Document:

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                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.3

                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

         THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is made and entered into
as of April 1, 2000, by and between COLLINS & AIKMAN PRODUCTS CO., a Delaware
corporation (the "Company"), and GREG TINNELL ("Employee").

                               W I T N E S S E T H

         WHEREAS, the Company wishes to retain Employee's services by providing
Employee the compensation and benefits set forth in this Agreement;

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements contained
herein, the parties agree as follows:

         1.       Term of Employment. The Company hereby agrees to employ
Employee, and Employee hereby accepts employment, for a period of 3 years,
commencing April 1, 2000 and ending April 30, 2003, subject to the terms and
conditions of this Agreement. At the end of such initial 3 year term, unless the
Company shall have given Employee 60 days prior written notice of its intention
to terminate this Agreement at the end of the initial term hereof, the term of
this Agreement shall automatically be extended by an additional one year period.
Thereafter, unless the Company shall have given Employee 60 days prior written
notice of its intention to terminate this Agreement at the end of the term then
in effect, the term of this Agreement shall automatically be extended by an
additional one year period.

         2.       Position of Employment. During the term of this Agreement,
Employee shall be employed in the position of Senior Vice President - Human
Resources and shall perform such services for the Company and its affiliates as
may be assigned to him from time to time by the Chairman or the Board of
Directors of the Company. Employee shall devote his entire business time and
attention to the affairs of the Company and the performance of his duties
hereunder and shall serve the Company diligently and to the best of his
abilities. The initial location of Employee's employment hereunder shall be the
Company's Global Headquarters in Troy, Michigan.

         Nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit Employee from participating in
civic or community organizations or from making passive investments using his
personal assets so long as such participation and investments do not interfere
with the performance of Employee's duties under this Agreement. In addition,
Employee may, with the prior written approval of the Chairman or the Board of
Directors of the Company, serve as a member of the board of directors of any
business that is not a direct or indirect competitor of the Company and its
affiliates.

         3.       Compensation.

         (a)      Base Salary. The Company shall pay to Employee base salary at
an annual rate of not less than $190,000 during the term of his employment
hereunder. Such amount shall be

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reviewed annually by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and
may be increased in his sole discretion.

         (b)      Bonus Plans. During the term of Employee's employment
hereunder, Employee shall be eligible to participate in the Company's annual
Executive Incentive Compensation Plan (the "EIC Plan") in accordance with the
applicable provisions of the EIC Plan. The standard bonus for Employee under the
EIC Plan shall be forty percent (40%) of Employee's base salary.

         4.       Benefits and Perquisites.

         (a)      General. Employee shall be entitled to such fringe benefits
and perquisites, and to participate in such pension, profit sharing and benefit
plans as are generally made available to executives of the Company during the
term hereof, including consideration for annual stock option awards, major
medical, extended medical and disability insurance, supplemental retirement
income plan, group term life insurance and appropriate annual holidays, sick
days and vacation time with no fixed schedule. The Company also shall pay the
monthly dues at a swim/athletic or luncheon club in the Troy, Michigan area of
Employee's choice. The Company shall reimburse Employee for the reasonable
initiation fee payable by Employee to such club.

         (b)      Company Automobile. The Company shall furnish to Employee the
use of a Buick Park Avenue or comparable automobile or an annual allowance in
accordance with the Company's policy in effect from time to time and shall
reimburse Employee for normal gasoline and maintenance charges for the operation
thereof, subject to proper allocation of personal use for income tax purposes.

         (c)      Relocation Expenses. The Company shall reimburse Employee for
the reasonable expenses incurred by Employee in connection with the relocation
of Employee and his wife and any minor children from Charlotte, North Carolina
to the Troy, Michigan area, in accordance with the relocation policy of the
Company. The Company shall pay Employee a one-time relocation allowance of
$30,000, payable in a lump sum payment upon completion of the purchase of a
principal residence by Employee in the Troy, Michigan area. In addition to the
payment of the relocation allowance as provided in this Paragraph 4(c), the
Company shall pay Employee an additional amount such that after all applicable
federal, state and local income, employment and other taxes on Employee's
relocation allowance and on any additional amount payable in accordance with
this sentence, Employee has received the entire $30,000 relocation allowance on
an after-tax basis.

         5.       Reimbursement of Expenses. The Company shall reimburse
Employee for all reasonable travel, entertainment and other reasonable business
expenses reasonably incurred by Employee in connection with the performance of
his duties hereunder, provided that Employee furnishes to the Company adequate
records or other evidence respecting such expenditures.

         6.       Termination of Employment. Employee's employment under this
Agreement may be terminated:

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                  (a)      by the Company upon Employee's death (which shall be
         referred to as a "Death Termination") or Employee's physical or mental
         disability for any consecutive six-month period (measured from the
         first date on which Employee is absent from work due to such disability
         to the same date in the sixth succeeding calendar month, or, if there
         is no such date or such date is not a business day, the next succeeding
         business day) (which shall be referred to as an "Inability
         Termination");

                  (b)      by the Company for Cause, which means (i) fraud or
         misappropriation with respect to the business of the Company or
         intentional material damage to the property or business of the Company,
         (ii) willful failure by Employee to perform his duties and
         responsibilities and to carry out his authority, (iii) willful
         malfeasance or misfeasance or breach of fiduciary duty or
         representation to the Company or its stockholders, (iv) willful failure
         to act in accordance with any specific lawful instructions of a
         majority of the Board of Directors of the Company, or (v) conviction of
         Employee of a felony (which shall be referred to as a "For Cause
         Termination");

                  (c)      by the Company at any time for any reason other than
         a For Cause Termination, Death Termination or Inability Termination
         (which shall be referred to as a "No Cause Termination");

                  (d)      by Employee at any time for any reason other than a
         "Constructive Termination" (as defined below) (which shall be referred
         to as a "Voluntary Termination"); or

                  (e)      by Employee within 30 days after the occurrence of
         one or more of the following: (i) any reduction in Employee's base
         salary, unless such reduction is being made in conjunction with an
         across-the-board reduction in the salaries of all senior executives of
         the Company in response to adverse economic conditions, (ii) a material
         breach of this Agreement by the Company, (iii) a material reduction in
         Employee's total compensation and benefits package or (iv) the
         Company's giving notice of the non-renewal of this Agreement at the end
         of the term then in effect pursuant to Paragraph 1 hereof (which shall
         be referred to as a "Constructive Termination"); provided, however, no
         event or circumstance described in clause (ii) or (iii) shall give rise
         to a "Constructive Termination" for purposes of this Agreement unless
         Employee shall have given notice to the Company of Employee's
         determination of the occurrence of an event or circumstance described
         in clause (ii) or (iii) and such event or circumstance shall be
         continuing as of the end of 45 days after the giving of such notice.

For purposes of Paragraph 6(c), no act or failure to act on Employee's part
shall be considered "willful" unless knowingly done or failed to be done by
Employee in bad faith and without the reasonable belief that Employee's action
or omission was in the best interest of the Company.

         7.       Termination Procedure.

         (a)      Notice of Termination. Any termination of Employee's
employment by the Company or by Employee under Paragraph 6 hereof shall be
communicated by written Notice of

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Termination to the other party hereto in accordance with Paragraph 13. For
purposes of this Agreement, a "Notice of Termination" shall mean a notice that
indicates the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon and
sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances providing a basis
for termination of Employee's employment under the provision so indicated.

         (b)      Termination Date. "Termination Date" shall mean (i) if
Employee's employment is terminated pursuant to Paragraph 6(a) or (b) above, the
date on which a Notice of Termination is given or (ii) if Employee's employment
is terminated pursuant to Paragraph 6(c), (d) or (e) above, 30 days after the
date on which a Notice of Termination is given.

         8.       Benefits Upon Termination.

         (a)      Termination as a Result of Death, Inability, Voluntary or For
Cause Termination. If Employee's employment under this Agreement is terminated
prior to the expiration of the term of this Agreement as a result of a Death
Termination, an Inability Termination, a Voluntary Termination or a For Cause
Termination, the Company shall pay Employee or, if applicable, Employee's estate
or legal representative, (i) Employee's unpaid base salary under Paragraph 3(a)
accrued to the date on which his employment terminates, (ii) any accrued but
unused vacation and (iii) all vested and accrued benefits earned by Employee
under any employee benefit plans and programs sponsored by the Company in which
Employee participates.

         (b)      Termination as a Result of No Cause Termination or
Constructive Termination. If Employee's employment under this Agreement is
terminated prior to the expiration of the term of this Agreement as a result of
a No Cause Termination or a Constructive Termination, the Company shall pay and
provide to Employee the following benefits:

                  (i)      Employee's unpaid base salary accrued to the
         Termination Date and any accrued but unused vacation;

                  (ii)     base salary for 24 months, based on the rate of base
         salary in effect immediately preceding the Termination Date;

                  (iii)    an amount equal to Employee's standard annual bonus
         under Paragraph 3(b); and

                  (iv)     continued participation in the benefit plans,
         programs and arrangements described in Paragraphs 4(a) and (b) during
         the severance period described in Paragraph 8(b)(ii) above (other than
         the annual executive physical program, long-term disability plan and
         supplemental retirement income plan); provided, however, that
         participation in such benefit plans, programs and arrangements shall
         cease prior to the expiration of the severance period to the extent
         Employee actually participates in comparable benefit plans, programs or
         arrangements during such period, and Employee shall report any such
         participation to the Company.

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         In addition, all outstanding stock options granted to Employee under
the Company's stock option plans will immediately vest upon a No Cause
Termination or a Constructive Termination prior to the expiration of the term of
this Agreement and will continue to be fully exercisable until the earlier of 90
days after the Termination Date or the original expiration date of said options.
The Company shall also cause Employee to receive all vested and accrued benefits
earned by Employee under all employee benefit plans and programs sponsored by
the Company in which Employee participates.

         (c)      Method of Payment of Severance Compensation. The amount due to
Employee pursuant to Paragraph 8(b)(ii) above shall be paid on a periodic basis
in accordance with the Company's normal pay practice. The amount due to Employee
pursuant to Paragraph 8(b)(iii) above shall be paid in a lump sum upon the
expiration of the severance period described in Paragraph 8(b)(ii).

         9.       Covenants of Employee.

         (a)      Non-disparagement. Employee shall at all times refrain from
taking any action or making any statements, written or oral, which are intended
to and do disparage the goodwill or reputation of the Company or any of its
subsidiaries or affiliates or any directors or officers thereof or which could
adversely affect the morale of employees of the Company or its subsidiaries.

         (b)      Non-Competition. Employee shall not Compete (as hereinafter
defined) with the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates in any way
during the term of his employment with the Company and for the 24 month period
following the Date of Termination (the "Restricted Period"). "Compete" means to
engage in any business activity whatsoever related in any manner or fashion to
any business of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates. Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, Employee shall not, during the
Restricted Period, directly or indirectly (whether for compensation or
otherwise), alone or as an agent, principal, partner, officer, employee,
trustee, director, shareholder or in any other capacity, own, manage, operate,
join, control or participate in the ownership, management, operation or control
of, or furnish any capital to, or be connected in any manner with, or provide
any services as a consultant for, any business which Competes with the Company
or any of its subsidiaries of affiliates; provided, however, that
notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing contained in the Agreement shall be
deemed to preclude Employee from owning not more than 5% of the publicly traded
securities of any entity which Competes with the Company.

         (c)      Non-Solicitation. Employee covenants and agrees that he will
not, during the Restricted Period, (i) solicit, employ or otherwise engage as an
employee, independent contractor or otherwise, any person who is or was an
employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates at any time
during the 12 month period immediately preceding Employee's Date of

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Termination, (ii) induce or attempt to induce any employee of the Company or any
of its subsidiaries or affiliates to terminate such employment or (iii)
interfere with the relationship of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or
affiliates with any person, including any person who, at any time during the 12
month period immediately preceding Employee's Date of Termination, was an
employee, contractor, supplier or customer of the Company or any of its
subsidiaries or affiliates.

         (d)      Confidential Information. Employee understands that in the
performance of services hereunder Employee may obtain knowledge of "confidential
information" (as hereinafter defined) relating to the business of the Company
(or of any of its subsidiaries or affiliates). Employee shall not, without the
prior written consent of the Chairman or the Board of Directors of the Company,
either during Employee's employment by the Company or thereafter, (i) use or
disclose any such confidential information outside the Company (or any of its
subsidiary or affiliated companies) except as otherwise required by law, (ii)
publish any article with respect thereto, (iii) except in the performance of
services hereunder, remove from the premises of the Company, or aid in such
removal, any such confidential information or any property or material related
thereto or (iv) sell, exchange or give away or otherwise dispose of any such
confidential information now or hereafter owned by the Company whether or not
the same shall or may have been originated, discovered or developed by Employee.
It is understood that for purposes of this Agreement the term "confidential
information" shall be construed broadly to include all information or
compilations of information which (i) is, or designed to be, used in the
business of the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates) or results
from its (or their) research or development activities, (ii) is private or
confidential in that it is not generally known or available to the public and
(iii) gives the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates) an
opportunity to obtain an advantage over competitors who do not know or use it.

         (e)      Return of Materials. Upon the termination of Employee's
employment, Employee shall return to the Company all property of the Company in
or under Employee's possession or control, including without limitation all
tangible "confidential information" described in Paragraph 9(d) above. Such
return shall be made at such place in Troy, Michigan as the Company shall
specify and shall be made within 5 days after Employee's Date of Termination.

         (f)      Cooperation. During Employee's employment by the Company and
thereafter, Employee shall promptly notify the Company of any threatened,
pending or completed investigation, claim, action, suit or proceeding, whether
civil, criminal, administrative or investigative ("Proceeding"), in which he may
be involved, whether as an actual or potential party or witness or otherwise, or
with respect to which he may receive requests for information, by reason of his
future, present or past association with the Company or any of its subsidiaries
or affiliates. Employee shall cooperate fully with the Company and its
subsidiaries and affiliates in connection with any Proceeding at no expense to
the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates other than the
reimbursement of Employee's reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. Employee shall
not disclose any confidential or privileged information in connection with any
Proceeding without the consent of the Company and shall give prompt notice to
the Company of any request therefor.

         (g) Acknowledgement Regarding Covenants. Executive acknowledges and
agrees that the promises and restrictive covenants set forth in this Paragraph 9
are reasonable and necessary to protect the interest of the Company and
reasonably limited in time, scope and territory. Executive acknowledges that,
given his former position and the information he possesses regarding the Company
and its operations, the business of the Company would be substantially and
materially

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damaged in the event of any violation of the promises and covenants herein
contained, and the Company shall be entitled (in addition to any other remedy
that may be available to it) to (i) a decree or order for specific performance
of any such promise or covenant and (ii) an injunction restraining the violation
or threatened violation of any such promise or covenant. The covenants of
Employee contain in this Paragraph 9 shall survive the expiration of this
Agreement or the termination of this Agreement by either party.

         10.      Release. In consideration of the compensation continuance
available in certain events pursuant to this Agreement, Employee unconditionally
releases and covenants not to sue the Company and its subsidiaries and
affiliates and directors, officers, employees and stockholders thereof, from any
and all claims, liabilities and obligations of any nature pertaining to
termination of employment other than those explicitly provided for by this
Agreement including, without limitation, any claims arising out of alleged legal
restrictions on the Company's rights to terminate its employees, such as any
implied contract of employment or termination contrary to public policy, and
Employee shall be required to provide written confirmation of such release upon
his Date of Termination as a condition precedent to the Company's obligation to
provide any severance benefits under Paragraph 8.

         11.      Governing Law. The validity, interpretation and performance of
this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of Michigan, regardless of the laws
that might be applied under applicable principles of conflicts of laws.

         12.      Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire
agreement and understanding between the parties hereto with respect to the
matters referred to herein and supersedes all prior agreements and
understandings between the parties hereto with respect to the matters referred
to herein.

         13.      Notice. Any written notice required to be given by one party
to the other party hereunder shall be deemed effective if mailed by certified or
registered mail:

                  To the Company:     Collins & Aikman Products Co.
                                      5755 New King Court
                                      Troy, Michigan  48098
                                      Attention:  Mr. Thomas E. Evans,
                                                  Chairman and Chief Executive
                                                  Officer

                  To Employee:        Mr. Greg Tinnell
                                      5755 New King Court
                                      Troy, Michigan 48098

or such other address as may be stated in notice given under this Paragraph 13.

         14.      Severability. The invalidity, illegality or enforceability of
any provision of this Agreement in any jurisdiction shall not affect the
validity, legality or enforceability of the remainder of this Agreement in such
jurisdiction or the validity, legality or enforceability of this Agreement or
such provision in any other jurisdiction, it being the intent of the parties
hereto that

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all rights and obligations of the parties hereto under this Agreement shall be
enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.

         15.      Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon
and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their personal
representatives, and, in the case of the Company, its successors and assigns,
and Paragraph 10 shall also inure to the benefit of the other persons and
entities identified therein; provided, however, that Employee shall not, without
the prior written consent of the Company, transfer, assign, convey, pledge or
encumber this Agreement or any interest under this Agreement. Employee
understands that the assignment of this Agreement or any benefits hereof or
obligations hereunder by the Company to any of its subsidiaries or affiliates or
to any purchaser of all or a substantial portion of the assets of the Company or
of any affiliated company then employing Employee, and the employment of
Employee by such subsidiary or affiliate or by any such purchaser or by any
successor of the Company in a merger or consolidation, shall not be deemed a
termination of Employee's employment for purposes of Paragraphs 6, 7 and 8 or
otherwise.

         16.      Amendment. This Agreement may be amended or canceled only by
an instrument in writing duly executed and delivered by each party to this
Agreement.

         17.      Headings. Headings contained in this Agreement are for or
convenience only and shall not limit this Agreement or affect the interpretation
thereof.

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

                                      /s/ Greg Tinnell
                                      ------------------------------------------
                                      Greg Tinnell

                                      COLLINS & AIKMAN PRODUCTS CO.

                                      By:  /s/ Thomas E. Evans
                                          --------------------------------------
                                          Thomas E. Evans, Chairman and Chief
                                          Executive Officer<PAGE>   1

                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.4

                           CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT

         THIS CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") is made and entered
into as of April 1, 2000, by and between COLLINS & AIKMAN CORPORATION, a
Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and GREG TINNELL (the "Executive").

                              Statement of Purpose

         The Company wishes to encourage the continued service and dedication of
Executive in the event of any actual or contemplated Change in Control (as
defined below) of the Company. The Company has determined that these objectives
are best accomplished by providing Executive with individual financial security
pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, which the Company believes are fair and
reasonable and consistent with the practices of other major corporations.

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants
herein contained, the Company and Executive hereby agree as follows:

         1.       Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following
terms shall have the following meanings:

         (a)      Change in Control means and shall be deemed to have occurred
                  upon:

                  (i)      the acquisition, directly or indirectly, by any
         "person" (within the meaning of Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the
         Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) within any 12 month period
         of more than 80% of the combined voting power of the then outstanding
         voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the
         election of directors, including, but not limited to, by merger,
         consolidation or similar corporate transaction or by purchase;
         excluding, however, the following ("Excluded Transactions"): (A) any
         acquisition of beneficial ownership by the Company, any subsidiary of
         the Company, Wasserstein Perella Partners, L.P., Blackstone Capital
         Partners L.P. or an affiliate of any of the foregoing, (B) any
         acquisition by an employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or
         maintained by the Company or any subsidiary of the Company, and (C) any
         merger, consolidation or other form of business acquisition or
         combination transaction in which, immediately after the transaction and
         giving effect thereto and the issuance of securities therein, holders
         of Common Stock of the Company beneficially own or are entitled to
         receive equity securities of the acquiring, surviving or resulting
         entity (or any parent company or other affiliate thereof) that, in the
         aggregate, represent more than 20% of the combined voting power
         entitled to be cast generally; or

                  (ii)     the sale of any business, businesses or assets of the
         Company in any single transaction or series of related transactions
         effected within any 12-month period which, on an aggregate basis,
         produced at least 80% of the consolidated net sales of the Company,
         calculated by giving pro forma effect to

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         such transactions, and any acquisitions effected during the relevant
         period, for the fiscal year immediately preceding such transaction or,
         if applicable, the first such transaction in the 12-month period in
         which the transaction or series of related transactions occurred,
         excluding, however, any Excluded Transaction.

         (b)      Change in Control Period means the period commencing three
months prior to the date of a Change in Control and ending on the first
anniversary of such date or if later, the expiration of the 45 day period
referred to in Section 1(d)(3) below.

         (c)      Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

         (d)      Constructive Termination means a termination of Executive's
employment by Executive during a Change in Control Period which is due to:

                  (i)      the involuntary relocation of Executive to any office
         or location more than fifty (50) miles from the office or location at
         which Executive is then located;

                  (ii)     a material reduction in Executive's total
         compensation and benefit package; or

                  (iii)    a significant reduction in Executive's
         responsibilities, position or authority (including changes resulting
         from the assignment to Executive of any duties inconsistent with his
         responsibilities, position or authority in effect immediately prior to
         the Change in Control Period);

provided, however, that, notwithstanding any other provision hereof, no event or
circumstance will constitute "Constructive Termination" for purposes of this
Agreement (A) if Termination For Cause exists or (B) unless (1) Executive shall
have given notice to the Company of Executive's determination of the occurrence
of such event, (2) such event constitutes one of the events specified in clauses
(i) - (iii) above, and (3) such event shall be continuing as of the end of 45
days after the giving of such notice.

         (e)      Date of Termination means the later of (i) the date of receipt
of the Notice of Termination by the Company or Executive, as the case may be, or
(ii) any later date specified therein (which shall be not more than thirty (30)
days after the giving of such notice).

         (f)      ERISA means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974, as amended.

         (g)      Involuntary Termination means a termination of Executive's
employment by the Company during a Change in Control Period other than a
Termination For Cause. Termination of Executive's employment during a Change in
Control Period by reason of Executive's death or disability shall not be
considered an Involuntary Termination.

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<PAGE>   3

         (h)      Notice of Termination means a written notice which (i)
indicates the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, (ii)
sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide
the basis for termination of Executive's employment under the provision so
indicated, and (iii) if the termination date is other than the date of receipt
of such notice, specifies the termination date (which shall be not more than
thirty (30) days after the giving of such notice).

         (i)      Termination For Cause means a termination of Executive's
employment by the Company as a result of:

                  (i)      Executive's fraud or misappropriation with respect to
         the business of the Company or intentional damage to the property or
         business of the Company or any substantial asset;

                  (ii)     willful failure by Executive to perform his duties
         and responsibilities and to carry out his authority;

                  (iii)    willful malfeasance or misfeasance or breach of
         fiduciary duty or misrepresentation to the Company or its stockholders;

                  (iv)     willful failure to act in accordance with any
         specific lawful instructions of the Chairman and CEO or a majority of
         the Board of Directors of the Company; or

                  (v)      conviction of Executive of a felony.

         2.       Benefits Upon Involuntary Termination or Constructive
Termination During Change in Control Period. Subject to the limitations of
Section 3, in the event of an Involuntary Termination or Constructive
Termination of Executive for which the Date of Termination is within a Change in
Control Period, the Company shall pay to Executive the following benefits in a
lump sum payment (without discounting to present value) within 30 days of the
Date of Termination:

                  (a)      to the extent not theretofore paid, Executive's base
         salary through the Date of Termination;

                  (b)      a pro rata bonus equal to (1) Executive's target
         bonus immediately preceding the Change in Control Period multiplied by
         (2) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of whole months
         (rounded for portions of months) elapsed in the relevant bonus year
         prior to the Date of Termination, and the denominator of which is 12;

                  (c)      twenty-four (24) months of base salary based on the
         monthly rate of base salary in effect immediately preceding the Change
         in Control Period, or if greater, the rate of Base Salary in effect
         immediately preceding the Date of Termination; and

                                       3
<PAGE>   4

                  (d)      Executive's target annual bonus in effect immediately
         preceding the Change in Control Period multiplied by two (2).

In addition, (i) the Company shall offer Executive the opportunity to purchase
his Company automobile at its net book value as of the Date of Termination, (ii)
Executive shall be deemed to continue as an employee of the Company for 2 years
following the Date of Termination for purposes of eligibility and vesting (but
not benefit accrual), under any otherwise applicable retirement income plan or
arrangement, and (iii) Executive will be entitled to continue to participate in
all welfare benefit plans for such 2 year period or, if earlier, the period
ending on the date the Executive obtains new full-time employment. Subject to
the limitations of Section 3, the Company shall also reimburse Executive for the
cost of any continued coverage elected by Executive for himself and his eligible
dependents under the Company's group health plan(s) at the end of the welfare
benefit continuation period described in clause (iii) of the immediately
preceding sentence pursuant to Section 4980B of the Code and Section 601 et seq.
of ERISA.

         3.       Limitation on Benefits.

         (a)      General. Any benefits payable or to be provided to Executive,
whether pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise, which constitute Parachute
Payments (as defined below) shall be subject to the limitation of this Section 3
so that the benefits payable or to be provided to Executive under this
Agreement, as well as any payments or benefits provided outside of this
Agreement, shall not cause the Company to have paid an Excess Parachute Payment
(as defined below). Accordingly, anything in this Agreement to the contrary
notwithstanding, in the event that the certified public accountants regularly
employed by the Company immediately prior to a Change in Control (the
"Accounting Firm") shall determine that Executive's receipt of all Parachute
Payments would cause the Company to pay an Excess Parachute Payment, it shall
determine the Reduced Amount, and the aggregate Parachute Payments shall be
reduced to such Reduced Amount in accordance with the provisions of Section 3(c)
below.

         (b)      Definitions. For purposes of this Section 3:

                  (i)      "Excess Parachute Payment" shall have the same
         meaning as the term "excess parachute payment" defined in Section
         280G(b)(1) of the Code;

                  (ii)     "Parachute Payment" shall mean any payment or
         distribution in the nature of compensation to or for the benefit of
         Executive which is contingent on a "change" under and within the
         meaning of Section 280G(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Code, whether paid or
         payable pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise;

                  (iii)    "Present Value" shall mean such value determined in
         accordance with Section 280G(d)(4) of the Code; and

                  (iv)     "Reduced Amount" shall mean the largest aggregate
         amount of Parachute Payments Executive may receive without causing the
         Company to have paid an Excess Parachute Payment.

                                        4
<PAGE>   5

         (c)      Limitation. If the Accounting Firm determines that Parachute
Payments should be limited to the Reduced Amount, the Company shall promptly
give Executive notice to that effect and a copy of the detailed calculation
thereof, and Executive may then elect, in Executive's sole discretion, which and
how much of the Parachute Payments, including without limitation Parachute
Payments made outside of this Agreement, shall be eliminated or reduced (as long
as after such election the Present Value of the aggregate Parachute Payments is
equal to the Reduced Amount), and shall advise the Company in writing of such
election within 10 days of Executive's receipt of notice. If no such election is
made by Executive within such 10 day period, the Company may elect which of
Parachute Payments, including without limitation Parachute Payments made outside
of this Agreement, shall be eliminated or reduced (as long as after such
election the Present Value of the aggregate Parachute Payments is equal to the
Reduced Amount) and shall notify Executive promptly of such election. All
determinations made by the Accounting Firm under this Section 3 shall be binding
upon the Company and Executive and shall be made within 45 days immediately
following the Date of Termination. As promptly as practicable following such
determination, the Company shall pay to or distribute for the benefit of
Executive such Parachute Payments as are then due to Executive under this
Agreement.

         4.       Non-Exclusivity of Rights. Nothing in this Agreement shall
prevent or limit Executive's continuing or future eligibility or participation
in any benefit, bonus, incentive or other plan provided by the Company and for
which Executive may qualify, nor shall anything herein limit or otherwise affect
such rights as Executive may have under any stock option or other agreements
with the Company. Amounts which are vested benefits or which Executive is
otherwise entitled to receive under any plan or program of the Company
subsequent to the Date of Termination shall be payable in accordance with such
plan or program.

         5.       Full Settlement. The Company's obligation to make payments
provided for in this Agreement and otherwise to perform its obligations
hereunder shall not be affected by any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment,
defense or other claim, right or action which the Company may have against
Executive or other parties. In no event shall Executive be obligated to seek
other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts
payable to Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement. The Company
agrees to pay, to the full extent provided by law, all legal fees and expenses
which Executive may reasonably incur as a result of any contest by the Company
or others of the validity or enforceability of, or liability under, any
provision of this Agreement or as a result of any contest by Executive about the
amount of any payment pursuant to this Agreement.

         6.       No Duplication of Benefits. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary herein, the lump sum payment due to Executive under Section 2 hereof
shall be reduced by the amount of cash severance or salary continuation benefits
paid to Executive pursuant to any other plan or policy of the Company or a
written employment agreement between the Company (or one of its affiliates) and
Executive, it being the intent of the parties that Executive shall not receive
post-employment benefits hereunder and under such other plan, policy or written
employment agreement.

                                        5
<PAGE>   6

         7.       Succession. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and
shall be binding upon the Company and its successors and assignees, but, without
the prior written consent of Executive, this Agreement may not be assigned other
than in connection with a merger, sale, consolidation or similar transaction of
all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company in which
the successor or assignee assumes (whether by operation of law or express
assumption) all obligations of the Company hereunder. The Company shall require
any successor to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner
and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no
such succession had taken place. The obligations and duties of Executive
hereunder shall be personal and not assignable otherwise than by the laws of
descent and distribution.

         8.       Miscellaneous.

         (a)      Applicable Law. This Agreement shall be governed, construed
and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan.

         (b)      Notices. All notices and communications hereunder shall be in
writing and shall be given by hand delivery to the other party by registered or
certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or by overnight mail,
addressed as follows:

         If to Executive:

                  Mr. Greg Tinnell

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

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

         If to the Company:

                  Collins & Aikman Corporation
                  5755 New King Court
                  Troy, Michigan  48098
                  Attention: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

or to such other address as either party shall have furnished to the other in
writing in accordance herewith. Notice and communications shall be effective
when actually received by the addressee.

         (c)      Validity. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision
of this contract shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other
provision of this Agreement.

         (d)      Tax Withholding. The Company may withhold from any amounts
payable under this Agreement such federal, state and local taxes as shall be
required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.

                                        6
<PAGE>   7

         (e)      Waiver. The waiver of the breach of any term or of any
condition of this Agreement shall not be deemed to constitute the waiver of any
other breach of the same or any other term or condition hereof.

         (f)      Entire Agreement. This instrument contains the entire
agreement of the parties relating to the subject matter hereof, and it replaces
and supersedes any prior agreements between the parties relating to said subject
matter. No modifications of this Agreement shall be valid unless made in writing
and signed by the parties hereto.

         (g)      No Right of Employment. Executive and the Company acknowledge
that the employment of Executive by the Company is "at will," and prior to the
date of a Change in Control, may be terminated by either Executive or the
Company at any time. Upon a termination of Executive's employment prior to the
date of a Change in Control, there shall be no further rights under this
Agreement and this Agreement shall terminate and be of no further force and
effect.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the
date first above written.

                                   EXECUTIVE:

                                  /s/ Greg Tinnell
                                  ----------------------------------------------
                                  Greg Tinnell

                                  COMPANY:

                                  COLLINS & AIKMAN CORPORATION

                                  By: /s/ Thomas E. Evans
                                      ------------------------------------------
                                      Thomas E. Evans
                                      Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

                                        7

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