HMX Martmarx Corp.

Hickey Freeman to Upgrade and Refurbish Its Rochester Facility: $7 Million Investment From New York State, City, Company and Union to Undertake Extensive Renovation and Expansion ROCHESTER, N.Y., May 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Governor George Pataki, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, Mayor William Johnson, County Executive Maggie Brooks and other State and local dignitaries joined Walter B. Hickey, Jr., Chairman and Paulette Garafalo, Group President and Chief Operating Officer of Hickey Freeman, Inc., last Thursday, May 13th to announce a $7 million investment from State, City, Company and Union resources, which will be used to undertake an extensive renovation and expansion of the Hickey Freeman facility located on North Clinton Avenue in Rochester, New York. This project will retain over 600 jobs and ensure the legendary clothing company will continue to be a mainstay of Rochester's economy for many years to come. "Hickey Freeman is a signature Rochester company and a true local success story that the people of Rochester have been proud to call their own for well over a century," Governor Pataki said. "With today's announcement, this celebrated clothing company has reaffirmed its commitment to the people of Rochester and to being a major part of the area's economy and cultural fabric well into the 21st century." Homi B. Patel, Chief Executive Officer of Hartmarx Corporation stated, "The continued growth of Hickey Freeman's men's business, the expansion into the Boy's business and the popularity of Burberry tailored clothing necessitated a definitive strategic decision for us either to expand, upgrade and refurbish the Rochester facility or to move into another location. Thanks to the foresight shown by Governor Pataki, Senator Bruno, Speaker Silver, Mayor Johnson, and the leadership of UNITE, we have decided to stay in Rochester. When this project is completed, Hickey Freeman will continue to be able to satisfy its expanding customer base with the best of the best in luxury products anywhere in the world. New machinery, a revamped electrical system and much needed climate control and air conditioning will position us for our expansion over the next decade." Hickey Freeman has been manufacturing clothing in Rochester since 1899. The Company moved into its current facility in 1912. Since then, the facility has expanded from the original 77,000 square feet to over 200,000 square feet. Hickey Freeman is a subsidiary of Hartmarx Corporation (NYSE:HMX). Hartmarx produces and markets business, casual and golf apparel for both men and women through a broad range of retail channels. DATASOURCE: Hickey Freeman CONTACT: Erin Gaffney, +1-212-840-4771, for Hickey Freeman

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