Document:

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

         This Agreement is made by and between TriMas Corporation, a Delaware
corporation ("Company") and Benson K. Woo (hereinafter "Executive") effective
September 3, 2003 ("Effective Date"). In order to induce Executive to serve as
its Chief Financial Officer, Company enters into this Agreement with Executive
to set out the terms and conditions that will apply to Executive's employment
with Company. Executive is willing to accept such employment and assignment and
to perform services on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth. It is
therefore hereby agreed by and between the parties as follows:

         SECTION 1 - EMPLOYMENT.

          (a)  Company employs Executive as its Chief Financial Officer. In this
               capacity, Executive shall report to the President and Chief
               Executive Officer ("CEO"). Executive accepts employment in
               accordance with this Agreement and agrees to devote his full
               business time and efforts to the performance of his duties and
               responsibilities hereunder.

          (b)  Nothing in this Agreement shall preclude Executive from engaging
               in charitable and community affairs, from managing any passive
               investment (i.e., an investment with respect to which Executive
               is in no way involved with the management or operation of the
               entity in which Executive has invested) made by him in publicly
               traded equity securities or other property (provided that no such
               investment may exceed five percent (5%) of the equity of any
               entity, without the prior approval of the Board of Directors of
               Company (the "Board")), or from serving, subject to the prior
               approval of the Board, as a member of boards of directors or as a
               trustee of any other corporation, association or entity, to the
               extent that any of the above activities do not conflict with any
               provision of this Agreement.

         SECTION 2 - TERM OF EMPLOYMENT. Executive's term of employment under
this Agreement ("Term of Employment") shall commence on the Effective Date and,
subject to the terms hereof, shall terminate on the earlier of: December 31,
2004 ("Initial Period"); or the date that either party terminates Executive's
employment under this Agreement; provided that subsequent to the Initial Period,
the Term of Employment shall automatically renew each January 1 for one year
("Renewal Period"), unless Company delivers to Executive or Executive delivers
to Company written notice at least thirty (30) days in advance of the expiration
of the Initial Period or any Renewal Period, that the Term of Employment shall
not be extended, in which case the Term of Employment shall end at the end of
the Year in which such notice was delivered and shall not be further extended
except by written agreement of Company and Executive. The expiration of the Term
of Employment under this Agreement shall not be a termination of this Agreement
to the extent that other provisions of this Agreement by their terms survive the
Term of Employment.

                                       1

                                                                       SECTION 3

         SECTION 3 - COMPENSATION.

          (a)  Salary. During the Initial Period, Company shall pay Executive at
               the rate of Three Hundred and Twenty Thousand Dollars ($320,000)
               per annum ("Base Salary"). Base Salary shall be payable in
               accordance with the ordinary payroll practices of Company and
               shall be subject to all applicable federal, state and local
               withholding and reporting requirements. Base Salary may be
               adjusted by the CEO during the Term of Employment.

          (b)  Annual Value Creation Plan ("AVCP"). Executive shall be eligible
               to participate in the AVCP, a copy of which has been provided to
               Executive, subject to all the terms and conditions of such plan,
               as such plan may be modified from time to time.

         SECTION 4 - EMPLOYEE BENEFITS.

          (a)  Employee Retirement Benefit Programs, Welfare Benefit Programs,
               Plans and Practices. Company shall provide Executive with
               coverage under any retirement benefit programs, welfare benefit
               programs, plans and practices, that Company makes available to
               its senior executives, in accordance with the terms thereof, as
               such programs, plans and practices may be amended from time to
               time in accordance with their terms.

          (b)  Vacation. Executive shall be entitled to twenty (20) business
               days of paid vacation each calendar year, which shall be taken at
               such times as are consistent with Executive's responsibilities
               hereunder. Vacation days shall be subject to the Company's
               general policies regarding vacation days, as such policies may be
               modified from time to time.

          (c)  Perquisites. During Executive's employment hereunder, Company
               shall provide Executive, subject to review and approval by the
               CEO, with such additional perquisites as are generally available
               to similarly-situated executives.

          (d)  Stock Options. Executive shall be eligible to participate in the
               TriMas Corporation 2002 Long Term Equity Incentive Plan in
               accordance with the terms and conditions of such plan and any
               grant agreements thereunder.

         SECTION 5 - EXPENSES. Subject to prevailing Company policy or such
guidelines as may be established by the CEO or his delegee, Company will
reimburse Executive for all reasonable expenses incurred by Executive in
carrying out his duties.

         SECTION 6 - TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT. The respective rights and
responsibilities of the parties to this Agreement notwithstanding, Executive
remains an employee-at-will, and his Term of Employment may be terminated by
either party at any time for any reason by written notice.

                                       2

                                                                    SECTION 6(a)

          (a)  Termination Without Cause or for Good Reason. If Executive's
               employment is terminated during the Term of Employment by Company
               for any reason other than Cause (as defined in Section 6(c)
               hereof), Disability (as defined in Section 6(e) hereof) or death,
               or if Executive's employment is terminated by Executive for Good
               Reason (as defined in Section 6(a)(2) hereof), then Company shall
               pay Executive the Severance Package. Any termination of
               employment that results from a notice of nonrenewal given in
               accordance with Section 2 of this Agreement shall not be a
               termination under this Section 6(a) but shall instead be a
               termination under Section 6(b) below. Likewise, a termination by
               Executive without Good Reason shall be a termination under
               Section 6(b) below and not a termination under this Section 6(a).

               (1)  For purposes of this Agreement, "Severance Package" shall
                    mean:

                    (A)  Base Salary continuation for twenty-four (24) months at
                         Executive's annual Base Salary rate in effect on the
                         date of termination, subject to all applicable federal,
                         state and local withholding and reporting requirements.
                         These salary continuation payments shall be paid in
                         accordance with usual Company payroll practices;

                    (B)  A bonus equal to two hundred percent (200%) of the
                         target bonus opportunity under AVCP, payable in equal
                         installments over the twenty-four (24) month period
                         described in Section 6(a)(1)(A) above, subject to the
                         same withholding and reporting requirements. In
                         addition, Executive shall receive the bonus for the
                         most recently completed bonus term if a bonus has been
                         declared for such term but not paid, and a pro rata
                         bonus for the year of termination through the date of
                         termination calculated at one hundred percent (100%) of
                         the bonus opportunity for target performance for that
                         term, multiplied by a fraction the numerator of which
                         is the number of days that Executive was employed
                         during such bonus term and the denominator of which is
                         365. The prorated bonus for the final year shall be
                         paid in a single sum within ten (10) days of the
                         termination of Executive's employment with Company. Any
                         unpaid bonus shall be paid in accordance with customary
                         practices for payment of bonuses under AVCP; and

                    (C)  Continuation of benefits under any life, group medical,
                         and dental insurance benefits substantially similar to
                         those which Executive was receiving immediately prior
                         to termination of employment until the earlier of:

                                       3

                                                           SECTION 6(a)(1)(C)(i)

                         (i)  the end of the twenty-four (24) month period
                              following Executive's termination of employment,
                              or

                         (ii) the date on which Executive becomes eligible to
                              receive any benefits under any plan or program of
                              any other employer.

                         The continuing coverage provided under this Section
                         6(a)(1)(C) is subject to Executive's eligibility to
                         participate in such plans and all other terms and
                         conditions of such plans, including without limitation,
                         any employee contribution requirements and Company's
                         ability to modify or terminate such plans or coverages.
                         Company may satisfy this obligation in whole or in part
                         by paying the premium otherwise payable by Executive
                         for continuing coverage under Section 601 et seq. of
                         the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
                         it may be amended or replaced from time to time. If
                         Executive is not eligible for continued coverage under
                         one of the Company-provided benefit plans noted in this
                         paragraph (C) that he was participating in during his
                         employment, Company shall pay Executive the cash
                         equivalent of the insurance cost for the duration of
                         the applicable period at the rate of the Company's cost
                         of coverage for Executive's benefits as of the date of
                         termination. Any obligation to pay the cash equivalent
                         of such cost under this item may be settled, at
                         Company's discretion, by a lump-sum payment of any
                         remaining premiums.

               (2)  For purposes of this Agreement, a termination of employment
                    by Executive for "Good Reason" shall be a termination by
                    Executive following the occurrence of any of the following
                    events unless Company has cured as provided below:

                    (A)  A material and permanent diminution in Executive's
                         duties or responsibilities;

                    (B)  A material reduction in the aggregate value of Base
                         Salary and bonus opportunity; or

                    (C)  A permanent reassignment of Executive to another
                         primary office, or a relocation of the Company office
                         that is Executive's primary office, unless Executive's
                         primary office following such reassignment or
                         relocation is within thirty-five (35) miles of
                         Executive's primary office before the reassignment or
                         relocation or Executive's permanent residence on the
                         date of the reassignment or relocation.

                                       4

                                                              SECTION 6(a)(2)(C)

                         Executive must notify Company of any event constituting
                         Good Reason within one hundred twenty (120) days after
                         Executive becomes aware of such event or such event
                         shall not constitute Good Reason for purposes of this
                         Agreement provided that Company shall have fifteen (15)
                         days from the date of such notice to cure the Good
                         Reason event. Executive cannot terminate his employment
                         for Good Reason if Cause exists at the time of such
                         termination. A termination by Executive following cure
                         shall not be a termination for Good Reason. A failure
                         of Executive to notify Company after the first
                         occurrence of an event constituting Good Reason shall
                         not preclude any subsequent occurrences of such event
                         (or similar event) from constituting Good Reason.

          (b)  Voluntary Termination by Executive; Expiration of Employment
               Term. If Executive terminates his employment with Company without
               Good Reason, or if the Employment Term expires following notice
               of nonrenewal by either party under Section 2, then Company shall
               pay Executive his accrued unpaid Base Salary through the date of
               termination and the AVCP award for the most recently completed
               year if an award has been declared for such year but not paid.
               The accrued unpaid Base Salary amounts payable under this Section
               6(b) shall be payable in a lump sum within ten (10) days of
               termination of employment. Any accrued unpaid bonus amounts
               payable under this Section 6(b) shall be payable in accordance
               with customary practices for payment of bonuses under AVCP. No
               prorated bonus for the year of termination shall be paid. Any
               other benefits under other plans and programs of Company in which
               Executive is participating at the time of Executive's termination
               of employment shall be paid, distributed, settled, or shall
               expire in accordance with their terms, and Company shall have no
               further obligations hereunder with respect to Executive following
               the date of termination of employment.

          (c)  Termination for Cause. If Executive's employment is terminated
               for Cause, Company shall pay Executive his accrued but unpaid
               Base Salary through the date of the termination of employment,
               and no further payments or benefits shall be owed. The accrued
               unpaid Base Salary amounts payable under this Section 6(c) shall
               be payable in a lump sum within ten (10) days of termination of
               employment. As used herein, the term "Cause" shall be limited to:

               (1)  Executive's conviction of or plea of guilty or nolo
                    contendere to a crime constituting a felony under the laws
                    of the United States or any state thereof or any other
                    jurisdiction in which Company conducts business;

               (2)  Executive's willful misconduct in the performance of his
                    duties to Company;

               (3)  Executive's willful and continued failure to follow the
                    instructions of Company's Board or the CEO; or

                                       5

                                                                 SECTION 6(c)(4)

               (4)  Executive's willful and/or continued neglect of duties
                    (other than any such neglect resulting from incapacity of
                    Executive due to physical or mental illness);

               provided, however, that Cause shall arise under items (3) or (4)
               only following ten (10) days written notice thereof from Company
               which specifically identifies such failure or neglect and the
               continuance of such failure or neglect during such notice period.
               Any failure by Company to notify Executive after the first
               occurrence of an event constituting Cause shall not preclude any
               subsequent occurrences of such event (or a similar event) from
               constituting Cause.

          (d)  Termination Following a Change of Control. In the event
               Executive's employment with Company terminates by reason of a
               Qualifying Termination (as defined below) within three (3) years
               after a Change of Control of Company (as defined below), then, in
               lieu of the Severance Package, and subject to the limitations
               described in Section 7 below, the Company shall provide Executive
               the following termination benefits:

               (1)  Termination Payments. Company shall pay Executive:

                    (A)  A single sum payment equal to two hundred and fifty
                         percent (250%) of Executive's annual Base Salary rate
                         in effect on the date of termination, subject to all
                         applicable federal, state and local withholding and
                         reporting requirements. This single-sum payment shall
                         be paid within ten (10) days of termination of
                         employment;

                    (B)  A bonus equal to two hundred and fifty percent (250%)
                         of the target bonus opportunity under AVCP. In
                         addition, Executive shall receive the bonus for the
                         most recently completed bonus term if a bonus has been
                         declared for such term but not paid, and a pro rata
                         bonus for the year of termination through the date of
                         termination calculated at one hundred percent (100%) of
                         the bonus opportunity for target performance for that
                         term, multiplied by a fraction the numerator of which
                         is the number of days that Executive was employed
                         during such bonus term and the denominator of which is
                         365. The prorated bonus for the final year shall be
                         paid as a single sum within ten (10) days of
                         termination of employment. Any unpaid bonus shall be
                         paid in accordance with customary practices for payment
                         of bonuses under AVCP.

                         All payments under this Section 6(d), however, are
                         subject to the timing rules, calculations and
                         adjustments described in Sections 7 and 8.

                                       6

                                                                 SECTION 6(d)(2)

               (2)  Benefits Continuation. Executive shall continue to receive
                    life, group medical and dental insurance benefits
                    substantially similar to those which Executive was receiving
                    immediately prior to the Qualifying Termination until the
                    earlier of:

                    (A)  the end of the thirty (30) month period following
                         Executive's termination of employment, or

                    (B)  the date on which Executive becomes eligible to receive
                         any benefits under any plan or program of any other
                         employer.

                    The continuing coverage provided under this Section 6(d)(2)
                    is subject to Executive's eligibility to participate in such
                    plans and all other terms and conditions of such plans,
                    including without limitation, any employee contribution
                    requirements and Company's ability to modify or terminate
                    such plans or coverages. Company may satisfy this obligation
                    in whole or in part by paying the premium otherwise payable
                    by Executive for continuing coverage under Section 601 et
                    seq. of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974,
                    as it may be amended or replaced from time to time. If
                    Executive is not eligible for continued coverage under one
                    of the Company-provided benefit plans noted in this
                    paragraph (2) that he was participating in during his
                    employment, Company shall pay Executive the cash equivalent
                    of the insurance cost for the duration of the applicable
                    period at the rate of the Company's cost of coverage for
                    Executive's benefits as of the date of termination. Any
                    obligation to pay the cash equivalent of such cost of
                    coverage under this item may be settled, at Company's
                    discretion, by a lump-sum payment of any remaining premiums.

               (3)  Qualifying Termination. For purposes of this Agreement, the
                    term "Qualifying Termination" means a termination of
                    Executive's employment with the Company for any reason other
                    than:

                    (A)  death;

                    (B)  Disability, as defined herein;

                    (C)  Cause, as defined herein; or

                    (D)  A termination by Executive without Good Reason, as
                         defined herein.

               (4)  Change of Control Defined. For purposes of this Agreement, a
                    "Change of Control" means the first of the following events
                    to occur following the date hereof:

                                       7

                                                              SECTION 6(d)(4)(A)

                    (A)  the sale, lease, or transfer in one or a series of
                         related transactions (i) of eighty percent (80%) or
                         more of the consolidated assets of the Company and its
                         subsidiaries, or (ii) of seventy-five percent (75%) or
                         more (appropriately adjusted for stock splits,
                         combinations, subdivisions, stock dividends and similar
                         events) of the Capital Stock (as defined below) of the
                         Company acquired by Heartland Industrial Partners, L.P.
                         on the closing date under the Stock Purchase Agreement
                         among the Company, Heartland Industrial Partners, L.P.
                         and Metaldyne Corporation, dated as of May 17, 2002
                         (the "Stock Purchase Agreement"), in either case to any
                         Person (within the meaning set forth in Sections 13(d)
                         and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("1934
                         Act") or any similar successor provision, and the
                         rules, regulations and interpretations promulgated
                         thereunder) other than an affiliate of Heartland
                         Industrial Partners, L.P., whether by way of any
                         merger, consolidation or other business combination or
                         purchase of beneficial ownership (within the meaning
                         under Rule 13d-3 of the 1934 Act) or otherwise, but not
                         including (x) sales or transfers which are effected in
                         order to comply with the preemptive rights provisions
                         of Section 4.05 of the Metaldyne Shareholders Agreement
                         with respect to the investment by Heartland Industrial
                         Partners, Inc. in the Company pursuant to the Stock
                         Purchase Agreement, or (y) sales or transfers which are
                         effected within one year after the date of closing
                         under the Stock Purchase Agreement at a price per share
                         of not greater than $20 plus any interest charged
                         (appropriately adjusted for stock splits, combinations,
                         subdivisions, stock dividends and similar events); or

                    (B)  the date on which the individuals who constitute the
                         Company's Board of Directors on the date of this
                         Agreement, and any new members of the Company's Board
                         of Directors who are hereafter designated by the
                         Heartland Entities (as defined below) cease, for any
                         reason, to constitute at least a majority of the
                         members of the Board of Directors.

               "Capital Stock" means, with respect to any person, any and all
               shares, interests, participations, rights in or other equivalents
               (however designated) of such person's capital stock, and any
               rights (other than debt securities convertible into capital
               stock), warrants or options exchangeable for or convertible into
               such capital stock. "Heartland Entities" means Heartland
               Industrial Partners, L.P., Heartland Industrial Partners (FF),
               L.P., Heartland Industrial Partners (E1), L.P., Heartland
               Industrial Partners (K1), L.P., Heartland Industrial Partners
               (C1), L.P. or any controlled affiliate of any of these entities.

                                       8

                                                                    SECTION 6(e)

          (e)  Disability. In the event that Executive is unable to perform his
               duties under this Agreement on account of a disability which
               continues for one hundred eighty (180) consecutive days or more,
               or for an aggregate of one hundred eighty (180) days in any
               period of twelve (12) months, Company may, in its discretion,
               terminate Executive's employment hereunder. Company's obligation
               to make payments under this Agreement shall, except for earned
               but unpaid Base Salary and AVCP awards, cease on the first to
               occur of (i) the date that is six (6) months after such
               termination or (ii) the date Executive becomes entitled to
               benefits under a Company-provided long-term disability program.
               For purposes of this Agreement, "Disability" shall be defined by
               the terms of Company's long-term disability policy, or, in the
               absence of such policy, as a physical or mental disability that
               prevents Executive from performing substantially all of his
               duties under this Agreement and which is expected to be
               permanent. Company may only terminate Executive on account of
               Disability after giving due consideration to whether reasonable
               accommodations can be made under which Executive is able to
               fulfill his duties under this Agreement. The commencement date
               and expected duration of any physical or mental condition that
               prevents Executive from performing his duties hereunder shall be
               determined by a medical doctor selected by Company. Company may,
               in its discretion, require written confirmation from a physician
               of Disability during any extended absence.

          (f)  Death. In the event of Executive's death during the Term of
               Employment, all obligations of Company to make any further
               payments, other than an obligation to pay any accrued but unpaid
               Base Salary to the date of death and any accrued but unpaid
               bonuses under AVCP to the date of death, shall terminate upon
               Executive's death.

          (g)  No Duplication of Benefits. Notwithstanding any provision of this
               Agreement to the contrary, if Executive's employment is
               terminated for any reason, in no event shall Executive be
               eligible for payments under more than one subsection of this
               Section 6.

          (h)  Payments Not Compensation. Any participation by Executive in, and
               any terminating distributions and vested rights under,
               Company-sponsored retirement or savings plans, regardless of
               whether such plans are qualified or nonqualified for tax
               purposes, shall be governed by the terms of those respective
               plans. For purposes of determining benefits and the amounts to be
               paid to Executive under such plans, any salary continuation or
               severance benefits other than salary or bonus accrued before
               termination shall not be compensation for purposes of accruing
               additional benefits under such plans.

          (i)  Executive's Duty to Provide Materials. Upon the termination of
               the Term of Employment for any reason, Executive or his estate
               shall surrender to Company all correspondence, letters, files,
               contracts, mailing lists, customer lists, advertising material,
               ledgers, supplies, equipment, checks, and all other materials and
               records of

                                       9

                                                                 SECTION 7(b)(3)

               any kind that are the property of Company or any of its
               subsidiaries or affiliates, that may be in Executive's possession
               or under his control, including all copies of any of the
               foregoing.

         SECTION 7 - CAP ON PAYMENTS.

          (a)  General Rules. The Internal Revenue Code (the "Code") may place
               significant tax burdens on Executive and Company if the total
               payments made to Executive due to a Change of Control exceed
               prescribed limits. For example, if Executive's "Base Period
               Income" (as defined below) is $100,000, Executive's limit or
               "Cap" is $299,999. If Executive's "Total Payments" exceed the Cap
               by even $1.00, Executive is subject to an excise tax under
               Section 4999 of the Code of 20% of all amounts paid to Executive
               in excess of $100,000. In other words, if Executive's Cap is
               $299,999, Executive will not be subject to an excise tax if
               Executive receives exactly $299,999. If Executive receives
               $300,000, Executive will be subject to an excise tax of $40,000
               (20% of $200,000). In order to avoid this excise tax and the
               related adverse tax consequences for Company, by signing this
               Agreement, Executive will be agreeing that, subject to the
               exception noted below, the present value of Executive's Total
               Payments will not exceed an amount equal to Executive's Cap.

          (b)  Special Definitions. For purposes of this Section, the following
               specialized terms will have the following meanings:

               (1)  "Base Period Income". "Base Period Income" is an amount
                    equal to Executive's "annualized includable compensation"
                    for the "base period" as defined in Sections 280G(d)(1) and
                    (2) of the Code and the regulations adopted thereunder.
                    Generally, Executive's "annualized includable compensation"
                    is the average of Executive's annual taxable income from
                    Company for the "base period," which is the five calendar
                    years prior to the year in which the Change of Control
                    occurs. These concepts are complicated and technical and all
                    of the rules set forth in the applicable regulations apply
                    for purposes of this Agreement.

               (2)  "Cap" or "280G Cap". "Cap" or "280G Cap" shall mean an
                    amount equal to 2.99 times Executive's "Base Period Income."
                    This is the maximum amount which Executive may receive
                    without becoming subject to the excise tax imposed by
                    Section 4999 of the Code or which Company may pay without
                    loss of deduction under Section 280G of the Code.

               (3)  "Total Payments". The "Total Payments" include any "payments
                    in the nature of compensation" (as defined in Section 280G
                    of the Code and the

                                       10

                    regulations adopted thereunder), made pursuant to this
                    Agreement or otherwise, to or for Executive's benefit, the
                    receipt of which is contingent on a Change of Control and to
                    which Section 280G of the Code applies.

          (c)  Calculating the Cap and Adjusting Payments. If Company believes
               that these rules will result in a reduction of the payments to
               which Executive is entitled under this Agreement, it will so
               notify Executive as soon as possible. Company will then, at its
               expense, retain a "Consultant" (which shall be a law firm, a
               certified public accounting firm, and/or a firm of recognized
               executive compensation consultants) to provide an opinion or
               opinions concerning whether Executive's Total Payments exceed the
               limit discussed above. Company will select the Consultant. At a
               minimum, the opinions required by this Section must set forth the
               amount of Executive's Base Period Income, the present value of
               the Total Payments and the amount and present value of any excess
               parachute payments. If the opinions state that there would be an
               excess parachute payment, Executive's payments under this
               Agreement will be reduced to the extent necessary to eliminate
               the excess. Executive will be allowed to choose the payment that
               should be reduced or eliminated, but the payment Executive
               chooses to reduce or eliminate must be a payment determined by
               such Consultant to be includable in Total Payments. Executive's
               decision shall be in writing and delivered to Company within
               thirty (30) days of Executive's receipt of such opinions. If
               Executive fails to so notify Company, Company will decide which
               payments to reduce or eliminate. If the Consultant selected to
               provide the opinions referred to above so requests in connection
               with the opinion required by this Section, a firm of recognized
               executive compensation consultants selected by Company shall
               provide an opinion, upon which such Consultant may rely, as to
               the reasonableness of any item of compensation as reasonable
               compensation for services rendered before or after the Change of
               Control. If Company believes that Executive's Total Payments will
               exceed the limitations of this Section, it will nonetheless make
               payments to Executive, at the times stated above, in the maximum
               amount that it believes may be paid without exceeding such
               limitations. The balance, if any, will then be paid after the
               opinions called for above have been received. If the amount paid
               to Executive by Company is ultimately determined, pursuant to the
               opinion referred to above or by the Internal Revenue Service, to
               have exceeded the limitation of this Section, the excess will be
               treated as a loan to Executive by Company and shall be repayable
               on the ninetieth (90th) day following demand by Company, together
               with interest at the lowest "applicable federal rate" provided in
               Section 1274(d) of the Code. If it is ultimately determined,
               pursuant to the opinion referred to above or by the Internal
               Revenue Service, that a greater payment should have been made to
               Executive, Company shall pay Executive the amount of the
               deficiency, together with interest thereon from the date such
               amount should have been paid to the date of such payment, at the
               rate set forth above, so that Executive will have received or be
               entitled to receive the maximum amount to which Executive is
               entitled under this Agreement.

                                       11

                                                                    SECTION 7(d)

          (d)  Effect of Repeal. In the event that the provisions of Sections
               280G and 4999 of the Code are repealed without succession, this
               Section shall be of no further force or effect.

          (e)  Exception. The Consultant selected pursuant to Section 7(c) will
               calculate Executive's "Uncapped Benefit" and Executive's "Capped
               Benefit." The limitations of Section 7(a) will not apply to
               Executive if Executive's Uncapped Benefit is at least one hundred
               and five percent (105%) of Executive's Capped Benefit. For this
               purpose, Executive's "Uncapped Benefit" is the amount to which
               Executive would be entitled pursuant to Section 6(d), without
               regard to the limitations of Section 7(a). Executive's "Capped
               Benefit" is the amount to which Executive would be entitled
               pursuant to Section 6(d) after the application of the limitations
               of Section 7(a).

         SECTION 8 - TAX GROSS-UP.

          (a)  Gross-Up Payment. If the Cap imposed by Section 7(a) does not
               apply to Executive because of the exception provided by Section
               7(e), Company will provide Executive with a "Gross-Up Payment" if
               an excise tax is imposed on Executive pursuant to Section 4999 of
               the Code. Except as otherwise noted below, this Gross-Up Payment
               will consist of a single lump sum payment in an amount such that
               after payment by Executive of the "total presumed federal and
               state taxes" and the excise taxes imposed by Section 4999 of the
               Code on the Gross-Up Payment (and any interest or penalties
               actually imposed), Executive would retain an amount of the
               Gross-Up Payment equal to the remaining excise taxes imposed by
               Section 4999 of the Code on Executive's Total Payments
               (calculated before the Gross-Up Payment). For purposes of
               calculating Executive's Gross-Up Payment, Executive's actual
               federal and state income taxes will not be used. Instead, Company
               will use Executive's "total presumed federal and state taxes."
               For purposes of this Agreement, Executive's "total presumed
               federal and state taxes" shall be conclusively calculated using a
               combined tax rate equal to the sum of the maximum marginal
               federal and applicable state income tax rates. The state tax rate
               for Executive's principal place of residence will be used and no
               adjustments will be made for the deduction of state taxes on the
               federal return, any deduction of federal taxes on a state return,
               the loss of itemized deductions or exemptions, or for any other
               purpose.

          (b)  Calculations. All determinations concerning whether a Gross-Up
               Payment is required pursuant to Section 8(a) and the amount of
               any Gross-Up Payment (as well as any assumptions to be used in
               making such determinations) shall be made by the Consultant
               selected pursuant to Section 7(c). The Consultant shall provide
               Executive and Company with a written notice of the amount of the
               excise taxes that Executive is required to pay and the amount of
               the Gross-Up Payment. The notice from the Consultant shall
               include any necessary calculations in support of its conclusions.
               All fees and expenses of the Consultant shall be paid by Company.
               Any Gross-Up

                                       12

                                                                    SECTION 8(b)

               Payment shall be made by Company within fifteen (15) days after
               the mailing of such notice. As a general rule, the Consultant's
               determination shall be binding on Executive and Company. The
               application of the excise tax rules of Section 4999, however, is
               complex and uncertain and, as a result, the Internal Revenue
               Service may disagree with the Consultant concerning the amount,
               if any, of the excise taxes that are due. If the Internal Revenue
               Service determines that excise taxes are due, or that the amount
               of the excise taxes that are due is greater than the amount
               determined by the Consultant, the Gross-Up Payment will be
               recalculated by the Consultant to reflect the actual excise taxes
               that Executive is required to pay (and any related interest and
               penalties). Any deficiency will then be paid to Executive by
               Company within fifteen (15) days of the receipt of the revised
               calculations from the Consultant. If the Internal Revenue Service
               determines that the amount of excise taxes that Executive paid
               exceeds the amount due, Executive shall return the excess to
               Company (along with any interest paid to Executive on the
               overpayment) immediately upon receipt from the Internal Revenue
               Service or other taxing authority. Company has the right to
               challenge any excise tax determinations made by the Internal
               Revenue Service. If Company agrees to indemnify Executive from
               any taxes, interest and penalties that may be imposed upon
               Executive (including any taxes, interest and penalties on the
               amounts paid pursuant to Company's indemnification agreement),
               Executive must cooperate fully with Company in connection with
               any such challenge. Company shall bear all costs associated with
               the challenge of any determination made by the Internal Revenue
               Service and Company shall control all such challenges. The
               additional Gross-Up Payments called for by the preceding
               paragraph shall not be made until Company has either exhausted
               its (or Executive's) rights to challenge the determination or
               indicated that it intends to concede or settle the excise tax
               determination. Executive must notify Company in writing of any
               claim or determination by the Internal Revenue Service that, if
               upheld, would result in the payment of excise taxes in amounts
               different from the amount initially specified by the Consultant.
               Such notice shall be given as soon as possible but in no event
               later than fifteen (15) days following Executive's receipt of
               notice of the Internal Revenue Service's position.

         SECTION 9 - NOTICES. All notices or communications hereunder shall be
in writing, addressed as follows:

               To Company:    TriMas Corporation
                              c/o Heartland Industrial Partners, L.P.
                              55 Railroad Avenue, 1st Floor
                              Greenwich, CT  06830
                              Attn:  David A. Stockman

                                       13

                                                                       SECTION 9

                  with a copy to:     TriMas Corporation
                                      39400  Woodward Ave., Suite 130
                                      Bloomfield, Mich  48304
                                      Attn:  William Fullmer, General Counsel

                  To Executive:       Benson K. Woo

                                      ------------------------

                                      ------------------------

                                      ------------------------

                  with a copy to:
                                      ------------------------

                                      ------------------------

                                      ------------------------

                                      ------------------------

Any such notice or communication shall be delivered by hand or by courier or
sent certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid,
addressed as above (or to such other address as such party may designate in a
notice duly delivered as described above), and the third (3rd) business day
after the actual date of mailing shall constitute the time at which notice was
given.

         SECTION 10 - SEPARABILITY; LEGAL FEES. If any provision of this
Agreement shall be declared to be invalid or unenforceable, in whole or in part,
such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect the remaining provisions
hereof which shall remain in full force and effect. In the event of a dispute by
Company, Executive or others as to the validity or enforceability of, or
liability under, any provision of this Agreement, Company shall reimburse
Executive for all reasonable legal fees and expenses incurred by him in
connection with such dispute if Executive substantially prevails in the dispute
and if Executive has not substantially prevailed in such dispute one-half (1/2)
the amount of all reasonable legal fees and expenses incurred by him in
connection with such dispute except to the extent Executive's position is found
by a tribunal of competent jurisdiction to have been frivolous.

         SECTION 11 - ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION. This contract shall be binding
upon and inure to the benefit of the heirs and representatives of Executive and
the assigns and successors of Company, but neither this Agreement nor any rights
or obligations hereunder shall be assignable or otherwise subject to
hypothecation by Executive (except by will or by operation of the laws of
intestate succession) or by Company, except that Company may assign this
Agreement to any successor (whether by merger, purchase or otherwise) to all or
substantially all of the stock, assets or business of Company.

         SECTION 12 - AMENDMENT. This Agreement may only be amended by written
agreement of the parties hereto.

                                       14

                                                                      SECTION 13

         SECTION 13 - NON-COMPETITION; NON-SOLICITATION; CONFIDENTIALITY.

          (a)  Executive represents that acceptance of employment under this
               Agreement and performance under this Agreement are not in
               violation of any restrictions or covenants under the terms of any
               other agreements to which Executive is a party.

          (b)  Executive acknowledges and recognizes the highly competitive
               nature of the business of Company and accordingly agrees that, in
               consideration of this Agreement, the rights conferred hereunder,
               and any payment hereunder, during the Term of Employment and for
               the two (2) year period following the termination of Executive's
               employment with Company, for any reason ("Non-Compete Term"),
               Executive shall not engage, either directly or indirectly, as a
               principal for Executive's own account or jointly with others, or
               as a stockholder in any corporation or joint stock association,
               or as a partner or member of a general or limited liability
               entity, or as an employee, officer, director, agent, consultant
               or in any other advisory capacity in any business other than
               Company or its subsidiaries which designs, develops,
               manufacturers, distributes, sells or markets the type of products
               or services sold, distributed or provided by Company or its
               subsidiaries during the two (2) year period prior to the date of
               termination (the "Business"); provided that nothing herein shall
               prevent Executive from owning, directly or indirectly, not more
               than five percent (5%) of the outstanding shares of, or any other
               equity interest in, any entity engaged in the Business and listed
               or traded on a national securities exchanges or in an
               over-the-counter securities market.

          (c)  During the Non-Compete Term, Executive shall not (i) directly or
               indirectly employ or solicit, or receive or accept the
               performance of services by, any active employee of Company or any
               of its subsidiaries who is employed primarily in connection with
               the Business, except in connection with general, non-targeted
               recruitment efforts such as advertisements and job listings, or
               directly or indirectly induce any employee of Company to leave
               Company, or assist in any of the foregoing, or (ii) solicit for
               business (relating to the Business) any person who is a customer
               or former customer of Company or any of its subsidiaries, unless
               such person shall have ceased to have been such a customer for a
               period of at least six (6) months.

          (d)  Executive shall not at any time (whether during or after his
               employment with Company) disclose or use for Executive's own
               benefit or purposes or the benefit or purposes of any other
               person, firm, partnership, joint venture, association,
               corporation or other business organization, entity or enterprise
               other than Company and any of its subsidiaries, any trade
               secrets, information, data, or other confidential information of
               the Company, including but not limited to, information relating
               to customers, development programs, costs, marketing, trading,
               investment, sales activities, promotion, credit and financial
               data, financing methods, plans or the business and affairs of
               Company generally, or of any subsidiary of Company, unless

                                       15

                                                                   SECTION 13(d)

               required to do so by applicable law or court order, subpoena or
               decree or otherwise required by law, with reasonable evidence of
               such determination promptly provided to Company. The preceding
               sentence of this paragraph (d) shall not apply to information
               which is not unique to Company or which is generally known to the
               industry or the public other than as a result of Executive's
               breach of this covenant. Executive agrees that upon termination
               of employment with Company for any reason, Executive will return
               to Company immediately all memoranda, books, papers, plans,
               information, letters and other data, and all copies thereof or
               therefrom, in any way relating to the business of Company and its
               subsidiaries, except that Executive may retain personal notes,
               notebooks and diaries. Executive further agrees that Executive
               will not retain or use for Executive's account at any time any
               trade names, trademark or other proprietary business designation
               used or owned in connection with the business of Company or its
               subsidiaries.

          (e)  It is expressly understood and agreed that although Executive and
               Company consider the restrictions contained in this Section 13 to
               be reasonable, if a final judicial determination is made by a
               court of competent jurisdiction that the time or territory or any
               other restriction contained in this Agreement is an unenforceable
               restriction against Executive, the provisions of this Agreement
               shall not be rendered void but shall be deemed amended to apply
               as to such maximum time and territory and to such maximum extent
               as such court may judicially determine or indicate to be
               enforceable. Alternatively, if any tribunal of competent
               jurisdiction finds that any restriction contained in this
               Agreement is unenforceable, and such restriction cannot be
               amended so as to make it enforceable, such finding shall not
               affect the enforceability of any of the other restrictions
               contained herein.

          (f)  As a condition to the receipt of any benefits described in this
               Agreement, Executive shall be required to execute an agreement
               pursuant to which Executive releases any claims he may have
               against Company and agrees to the continuing enforceability of
               the restrictive covenants of this Agreement.

          (g)  This Section 13 will survive the termination of this Agreement.

         SECTION 14 - REMEDIES. Executive acknowledges and agrees that Company's
remedies at law for a breach or threatened breach of any of the provisions of
Section 13 would be inadequate and, in recognition of this fact, Executive
agrees that, in the event of such a breach or threatened breach, in addition to
any remedies at law, Executive shall forfeit all payments otherwise due under
this Agreement and shall return any Severance Package payment made. Moreover,
Company, without posting any bond, shall be entitled to seek equitable relief in
the form of specific performance, temporary restraining order, temporary or
permanent injunction or any other equitable remedy which may then be available.

                                       16

         SECTION 15- SURVIVORSHIP. The respective rights and obligations of the
parties hereunder shall survive any termination of this Agreement to the extent
necessary to the intended preservation of such rights and obligations. The
provisions of this Section 15 are in addition to the survivorship provisions of
any other section of this Agreement.

         SECTION 16 - GOVERNING LAW; REVENUE AND JURISDICTION. If any judicial
or administrative proceeding or claim relating to or pertaining to this
Agreement is initiated by either party hereto, such proceeding or claim shall
and must be filed in a state or federal court located in Wayne County, Michigan
and such proceeding or claim shall be governed by and construed under Michigan
law, without regard to conflict of law and principals.

         SECTION 17 - DISPUTE RESOLUTION. Any dispute related to or arising
under this Agreement shall be resolved in accordance with the TriMas Dispute
Resolution Policy in effect at the time such dispute arises. The TriMas Dispute
Resolution Policy in effect at the time of this Agreement is attached to this
Agreement.

         SECTION 18 - EFFECT ON PRIOR AGREEMENTS. This Agreement contains the
entire understanding between the parties hereto and supersedes in all respects
any prior or other agreement or understanding, both written and oral, between
Company, any parent, subsidiary or affiliate of Company or any predecessor of
Company or parent, subsidiary, or affiliate of any predecessor of Company and
Executive.

         SECTION 19 - WITHHOLDING. Company shall be entitled to withhold from
payment any amount of withholding required by law.

         SECTION 20 - SECTION HEADINGS AND CONSTRUCTION. The headings of
sections in this Agreement are provided for convenience only and will not effect
its construction or interpretation. All references to "Section" or "Sections"
refer to the corresponding section or sections of this Agreement unless
otherwise specified. All words used in this Agreement will be construed to be of
such gender or number as circumstances require.

         SECTION 21 - COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in one (1) or
more counterparts, each of which will be deemed to be an original copy of this
Agreement and all of which, when taken together, will be deemed to constitute
one and the same Agreement.

                                       17

         Intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties have executed this
Agreement on the dates set forth next to their names below.

                                                                COMPANY

                                                          TRIMAS CORPORATION

                                               By:
--------------------------                        ------------------------------
          Date
                                               Its:
                                                   -----------------------------
                                                               EXECUTIVE

--------------------------                     ---------------------------------
          Date                                               Benson K. Woo

                                       18September 2, 2003

Mr. Todd R. Peters
 < Address >

Dear Todd:

This letter agreement (the "Agreement") details the understanding that TriMas
Corporation ("TriMas") and you have reached regarding the termination of your
employment with TriMas, and the benefits that TriMas is willing to provide you
as consideration for the execution of this Agreement. Please review it carefully
to make sure you are in complete agreement.

1.   Employment and Severance Benefits

Your employment with TriMas terminates on September 2, 2003 (the "Termination
Date"). As consideration for the execution of this Agreement, TriMas agrees to
pay you the Severance Benefits described below.

(a)  Base salary continuation for a period of twenty-four (24) months following
     the Termination Date at the annual base salary rate in effect on the
     Termination Date. Payments will be made in equal, bi-weekly installments,
     less applicable withholding and payroll taxes. (The gross amount of this
     salary continuation is Six Hundred and Eighty Thousand Dollars ($680,000).
     The gross amount per pay period will be $13,076.)

(b)  A gross bonus equal to two hundred percent (200%) of the target bonus
     opportunity under the Annual Value Creation Plan (AVCP), payable in equal
     installments over the twenty-four (24) month period under the same payment
     provisions described above. (The gross bonus amount for this purpose is
     Four Hundred and Eight Thousand Dollars ($408,000). The gross amount per
     pay period will be $7,846.15.) In addition, a pro rata bonus will be paid
     for 2003 through the Termination Date calculated at one hundred percent
     (100%) of the bonus opportunity for target performance under the AVCP. The
     gross bonus amount for this purpose is One Hundred and Thirty-Six Thousand
     Nine Hundred Thirty-One Dollars ($136,931), subject to all applicable
     withholdings described above, paid as a single sum following the expiration
     of the twenty-one day consideration period described below and the seven
     day revocation period described in Section 9 below.

Mr. Todd R. Peters
September 2, 2003
Page 2

(c)  Continuation of benefits under any group medical, dental, and life
     insurance benefits substantially similar to those which you were receiving
     immediately prior to termination of employment until the earlier of:

     1.   the end of the twenty-four (24) month period following the Termination
          Date, or

     2.   the date on which you become eligible to receive any benefits under
          any plan or program of any other employer.

          TriMas will pay the employer-portion of the medical, dental, and life
          insurance coverage. You will be required to pay the employee-portion
          of the medical, dental, and life insurance premiums. The
          employee-portion of the premiums will be billed to you on a monthly
          basis. Health care continuation will be applied against the COBRA
          notification period. If TriMas is not able to provide coverage under
          the existing plans, you will be paid cash in the amount of the
          TriMas's portion of the premium cost.

(d)  Outplacement Services. TriMas shall pay reasonable and customary fees and
     expenses for outplacement services for you with a provider selected by
     TriMas. TriMas shall make direct periodic payments for such services to the
     provider, as needed, provided that such payments shall not in the aggregate
     exceed Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000).

(e)  Company Car. You shall continue to participate in the TriMas Executive Car
     Program for a period of twelve (12) months from the Termination Date in
     accordance with the terms of that program.

(f)  Vacation. Your right to vacation will cease on the Termination Date. Your
     unused vacation for 2003 will be paid to you in a lump sum following the
     expiration of the twenty-one day consideration period and seven day
     revocation period described in Section 9 below.

(g)  Termination of Accruals Under Retirement Plans. Notwithstanding anything to
     the contrary set forth herein, you shall cease to be an active participant
     under the TriMas Retirement Program and other benefit plans pursuant to the
     terms of those plans, and no additional benefits shall accrue to you after
     the Termination Date. No amounts paid under this Agreement shall constitute
     compensation for purposes of any such retirement plan. Your rights to any
     accrued and vested benefits under a qualified retirement plan shall be
     determined in accordance with the applicable plan document.

Mr. Todd R. Peters
September 2, 2003
Page 3

(h)  Taxes. Any payments made by TriMas hereunder are subject to applicable
     federal, state and local tax withholding. You agree that you are
     exclusively liable for the payment of any federal, state, city or other
     taxes that may be due as a result of any benefits received by you as
     provided in this Agreement. You further agree to indemnify and hold TriMas
     harmless from any payment of taxes or penalties, if any, that may be
     required of you as a result of any severance benefits received by you
     pursuant to this Agreement. You may wish to consult with your financial or
     tax advisor with regard to the tax implication of any benefits described in
     this Agreement. You acknowledge and agree that no representations or
     warranties have been made to you with regard to the tax consequences of any
     payment provided for under this Agreement.

Payment of the amounts and benefits set forth in this Section 1 is in lieu of
any amounts that may otherwise be or become payable to you after the Termination
Date under the employment agreement between you and TriMas dated effective June
6, 2002 ("Employment Agreement") or any other agreement, plan, policy, or
program of TriMas, including, without limitation, any rights to a bonus under
the TriMas Annual Value Creation Plan ("AVCP") AND ANY CLAIM TO VESTED OR
UNVESTED OPTIONS TO ACQUIRE STOCK IN TRIMAS UNDER THE TRIMAS 2002 LONG TERM
EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN ("INCENTIVE PLAN"), OR TO FUTURE GRANTS OF SUCH OPTIONS OR
CONVERSION OF ANY OPTIONS ISSUED BY METALDYNE CORPORATION INTO TRIMAS OPTIONS.
By signing this Agreement you waive and release all claims listed under Section
6, which includes a waiver and release of any and all claims for payments in any
form from the Employment Agreement, the AVCP, the Incentive Plan, and any other
TriMas severance or bonus plan that may exist or have existed prior to the date
of this Agreement. This Agreement supersedes the Employment Agreement in its
entirety, and the Employment Agreement shall terminate and have no further
effect upon the execution of this Agreement.

2. Non-Competition; Non-Solicitation; Confidentiality; Release Consideration.
You agree that you are subject to the restrictive covenants and remedies set
forth on Attachment A, which is hereby incorporated into and made part of to
this Agreement. You acknowledge that this Agreement provides additional and
sufficient consideration for the release contained herein.

3. Return of Property. You agree to immediately return all TriMas property (and
any copies of such property) of any kind and character, including, without
limitation, keys, credit cards, documents, computers, computer software, discs
and media, policy and procedures manuals and all other tangible or intangible
property of TriMas.

4. E-Mail and Computer Accounts. Access to TriMas e-mail services and other
computer systems will cease on the Termination Date.

Mr. Todd R. Peters
September 2, 2003
Page 4

5. Cooperation.

     (a) You agree that you will not to in any way criticize, disparage, attempt
to discredit, demean or otherwise call into disrepute TriMas, or its respective
affiliates, successors, assigns, officers, directors, employees or agents, or
any of TriMas' products or services.

     (b) You agree that you will not assist any party other than TriMas in any
claim, litigation, proceeding or investigation against TriMas or other Released
Parties (as defined below), except as required by law. You further agree that if
you believe any such action is required by law, you will first afford TriMas the
opportunity to raise and obtain a ruling on any claim of attorney-client or
other privilege, attorney work product protection, contractual or other defense
that may be applicable.

     (c) You agree to provide, at TriMas' expense, your reasonable cooperation
to TriMas and the Released Parties in any existing or future claim, litigation,
proceeding, investigation or other judicial, administrative or legislative
matter in which your assistance may be desired by TriMas.

6.   Release.

     (a) You and TriMas, without any admission of liability, desire to settle
with finality, compromise, dispose of, and release all claims, demands, and
causes of action you have asserted or which you could assert against TriMas,
whether or not arising out of the Employment Agreement; any representations or
agreements relating to stock options; any agreement with a predecessor to
TriMas; the termination of your employment, under the Employment Agreement; your
employment relationship; the termination of the employment relationship; or any
condition or benefit of employment or otherwise. This Agreement is not and shall
not be construed as an admission by either party that your employment was
terminated voluntarily or involuntarily, with or without cause, or as an
admission by TriMas of any liability, an admission against interest, or any
violation of TriMas' policies or procedures.

     (b) You, for yourself, and your heirs, executors, administrators,
successors and assigns, hereby release and forever discharge TriMas, its
affiliates and respective officers, directors, agents, representatives,
shareholders, employees (current and former), employee benefit plans,
successors, predecessors, including Metaldyne Corporation, assigns, and any and
all other persons, firms, corporations and other legal entities associated with
TriMas (collectively referred to as the "Released Parties"), of and from any and
all claims, demands, actions, causes of action, debts, damages, expenses, suits,
contracts, agreements, costs and liabilities of any kind, nature or description,
whether direct or indirect, known or unknown, in law or in equity, in contract,
tort or otherwise, which you ever had, now have or may have against any of the
Released Parties as of the date of execution of this Agreement, whether known or
unknown, suspected or

Mr. Todd R. Peters
September 2, 2003
Page 5

unsuspected, or which may be based upon pre-existing acts, claims or events
occurring at any time up to the present date including, but not limited to,
claims arising under the Employment Agreement, the Incentive Plan, or any other
written or oral agreement regarding compensation, benefits, or options or equity
grants, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or state civil rights
statutes, claims arising under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967
("ADEA"), as amended by the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act ("OWBPA"),
claims arising under the Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA"), the Family and
Medical Leave Act ("FMLA"), the Fair Labor Standards Act ("FLSA"), the National
Labor Relations Act ("NLRA"), the Employee Retirement Income Security Act
("ERISA"), claims for breach of express or implied contract, breach of promise,
promissory estoppel, loss of income, back pay, reinstatement, front pay,
impairment of earning capacity, wrongful termination, defamation, libel,
slander, discrimination, damage to reputation, fraud, violation of public
policy, retaliation, negligent or intentional infliction of mental or emotional
distress, intentional tort or any other federal, state or local common law or
statutory claims, and all other claims and rights, whether in law or equity. It
is the intention of the parties that this paragraph will be construed as broadly
as possible; however, this paragraph does not include claims arising under state
workers' compensation laws, state unemployment laws and any claims that arise
after the signing of this Agreement. This paragraph also does not affect your
right to file a charge or otherwise participate in an EEOC proceeding insofar as
it is required by current EEOC regulations. You understand that TriMas will
assert this Agreement as an affirmative defense against any claim asserted by
you in any forum.

     (c) In signing this Agreement, you agree to waive any rights you might have
to pursue any claims against TriMas through any alternative dispute resolution
process, or through any court or administrative agency, to the extent permitted
by law, and further agree not to bring any suit or action in any court or
administrative agency, to the extent permitted by law, against any of the
beneficiaries of this release arising out of or relating to the subject matter
of this release.

7. Nondisclosure. You agree to not disclose the existence of this Agreement or
any of its terms to any third parties other than your spouse, tax advisors,
accountants and attorneys, or as otherwise required by law. You agree that any
violation of this non-disclosure paragraph will result in substantial and
irreparable injury to TriMas.

8. References. In the event that you seek a reference for employment purposes,
you agree to direct inquiries to TriMas' Human Resources Department. References
to be provided by TriMas regarding you shall be limited to dates of employment,
positions held and compensation. Those making such inquiries will be advised
that it is the general policy of TriMas to provide only such neutral references
in response to employment inquiries.

9. Consideration Time and Revocation Period.

Mr. Todd R. Peters
September 2, 2003
Page 6

     (a) Consistent with the ADEA, this Agreement was first given to you on
September 2, 2003. You have twenty-one (21) calendar days during which to review
and consider this offer. You are not required to, but may accept this Agreement
by signing and returning the Agreement at any time prior to September 23, 2003.
In the event you sign and return this Agreement before that time, you certify,
by such execution, that you knowingly and voluntarily waive the right to the
full twenty-one (21) days, for reasons personal to you, with no pressure by
TriMas to do so. TriMas and you further agree that any changes, whether material
or immaterial, to this Agreement do not restart the running of the twenty-one
(21) day consideration period.

     (b) You understand that you may revoke this Agreement for a period of seven
(7) calendar days following your execution of the Agreement. You understand that
any revocation, in order to be effective, must be: (1) in writing and either
postmarked within seven (7) days of your execution of the Agreement and
addressed to General Counsel, TriMas Corporation, 39400 Woodward, Suite 130,
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304, or (2) hand-delivered within seven (7) days of your
execution of the Agreement to TriMas' General Counsel at the address listed
above. If revocation is by mail, certified mail, return receipt requested is
required to show proof of mailing.

     (c) No payments or benefits under this Agreement shall be made to you until
after the seven (7) day revocation period has expired. If you do not revoke this
Agreement within the seven (7) day revocation period, then this Agreement shall
become fully and finally effective and the payments and benefits provided
hereunder will be made to you in accordance with this Agreement.

10. Complete Agreement. In executing this Agreement, you are doing so knowingly
and voluntarily and agree that you have not relied upon any oral statements by
TriMas or its representatives, and that this Agreement, when signed by both
parties, supersedes any and all prior written agreements between the parties
regarding the terms of your employment or the termination of such employment,
including, without limitation, the Employment Agreement. You agree that the
provisions of Sections 2, 5, 6 and 7 have been separately negotiated and shall
survive any termination or expiration of this Agreement.

11. Severability. Should any provision of this Agreement be declared or
determined by any court to be illegal or invalid, the remaining parts, terms or
provisions shall not be affected thereby, and said illegal or invalid part, term
or provision shall be deemed not to be a part of this Agreement; provided that
such court may, in lieu of finding any provision hereof to be unenforceable,
illegal or invalid, modify any such provision to preserve to the greatest extent
possible the intended effect of such provision while otherwise rendering it
legal and enforceable.

Mr. Todd R. Peters
September 2, 2003
Page 7

12. Choice of Law. This Agreement shall be deemed to be made and entered into in
the State of Michigan and shall in all respects be interpreted, enforced and
governed under the laws of the State of Michigan and the United States.

13. Attorney. You understand and acknowledge that you have had the opportunity
to review this Agreement with an attorney, and have been encouraged and given
ample time to consult with your own legal counsel prior to executing this
Agreement to ascertain whether you have any potential rights or remedies that
are being waived and released by your execution of this Agreement. You
acknowledge that the decision to do so or not do so is totally your choice.

YOU REPRESENT THAT YOU FULLY UNDERSTAND THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT AND EXECUTE
IT KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY; THAT NO PROMISE, INDUCEMENT OR AGREEMENT HAS BEEN
MADE TO YOU OTHER THAN THOSE SPECIFICALLY SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT; THAT THIS
AGREEMENT, CONTAINS THE ENTIRE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES AND MAY NOT BE
MODIFIED EXCEPT BY A SUBSEQUENT WRITTEN AGREEMENT, EXECUTED BY BOTH PARTIES,
WHICH SPECIFICALLY EVIDENCES AN INTENT TO MODIFY THIS AGREEMENT; AND THAT YOU
HAVE BEEN ADVISED TO CONSULT WITH LEGAL COUNSEL PRIOR TO EXECUTING THIS
AGREEMENT.

WITNESSED:

----------------------------------      ---------------------------------------
                                                     TODD R. PETERS

----------------------------------      ---------------------------------------
DATE OF WITNESS' SIGNATURE                  DATE OF EXECUTIVE'S SIGNATURE

                                                  TRIMAS CORPORATION
                                                       (TRIMAS)

                                       BY:
                                           -------------------------------------

                                       ITS:
                                            ------------------------------------

Mr. Todd R. Peters
September 2, 2003
Page 8

                                  ATTACHMENT A

By my signature below, I, Todd R. Peters (hereinafter "Executive"), accept the
following covenants, in exchange for consideration provided under the September
2, 2003 letter agreement ("letter agreement") with TriMas Corporation
("Company"), which agreement incorporates these covenants.

(a)  Executive acknowledges and recognizes the highly competitive nature of the
     business of Company and accordingly agrees that for the twenty-four (24)
     month period following the Termination Date, as defined in the letter
     agreement ("Non-Compete Term"), Executive shall not engage, either directly
     or indirectly, as a principal for Executive's own account or jointly with
     others, or as a stockholder in any corporation or joint stock association,
     or as a partner or member of a general or limited liability entity, or as
     an employee, officer, director, agent, consultant or in any other advisory
     capacity in any business which designs, develops, manufacturers,
     distributes, sells or markets the type of products or services sold,
     distributed or provided by Company or its subsidiaries during the two (2)
     year period prior to the Termination Date (the "Business"); provided that
     nothing herein shall prevent Executive -------- from owning, directly or
     indirectly, not more than five percent (5%) of the outstanding shares of,
     or any other equity interest in, any entity engaged in the Business and
     listed or traded on a national securities exchanges or in an
     over-the-counter securities market.

(b)  During the Non-Compete Term, Executive shall not (i) directly or indirectly
     employ or solicit, or receive or accept the performance of services by, any
     active employee of Company or any of its subsidiaries who is employed
     primarily in connection with the Business, except in connection with
     general, non-targeted recruitment efforts such as advertisements and job
     listings, or directly or indirectly induce any employee of Company to leave
     Company, or assist in any of the foregoing, or (ii) solicit for business
     (relating to the Business) any person who is a customer or former customer
     of Company or any of its subsidiaries, unless such person shall have ceased
     to have been such a customer for a period of at least six (6) months.

(c)  Executive shall not at any time disclose or use for Executive's own benefit
     or purposes or the benefit or purposes of any other person, firm,
     partnership, joint venture, association, corporation or other business
     organization, entity or enterprise other than Company and any of its
     subsidiaries, any trade secrets, information, data, or other confidential
     information of the Company, including but not limited to, information

Mr. Todd R. Peters
September 2, 2003
Page 9

     relating to customers, development programs, costs, marketing, trading,
     investment, sales activities, promotion, credit and financial data,
     financing methods, plans or the business and affairs of Company generally,
     or of any subsidiary of Company, unless required to do so by applicable law
     or court order, subpoena or decree or otherwise required by law, with
     reasonable evidence of such determination promptly provided to Company. The
     preceding sentence of this paragraph (d) shall not apply to information
     which is not unique to Company or which is generally known to the industry
     or the public other than as a result of Executive's breach of this
     covenant. Executive further agrees that Executive will not retain or use
     for Executive's account at any time any trade names, trademark or other
     proprietary business designation used or owned in connection with the
     business of Company or its subsidiaries.

(d)  It is expressly understood and agreed that although Executive and Company
     consider the restrictions contained in this Attachment A to be reasonable,
     if a final judicial determination is made by a court of competent
     jurisdiction that the time or territory or any other restriction contained
     in this Agreement is an unenforceable restriction against Executive, the
     provisions of this Attachment A shall not be rendered void but shall be
     deemed amended to apply as to such maximum time and territory and to such
     maximum extent as such court may judicially determine or indicate to be
     enforceable. Alternatively, if any tribunal of competent jurisdiction finds
     that any restriction contained in this Agreement is unenforceable, and such
     restriction cannot be amended so as to make it enforceable, such finding
     shall not affect the enforceability of any of the other restrictions
     contained herein.

(e)  Executive acknowledges and agrees that Company's remedies at law for a
     breach or threatened breach of any of the provisions of this Attachment A
     would be inadequate and, in recognition of this fact, Executive agrees
     that, in the event of such a breach or threatened breach, in addition to
     any remedies at law, Executive shall forfeit all payments otherwise due
     under the letter agreement and shall return any payments made under the
     letter agreement. Moreover, Company, without posting any bond, shall be
     entitled to seek equitable relief in the form of specific performance,
     temporary restraining order, temporary or permanent injunction or any other
     equitable remedy which may then be available.

                                           -------------------------------------
                                                      Todd R. Peters

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