, Purchaser shall be entitled to so settle such claim or
action, after first giving Seller not less than five (5) days prior written
notice of such claim or action and the proposed settlement, and the terms of
such settlement shall be binding upon Seller so long as they are commercially
reasonable measured in the context of the matter settled and not in respect of
other considerations of the Purchaser.

                                     -21-
<PAGE>
 
         9.6   Remedies Not Exclusive. Each Party to this Agreement shall be
               ----------------------
entitled to exercise and resort to all rights and remedies for misrepresentation
or breach as are afforded to such party at law or in equity, including, without
limitation, rescission, specific performance, action for damages, adjustment to
the Purchase Price or such other remedies and relief as may be afforded to such
art under this Agreement or by a court of competent jurisdiction. Neither the
existence or exercise of any specific remedies is intended to be exclusive of or
impair or otherwise adversely affect in any manner whatsoever any rights,
remedies or relief otherwise available to such party, and each and every right
and remedy will be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy
provided in this Agreement or by law.

          9.7   Right of Offset. Any amounts payable by Seller to Purchaser
                ---------------
under this Agreement (including pursuant to this Article IX) may, at the option
of Purchaser, be set off against any amounts due Seller by Purchaser hereunder,
including, without limitation, pursuant to the Note (as defined in Section 3.2).

         9.8   Limitation on Indemnities. Notwithstanding any provision to the
               -------------------------
contrary, no claim by either party against the other for breach of
representation or warranty shall be valid and assertible unless and until the
aggregate amount of all claims which may be asserted exceeds $100,000, except
that no claim by Purchaser against Seller for breach of the representations and
warranties contained in Sections 4.1(i), 4.1(j) and 4.1(s) shall be valid and
assertible unless and until the aggregate amount of all such claims which may be
asserted under such sections exceeds $200,000, and then (in both instances) such
claims shall be payable from the first dollar. Additionally, all claims for
breach of representation or warranty, together with any claims for
indemnification by Purchaser against Seller relating to any environmental
liability (whether or not a breach of representation or warranty) shall not
exceed an amount equal to the Initial Purchase Price less the amount of the
Initial Purchase Price to be paid to the Former Shareholder pursuant to Section
3.6(a) of this Agreement. The dollar limitations set forth in this Section 9.8
shall not apply to any other Excluded Liabilities or to any breach of a party's
covenants or other agreements hereunder; provided, however, if any claim by
Purchaser against Seller with respect to an Excluded Liability could also be
asserted by Purchaser against Seller as a breach of representations or
warranties hereunder, Purchaser shall assert such claim (to the extent
applicable) as a breach of a representation and warranty rather than an Excluded
Liability.

         9.9   Survival. The representations and warranties of Seller and
               --------
Purchaser contained in this Agreement shall survive for a period of two (2)
years from the Closing Date (other than Seller's representations and warranties
with respect to assets contained in Section 4.1(a), good standing and authority
found in Section 4.1(b), tax matters found in Section 4.1(p), and consents,
approvals and authorizations found in Section 4.1(t), which shall continue in
full force and effect until expiration of their respective statutes of
limitation, and environmental matters found in Section 4.1(s), which shall
continue in full force and effect for a period of three (3) years).


                                   ARTICLE X

                                  TERMINATION
                                  -----------

         10.1  Termination. This Agreement may be terminated at any time before
               -----------
the Closing:

               (a)   by mutual consent of the Boards of Directors of Purchaser
         and Seller; or

               (b)   by the Board of Directors of Seller if any of the
         conditions set forth in Section 7.2 of this Agreement have not been
         fulfilled, satisfied or waived by January 31, 1998, or Purchaser
         breaches any covenant or agreement set forth in this Agreement; or

               (c)   by the Board of Directors of Purchaser if any of the
         conditions set forth in Section 7.1 of this Agreement have not been
         fulfilled, satisfied or waived by January 31, 1998, or Seller breaches
         any covenant or agreement set forth in this Agreement.

                                     -22-
<PAGE>
 
         10.2  Effect of Termination. If this Agreement is terminated in
               --------------------- 
accordance with Section 10.1,it shall be null and void and have no further
force or effect.


                                  ARTICLE XI

                                 MISCELLANEOUS
                                 -------------

         11.1  Distribution to Shareholder. Immediately prior to the Closing,
               ---------------------------
Seller may distribute to Shareholder an amount equal to Seller's Adjusted Income
(defined in Section 3.2) for the period commencing on July 1,1997 and ending on
the Effective Date (the "Distribution").

         11.2  Expenses. Seller and Purchaser hereby agree that they shall each
               --------
bear their own expenses incurred by them in connection with the preparation and
negotiation of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated herein.

         11.3  Dispute Resolution Any and all disputes between the parties
               ------------------
hereto arising out of any provision of this Agreement shall be resolved in
accordance with the alternative Dispute Resolution Procedures set forth in the
attached Exhibit "H", provided, however, that a party hereto may seek a
         -----------
preliminary injunction or other provisional judicial relief if in its judgment
such action is necessary to avoid irreparable damage or to preserve the status
quo. Despite any such action, the parties hereto will continue to participate in
good faith in the procedures set forth in Exhibit "H".
                                          -----------

         11.4  Notices. Any and all notices, requests, demands and other
               -------
communications permitted or required hereunder shall be in writing and shall be
deemed given, if personally delivered or if mailed, postage prepaid, certified
or registered, return receipt requested, to the parties as follows, or at such
other addresses as they may indicate by written notice given as herein provided:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

         <S>                                                  <C> 
         If to Seller:                                        With a Required Copy to:

         Livingston, Inc.                                     Stoel Rives LLP
         6045 N.E. 135th Street                               600 University Street, Suite 3600
         Kirkland, WA 98034                                   Seattle, WA 98101
         Attention: Mr. Robert D. Morganstern                 Attention: John E. Poffenbarger, Esq.


         If to Purchaser:                                     With a Required Copy to:

         Cambridge Industries, Inc.                           Jaffe, Raitt, Heuer & Weiss
         555 Horace Brown Drive                               Professional Corporation
         Madison Heights, Michigan 48071                      One Woodward Avenue, Suite 2400
         Attention: President                                 Detroit, Michigan 48226
                                                              Attention: Robin H. Krueger, Esq.
</TABLE> 

         11.5  Headings. The headings contained in this Agreement are for
               --------
reference purposes only and shall not in any way affect the meaning or
interpretation of this Agreement.

         11.6  Construction. This Agreement has been executed in, and shall be
               ------------
construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan.

         11.7  Assignment; Benefit. This Agreement may not be assigned by a
               -------------------
party without the prior written consent of the other party (which consent shall
not be unreasonably withheld). This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to
the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective heirs, successors and
permitted assigns.

                                     -23-
<PAGE>
 
         11.8  Entire Agreement. This Agreement, including the Exhibits and the
               ----------------
Schedules attached or to be attached hereto, is and shall be deemed to be the
complete and final expression of the agreement between the parties as to the
matters herein contained and relative thereof, and supersedes any previous
agreements between the parties pertaining to such matters, other than that
certain confidentiality agreement between the parties dated July 23, 1997, which
shall survive the execution of this Agreement, but shall terminate upon the
Closing.

         11.9  Tax Matters.
               -----------

               (i)    Seller will be responsible for the preparation and filing
         of all Tax Returns for Seller for all periods as to which Tax Returns
         are due after the Closing Date. Seller will make all payments required
         with respect to any such Tax Returns.

               (ii)   Purchaser will be responsible for the preparation and
         filing of all Tax Returns for the Business for all periods as to which
         Tax Returns are due after the Closing Date. Purchaser will make all
         payments required with respect to any such Tax Return; provided,
         however, that Seller will reimburse Purchaser concurrently therewith to
         the extent any payment the Purchaser is making relates to the
         operations of the Business for any period ending on or before the
         Closing Date.

               (iii)  All sales, use and transfer taxes (including taxes, if
         any, imposed upon the transfer of real and personal property), filing,
         recording and registration fees payable in connection with the
         transactions contemplated hereby shall be paid by Seller.

         11.10 Books and Records. Purchaser agrees that it will preserve all
               -----------------
documents, books and records of the Business delivered to Purchaser by Seller
pursuant to this Agreement for a period of six (6) years from the Closing Date
and will allow Seller, and any of its representatives, full access thereto and
the right to make copies and extracts therefrom at any time during such six-year
period during normal business hours after reasonable notice.

          11.11 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more
                ------------
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which
together shall be considered one and the same agreement.

          11.12 Waiver. The waiver by any party of any breach of any provision
                ------
hereof shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent or
similar breach.

          11.13 Amendment. This Agreement may only be amended by written
                ---------
agreement executed by the parties hereto, or their respective successor or
assigns.

          11.14 Further Assurances. From time to time after the Closing Date,
                ------------------
at Purchaser's request and without further consideration, Seller and Shareholder
shall execute and deliver or cause to be executed and delivered such further
instruments of conveyance, assignment and transfer and shall take such other
action as Purchaser may reasonably request in order more effectively to convey,
transfer, reduce to possession or record title to any of the Assets purchased
pursuant hereto. Upon the request of Purchaser, Seller and Shareholder will
cooperate and will use their best efforts to have the officers, directors and
other employees of Seller cooperate with Purchaser on or after the Closing Date
by furnishing information, evidence, testimony and other assistance in
connection with any actions, proceedings, arrangements or disputes involving
Purchaser and which are based upon contracts, leases, arrangements or acts of
Seller which were in effect or occurred on or prior to the Closing Date. From
time to time after the Closing Date, at Seller's request and without further
consideration, Purchaser shall execute and deliver or cause to be executed and
delivered such further instruments and documents as may be necessary or
reasonably desirable for the consummation of the transactions contemplated in
this Agreement.

                            ************************

                                     -24-
<PAGE>
 
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Asset Purchase
Agreement to be fully executed as of the day and year first written above.


                                   CAMBRIDGE INDUSTRIES, INC.
                                   a Delaware corporation

                                   By: /s/ Richard Crawford
                                      -----------------------------------------
                                   Its: Chairman of the Board
                                       ----------------------------------------

                                   LIVINGSTON, INC.,
                                   a Washington corporation

                                   By: /s/ Robert D. Morganstern
                                      ------------------------------------------
                                   Its: President
                                       -----------------------------------------


                                   /s/ Robert D. Morganstern
                                   ---------------------------------------------
                                   ROBERT D. MORGRANSTERN

                                     -25-
<PAGE>
 
                               LIST OF SCHEDULES



      1.1(a)      -       Furniture, Fixtures and Other Fixed Assets
      1.1(e)      -       Equipment, Machinery and Vehicles
      1.1(f)      -       Contracts
      1.1(g)      -       Licenses and Permits
      1.1(i)      -       Third Party Warranties
      1.1(j)      -       Real Property
      1.1(k)      -       Accounts Receivable
      1.2(d)      -       Excluded Assets
      4.1(e)      -       Intellectual Property
      4.1(f)      -       Condition of Assets
      4.1(h)      -       Litigation
      4.1(i)      -       Compliance with Applicable Laws and Regulations
      4.1(k)      -       Employees
      4.1(m)      -       Financial Statements
      4.1(o)      -       Conduct of Business Since June 30, 1997
      4.1(p)      -       Tax Matters
      4.1(r)      -       Leased Real Property
      4.1(s)      -       Environmental Reports
      4.1(t)      -       Consents, Approvals and Authorization
      4.1(u)      -       Insurance
      4.1(v)      -       Employee Benefit Plans

                                     -26-
<PAGE>
 
                               LIST OF EXHIBITS

A        -        Form of Promissory Note

B        -        Form of Employment Agreement

C        -        Form of Assignment and Assumption of "B" Street Lease or 
                  New "B" Street Lease

D        -        Form of Covenant Not to Compete

E        -        Form of Warranty Bill of Sale and Assignment and Assumption

F        -        Alternative Dispute Resolution

G        -        Confidentiality Agreement

                                     -27-
<PAGE>
 
                               LIST OF SCHEDULES


      1.1(a)      -       Furniture, Fixtures and Other Fixed Assets
      1.1(e)      -       Equipment, Machinery and Vehicles
      1.1(f)      -       Contracts
      1.1(g)      -       Licenses and Permits
      1.1(i)      -       Third Party Warranties
      1.1(j)      -       Real Property
      1.1(k)      -       Accounts Receivable
      1.2(d)      -       Excluded Assets
      4.1(e)      -       Intellectual Property
      4.1(f)      -       Condition of Assets
      4.1(h)      -       Litigation
      4.1(i)      -       Compliance with Applicable Laws and Regulations
      4.1(k)      -       Employees
      4.1(m)      -       Financial Statements
      4.1(o)      -       Conduct of Business Since June 30, 1997
      4.1(p)      -       Tax Matters
      4.1(r)      -       Leased Real Property
      4.1(s)      -       Environmental Reports
      4.1(t)      -       Consents, Approvals and Authorization
      4.1(u)      -       Insurance
      4.1(v)      -       Employee Benefit Plans



In accordance with Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S--K, the exhibits and schedules
described in the List of Exhibits and Schedules of this Agreement have not been
filed with the Current Report on Form 10--K to which this Agreement is an
exhibit. The Registrant hereby agrees to furnish supplementally copies of such
exhibits and schedules to the Commission upon request.

                                      26
<PAGE>
 
                                LIST OF EXHIBITS




A        -        Form of Promissory Note

B        -        Form of Employment Agreement

C        -        Form of Assignment and Assumption of "B" Street Lease or 
                  New "B" Street Lease

D        -        Form of Covenant Not to Compete

E        -        Form of Warranty Bill of Sale and Assignment and Assumption

F        -        Alternative Dispute Resolution

G        -        Confidentiality Agreement


In accordance with Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S--K, the exhibits and Schedules
described in the List of Exhibits and Schedules of this Agreement have not been
filed with the Current Report on Form 10--K to which this Agreement is an
exhibit. The Registrant hereby agrees to furnish supplementally copies of such
exhibits and schedules to the Commission upon request.

                                      27