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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.          )

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Preliminary Proxy Statement

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Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

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Definitive Proxy Statement

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Soliciting Material Pursuant tounder §240.14a-12



TriMas Corporation

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

 

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TriMas Corporation
Notice of 2008 Annual Meeting of ShareholdersNOTICE OF 2011 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To be held May 2, 200810, 2011

To the Shareholders of TriMas Corporation:

        The Annual Meeting of shareholdersShareholders of TriMas Corporation (the "Company") will be held on Friday,Tuesday, May 2, 200810, 2011 at the Radisson Kingsley Hotel, 39475 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48304, at 11:00 a.m., Eastern Time, for the following purposes:


        The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on March 7, 200814, 2011 as the record date for determining the shareholders that are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Annual Meeting.




By Order of the Board of Directors



 


/s/ 
SAMUEL VALENTI III      JOSHUA A. SHERBIN


Samuel Valenti IIIJoshua A. Sherbin
Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
Executive Chairman of the Board

Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

This notice of Annual Meeting and proxy statement and form of proxy are being distributed and made available on or about April 4, 2008.5, 2011.

        Even if you intend to be present at the Annual Meeting in person, please sign and date the enclosed proxy card or voting instruction card and return it in the accompanying envelope, or vote via telephone or internetInternet (as indicated on your proxy card or voting instruction card), to ensure the presence of a quorum. Any proxy may be revoked in the manner described in the accompanying proxy statement at any time before it has been voted at the Annual Meeting.



IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON MAY 10, 2011

The Proxy Statement and 2010 Annual Report of TriMas Corporation are available at:
http://www.trimascorp.com/2011proxy



TriMas Corporation
39400 Woodward Avenue, Suite 130
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48304

Proxy Statement for 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders
PROXY STATEMENT FOR 2011 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

        This proxy statement contains information regarding the Annual Meeting of shareholdersShareholders (the "Annual Meeting") of TriMas Corporation (the "Company") to be held at 11:00 a.m., Eastern Time, on Friday,Tuesday, May 2, 200810, 2011 at the Radisson Kingsley Hotel, 39475 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48304. The Company's Board of Directors is soliciting proxies for use at such meeting and at any adjournment or postponement of such meeting. The Company first mailed this proxy statement to its shareholders on or about April 4, 2008.5, 2011. The Company will bear the cost of soliciting proxies.


ABOUT THE MEETING

What is the purpose of the Annual Meeting?

        At the Annual Meeting, holders of the Company's common stock (the "Voting Stock") will act upon the matters outlined in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting, including the election of threeincluding: to elect two directors to serve until the Annual Meeting in 2014; to approve the Company's 2011 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan; to approve, by a non-binding advisory vote, the ratificationcompensation paid by the Company to its Named Executive Officers ("Say on Pay Vote"); to select, by a non-binding advisory vote, the frequency at which the shareholders of the appointment of KPMG LLP ("KPMG")Company will be asked to approve, by a non-binding advisory vote, the compensation paid by the Company to its Named Executive Officers; and to transact such other business as may properly come before the Company's independent registered public accounting firm for 2008 and the increase in the number of shares reserved for issuance under the 2006 Long Term Equity Incentive Plan by 235,877.meeting.

        In addition, management will report on the performance of the Company and will respond to appropriate questions from shareholders. The Company expects that representatives of KPMG, the Company's independent registered public accounting firm for 2010, will be present at the Annual Meeting and will be available to respond to appropriate questions and if they desire, to make a statement.

Who is entitled to vote?

        Only record holders of Voting Stock at the close of business on the record date of March 7, 200814, 2011 (the "Record Date") are entitled to receive notice of the Annual Meeting and to vote those shares of Voting Stock that they held on the Record Date. Each outstanding share of Voting Stock is entitled toone vote on each matter to be voted upon at the Annual Meeting.

What counts as Voting Stock?

        The Company's common stock constitutes the Voting Stock of the Company. As of March 7, 2008,14, 2011, there were no outstanding shares of preferred stock of the Company.

What constitutes a quorum?

        For business to be conducted at the Annual Meeting, a quorum must be present. The presence at the Annual Meeting, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the shares of Voting Stock outstanding on the Record Date will constitute a quorum for all purposes. As of the Record Date, 33,409,50034,258,167 shares of Voting Stock were outstanding. Broker non-votes (defined below), and proxies marked with abstentions or instructions to withhold votes, will be counted as present in determining whether or not there is a quorum.

What is the difference between holding shares as a shareholder of record and being a beneficial owner?

        Shareholders of Record.    If, at the close of business on the Record Date, your shares are registered directly in your name with the Company's transfer agent, The Bank of New York,Registrar and Transfer Company, you are considered the shareholder of record with respect to those shares, and these proxy materials (including



a proxy card) are being sent directly to you by the Company. As a shareholder of record, you have the right to


grant your voting proxy directly to the Company through the enclosed proxy card or to vote in person at the Annual Meeting.

        Beneficial Owners.    If, at the close of business on the Record Date, your shares were not issued directly in your name, but were held in a stock brokerage account or by a bank, trustee or other nominee, you are considered the beneficial owner of shares, and these proxy materials (including a voting instruction card) are being forwarded to you by your broker, trustee, bank or nominee who is considered the shareholder of record with respect to those shares. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker, trustee, bank or nominee on how to vote the shares in your account and are also invited to attend the Annual Meeting. However, since you are not the shareholder of record, you may not vote these shares in person at the Annual Meeting unless you request and obtain a proxy from your broker, trustee, bank or nominee. Your broker, trustee, bank or nominee has enclosed a voting instruction card for you to use in directing the broker, trustee, bank or nominee on how to vote your shares.

How do I vote?

        Shareholders of Record.    If you complete and properly sign the accompanying proxy card and return it to the Company, it will be voted as you direct. You may also vote via telephone or internetInternet (as indicated on your proxy card). If you attend the Annual Meeting, you may deliver your completed proxy card in person or vote by ballot.

        Beneficial Owners.    If you complete and properly sign the accompanying voting instruction card and return it to your broker, trustee, bank or other nominee, it will be voted as you direct. You may also vote via telephone or internetInternet (as indicated on your voting instruction card). If you want to vote your shares at the Annual Meeting, you must request and obtain a proxy from such broker, trustee, bank or other nominee confirming that you beneficially own such shares and giving you the power to vote such shares.

Can I change my vote after I return my proxy card or voting instruction card?

        Shareholders of Record.    You may change your vote at any time before the proxy is exercised by filing with the Corporate Secretary of the Company, at 39400 Woodward Avenue, Suite 130, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48304, either written notice revoking the proxy or a properly signed proxy that is dated later than the proxy card. If you attend the Annual Meeting, the individuals named as proxy holders in the enclosed proxy card will nevertheless have authority to vote your shares in accordance with your instructions on the proxy card unless you properly file such notice or new proxy.

        Beneficial Owners.    If you hold your shares through a bank, trustee, broker or other nominee, you should contact such person to submit new voting instructions prior to the time such voting instructions are exercised.

What if I do not vote for some of the items listed onHow will my proxy card or voting instruction card?shares be voted?

        Shareholders of Record.    If you return your signed proxy card but do not mark selections,All shares represented by the selections not markedproxies mailed to shareholders will be voted at the Annual Meeting in accordance with instructions given by the recommendationsshareholders. Where no instructions are given, the shares will be voted: (1) in favor of the election of the Board of Directors. With respectDirectors' nominees for two directors; (2) for approval of the 2011 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan; (3) for approval of the compensation paid to anythe Named Executive Officers pursuant to the Say on Pay Vote; and (4) in the discretion of the proxy holders upon such other matter thatbusiness as may properly comescome before the Annual Meeting,Meeting. If you do not provide voting instructions as to the proxy holders named indesired frequency of a Say on Pay Vote by the proxy cardshareholders, the Company will votetreat your shares as the Board recommends or, if the Board gives no recommendation, in their own discretion.though you abstained from voting on that proposal.


        Beneficial Owners.    If you hold yourThe brokers, banks, or nominees holding shares in street name throughfor beneficial owners must vote those shares as instructed, and if no instructions from the beneficial owner are received on a matter deemed to be non-routine, they may not vote the shares on that matter (referred to as a "broker non-vote"). A broker, trustee, bank, or other nominee and do not return the proxy card, such nominee will determine if it has the discretionary authority to vote on the particular matter. Under applicable law, brokers have the discretion to vote on routine matters, such as the uncontested election of directors and the ratification of the appointment of the Company's independent registered public accounting firm, but dodoes not have discretion to vote on



non-routine matters. Iffor or against the election of directors, to approve the 2011 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan, to approve the compensation of the Named Executive Officers pursuant to the Say on Pay Vote, or to select the preferred frequency for a Say on Pay Vote. In order to avoid a broker does not have discretionary authority to votenon-vote of your shares on a particular proposal, the absence of votes on the proposal with respectthese proposals, you must send voting instructions to your Voting Stock will be considered"bank, broker, non-votes" with regard to that matter. Voting Stock subject to broker non-votes will be considered present at the meeting for purposes of determining whether there is a quorum but the broker non-votes will not be considered votes cast with respect to that proposal.or nominee.

I share an address with another shareholder, and we received only one paper copy of the proxy materials. How may I obtain an additional copy of the proxy materials?

        If you share an address with another shareholder, you may receive only one set of proxy materials unless you have provided contrary instructions. If you wish to receive a separate set of proxy materials now, please request the additional copy by contacting TriMas Corporation, Attention: Investor Relations, 39400 Woodward Avenue, Suite 130, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48304.

48304, Telephone 248-631-5506. A separate set of proxy materials will be sent promptly following receipt of your request.

        If you are a shareholder of record and wish to receive a separate set of proxy materials in the future, please contact TriMas Corporation, Attention: Investor Relations, 39400 Woodward Avenue, Suite 130, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48304.48304, Telephone 248-631-5506.

        If you are the beneficial owner of shares held through a broker, trustee or other nominee and you wish to receive a separate set of proxy materials in the future, please contact TriMas Corporation, Attention: Investor Relations, 39400 Woodward Avenue, Suite 130, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48304.48304, Telephone 248-631-5506.

What does it mean if I receive more than one proxy card or voting instruction card?

        If you receive more than one proxy card or voting instruction card, it means that you have multiple accounts with banks, trustees, brokers, other nominees and/or the Company's transfer agent. Please sign and deliver each proxy card and voting instruction card that you receive to ensure that all of your shares will be voted. We recommend that you contact your nominee and/or the Company's transfer agent, as appropriate, to consolidate as many accounts as possible under the same name and address.

What are the Board's recommendations?

        The Board recommends a vote:

What vote is required to approve each item?

Proposal 1—Election of Directors.    Nominees

        The two nominees who receive the most votes cast at the Annual Meeting will be elected as directors. The slate of directors discussed in this proxy statement consists of threetwo directors whose terms are expiring.expiring and who have consented to stand for re-election. A properly signed proxy with instructions



to withhold authority with respect to the election of one or more directors will not be voted for the director(s) so indicated and will have no effect on the outcomeindicated.

Proposal 2—Approval of the vote.2011 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan.

        Proposal 2—Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.    The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Voting Stock outstanding on the Record Date that is present or represented at the Annual Meeting is necessary to ratify the Audit Committee's appointment of KPMG as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm for 2008. Abstentions will have the same effect as a vote against the matter. Although shareholder ratification of the appointment



is not required by law and is not binding on the Company, the Audit Committee will take the appointment under advisement if such appointment is not so ratified.

        Proposal 3—Ratification of Increase of Shares Reserved for Issuance under the 2006 Long Term Equity Incentive Plan.        The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Voting Stock outstanding on the Record Date that is present or represented at the Annual Meeting will be necessary to approve the increaseCompany's 2011 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan.

Proposal 3—Approval of the Compensation Paid to the Company's Named Executive Officers.

        The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Voting Stock outstanding on the Record Date that is present or represented at the Annual Meeting will be necessary to approve the non-binding advisory resolution approving the compensation paid to the Company's Named Executive Officers. While the Board of Directors intends to carefully consider the shareholder vote resulting from this proposal, the final vote will not be binding, and is advisory in nature.

Proposal 4—Advisory Vote on the numberFrequency of shares reserved for issuance under the 2006 Long Term Equity Incentive Plan by 235,877 shares. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have the same effect as a vote against the matter.Say-on Pay Votes.

        The advisory vote on the frequency of say-on pay votes (every one, two, or three years) is a plurality vote. The Company will consider shareholders to have expressed a non-binding preference for the frequency option that receives the most favorable votes. While the Board of Directors intends to carefully consider the shareholder vote resulting from this proposal, the final vote will not be binding, and is advisory in nature.

        Other Matters.Who pays for the solicitation of proxies?

        The accompanying proxy is being solicited by the Company's Board of Directors. The Company will bear the cost of soliciting the proxies. Officers and other management employees of the Company will receive no additional compensation for the solicitation of proxies and may use mail, e-mail, personal interview and/or telephone.

What will happen if other matters are raised at the meeting?

        If any other matter is properly submitted to the shareholders at the Annual Meeting, its adoption will require the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Voting Stock outstanding on the Record Date that is present or represented at the Annual Meeting. The Board of Directors does not propose to conduct any business at the Annual Meeting other than as stated above.

How can I access the Company's proxy materials and annual report on Form 10-K?

        The SEC FilingsFinancial Information subsection under "Investors" on the Company's website,http://www.trimascorp.com, provides access, free of charge, to Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") reports as soon as reasonably practicable after the Company electronically files such reports with, or furnishes such reports to, the SEC, including proxy materials, Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to these reports. In addition, a

        The Company has posted printable and searchable 2011 proxy materials to the Company's website at http://www.trimascorp.com/2011proxy. A copy of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007,2010, as filed with the SEC, will be sent to any shareholder, without charge, upon written request sent to the Company's executive offices: TriMas Corporation, Attention: Investor Relations, 39400 Woodward Avenue, Suite 130, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48304.

        You may also read and copy any materials that the Company files with the SEC at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. You may obtain information on



the operations of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC, including the Company, athttp://www.sec.gov.

        The references to the website address of the Company and SEC in this proxy statement are not intended to function as a hyperlink and, except as specified herein, the information contained on such websites areis not part of this proxy statement.

Is a registered list of shareholders available?

        The names of shareholders of record entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting will be available to shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting on Friday,Tuesday, May 2, 200810, 2011 at the Radisson Kingsley.

How are votes counted?

        In the election of directors, you may vote "FOR," "AGAINST" or "ABSTAIN" with respect to each of the nominees. If you elect to abstain in the election of directors, the abstention will not impact the election of directors. In tabulating the voting results for the election of directors, only "FOR" and "AGAINST" votes are counted.

        You may vote "FOR," "AGAINST" or "ABSTAIN" with respect to the proposal to ratify the appointment of the Company's independent registered public accounting firm for the 2008 fiscal year. If you elect to abstain, the abstention will have the same effect as an "AGAINST" vote.

        You may vote "FOR," "AGAINST" or "ABSTAIN" with respect to the increase of shares reserved for issuance under the 2006 Long Term Equity Incentive Plan. If you elect to abstain, the abstention will have the same effect as an "AGAINST" vote.


        If you provide specific instructions with regard to certain items, your shares will be voted as you instruct on such items. If you vote by proxy card or voting instruction card and sign the card without giving specific instructions, your shares will be voted in accordance with the recommendations of the Board (FOR all of the Company's nominees to the Board, FOR ratification of the appointment of the Company's independent registered public accounting firm and FOR the increase in shares reserved for issuance under the 2006 Long Term Equity Incentive Plan.)Kingsley Hotel.

How do I find out the voting results?

        Preliminary voting results will be announced at the Annual Meeting, and final voting results will be published by the Company in the Company's Quarterlya Current Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending June 30, 2008.8-K.

Who will serve as the inspector of elections?

        The inspector of elections will be a representative from an independent firm, Broadridge Investor Communication Services,Solutions, Inc.

How and when may I submit a shareholder proposal for the 20092012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders?

        Requirements for shareholder proposal to be considered at the 20092012 Annual Meeting by inclusion in the Company's proxy statement.    You may submit proposals for consideration at future shareholder meetings. For a shareholder proposal to be considered for inclusion in the Company's proxy statement for the Annual Meeting next year, the Corporate Secretary must receive the written proposal at the Company's principal executive offices no later than December 6, 2008.7, 2011. Such proposals also must comply with SEC regulations under Rule 14a-8 regarding the inclusion of shareholder proposals in company-sponsored proxy materials. Proposals should be addressed to:

        Requirements for shareholder proposal to be considered at the 20092012 Annual Meeting, but not included in the Company's proxy statement.    For a shareholder proposal that is intended to be considered at the 20092012 Annual Meeting, but not included in the Company's proxy statement, the shareholder must give timely notice to the Corporate Secretary, which, in general, requires that the notice be received by the Corporate Secretary not later than the close of business on February 19, 2009.10, 2012.

        In addition to the timing requirements stated above, any shareholder proposal to be brought before the 20092012 Annual Meeting must set forth (A)(a) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the 20092012 Annual Meeting and the reasons for conducting such business, (B)(b) the name and address, as they appear on the Company's books, of the shareholder proposing such business, (C)(c) the number of shares of the Company's Voting Stock that are beneficially owned by the shareholder, (D)(d) any material interest of the shareholder in such business, and (E)(e) any additional information that is required to be provided by the shareholder pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.


        If the date of the 20092012 Annual Meeting is moved more than 30 days before or 60 days after the anniversary of the 20082011 Annual Meeting, then notice of a shareholder proposal that is not intended to be included in the Company's proxy statement under Rule 14a-8 must be received not later than the close of business on the later of the following two dates:



PROPOSAL 1—ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

        The Board of Directors currently consists of eightsix members serving three-year staggered terms. The Board of Directors is divided into three classes, each class consisting of approximately one-third of the Company's directors. Class II directorsdirectors' terms will expire at the 20082011 Annual Meeting,Meeting. Messrs. Gabrys and these three directorsMiller have consented to stand for re-election to serve until the 20112014 Annual Meeting. Each of the nominees has consented to serve a three-year term. If anyeither of them should become unavailable, the Board may designate a substitute nominee. In that case, the proxy holders named as proxies in the accompanying proxy card will vote for the Board's substitute nominee.

THE COMPANY'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE"The Company's Board recommends a voteFOR each of the three directors listed below that stand for election, to serve until the 2011 Annual MeetingFOR". EACH OF THE TWO DIRECTORS LISTED BELOW WHO STANDS FOR RE-ELECTION, TO SERVE UNTIL THE 2014 ANNUAL MEETING.

Vote Required

        The electiontwo individuals who receive the most votes cast at the Annual Meeting will be elected as directors, provided a quorum of the nominated slate of directors requires the affirmative vote ofat least a majority of the outstanding shares of the Company's common stock present in person oris represented by proxy and entitled to be voted at the meeting. If you abstain from voting on this matter, your abstention will have no effect on the vote. If you hold your shares through a broker and you do not instruct the broker on how to vote on this "non-routine" proposal, your broker does not have authority to vote your shares. Abstentions and broker non-votes will each be counted as present for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum but will not have any other effect on the outcome of the election of directors.

        Additional information regarding the directors and director nominees of the Company is set forth below.

Directors and Director Nominees

        The Board of Directors currently consists of eightsix members divided into three classes serving staggered terms. Officers of the Company serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.

Name
 Age
 Title
 Term
Ending

Brian P. Campbell(1) 67 Director 2008
Richard M. Gabrys(1) 66 Director 2008
Eugene A. Miller(1) 70 Director 2008
Charles E. Becker 61 Director 2009
Daniel P. Tredwell 50 Director 2009
Samuel Valenti III 62 Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors 2009
Grant H. Beard 47 Director, President, Chief Executive Officer 2010
Marshall A. Cohen 73 Director 2010

Name
 Age Title Term
Ending
 

Richard M. Gabrys(1)

  69 Director  2011 

Eugene A. Miller(1)

  73 Director  2011 

Daniel P. Tredwell

  52 Director  2012 

Samuel Valenti III

  65 Chairman of the Board of Directors  2012 

David M. Wathen

  58 Director, President and Chief Executive Officer  2013 

Marshall A. Cohen

  76 Director  2013 

(1)
Standing for re-election to a three-year term.at the 2011 Annual Meeting.

        Brian P. Campbell.        Director Background and Qualifications.    Mr. Campbell became a director in November 2007. He wasThe following sets forth the former Chairmanbusiness experience during at least the past five years of each Director nominee and each of the Board, President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officerdirectors whose term of Kaydon Corporation. Mr. Campbell joined Kaydon in September 1998 as President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. He was elected Chairmanoffice will continue after the Annual Meeting.

        In addition, the following includes a brief discussion of the specific experience, qualifications, attributes and skills that led to the conclusion that the Directors and nominees should serve on the Board at this time. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers the experience, mix of skills and other qualities of the existing Board to ensure appropriate Board composition. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee believes that Directors must have demonstrated excellence in April 1999. He servedtheir chosen field, high ethical standards and integrity, and sound business judgment. In addition, it seeks to ensure the Board includes members with diverse backgrounds, skills and experience, including appropriate financial and other expertise relevant to the Company's business.


        The Board believes that the Directors and nominees have an appropriate balance of knowledge, experience, attributes, skills and expertise as a Directorwhole to ensure the Board appropriately fulfills its oversight responsibilities and acts in the best interests of Kaydonshareholders. The Board believes that each director satisfies its criteria for demonstrating excellence in his or her chosen field, high ethical standards and integrity, and sound business judgment. In addition, the Board has four independent directors in accordance with the applicable rules of NASDAQ, and such Directors are also independent of the influence of any particular shareholder or shareholder groups whose interests may diverge from September 1995 through May 2007. Mr. Campbell retired from Kaydon Corporationthe interests of the shareholders as a whole. Further, each director or nominee brings a strong background and set of skills to the Board, giving the Board as a whole competence and experience in April 2007. Prior to that, Mr. Campbell was Presidenta wide variety of TriMas Corporation from May 1986 to January 1998, and from January 1998 to September 1998, President and Co-Chief Operating Officer of MascoTech, Inc. Since August 2007, Mr. Campbell is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Campbell Industries, Inc., a private investment company.areas.

        Richard M. Gabrys.    Mr. Gabrys joined the Board in August 2006. Mr. Gabrys has extensive knowledge and expertise in financial reporting for publicly-held companies and accounting matters. Mr. Gabrys retired from Deloitte & Touche LLP in 2004 after 42 years, where he served a variety of publicly-held companies, financial services institutions, public utilities and health care entities. He was a Vice Chairman inof Deloitte's United States Global Strategic Client Group and served as a member of its Global Strategic



Client Council. From January 2006 through August 2007, Mr. Gabrys served as the Interim Dean of the School of Business Administration of Wayne State University. From December 2004 through January 2008, Mr. Gabrys served on the Boardboard of Dana Corporation. He currently is a member of the Board of Directors of CMS Energy Company, Massey Energy Company and La-Z-Boy Inc.;, and is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Mears Investments, L.L.C., a private family investment company. Mr. Gabrys holds a B.S. in Accounting from King's College and completed the Executive Program at Stanford University.

        In addition to his professional background and prior Company Board experience, the Board of Directors concluded that Mr. Gabrys should serve as a director based on his leadership while serving as a partner and senior manager of a global accounting and auditing firm, the breadth of his experience in auditing, finance and other areas of oversight while serving as a member of the Boards of Directors of other significant corporations, and his subject matter expertise in finance, accounting, and Sarbanes-Oxley compliance.

        Eugene A. Miller.    Mr. Miller was elected as a director in January 2005. Mr. Miller has extensive knowledge and expertise in management, executive compensation and governance matters related to publicly-held companies. Mr. Miller is the retired Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Comerica Incorporated and Comerica Bank, (1993-2002).in which positions he served from 1993 to 2002. Mr. Miller held various positions of increasing responsibility at Comerica Incorporated and Comerica Bank (formerly The Detroit Bank) and rose to become Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Comerica Incorporated (June 1993 through June 1999). He is also a director of DTE Energy Company since 1989 and Handleman Company since 2002. Mr. Miller holds a B.B.A. from the Detroit Institute of Technology.

        Charles E. Becker.        In addition to his professional background and prior Company Board experience, the Board of Directors concluded that Mr. Becker was electedMiller should serve as a director in June 2002. For over 25 years, through 1998, Mr. Becker wasbased on the Chief Executive Officerleadership qualities he developed from his experiences while serving as Chairman and co-owner of Becker Group, Inc., a global automotive interiors components supplier. Becker Group, Inc. was sold to Johnson Controls, Inc. in 1998. In January 1999, Mr. Becker re-acquired ten North American plastic molding and tooling operations from Johnson Controls which subsequently became Becker Group, LLC. He served as the Chairman of Becker Group, LLC from the acquisition through 2001. Mr. Becker is also the owner and chairman of Becker Ventures, LLC, which was established in 1998 to invest in a variety of business ventures, including businesses in the manufacturing, real estate and service industries. From May 11, 2005 to July 7, 2005, Mr. Becker served as Acting Chief Executive Officer of Collins & Aikman Corporation, which filedComerica, the scope of his experiences in executive compensation, risk management and corporate governance while serving as a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 11member of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code on May 17, 2005.board of directors of other significant corporations, and his subject matter expertise in the areas of finance, executive management, and professional standards.

        Daniel P. Tredwell.    Mr. Tredwell was elected as one of the Company's directors in June 2002. Mr. Tredwell has extensive knowledge and expertise in financial and banking matters. Mr. Tredwell is the Managing Member, and one of the co-founders of Heartland Industrial Partners, L.P. ("Heartland"). Mr. Tredwell is also the Managing Member of CoveView Advisors LLC, an independent financial advisory firm, and Cove View Capital LLC, a credit opportunities investment fund. He has



more than two decades of leveraged financingprivate equity and private equityinvestment banking experience. Mr. Tredwell served as a Managing Director at Chase Securities Inc. (a predecessor of J.P. Morgan Securities, Inc.) until 1999 and had been with Chase Securities since 1985. Mr. Tredwell is also a director of Asahi Tec Corporation, Springs Industries, Inc., and Springs Global Participações S.A. From November 2000 to January 2010, Mr. Tredwell served on the Board of Metaldyne Corporation, and its successor, Asahi Tec Corporation of Japan. Mr. Tredwell holds a B.A. in Economics from Miami University and an M.B.A. in Finance from the Wharton School.

        In addition to his professional background and prior Company Board experience, the Board of Directors concluded that Mr. Tredwell should serve as a director based on his leadership qualities developed from his service as a Managing Director of Chase Securities and the Managing Member of Heartland, the scope of his knowledge of the Company's global operations, the breadth of his experience in auditing, risk management, and corporate oversight while serving as a member of the boards of directors of other global corporations (including service as the chair of audit and compensation committees), and his subject matter expertise in finance, acquisitions and divestitures, economics, asset management, and business development.

        Samuel Valenti III.    Mr. Valenti was elected as Chairman of the Company's Board of Directors in June 2002 and becameserved as Executive Chairman of the Company's Board infrom November 2005. Since 1988,2005 through November 2008. Mr. Valenti remains Chairman of the Company's Board. Mr. Valenti has beenextensive knowledge and expertise in management of diversified manufacturing businesses and financial matters. He was employed by Masco Corporation from 1968 through March 2008. From 1988 through March 2008, Mr. Valenti was President and a member of the board of Masco Capital Corporation. Mr. Valenti is Chairman of Valenti Capital LLC. Mr. ValentiCorporation, and was formerly Vice President—InvestmentsPresident-Investments of Masco Corporation from May 1974 to October 1998. Mr. Valenti has been employed by Masco Corporation since 1968. Until November 2005, Mr. Valenti also served as a special advisor to Heartland Industrial Partners, L.P. ("Heartland"). Until, and until July 2006, Mr. Valenti served as a director of Metaldyne Corporation ("Metaldyne").Corporation. Mr. Valenti is currently Chairman of Valenti Capital LLC. Mr. Valenti holds a B.A. and Masters in Economics from Western Michigan University. Mr. Valenti is the former Chairman of the Investment Advisory Committee of the $50 billion State of Michigan retirement system and serves on the Harvard Business School Advisory Council. He also serves on the Advisory Council at the University of Notre Dame and the Advisory Board at the University of Michigan Business School Zell-Lurie Institute. Mr. Valenti is a member of Business Leaders for Michigan and serves as Chairman of the Renaissance Venture Capital Fund.

        In addition to his professional background and prior Company Board experience, the Board of Directors concluded that Mr. Valenti should serve as a director based on his leadership experience as the Chairman of the Company's Board since 2002 and as an executive at Masco for forty years, the breadth of his experiences in finance, corporate governance, and other areas of oversight while serving as a member of the board of directors of other corporations and his subject matter expertise in the areas of finance, economics, and asset management.

        Grant H. Beard.David M. Wathen.    Mr. BeardWathen was appointed as the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the Board on January 13, 2009. Mr. Wathen has extensive knowledge and experience in March 2001operational and management issues relevant to diversified manufacturing environments. He is currently a director and member of the Audit Committee and Corporate Governance Committee of Franklin Electric Co., Inc. From 2003 until 2007, Mr. Wathen was appointedPresident and Chief Executive Officer of Balfour Beatty, Inc. (U.S. Operations), an engineering, construction and building management services company. Prior to his Balfour Beatty appointment in 2003, he served as a Principal Member of Questor, a private equity firm from 2000 to 2002. From 1977 to 2000, Mr. Wathen held management positions with General Electric, Emerson Electric, Allied Signal and Eaton Corporation. Mr. Wathen holds a B.S.M.E. in Engineering and an M.B.A. from Purdue University and an M.S.B.A. in Business Administration from St. Francis University.


        In addition to his professional background and prior Company Board experience, the Board of Directors concluded that Mr. Wathen should serve as a director based on his years of operational and management experience in June 2002. From August 2000diversified manufacturing environments, his experience as a public-company director, his executive leadership experience, including with respect to March 2001, Mr. Beard was President, Chief Executive Officerthe Company, and Chairmanhis subject matter expertise in the areas of HealthMedia, Inc. From January 1996 to August 2000, he was President of the Preferred Technical Group of Dana Corporation, a manufacturer of tubular fluid routing products sold to vehicle manufacturers. He served as Vice President of Sales, Marketingengineering, production, and Corporate Development for Echlin, Inc., before the acquisition of Echlin by Dana in late 1998. Mr. Beard has experience at two private equity/merchant banking groups, Anderson Group and Oxford Investment Group, where he was actively involved in corporate development, strategy and operations management.business development.

        Marshall A. Cohen.    Mr. Cohen was elected as one of the Company's directors in January 2005. Mr. Cohen has extensive knowledge and experience in management, governance and legal matters involving publicly-held companies. He is alsocounsel to Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP, a director of American International Group, Inc., Barrick Gold Corporationlaw firm based in Toronto, Canada, which he joined in 1996. Prior to joining that firm, Mr. Cohen served as president and TD



Ameritrade. From November 1988 to September 1996, he was President and Chief Executive Officer and directorchief executive officer of the Molson Companies Limited.Limited from 1988 to 1996. Mr. Cohen is a director of Barrick Gold Corporation, Broadpoint Gleacher Securities Group, Inc. and TD Ameritrade. From 1993 to 2008, Mr. Cohen was a director of AIG, Inc. Mr. Cohen holds a B.A. from the University of Toronto, a law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School and a Masters Degree in Law from York University.

        In addition to his professional background and prior Company Board experience, the Board or Directors concluded that Mr. Cohen should serve as a director based on the breadth of his experience as a public company director, particularly with regard to governance, compliance and other areas of oversight, his legal experience and his subject matter expertise in areas of government affairs, corporate governance and corporate responsibility.

The Board of Directors and Committees

        Through October 31, 2007,        Since June 2002, the Company has separated the roles of the Board Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. The Board believes that separating these roles offers distinct benefits to the Company, including curtailing the potential for conflict of interest and facilitating objective Board evaluation of the Company's management. Mr. Valenti has served as Board Chairman since 2002 and has been an independent director since November 2008.

        During 2010, the Board consisted of sevensix directors and effective November 1, 2007 was expanded to eight directors. During 2007, the Board held eight9 meetings and acted three2 times by unanimous written consent. The table below sets forth the membership and meeting information for the four standing committees of the Board(1): for 2010:

Name
 Audit Compensation Governance &
Nominating
 Executive

David M. Wathen

    Chairman

Marshall A. Cohen

 X X Chairman 

Richard M. Gabrys

 Chairman X X 

Eugene A. Miller

 X Chairman X 

Daniel P. Tredwell

    X

Samuel Valenti III

 X X X X
 

Meetings

 7 4 3 
 

Action by Unanimous Written Consent

 1 2  

Name
 Audit
 Compensation
 Governance &
Nominating

 Executive
Brian P. Campbell    
Richard M. Gabrys   X 
Eugene A. Miller Chairman X  
Charles E. Becker  X  
Daniel P. Tredwell X  X X
Samuel Valenti III  Chairman  X
Grant H. Beard    X
Marshall A. Cohen X  Chairman 
 Meetings 7(2) 7 2 0
 Action by Unanimous Written Consent 1 1 0 0

        The Company's Board of Directors currently consists of eightsix directors, divided into three classes so that, as nearly as possible, each class will consist of one-third of the Company's directors. The members of each class serve for a staggered, three year term.terms. Upon the expiration of the term of a class of directors, directors in that class willmay be electedasked to stand for re-election for a three year termsterm at the Annual Meeting in the year in which their term expires. The classes are composed as follows:table below sets forth the class in which director serves:

        Any additional directorships resulting from an increase in the number of directors will be distributed among the three classes so that, as nearly as possible, each class will consist of one third of the Company's directors.


        The Company's Board has determined, after considering all of the relevant facts and circumstances, that Messrs. Becker, Campbell, Cohen, Gabrys, Miller and MillerValenti are "independent" from management in accordance with the NYSENASDAQ listing standards and the Company's Corporate Governance Guidelines. To be considered independent, the Board must determine that a director does not have any direct or indirect material relationships with the Company and must meet the criteria for independence set forth in the Company's Corporate Governance Guidelines. After considering all of the relevant facts and circumstances, the Board determined that, within ninety (90) days of the Company's initial public offering, a majority of the members of the Audit Committee of the Board qualified under the Audit Committee independence standards established by the SEC. In accordance with the NYSE listing standards, a majority of each of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Governance and Nominating Committee were composed of a majority of independent directors within ninety (90) days of the Company's initial public offering.

        During 2007,2010, all current directors attended at least 75%, in aggregate, of the meetings of the Board of Directors and all committees of the Board on which they served. All of the current directors attended the Company's 2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, and all Directors are expected to attend all meetings, including the Annual Meeting. In addition to attending Board and committee meetings, directors fulfill their responsibilities by consulting with the President and Chief Executive Officer and other members of management on matters that affect the Company.

        Non-managementIndependent and non-management directors hold regularly scheduled executive sessions in which independent and non-management directors meet without the presence of management. These executive sessions generally occur around regularly scheduled meetings of the Board of Directors. For more information regarding the Company's Board of Directors and other corporate governance procedures, see "Corporate Governance." For information on how you can communicate with the Company's non-management directors, see "Communicating with the Board."

        Audit Committee.    The Audit Committee is responsible for providing independent, objective oversight and review of the Company's auditing, accounting and financial reporting processes, including reviewing the audit results and monitoring the effectiveness of the Company's internal audit function. In addition, the Audit Committee is responsible for (1) selecting the Company's independent registered public accounting firm, (2) approving the overall scope of the audit, (3) assisting the Board in monitoring the integrity of the Company's financial statements, our independent registered public accounting firm's qualifications and independence, the performance of the company's independent registered public accounting firm, and the Company's internal audit function and compliance with relevant legal and regulatory requirements, (4) annually reviewing the Company's independent



registered pubic accounting firm's report describing the auditing firm's internal quality-controlquality control procedures and any materialsmaterial issues raised by the most recent internal quality-controlquality control review, or peer review, of the auditing firm, (5) discussing the annual audited financial and quarterly statements with management and the independent registered public accounting firm, (6) discussing earnings press releases and any financial information or earnings guidance provided to analysts and rating agencies, (7) discussing policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management, (8) meeting separately, periodically, with management, internal auditors and the independent registered public accounting firm, (9) reviewing with the independent auditor any audit problems or difficulties and management's response, (10) setting clear hiring policies for employees or former employees of the independent registered public accounting firm, (11) handling such other matters that are specifically delegated to the Audit Committee by applicable law or regulation or by the Board of Directors from time to time, and (12) reporting regularly to the full Board of Directors. See "Report of the Audit Committee." The Audit Committee's charter is available on the Company's website,www.trimascorp.com, in the Corporate Governance subsection of the Investor page.

        Each of the directors on the Audit Committee is financially literate. The Board of Directors has determined that Mr.each of Messrs. Miller and Gabrys qualifies as an "audit committee financial expert" within the meaning of



SEC regulations and that heeach member on the Audit Committee has the accounting and related financial management expertise required by the NYSENASDAQ listing standards.standards and that each is "independent" from management in accordance with NASDAQ listing standards and the Company's Corporate Governance Guidelines.

        Compensation Committee.    The Compensation Committee is responsible for developing and maintaining the Company's compensation strategies and policies including, (1) reviewing and approving the Company's overall executive and director compensation philosophy and the executive and director compensation programs to support the Company's overall business strategy and objectives, (2) overseeing the management continuity and succession planning process (except as otherwise within the scope of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee) with respect to the Company's officers, and (3) preparing any report on executive compensation required by the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and other regulatory bodies.

        The Compensation Committee is responsible for monitoring and administering the Company's compensation and employee benefit plans and reviewing, among other things, base salary levels, incentive awards and bonus awards for officers and key executives, and such other matters that are specifically delegated to the Compensation Committee by applicable law or regulation, or by the Board of Directors from time to time.

        See "Compensation Discussion and Analysis." The Compensation Committee's charter is available on the Company's website,www.trimascorp.com, in the Corporate Governance Section.subsection of the Investors page.

        Executive Committee.    The Executive Committee has the authority to exercise many of the functions of the full Board of Directors between meetings of the Board, however it excludes those matters which NYSEDelaware law or NASDAQ or SEC rules require to be within the purview of the Company's independent directors or which is otherwise in conflict with such laws or rules.

        NominatingCorporate Governance and Corporate GovernanceNominating Committee.    The NominatingCorporate Governance and Corporate GovernanceNominating Committee is responsible for identifying and nominating individuals qualified to serve as Board members and recommending directors for each Board committee. Generally, the NominatingCorporate Governance and Corporate GovernanceNominating Committee will re-nominate incumbent directors who continue to satisfy its criteria for membership on the Board, who it believes will continue to make important contributions to the Board and who consent to continue their service on the Board.


        In recommending candidates to the Board, the NominatingCorporate Governance and Corporate GovernanceNominating Committee reviews the experience, mix of skills and other qualities of a nominee to assure appropriate Board composition after taking into account the current Board members and the specific needs of the Company and the Board. The Board looks for individuals who have demonstrated excellence in their chosen field, high ethical standards and integrity, and sound business judgment. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee does not have a formal policy with respect to diversity; however, the Board and the Governance and Nominating Committee believe that it is essential that the Board members represent diverse viewpoints. As required by the NYSE,NASDAQ, SEC or such other applicable regulatory requirements, a majority of the Board will be comprised of independent directors.

        The NominatingCorporate Governance and Corporate GovernanceNominating Committee generally relies on multiple sources for identifying and evaluating nominees, including referrals from the Company's current directors and management. The NominatingCorporate Governance and Corporate GovernanceNominating Committee does not solicit director nominations, but will consider recommendations by shareholders with respect to elections to be held at an Annual Meeting, so long as such recommendations are sent on a timely basis to the Corporate Secretary of the Company and are in accordance with the Company's by-laws. The committeeCorporate Governance and Nominating Committee will evaluate nominees recommended by shareholders against the same criteria. The Company did not receive any nominations of directors by shareholders for the 20082011 Annual Meeting.

        The NominatingCorporate Governance and Corporate GovernanceNominating Committee is also responsible for recommending to the Board appropriate Corporate Governance Guidelines applicable to the Company and overseeing governance issues.

        The NominatingCorporate Governance and Corporate GovernanceNominating Committee's charter is available on the Company's website,www.trimascorp.com, in the Corporate Governance Section.subsection of the Investors page.


        Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation.    No member of the Compensation Committee is an employee of the Company. Messrs. Becker,Cohen, Gabrys, Miller and Valenti are the current members of the Company's Compensation Committee. See "Transactions with Related Persons" for a summary of related person transactions involving Heartland.

        Terms of Office.    The Board has not established term limits for the directors. The Corporate Governance Guidelines provide that a thoughtful evaluation of director performance is the appropriate method of balancing the Board's needs for continuity, insight, new perspectives, fresh ideas, and other factors.

        Assessment of Board and Committee Performance.    The Board evaluates its performance annually. In addition, each Board committee performs an annual self-assessment to determine its effectiveness. The results of the Board and committee self-assessments are discussed with the Board and each Committee, respectively.


BOARD OF DIRECTORS RISK MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONS

        As part of its oversight function, the Board monitors how management operates the Company, in part via its committee structure. When granting authority to management, approving strategies and receiving management reports, the Board considers, among other things, the risks and vulnerabilities the Company faces. The Audit Committee considers risk issues associated with the Company's overall financial reporting, disclosure process and legal compliance, as well as reviewing policies on risk control assessment and accounting risk exposure. In addition to its regularly scheduled meetings, the Audit Committee meets with the Vice President, Corporate Audit, and the independent registered public accounting firm in executive sessions at least quarterly, and with the General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer as determined from time to time by the Audit Committee. Each of the



Compensation Committee and the Governance and Nominating Committee considers risk issues associated with the substantive matters addressed by the committee.

Director Compensation

        The Compensation Committee is responsible for reviewing director compensation and making recommendations to the Board, as appropriate. The Compensation Committee and Board believe that directors should receive a mix of cash and equity over their tenure. The combination of cash and equity compensation is intended to provide incentives for directors to continue to serve on the Board of Directors and to attract new directors with outstanding qualifications. Except for the Executive Chairman, directorsDirectors who are not independent do not receive any compensation for serving on the Board or any committees thereof. Directors may make an annual election to defer receipt of Board compensation, provided the election is made prior to the fiscal year in which the deferral is effective.

        Annual Cash Retainer and Meeting Fees.    In 2007,2010, each independent director received an annual retainer based on $60,000 per year through May 17, 2007, which retainer was increased toof $75,000, per year as of May 18, 2007, and a meeting fee of $1,000 for each Board or committee meeting attended. The Executive Chairman of the Board received $200,000 in 20072010 for his services in that capacity and did not receive attendance fees. The chairman of each of the Audit, and NominatingCompensation and Corporate Governance and Nominating Committees received attendance fees of $2,000 for each meeting attended. In addition, the chair of the Audit Committee received an additional annual retainer feein the amounts of $15,000, $10,000 whichand $5,000, respectively.

        Two of the four independent directors elected to defer receipt of Board compensation in 2010. For 2011, two of four independent directors elected to defer receipt of all or part of their Board compensation.

        Equity Compensation.    On March 9, 2009, the Board approved the issuance of options to purchase 24,000 shares of common stock to each independent Board member (other than the Chairman), with an exercise price equal to the closing price of the Company's stock on the grant date. The options vest in equal annual retainer was increasedincrements over the three years following the grant date and are subject to $15,000 effective asa ten (10) year exercise term, subject to earlier termination if the recipient dies, becomes disabled or is no longer a director.

        Director Stock Ownership.    We have established stock ownership guidelines for independent directors to more closely tie their interests to those of shareholders. Under these guidelines, directors are required to own, within five years after initial election to the Board (but not tolling prior to the Company's May 18, 2007. In 2007 initial public offering, and thus not applicable to any of the independent directors until May 2012) shares of Company stock having a value equal to three times their annual cash retainer. Common stock, time-based restricted stock and vested in the money options held by an independent director are counted toward fulfillment of this ownership requirement.

        Indemnification.    The Company has entered into indemnification agreements with each of its directors. These agreements require the Company did not grant equity compensation to its independent directors.indemnify such individuals for certain liabilities to which they may become subject as a result of their affiliation with the Company.

        Other.    The Company reimburses all directors for expenses incurred in attending Board and committee meetings. In 2007, the Company incurred costs of $49,900 through partial payment of the compensation and benefits of the Executive Chairman's administrative assistant. This amount is intended to cover the administrative assistant's time devoted to supporting Mr. Valenti in his role as Executive Chairman. Effective February 18, 2008, the Company stopped making partial payment of the compensation and benefits of the Executive Chairman's administrative assistant. The Company does not provide any perquisites to directors.



Director Compensation Table

Name
 2007 Fees Earned
or Paid in Cash

 2007
Stock
Awards

 Total
Samuel Valenti III $200,000  $200,000
Grant H. Beard(1)  N/A   N/A
Charles E. Becker $81,500  $81,500
Marshall A. Cohen $86,500  $92,493
Richard M. Gabrys $77,500  $77,500
Eugene A. Miller $114,000  $114,000
Daniel P. Tredwell(1)  N/A   N/A
Brian P. Campbell(2) $20,750  $20,940

Name
 2010 Fees Earned
or Paid in Cash
($)
 2010 Stock
Awards
($)
 Total
($)
 

Samuel Valenti III

  200,000    200,000 

David M. Wathen(1)

       

Marshall A. Cohen(2)

  103,000    103,000 

Richard M. Gabrys

  112,000    112,000 

Eugene A. Miller(2)

  108,000    108,000 

Daniel P. Tredwell(1)

       

(1)
Messrs. BeardTredwell and Tredwell doWathen did not receive any compensation for their services as directors.

(2)
Mr. Campbell joinedMessrs. Cohen and Miller elected to defer 100% and 50%, respectively, of their 2010 fees earned as permitted under the Board on November 1, 2007.2006 Long Term Equity Incentive Plan.

Corporate Governance

        The Board of Directors has adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines, a copy of which can be found at the Company's website,www.trimascorp.com, in the Corporate Governance Section.subsection of the Investors page. These guidelines address, among other things, director responsibilities, qualifications (including independence), compensation and access to management and advisors. The NominatingCorporate Governance and Corporate GovernanceNominating Committee is responsible for overseeing and reviewing these guidelines and recommending any changes to the Board.

        Code of Ethics.    The Board has adopted a codeCode of ethicsEthics and business conductBusiness Conduct that applies to directors and all employees, including the Company's principal executive officer, principal chief financial officer, and other persons performing similar executive management functions. The codeCode of ethicsEthics and Business Conduct is posted on the Company's website in the Corporate Governance Section.section. All amendments to the Company's code of ethics, if any, will be also posted on the Company's internet website, along with all waivers, if any, of the codeCode of ethicsEthics and Business Conduct involving senior officers.

        The Company has filed with the SEC, as exhibits to its Quarterly Reports on Form-10-QForm10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, June 30 and September 30, 2007,2010, respectively, and its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, certifications by the Company's CEO and CFO in accordance with2010, Certifications Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted Pursuant to Sections 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

        A copy of the Company's committee charters, Corporate Governance Guidelines and Code of Ethics and Business Conduct will be sent to any shareholder, without charge, upon written request sent to the Company's executive offices: TriMas Corporation, Attention: Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, 39400 Woodward Avenue, Suite 130, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48304.

Communicating with the Board

        Any shareholder or interested party who desires to communicate with the Board or any specific director, including the Executive Chairman, non-management directors, or committee members, may write to: TriMas Corporation, Attention: Board of Directors, 39400 Woodward Avenue, Suite 130, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48304.


        Depending on the subject matter of the communication, management will:

        To submit concerns regarding accounting matters, shareholders and other interested persons may also call the Company's toll free, confidential hotline number published atwww.trimascorp.com in the Corporate Governance Sectionsubsection of the Investors page, in the document entitled Code of Ethics and Business Conduct. Employees may express such concerns on a confidential and anonymous basis.

        Communications made through the confidential hotline number are reviewed by the Audit Committee at each regularly scheduled meeting; other communications will be made available to directors at any time upon their request.



REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

        The Audit Committee represents and assists the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities for general oversight of the integrity of the Company's financial statements. The Company's compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, the independent registered public accounting firm's qualifications and independence, the performance of the Company's internal audit function and independent registered public accounting firm, and risk assessment and risk management. The Audit Committee manages the Company's relationship with the independent registered public accounting firm (which reports directly to the Audit Committee). The Audit Committee has the authority to obtain advice and assistance from outside legal, accounting or other advisors as the Audit Committee deems necessary to carry out its duties and receives appropriate funding as determined by the Audit Committee from the Company for such advice and assistance.

        The Company's management is primarily responsible for the Company's internal control and financial reporting process. The Company's independent registered public accounting firm, KPMG, is responsible for performing an independent audit of the Company's consolidated financial statements and issuing opinions on the conformity of reporting those audited financial statements with United States generally accepted accounting principles and the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. The Audit Committee monitors the Company's financial reporting process and reports to the Board on its findings.

        In this context, the Audit Committee hereby reports as follows:

        The undersigned members of the Audit Committee have submitted this Report to the Board of Directors.

The Audit Committee
Richard M. Gabrys, Chairman
Eugene A. Miller
Marshall Cohen
Samuel Valenti III


PROPOSAL 2—RATIFICATIONAPPROVAL OF APPOINTMENT2011 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN

THE COMPANY'S BOARD OF
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE
"FOR" THE APPROVAL OF THE 2011 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN.

        The Audit CommitteeCompany currently maintains the TriMas Corporation 2006 Long Term Equity Incentive Plan (the "2006 Plan") and the TriMas Corporation 2002 Long Term Equity Incentive Plan (the "2002 Plan"). Each of the Board has appointed KPMG as2006 Plan and the independent registered public accounting firm to audit the Company's consolidated financial statement2002 Plan provides for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008. During fiscal year 2007, KPMG served as the Company's independent registered public accounting firmissuance of equity based awards in various forms.

        Grants of options to purchase shares and also provided certain other audit related services. KPMG has audited the Company's consolidated financial statements annually since the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003. Representativesawards of KPMGrestricted shares to employees and to non-employee directors are expected to attend the 2008 Annual Meeting, where they will be available to respond to appropriate questions and, if they desire, make a statement.

        The Audit Committee of the Board is responsible for providing independent, objective oversight and reviewan important part of the Company's accounting functionscompensation program, providing a basis for long-term incentive compensation and internal controls.helping to tie together the interests of the Company's shareholders and the Company's directors, officers and employees. The Audit Committee acts under a written charter available atwww.trimascorp.comBoard has adopted the TriMas Corporation 2011 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan, and in the Corporate Governance Section. Consistentaccordance with the rules of the NYSE applicableNASDAQ Stock Market and the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code"), the Company is seeking the approval of the shareholders of the adoption of the 2011 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan. In this discussion, the 2011 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan is referred to as the 2011 Plan.

        The 2011 Plan provides for the award to directors, officers, employees and other service providers of the Company of restricted stock, restricted stock units, options to purchase stock, stock appreciation rights, unrestricted stock, and other awards to acquire up to an aggregate of 850,000 shares of common stock. For purposes of the 850,000 share limit, each option to purchase a share of common stock and each stock appreciation right will be counted as one share, and each share of restricted stock, restricted stock unit or share of unrestricted stock will be counted as 1.75 shares of common stock. Rights to receive dividends on common stock (except for rights to receive dividends in cash and which are related to other awards which are counted as 1.75 shares of common stock) will also themselves be counted as 1.75 shares of common stock. This method of counting recognizes the greater value inherent in a share of stock than in an option to purchase a share of common stock at a price equal to its fair market value on the date of grant. If an award under the 2011 Plan of restricted stock or restricted stock units is forfeited or an award of options or other rights granted under the 2011 Plan expires without being exercised, the shares covered by any such award would again become available for issuance under new 2011 Plan awards. Shares of stock that are delivered to or withheld by the Company to pay the exercise price or withholding taxes in connection with any award will not, however, be available for future awards.

        The 2011 Plan prohibits the repricing of options without the approval of the shareholders. This provision relates to both direct repricings—lowering the exercise price of an option—and indirect repricings—canceling an outstanding option and granting a replacement or substitute option with a lower exercise price, or exchanging options for cash, other options or other awards. The repricing prohibition also applies to stock appreciation rights.

        As of the Record Date, there were options to purchase 484,168 shares of common stock and 188,919 restricted shares of common stock outstanding under the 2006 Plan, and an additional 980,505 shares were available for the issuance of future awards under the 2006 Plan. In addition, as of the Record Date there were options to purchase 1,176,123 shares of common stock and 165,480 restricted shares of common stock outstanding under the 2002 Plan, and an additional 202,626 shares were available for future awards under the 2002 Plan. The weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options under the 2006 Plan and 2002 Plan as of the Record Date was $1.16 and $14.87, respectively. The average remaining contractual term of outstanding options under the 2006 Plan and 2002 Plan as of the Record Date was 7.8 years and 5.1 years, respectively. Neither the 2006 Plan nor the 2002 Plan



nor any options or restricted shares outstanding under either such Plan will be affected by the adoption of the 2011 Plan.

        As of the Record Date, the Company had 34,258,167 shares of common stock outstanding.

Description of 2011 Plan

        Overview.    The purpose of the 2011 Plan is to enhance the ability of the Company to attract and retain highly qualified directors, officers, key employees and other persons and to motivate such persons to serve the Company and to improve the business results and earnings of the Company by providing to such persons an opportunity to acquire or increase a direct proprietary interest in the operations and future success of the Company.

        There are 850,000 shares of common stock reserved for issuance under the 2011 Plan, and no awards have been granted under the 2011 Plan. The maximum number of shares subject to options or stock appreciation rights that can be awarded under the 2011 Plan to any person is 350,000 per year. The maximum number of shares of common stock that can be awarded under the 2011 Plan to any person, other than pursuant to options or stock appreciation rights, is 200,000 per year.

        Administration.    The 2011 Plan is administered by the Company's Compensation Committee. Subject to the companies within the first twelve months of an initial public offering, a majorityterms of the members2011 Plan, the Compensation Committee may select participants to receive awards, determine the types of awards and terms and conditions of awards and interpret provisions of the Audit2011 Plan. The Compensation Committee may delegate to a subcommittee of directors and/or officers the authority to grant or administer awards to persons who are independent as independence for audit committee members is defined by the rules adopted by the SEC and the NYSE and the Company's Corporate Governance Guidelines.

        The responsibilities of the Audit Committee include engaging an accounting firm to be the Company's independent registered public accounting firm. Additionally, and as appropriate, the Audit Committee reviews and evaluates, and discusses and consults with management, internal audit personnel and the independent registered public accounting firm on matters which include the following:

Pre-Approved Policies and Procedures for Audit and Non-Audit Services

        The Audit Committee's policies permit the Company's independent accountants, KPMG, to provide audit-related services, tax services and non-audit services to the Company, subject to the following conditions:

        (1)   KPMG will not be engaged to provide any services that may compromise its independencethen reporting persons under applicable laws and regulations, including rules and regulationsSection 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Options and Exchange Commission and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board;

        (2)   KPMG and the Company will enter into engagement letters authorizing the specific audit-related tax or non-audit services and setting forth the cost of such services;


        (3)   The Company is authorized, without additional Audit Committee approval, to engage KPMG to provide (a) audit-related and tax services, including due diligence and tax planning related to acquisitions where KPMG does not audit the target company, to the extent that the cost of such engagement does not exceed $250,000, (b) due diligence and tax planning related to acquisitions where KPMG audits the target company, to the extent the cost of such engagement does not exceed $20,000, and (c) services not otherwise covered by (a) or (b) above to the extent the cost of such engagements does not exceed $150,000; provided, however, that the aggregate amount of all such engagements under (a), (b) and (c)stock appreciation rights may not exceed $350,000 in any calendar quarter; and

        (4)   The Chairman of the Audit Committee will be promptly notified of each engagement, and the Audit Committee will be updated quarterly on all engagements, including fees.amended to lower their exercise prices without shareholder approval.

Service Fees Paid        Stock Reserved for Issuance Under the 2011 Plan.    The stock issued or to be issued under the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

        The following table sets forth2011 Plan consists of authorized but unissued shares of common stock. Stock issued under the aggregate fees billed2011 Plan pursuant to the Company for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 by KPMG.

 
 2007
($)

 2006
($)

Audit Fees 3,220,000 1,375,000
Audit-related Fees 436,000 244,000
Tax Fees 15,900 14,200
All Other Fees  
  
 
Total 3,671,900 1,634,200
  
 

Audit and Audit-Related Fees

        Integrated audit fees billed for services renderedawards assumed in connection with the audit of the Company's annual financial statementsmergers and the effectiveness of the Company's financial controls over financial reporting were $3,220,000 and $1,375,000 for 2007 and 2006, respectively. The increase in fees for 2007 was due to services in connection with the Company's initial compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

        In 2007 and 2006, audit-related fees of $436,000 and $244,000, respectively, were incurred related to the Company's initial public offering.

Tax Fees

        Except for the amounts disclosed above, there were no tax fees billedacquisitions by KPMG during 2007 and 2006, as the Company has retained another accounting firm to provide tax advice.

        The Audit Committee has determined that the rendering of all non-audit services by KPMG is compatible with maintaining such auditor independence.

The Company's Board recommends a voteFOR the ratification of the appointment of KPMG as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm for the 2008 fiscal year. If the appointment isus will not ratified, the Board will consider whether it should select another independent registered public accounting firm.

Vote Required

        Ratification of the appointment of KPMG as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm for the 2008 fiscal year requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of the Company's common stock present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to be voted at the meeting.


        The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has selected KPMG as independent registered public accounting firm to audit the Company's consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008. In the event the shareholders fail to ratify the appointment, the Audit Committee will reconsider this appointment. Even if the appointment is ratified, the Audit Committee, in its discretion, may direct the appointment of a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if the Audit Committee determines that such a change would be in the Company's and its shareholders' best interests.


PROPOSAL 3—RATIFICATION OF INCREASE OF SHARES RESERVED FOR
ISSUANCE UNDER THE 2006 LONG TERM EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

        The Board has approved the increase inreduce the number of shares reserved for issuance under the 2006 Long Term Equity Incentive2011 Plan. The closing price of the Company's stock on the Record Date was $18.68.

        Eligibility.    Awards may be made under the 2011 Plan to our directors, officers, employees or consultants and to any other individual whose participation in the 2011 Plan is determined to be in the Company's best interests by 235,877 sharesthe Compensation Committee. The Company estimates that currently approximately 80 persons are eligible to receive awards under the 2011 Plan.

        Amendment or Termination of the Plan.    The Board of Directors may terminate or amend the 2011 Plan at any time and directedfor any reason. However, no amendment may adversely impair the rights of participants with respect to outstanding awards, except in order to comply with Section 409A of the Code. Further, unless terminated earlier, the 2011 Plan will terminate 10 years after its effective date. Amendments will be submitted for shareholder approval to the extent required by the Code or other applicable laws, rules or regulations.

Types of Awards Available for Grant under the 2011 Plan

        Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units.    The 2011 Plan permits the granting of restricted stock and restricted stock units. Restricted stock is stock granted subject to forfeiture if specified holding periods and/or performance targets are not met. Restricted stock units are substantially similar to restricted stock but result in the issuance of stock upon meeting specified holding periods and/or


performance targets, rather than the issuance of the stock in advance. Restricted stock and restricted stock units granted under the 2011 Plan may not be sold, transferred, pledged or assigned prior to meeting the specified holding periods and/or performance targets. The Compensation Committee determines the holding periods and/or performance targets and the circumstances under which the holding periods and/or performance targets may be waived, such as upon death, disability, retirement, termination of employment or change in control.

        Options.    The 2011 Plan permits the granting of options to purchase stock intended to qualify as incentive options under the Code and also options to purchase stock that do not qualify as incentive stock options ("non-qualified options"). The options we have granted have historically been principally non-qualified options. The exercise price of each option may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant. In the case of certain 10% shareholders who receive incentive options, the exercise price may not be less than 110% of the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant. An exception to these requirements is made for any options that the amendmentCompany grants in substitution for options held by directors, officers, employees and consultants of a company that we acquire. In such a case, the exercise price would be submittedadjusted to shareholderspreserve the economic value of such holder's option from his or her former employer.

        The term of each option is fixed by the Compensation Committee and may not exceed 10 years from the date of grant. The Compensation Committee determines at what time or times each option may be exercised and the period of time, if any, after death, disability, retirement, termination of employment or change in control during which options may be exercised.

        Options may be made exercisable in installments. The exercisability of options may be accelerated by the Compensation Committee, such as upon death, disability, retirement, termination of employment or change in control. In general, an optionee may pay the exercise price of an option by cash, certified check, by tendering stock (which, if acquired from us, has been held by the optionee for approval.at least six months) or by means of a broker-assisted cashless exercise.

        Options granted under the 2011 Plan may not be sold, transferred, pledged or assigned other than by will or under applicable laws of descent and distribution. However, the Compensation Committee may permit limited transfers of non-qualified options for the benefit of immediate family members of grantees to address estate planning concerns.

        Other Awards.    The amendmentCompensation Committee may also award under the 2011 Plan:

        Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code Compliance.    Section 162(m) of the Code limits publicly-held companies to an annual deduction for U.S. federal income tax purposes of $1,000,000 for compensation paid to their Chief Executive Officer and the three highest compensated executive



officers (other than the Chief Executive Officer) determined at the end of each year (the "covered employees"). However, performance-based compensation may be excluded from this limitation. The 2011 Plan is designed to permit the Compensation Committee to grant awards that qualify for purposes of satisfying the conditions of Section 162(m).

        Business Criteria.    The Compensation Committee would exclusively use one or more of the following business criteria, on a consolidated basis, and/or with respect to specified subsidiaries or business units (except with respect to the total shareholder return and earnings per common share criteria), in establishing performance goals for awards to "covered employees" if the award is to be intended to satisfy the conditions of Section 162(m):

        Dividends or Dividend Equivalents for Performance Awards.    Notwithstanding anything contrary to the foregoing herein, the right to receive dividends, dividend equivalents or distributions with respect to a performance award will become effective upon shareholder approval. Upon ratificationonly be granted to a participant if and to the extent that the underlying award is earned.

        Effect of this proposal, 1,151,586Certain Corporate Transactions.    The Compensation Committee may cause awards granted under the 2011 Plan to vest in the event of a transaction resulting in a change in control of the Company.

        Adjustments for Stock Dividends and Similar Events.    The Compensation Committee will make appropriate adjustments in outstanding awards and the number of shares will beof common stock available for issuance under the 20062011 Plan, including the individual limitations on awards, to reflect dividends, splits, extraordinary cash dividends and other similar events.

U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences

        Restricted Stock.    A grantee who is awarded restricted stock will not recognize any taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes in the year of the award, provided that the stock is subject to restrictions (that is, the restricted stock is nontransferable and subject to a substantial risk of


forfeiture). However, the grantee may elect under Section 83(b) of the Code to recognize compensation income (which is ordinary income) in the year of the award in an amount equal to the fair market value of the stock on the date of the award (less the purchase price, if any), determined without regard to the restrictions. If the grantee does not make such a Section 83(b) election, the fair market value of the stock on the date the restrictions lapse (less the purchase price, if any) will be treated as compensation income to the grantee and will be taxable in the year the restrictions lapse and dividends or distributions that are paid while the stock is subject to restrictions will be subject to withholding taxes. The Company will generally be entitled to a compensation expense deduction in the same amount and generally at the same time as the grantee recognizes ordinary income.

        Restricted Stock Units.    There are no immediate tax consequences of receiving an award of restricted stock units under the 2011 Plan. A grantee who is awarded restricted stock units will be required to recognize ordinary income in an amount equal to the fair market value of the stock issued to such grantee at the end of the restriction period. The Company will generally be entitled to a compensation expense deduction in the same amount and generally at the same time as the grantee recognizes ordinary income.

        Incentive Stock Options.    The grant of an incentive stock option will not be a taxable event for the grantee or for the employer. A grantee will not recognize taxable income upon exercise of an incentive option (except that the alternative minimum tax may apply), and any gain realized upon a disposition of stock received pursuant to the exercise of an incentive option will be taxed as long-term capital gain if the grantee holds the stock for at least two years after the date of grant and for one year after the date of exercise (the "holding period requirement"). The employer will not be entitled to any compensation expense deduction with respect to the exercise of an incentive option, except as discussed below.

        For the exercise of an option to qualify for the foregoing tax treatment, the grant must be made by the employee's employer or a parent or subsidiary of the employer. The employee must remain employed from the date the option is granted through a date within three months before the date of exercise of the option. If all of the foregoing requirements are met except the holding period requirement mentioned above, the grantee will recognize ordinary income upon the disposition of the stock in an amount generally equal to the excess of the fair market value of the stock at the time the option was exercised over the option exercise price (but not in excess of the gain realized on the sale). The balance of the realized gain, if any, will be capital gain. The employer will be allowed a compensation expense deduction to the extent that the grantee recognizes ordinary income.

        Non-Qualified Options.    The grant of an option will not be a taxable event for the grantee or for the Company. Upon exercising a non-qualified option, a grantee will recognize ordinary income in an amount equal to the difference between the exercise price and the fair market value of the stock on the date of exercise. Upon a subsequent sale or exchange of stock acquired pursuant to the exercise of a non-qualified option, the grantee will have taxable capital gain or loss, measured by the difference between the amount realized on the disposition and the tax basis of the stock (generally, the amount paid for the stock plus the amount treated as ordinary income at the time the option was exercised). The Company will generally be entitled to a compensation expense deduction in the same amount and generally at the same time as the grantee recognizes ordinary income.

        Dividend Equivalent Rights.    Participants who receive dividend equivalent rights will be required to recognize ordinary income in an amount equal to the amount paid to the grantee pursuant to the award. The Company will generally be entitled to a compensation expense deduction in the same amount and generally at the same time as the grantee recognizes ordinary income.

        Stock Appreciation Rights.    There are no immediate tax consequences of receiving an award of stock appreciation rights under the 2011 Plan. Upon exercising a stock appreciation right, a grantee will



recognize ordinary income in an amount equal to the difference between the exercise price and the fair market value of the stock on the date of exercise. The Company will generally be entitled to a compensation expense deduction in the same amount and generally at the same time as the grantee recognizes ordinary income.

        Unrestricted Stock.    Participants who are awarded unrestricted stock will be required to recognize ordinary income in an amount equal to the fair market value of the stock on the date of the award, reduced by the amount, if any, paid for such stock. The Company will generally be entitled to a compensation expense deduction in the same amount and generally at the same time as the grantee recognizes ordinary income.

New Plan Benefits

        Awards under the 2011 Plan will be made at the discretion of the Compensation Committee. Accordingly, the Company cannot currently determine the amount of awards that will be made under the 2011 Plan. The Company anticipates that the Compensation Committee will utilize the 2011 Plan to continue to grant long-term equity incentive compensation to employees and directors similar to the awards described in this proxy statement.

Registration with SEC

        The Company intends to file a registration statement with the SEC pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, covering the offering of the stock under the 2011 Plan.

Vote Required for Approval

        Approval of the 2011 Plan requires the vote of holders of a majority of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting.


PROPOSAL 3—ADVISORY VOTE ON COMPENSATION PAID TO NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

        The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act requires that the Company seek a non-binding advisory vote from its shareholders to approve the compensation of the Company's Named Executive Officers as disclosed in the Compensation Discussion & Analysis ("CD&A") and tabular disclosures of this Proxy Statement. Since the vote is advisory, the result of the vote is not binding upon the Board.

        The Company's compensation philosophy is to pay for performance, support the Company's business strategies, and offer competitive compensation arrangements. The CD&A provides shareholders with a description of the Company's compensation programs, including the philosophy and strategy supporting the programs, the individual components of the compensation programs and how the Company's compensation programs are administered.

        The Company's compensation programs consist of elements designed to work together to reward achievement of short-term and long term objectives tied to the Company's performance through association with operating metrics. During 2010, the Company employed operating metrics to align employee compensation, including compensation for the executives named in the Summary Compensation Table of this Proxy Statement (the "Named Executive Officers," or "NEOs"), with the Company's business strategy.


        The Compensation Committee regularly reviews best practices related to executive compensation to ensure alignment with the Company's business strategy and compensation philosophy. Recent examples of actions taken related to NEO compensation are:

        As noted above, the Compensation Committee has and will continue to employ compensation practices that are performance based and emphasize long-term shareholder value and sound corporate governance principles. The Board believes that the executive compensation as disclosed in the CD&A, tabular disclosure and other narrative compensation disclosures in this Proxy Statement aligns with other peer group pay practices and reflects the Company's compensation philosophy.

FOR THE REASONS STATED, THE COMPANY'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE"FOR" THE FOLLOWING NON-BINDING RESOLUTION:

Effect of Proposal

        The say-on-pay resolution is non-binding. The approval or disapproval of this proposal by shareholders will not require the Board or the Compensation Committee to take any action regarding the Company's executive compensation practices. The final decision on the compensation and benefits of the Company's NEOs and on whether, and if so, how, to address shareholder disapproval remains with the Board and the Compensation Committee.

        The Board believes that the Compensation Committee is in the best position to consider the extensive information and factors necessary to make independent, objective, and competitive compensation recommendations and decisions that are in the best interest of the Company and its shareholders.


        The Board values the opinions of the Company's shareholders as expressed through their votes and other communications. Although the resolution is non-binding, the Board will carefully consider the outcome of the advisory vote on executive compensation and those opinions when making future compensation decisions.


PROPOSAL 4—ADVISORY VOTE ON THE FREQUENCY OF SAY-ON-PAY VOTES

        Pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, at least once every six years the Company is required to submit for issuance undershareholder vote a non-binding resolution to determine whether the 2006 Long Term Equity Incentive Plan by 235,877 shares. Abstentionsadvisory stockholder vote on executive compensation shall occur every one, two, or three years.

        After careful consideration of the various arguments supporting each frequency level, the Board believes that submitting the advisory vote on executive compensation to shareholders on a triennial basis is appropriate for the Company and broker non-votesits shareholders at this time.

        The Board believes that a triennial vote complements the Company's goal of creating a compensation program that enhances long-term shareholder value. As discussed in the CD&A, the Company's executive compensation program is designed to motivate executives to achieve short-term and long term corporate goals that promote shareholder value. A triennial vote will haveprovide shareholders the ability to evaluate our compensation programs over a time period similar to the periods associated with the Company's compensation awards, allowing them to compare the Company's compensation program to the long-term performance of the Company. The Compensation Committee would also benefit from a three year period between advisory votes. Three years will give the Compensation Committee adequate time to fully analyze the Company's compensation program (as compared to the Company's performance over that same period) and to implement appropriate changes. In addition, this period will provide the time necessary for implemented changes to take effect asand for such changes to be properly assessed. The three year period between votes will also allow the Compensation Committee to consider various factors that impact the Company's financial performance, shareholder sentiments and executive pay on a long-term basis. The Board believes that a vote againstmore frequent than triennially will encourage a short-term compensation mindset and detract from the matter.long term interests of the Company and its shareholders.

THE COMPANY'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR A FREQUENCY OF"THREE YEARS."

        The proxy card provides stockholders with four choices (every one, two, or three years, or abstain). Shareholders are not voting to approve or disapprove the Board's recommendation.

Effect of Proposal

        The frequency vote is non-binding. Shareholder approval of a one, two, or three-year frequency vote will not require the Company to implement an advisory vote on executive compensation every one, two, or three years. The final decision on the frequency of the advisory vote on executive compensation remains with the Board and/or its committees.

        The Board values the opinions of the Company's shareholders as expressed through their votes and other communications. Although the resolution is non-binding, the Board and its committees will carefully consider the outcome of the frequency vote and other communications from shareholders when making future decisions regarding the frequency of say-on-pay votes.



Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
and Related Shareholder Matters

        The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of the Company's common stock as of the Record Date by:

        The percentages of common stock beneficially owned are reported on the basis of regulations of the SEC governing the determination of beneficial ownership of securities. Under the rules of the SEC, a person is deemed to be a beneficial owner of a security if that person has or shares, (i) voting power, which includes the power to vote or to direct the voting of the security, (ii) investment power, which includes the power to dispose of or to direct the disposition of the security, or (iii) rights to acquire voting stock that are currently exercisable or convertible, or will become exercisable or convertible within 60 days of the Record Date. Except as indicated in the footnotes to this table, each beneficial owner named in the table below has sole voting and sole investment power with respect to all shares beneficially owned. As of the



Record Date, the Company had 33,409,50034,258,167 shares outstanding and 1,575,2981,224,182 shares that are deemed "beneficially owned" under the SEC rules described above.

 
 Shares Beneficially Owned
 
Name and Beneficial Owner
 Number
 Percentage
 
Heartland Industrial Associates, L.L.C.(1)(2)
55 Railroad Avenue
Greenwich, Connecticut 06830
 15,091,275 43.1%
Masco Corporation(3)
21001 Van Born Road
Taylor, Michigan 48180
 2,454,614 7.0%
E. R. "Skip" Autry, Jr.(5)(7) 88,325 0 
Grant H. Beard(5)(7) 545,425 1.6%
Charles E. Becker(4) 2,000 0 
Lynn A. Brooks(5)(7) 158,234 0 
Brian P. Campbell(5)(7) 2,000 0 
Marshall A. Cohen(5) 2,000 0 
Richard M. Gabrys(5)(7) 3,000 0 
Eugene A. Miller(5)(7) 7,000 0 
Jeffrey B. Paulsen(5)(7) 10,000 0 
Edward L. Schwartz(5)(7) 113,580 0 
Daniel P. Tredwell(2) 15,091,275 43.1%
Samuel Valenti III(5)(6)(7) 293,333 0 
All named executive officers and directors as a group (12 persons)(2)(6) 16,316,172 46.6%

 
 Shares Beneficially
Owned
 
Name and Beneficial Owner
 Number Percentage 

Heartland Industrial Associates, L.L.C.(1)(2)

  
11,904,972
  
33.6

%
 

177 Broad Street, Stamford, CT 06901

       

William Blair & Company, L.L.C

  
3,587,207
  
10.1

%
 

222 West Adams Street, Chicago, IL 60606

       

First Manhattan Co

  
1,772,845
  
5.0

%
 

437 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10022

       

Thomas M. Benson(3)(5)

  
63,762
  

%

Lynn A. Brooks(3)(5)

  
295,773
  

%

Marshall A. Cohen(3)(5)

  
18,000
  

%

Richard M. Gabrys(3)(5)

  
19,000
  

%

Eugene A. Miller(3)(5)

  
33,000
  

%

Joshua A. Sherbin(3)(5)

  
112,392
  

%

Daniel P. Tredwell(2)

  
11,904,972
  
33.6

%

Samuel Valenti III(3)(4)(5)

  
240,000
  

%

David M. Wathen(3)(5)

  
428,744
  
1.2

%

A. Mark Zeffiro(3)(5)

  
97,323
  

%

All named executive officers and directors as a group (10 persons)(2)(3)(5)

  
13,212,966
  
37.2

%

      (1)
      These shares of common stock are beneficially owned indirectly by Heartland Industrial Associates, L.L.C. as the general partner of each of the limited partnerships, which hold shares of common stock directly. These limited liability companies and limited partnership hold common stock as follows: 11,805,7798,820,936 shares are held by TriMas Investment Fund I, L.L.C. ("TIF I"); 2,243,827 shares are held by Metaldyne Investment Fund I, L.L.C. ("MIF I"); 835,339673,065 shares are held by HIP

Side-by-Side Partners, L.P.; 173,378134,192 shares are held by TriMas Investment Fund II, L.L.C.; and 32,952 shares are held by Metaldyne Investment Fund II, L.L.C. In addition, by reason of the shareholders agreementShareholders Agreement summarized under"Transactions "Transactions with Related Persons—ShareholdersPersons-Shareholders Agreement,," Heartland Industrial Associates, L.L.C., and Heartland Industrial Partners, L.P., as the managing member of TIF I, MIF I, may be deemed to share beneficial ownership of shares of common stock held by other shareholders party to the shareholders agreementShareholders Agreement and may be considered to be a member of a "group," as such term is used under Section 13(d) under the Exchange Act.

(2)
(2)
All shares are beneficially owned as disclosed in footnote (1). Mr. Tredwell is the Managing Member of Heartland Industrial Associates, L.L.C., but disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares. The business address for Mr. Tredwell is 55 Railroad Avenue, Greenwich,177 Broad Street, Stamford, CT 06830.06901.

(3)
Of these shares, 280,701 are held directly by Masco Corporation and 2,173,913 shares are held by Masco Capital Corporation, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Masco Corporation.

(4)
Affiliates of Mr. Becker are limited partners in Heartland.

(5)
For Messrs. Autry, Beard, Becker,Benson, Brooks, Cohen, Gabrys, Miller, Schwartz,Sherbin, Valenti, Wathen, and Valenti,Zeffiro, the number set forth in the table includes 50,000, 303,262, 1,000, 96,534, 1,000, 500, 1,000, 68,050,options to purchase 44,164, 241,401, 18,000, 17,000, 18,000, 73,167, 200,000, 133,333 and 100,000 stock options,30,000 shares, respectively, granted under the Company's 2002 and 2006 Long Term Equity Incentive

        Plan, Plans, that are currently exercisable and 80,000, 495,425, 2,000, 157,516, 2,000, 1,000, 2,000, 108,880 and 133,333 stock options, respectively, that become exercisable withinor will be per the next 60 days.

      (6)
      Mr. Valenti is President and Chairman of Masco Capital Corporation, but disclaimsSEC's beneficial ownership rules; and for Messrs. Benson, Brooks, Sherbin, Wathen and Zeffiro, the number set forth in the table includes 9,799, 17,637, 9,720, 51,240 and 15,953 restricted shares of common stock, respectively, awarded under the shares owned by Masco Capital Corporation. 2006 Long Term Equity Incentive Plan.

      (4)
      Entities affiliated with Mr. Valenti are members of Heartland Additional Commitment Fund, LLC which is a limited partner of Heartland.

      (7)(5)
      EachExcept for Mr. Wathen, each director, nominee director and named executive officer, except for Mr. Beard, owns less than one percent of the outstanding shares of the Company's common stock.stock and securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans.

Directors
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

        Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors, officers and 10% shareholders (if any) to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with respect to our securities with the SEC and to furnish copies of these reports to us. We reviewed the filed reports and written representations from our directors, executive officers and greater than 10% shareholders regarding the necessity of filing reports. With the exception of the late filing related to the deferral of 2010 Board compensation earned by Messrs. Cohen and Miller, the Company believes that all of its officers, directors and greater than 10% shareholders complied with all Section 16(a) applicable filing requirements for 2010 with respect to the Company.

Executive Officers

        The Board of Directors currently consists of eight members divided into three classes serving staggered terms.        Officers of the Company serve at the pleasure of the Board.

Name
 Age
 Title
Grant H. Beard

David M. Wathen

 4758 Director, President and Chief Executive Officer
Charles E. Becker

A. Mark Zeffiro

 61Director
Brian P. Campbell67Director
Marshall A. Cohen73Director
Richard M. Gabrys66Director
Eugene A. Miller70Director
Daniel P. Tredwell50Director
Samuel Valenti III62Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors
E. R. Autry5345 Chief Financial Officer
Lynn A. Brooks

Thomas M. Benson

 55 President, Packaging Systems GroupPresident—Cequent Performance Products
Dwayne Newcom

Lynn A. Brooks

 4757President—Packaging Systems

Joshua A. Sherbin

48 Vice President, Human ResourcesGeneral Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer and Corporate Secretary
Jeffrey B. Paulsen

Robert J. Zalupski

 47President, Energy Products and Industrial Specialties Group
Edward L. Schwartz46President, RV & Trailer and Recreational Accessories Group
Joshua A. Sherbin45General Counsel and Secretary
Robert J. Zalupski4952 Vice President Finance, Corporate Development and Treasurer
Grant H. Beard.Business experience provided under "Director and Director Nominees."
Charles E. Becker.Business experience provided under "Director and Director Nominees."
Brian P. Campbell.Business experience provided under "Director and Director Nominees."
Marshall A. Cohen.Business experience provided under "Director and Director Nominees."
Richard M. Gabrys.Business experience provided under "Director and Director Nominees."
Eugene A. Miller.Business experience provided under "Director and Director Nominees."
Samuel Valenti III.Business experience provided under "Director and Director Nominees."
Daniel P. Tredwell.Business experience provided under "Director and Director Nominees."

        E.R. "Skip" Autry, Jr.David M Wathen. Business experience provided under "Director and Director Nominees."

A. Mark Zeffiro. Mr. AutryZeffiro was appointed the Company's Chief Financial Officer in January 2005, prior to which he had beenof the Company's Corporate Controller since joining usCompany in June 2003.2008. Prior to joining TriMasthe Company, Mr. Zeffiro held various financial management and business positions with General Electric Company ("GE") and Black and Decker Corporation ("Black & Decker"). From 2004, during Mr. Autry had been theZeffiro's four-year tenure with Black & Decker, he was Vice President of Finance for Freudenberg NOK since September 2001.the Global Consumer Product Group and Latin America. In addition, Mr. Zeffiro was directly responsible for and functioned as general manager of the factory store business unit, a $50 million business comprising 38 factory stores and 500 personnel. From May 2000 until joining Freudenberg,2003 to 2004 Mr. Autry served as the Vice President, Finance for INTERMET Corporation, prior to which he had spent five years with Key Plastics LLC as Vice President, Operations from July 1997 to May 2000 and Vice President, Finance andZeffiro was Chief Financial Officer from June 1994. Key Plastics filedof First Quality Enterprises, a petition underprivate company producing consumer products for the federal bankruptcyhealth care market globally, where he led all financial activities, including funding, banking and audit. From 1988 through 2002 he held a series of operational and financial leadership positions with GE, the most recent of which was Chief Financial Officer of their medical imaging manufacturing division.


laws in 2000.Thomas M. Benson. Mr. Benson has been President of the Company's Cequent Performance Products, Inc. subsidiary since 2008. Prior to his appointment in 2005 as President of Cequent Towing Products, Inc., Mr. Benson held various management positions within the Cequent business, including President of Draw-Tite, Inc. Before joining Key Plastics,the Company in 1984, Mr. AutryBenson held a numberthe position of financial positions of increasing responsibilityManager Warranty Systems at the former Chrysler Corporation, and was senior manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers.Ford Motor Company from 1978 to 1984.

Lynn A. Brooks. Mr. Brooks has been President of the Packaging Systems Groupbusiness since July 1996. He joined Rieke Corporation, today part of the Packaging Systems Group,business, in May 1978. Prior to his current position, his responsibilities at Rieke included Assistant Controller, Corporate Controller, and Vice President-General Manager of Rieke.President—General Manager. Before joining Rieke, he served with Ernst & Young in the Toledo, Ohio and Fort Wayne, Indiana offices.

        Dwayne M. Newcom.    Mr. Newcom was appointed the Company's Vice President of Human Resources in June 2002, prior to which he was the Director of Human Resources for the Metaldyne Diversified Industrials Group beginning in April 2001. From May 1998 to April 2001, Mr. Newcom served as the Director of Human Resources for the Preferred Technical Group, later the Coupled Products Group, of Dana Corporation. Prior to that, Mr. Newcom held a number of human resources positions, including division human resources manager, with the Clorox Company, from November 1996 to May 1998, and with Federal Mogul Corporation from May 1985 to November 1996.

        Jeffrey B. Paulsen.    Mr. Paulsen was appointed President of the Company's Energy Products and Industrial Specialties Groups in January 2007, prior to which he was employed by Stryker Corporation, a leading global medical technology company, from 1996 to 2006. From 2004 to 2006, Mr. Paulsen served as the President of Stryker Corporation's Reconstructive Orthopedic Implant Division, which was responsible for global research, product development and manufacturing, as well as U.S. sales and marketing operations for Stryker Corporation's orthopedic implant business. From 2001 to 2003, Mr. Paulsen was Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of such division, where he led a global, multi-site manufacturing, distribution, quality and R&D organization to deliver high levels of performance.

        Edward L. Schwartz.    Mr. Schwartz was appointed President of the Company's Recreational Accessories Group and RV & Trailer Products Group in April 2005. Previously, he served as President of the Company's Industrial Specialties Group from February 2003 and assumed additional responsibility as President of the Company's Fastening Systems Group from November 2003. Prior to joining us, he was Executive Vice President of Philips Electronic LG Display ("Philips") Americas region from December 2001 until January 2003 where his responsibilities included managing CRT commercial and industrial activities in North/South America. From February 2000 until November 2001, Mr. Schwartz worked for Philips as Vice President in Hasselt, Belgium and Eindhoven, The Netherlands, where he led various projects in support of Philips patent portfolio efforts of CD/DVD technology. From September 1998 until January 2000, Mr. Schwartz was General Manager for Philips in Wetzlar, Germany, where he managed commercial/industrial activities in Europe for automotive components.

Joshua A. Sherbin. Mr. Sherbin was appointed the Company's General Counsel and Corporate Secretary in March 2005, and Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer in May 2008, prior to which he was employed as the North American Corporate Counsel and Corporate Secretary for Valeo, a diversified Tier 1 international automotive supplier headquartered in Europe. Prior to joining Valeo in 1997, Mr. Sherbin was Senior Counsel, Assistant Corporate Secretary for Kelly Services, Inc., an employment staffing company, from 1995 to 1997, where he provided support to mergers and acquisitions, international operations and sales.1997. From 1988 until 1995, he was an associate with the law firm Butzel Long'sLong in its general business practice focusing on mergers and acquisitions, federal and state securities compliance, commercial lending and general commercial matters.practice.

Robert J. Zalupski. Mr. Zalupski was appointed the Company's Vice President, Finance and Treasurer in January 2003. He joined usthe Company as Director of Finance and Treasury in July 2002, prior to which he worked in the Detroit office of Arthur Andersen. From August 1996 through November 2001, Mr. Zalupski was a partner in the audit and business advisory services practice of Arthur Andersen providing audit, business consulting, and risk management services to both public and privately held companies in the manufacturing, defense and automotive industries. Prior to August 1996, Mr. Zalupski held various positions of increasing responsibility within the audit practice of Arthur Andersen serving public and privately held clients in a variety of industries.



TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PERSONS

Policy for Review, Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Related Parties

        Pursuant to its written charter, the Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing reports and disclosures of insider and affiliated party transactions and monitoring compliance with the Company's written Code of Ethics and Business Conduct, which requires employees to disclose in writing any outside activities, financial interests, relationships or other situations that do or may involve a conflict of interest or that present the appearance of impropriety.

        Pursuant to the written charter of the NominatingCorporate Governance and Corporate GovernanceNominating Committee and the written Corporate Governance Guidelines, members of the Board of Directors must properly notify the



President and Chief Executive Officer and the ChairpersonChairman of the NominatingCorporate Governance and Corporate GovernanceNominating Committee if any actual or potential conflict orof interest arises between the Company and such member. After notification, the Board of Directors will evaluate and resolve the matter in the best interest of the Company upon recommendation of the NominatingCorporate Governance and Corporate GovernanceNominating Committee.

        It is also the Company's unwritten policy, which policy is not otherwise evidenced, that the Audit Committee review and approve all transactions (other than those that are de minimis in nature) in which the Company participates and in which any related person has or will have a direct or indirect material interest. In reviewing and approving such transactions, the Audit Committee obtains all information it believes to be relevant to a review and approval of the transaction. After consideration of the relevant information, the Audit Committee approves only those related person transactions that are determined not to be inconsistent with the best interests of the Company.

        In addition, the Company's credit facility and the indenture governing the Company's senior subordinated notes contain covenants that restrict the Company's ability to engage in transactions that are at prices and on terms and conditions not less favorable to the Company than could be obtained at an arm's-length basis from unrelated parties are allowed.parties. Such covenants influence the Company's policy for review, approval and ratification of transactions with related parties.

Heartland and Initial Public Offering

        On May 17, 2007, the Company completed an initial public offering which benefited all of the Company's pre-offering shareholders, and its officers and directors due principally to the creation of a public market for the Company's common stock. Though the trading price of the Company's common stock is subject to change, this is a material benefit shared by these constituencies. In particular, Heartland benefited from the offering as follows:

    Upon the consummation of the offering, Heartland retained control of approximately 45.2% of the Company's Voting Stock and in accordance with the Shareholders Agreement and continues to be able to elect a majority of the Company's Board of Directors and to effectively control the Company. Disclosure of Heartland's ownership is described under "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters." Heartland's continuing right to designate members of the Company's Board under a shareholders agreement is discussed below under "Shareholders Agreement."

    The Company has certain continuing arrangements with Heartland described below.

        On January 11, 2007, Metaldyne merged into a subsidiary of Asahi Tec Corporation ("Asahi") whereby Metaldyne became a wholly owned subsidiary of Asahi. In connection with the consummation of the merger, Metaldyne dividended the 4,825,587 shares of the Company's common stock that it owned on a pro rata basis to the holders of Metaldyne's common stock at the time of such dividend (the "Metaldyne Dividend"). As a result of the merger, Metaldyne and the Company are no longer



related parties. The remaining contractual obligations to Metaldyne, which previously were classified as "Due to Metaldyne" on the Company's balance sheets and were assumed in connection with the June 2002 common stock issuance and related financing transactions, are now reported as accrued liabilities in the Company's consolidated balance sheet and were approximately $6.0 million at December 31, 2007.

Stock Purchase Agreement with Metaldyne and Heartland

        Prior to June 6, 2002, the Company was wholly-owned by Metaldyne and participated in joint activities including employee benefits programs, legal, treasury, information technology and other general corporate activities.

        General.    On June 6, 2002, Metaldyne and Heartland consummated a stock purchase agreement under which Heartland and other investors invested approximately $265.0 million in the Company to acquire approximately 66.0% of the Company's fully diluted common stock. As a result of the investment and other transactions described below, Metaldyne received $840.0 million in the form of cash, retirement of debt the Company owed to Metaldyne or owed by the Company under the Metaldyne credit agreement and the repurchase of the balance of receivables the Company originated and sold under the Metaldyne receivables facility. Metaldyne retained shares of the Company's common stock valued at $120 million (based upon the $20.00 per share price then paid by Heartland). In addition, Metaldyne received a warrant to purchase additional shares of the Company's common stock valued at $15 million (based upon the $20.00 per share price then paid by Heartland). Further, since January 1, 2003 and in connection with each of the HammerBlow, Highland and Hi-Vol acquisitions, Heartland purchased an aggregate of approximately $35 million of the Company's common stock. The price per share initially paid by Heartland was determined following arms' length negotiations between Heartland and disinterested members of the Board of Directors of Metaldyne. Subsequent investments were valued at the same price. In addition, the Company repurchased $20.0 million of the Company's common stock from Metaldyne at the same $20.00 per share price. Metaldyne no longer holds shares of the Company's common stock. Heartland currently owns approximately 43.1% of the Company's voting common equity. The Company believes that the terms of the stock purchase agreement, taken as a whole, are at least as fair as would have been negotiated with a third party not affiliated with the Company taking account of all of the circumstances of the transaction.

        Employee Matters.    Pursuant to the stock purchase agreement, each outstanding option to purchase Metaldyne common stock which had not vested, and which were held by the Company's employees was cancelled June 6, 2002. Each option held by certain present and former employees which vested on or prior to June 6, 2002 was replaced by options to purchase the Company's common stock, with appropriate adjustments.

        Pursuant to the stock purchase agreement, the Company agreed to promptly reimburse Metaldyne upon its written demand for (i) cash actually paid in redemption of certain restricted shares of Metaldyne held by certain employees under restricted stock awards and (ii) 42.01% of the amount of cash actually paid to certain other employees by Metaldyne in redemption of restricted stock awards held by such employees. This obligation ceased as of January 2004 when the final vesting of Metaldyne restricted stock awards occurred. The Company also has certain other obligations to reimburse Metaldyne for the allocated portion of its current and former employee related benefit plan responsibilities.

        Indemnification.    Subject to certain limited exceptions, Metaldyne, on the one hand, and the Company, on the other hand, retained the liabilities associated with their respective businesses. Accordingly, the Company will indemnify and hold harmless Metaldyne from all liabilities associated



with the Company and its subsidiaries and their respective operations and assets, whenever conducted, and Metaldyne will indemnify and hold Heartland and the Company harmless from all liabilities associated with Metaldyne and its subsidiaries (excluding the Company and its subsidiaries) and their respective operations and assets, whenever conducted. In addition, the Company agreed with Metaldyne to indemnify one another for their allocated share (57.99% in the case of Metaldyne and 42.01% in the Company's case) of liabilities not readily associated with either business or otherwise addressed including certain costs related to the November 2000 acquisition. There are also indemnification provisions relating to certain other matters intended to effectuate other provisions of the agreement. These indemnification provisions survive indefinitely and are subject to a $50,000 deductible.

        Assumed Liabilities.    In connection with the foregoing, the Company assumed approximately $37.0 million of certain liabilities and obligations of Metaldyne, comprised mainly of contractual obligations to the Company's former employees, tax-related matters, benefit plan liabilities and reimbursements to Metaldyne for normal course payments to be made on the Company's behalf. The remaining assumed liabilities of approximately $6.0 million are payable, when billed, at various future dates and are reported as accrued liabilities in the Company's balance sheet as of December 31, 2007.

Shareholders Agreement

        Heartland, Masco Capital Corporation, each party to the Metaldyne Shareholders Agreement immediately prior to its merger with Asahi and other investors are parties to a shareholders agreement regarding their ownership of the Company's common stock. The agreement contains other covenants for the benefit of the shareholders that are parties thereto. Each Metaldyne shareholder party to the Metaldyne Shareholder Agreement immediately prior to its merger with Asahi (and not already a shareholder of the Company) became a party to the TriMas Shareholders Agreement.

        Election of Directors.    The shareholders agreement provides that the parties will vote their shares of common stock in order to cause the election to the Board of Directors of such number of Directors as shall constitute a majority of the Board of Directors as designated by Heartland. There are no arrangements or understandings between any of the Company's directors on the one hand and Heartland on the other hand pursuant to which a director was selected as such.

        Transfers of Common Stock.    The shareholders agreement restricts transfers of common stock except for certain transfers, including (1) to a permitted transferee of a shareholder, (2) pursuant to the "right of first offer" provision discussed below, (3) pursuant to the "tag-along" provision discussed below, (4) pursuant to the "drag-along" provision discussed below, (5) pursuant to an effective registration statement or pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act and (6) the Metaldyne Dividend.

        Right of First Offer.    The shareholders agreement provides that no shareholder party to the agreement may transfer any of its shares other than the Metaldyne Dividend or to a permitted transferee of such shareholder or pursuant to the "tag-along" and "drag-along" provisions unless such shareholder shall offers such shares to the Company. If the Company declines to purchase the shares, then Heartland shall have the right to purchase such shares. Any shares not purchased by the Company or Heartland can be sold by such shareholder party to the agreement at a price not less than 90.0% of the price offered to the Company or Heartland.

        Tag-Along Rights.    The shareholders agreement grants the shareholders party to the agreement, subject to certain exceptions, in connection with a proposed transfer of common stock by Heartland or its affiliates other than the Metaldyne Dividend, the right to require the proposed transferee to purchase a proportionate percentage of the shares owned by the other shareholders at the same price and upon the same economic terms as are being offered to Heartland.


        Drag-Along Rights.    The shareholders agreement provides that when Heartland and its affiliates enter into a transaction resulting in a substantial change of control of the Company, Heartland has the right to require the other shareholders to sell a proportionate percentage of shares of common stock in such transaction as Heartland is selling and to otherwise vote in favor of the transactions effecting such substantial change of control.

        Registration Rights.    The shareholders agreement provides the shareholders party to the agreement, other than those shareholders that became party to the agreement as a result of receiving shares in the Metaldyne Dividend, with unlimited "piggy-back" rights each time the Company files a registration statement except for registrations relating to (1) shares underlying management options and (2) an initial public offering consisting of primary shares. In addition, following a qualifying public equity offering, Heartland has the ability to demand the registration of their shares, subject to various hold back, priority and other agreements. The shareholders agreement grants an unlimited number of demands to Heartland.

Heartland Industrial Partners

        In connection withInitial Public Offering

        On May 17, 2007, the Company'sCompany completed an initial public offering the Company paid Heartland $10.0 million in exchange for its agreeing to a contractual termination of its right to receive a $4.0 million annual fee paid under its advisory services agreement; for the partial year January 1, 2007 through the initial public offering, the Company paid Heartland $2.0 million under the advisory services agreement. Subject to the approval, on a case-by-case basis, by the disinterested memberswhich benefited all of the Company's pre-offering shareholders, and its officers and directors due principally to the creation of a public market for the Company's common stock. Upon the consummation of the offering, Heartland retained control of approximately 45.2% of the Company's voting stock. Disclosure of Heartland's ownership is described under "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters."

Shareholders Agreement

        Heartland, Masco Capital Corporation, and other investors are parties to a shareholders agreement regarding their ownership of the Company's common stock (the "Shareholders Agreement"). The Shareholders Agreement provides that the parties will vote their shares of common stock in order to cause the election to the Board of Directors of such number of Directors as shall constitute a majority of the Board of Directors as designated by Heartland. There are no arrangements or understandings between any of the Company's directors on the one hand and Heartland on the other hand pursuant to which a director was selected. The Shareholders Agreement also provides Heartland and the other parties to it with certain registration rights under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Advisory Services Agreement

        The Company and Heartland are party to an advisory services agreement, pursuant to which Heartland is reimbursed for certain of its expenses and may continue to earn a fee not to exceed 1.0% of the transaction value for services provided in connection with certain future financings, acquisitions and divestitures by the Company. ForCompany, in each case subject to the period ended December 31, 2007,approval by the disinterested members of the Company's Board of Directors. Heartland did not receive any payment for such fees under this agreement.

Assignment of Lease

        In 2002,charge the Company and Heartland entered into an assignmentany fees related to transaction services in 2010. During 2009, the independent directors approved fees of lease agreementapproximately $2.9 million for services rendered in connection with the Company's headquarters in Bloomfield Hills, Michigandebt refinancing activities and $0.1 million for the remainderreimbursement of the term. At the time of the assignment, the lease was scheduled to expire on June 30, 2010, subject to the Company's option to extend the lease for one five-year period. Pursuant to the assignment, the Company assumed responsibility for payment of all rent for the premises as well as all applicable taxes, utilities and other maintenancenormal-course operating expenses. In 2007, the Company extended the lease and the landlord released Heartland as a guarantor under the lease.


Sales to Related Parties

        During 2007 and 2006, the Company sold fastener products to Metaldyne in the amount of approximately $0.1 and $0.4 million, respectively, and to affiliates of two of the Company's shareholders of approximately $6.1 million in 2006. These sales were made on terms comparable to those that the Company has negotiated with third parties not affiliated with the Company. In May 2005, Collins & Aikman, an affiliate of Heartland, filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. At that time, Collins & Aikman owed the Company $1.3 million, which subsequently was written-off as uncollectible.

Management Rights Agreement

        The Company has entered into an agreement with Heartland granting certain rights to consult with management and receive information about the Company and to consult with the Company on significant matters so long as Heartland continues to own any of the Company's securities. Heartland



has the right to attend Board meetings as an observer if they no longer have the right to designate one or more members of the Board. Heartland must maintain the confidentiality of any material non-public information it receives in connection with the foregoing rights. Heartland will not be paid any fees or receive any compensation or expense reimbursement pursuant to this agreement.

Relationships with Heartland

        Heartland is a private equity firm established in 1999 for the purpose of acquiring and expanding industrial companies operating in various sectors of the North American economy that are well positioned for global consolidation and growth.        The managing general partner of Heartland is Heartland Industrial Associates, L.L.C. One of the Company's directors, Mr. Tredwell, is the managing member of Heartland Industrial Partners, L.L.C. Another one of the Company's directors, Mr. Becker, is a limited partner in Heartland with interests representing less than 5.0% of the commitments in Heartland and Mr. Valenti, the Company's Executive Chairman, is a former advisor to Heartland and is affiliated with entities that are members of a limited liability company that owns a limited partnership interest in Heartland. Heartland has informed the Company that its limited partners include many financial institutions, private and government employee pension funds and corporations. The Company may, in the ordinary course of business, have on a normal, customary and arm's length basis, relationships with certain of Heartland's limited partners, including banking, insurance and other relations.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

        Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Company's directors and certain officers, and persons who own more than ten percent of a registered class of its equity securities, to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership on Forms 3, 4, and 5 with the SEC. The SEC requires officers, directors and greater-than-ten-percent beneficial owners to furnish the Company with copies of all Forms 3, 4, and 5 they file.

        The Company believes that all of its officers, directors and greater-than-ten-percent beneficial owners complied with all their applicable filing requirements during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007. This is based on the Company's review of copies of Forms 3 and 4.



EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Compensation Discussion and Analysis Overview

Introduction and Overview

        This Compensation Discussion & Analysis ("CD&A") describes the executive compensation programs in place at the Company for 2010 and key elements of the program for 2011. Your understanding of our executive compensation program is important to the Company. The goal of this CD&A is to explain:

    Our compensation philosophy for executives of the Company including our Named Executive Officers;

    The respective roles of our Compensation ProgramCommittee and management in the executive compensation process;

    The key components of our executive compensation program; and

    How the decisions we make in the compensation process align with our compensation philosophy.

2010 Business Conditions and Performance Results Achieved

        The Compensation Committee and management evaluated and set 2010 executive compensation in the context of the Company's performance and plan, the current global economic outlook and the widespread concern over executive pay. During 2010, the management team continued to make significant progress on the Company's strategic initiatives.

    2010 sales increased over 17% compared to 2009 as a result of improving demand, and more importantly, successful execution of our many growth initiatives.

    The management team continued to drive additional productivity initiatives, as well as launch a Global Sourcing Organization in 2010 to position the Company for future savings. These productivity initiatives, combined with the lower cost structure implemented in 2009, generated

      sustainable operating leverage and improved operating margins. 2010 operating profit margins improved over 320 basis points compared to 2009 levels.

    Increased levels of profitability translated to a significant increase in income from continuing operations and an increase in earnings per share of over 150% compared to the 2009 levels.

    Lowered operating working capital as a percentage of sales and reduced outstanding debt and related leverage ratio, resulting in record levels of cash and available liquidity.

        Throughout this Proxy Statement, TriMas' Named Executive Officers means:

      (1)
      President and CEO—David M. Wathen;

      (2)
      Chief Financial Officer (CFO)—A. Mark Zeffiro;

      (3)
      President, Packaging Systems—Lynn A. Brooks (President, Packaging Systems);

      (4)
      President, Cequent Performance Products—Thomas M. Benson (President, Cequent Performance Products); and

      (5)
      Vice President, General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer and Corporate Secretary (General Counsel)—Joshua A. Sherbin.

Philosophy and Objectives and Overview of Key Program Elements

        Our executive compensation philosophy is to employ programs that attract and retain key leaders, deliver pay that varies appropriately with the performance results achieved, and motivate executives to continuously strive to improve both our short-term and long-term financial and operating positions. Our goal is to align our executives' interests with those of our shareholders, and encourage our executives to make decisions that will increase shareholder value over the longer-term.

        Our Compensation Committee works closely with the Company's leadership team to refine our compensation programs, to clearly articulate its objectives to our executives, and to emphasize our focus on performance-based compensation whereby executives are rewarded for results that create shareholder value.

        The main elements of our compensation structure and how each supports our compensation philosophy are summarized below:

    Base Salary must be market competitive and recognize individual performance, skill, knowledge, and experience.

    Incentive compensation is intended to reward both short and long term corporate, business unit and individual performance, and align executive interests with shareholder interests.

    Short term performance is measured by financial and operational metrics set by the Committee annually, and awards earned are paid in a combination of cash and restricted stock.

    Long term performance is generally rewarded through equity awards granted under our equity plans, which directly link the executives' long-term income growth potential to the value of and growth in our stock price, thereby aligning executives' interests with those of our shareholders.

        Compensation that is performance-based (as opposed to fixed) increases as an executive's responsibility increases. The Committee believes that the proportion of an officer's total compensation that is dependent on performance results achieved should increase commensurate with position level and accountability.


Role of the Compensation Committee

        The Board designed governance process expressly delegates to the Compensation Committee the responsibility to determine and approve the President and CEO's compensation, as well as to make all decisions regarding compensation for the other NEOs.

        The Compensation Committee is composed of a majorityentirely of independent directors, in compliance withnone of whom derives a personal benefit from the phase-in provisionscompensation decisions the Compensation Committee makes. Although the Compensation Committee does have responsibility for Board compensation matters, all such decisions are subject to full Board approval.The Board and Committee recognize the importance of executive compensation decisions to the management and shareholders of the NYSE listing standards, administers the executive compensation program of the Company.

        The role of the Committee is to oversee compensation and benefit plans and policies, review and approve equity grants and otherwise administer share-based plans, and review and approve annually all compensation decisions relating to the Company's directors and executive officers, including the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial OfficerCFO and the other executive officers named in the "Summary Compensation Table" (the "NEOs" or "named executive officers").NEOs. The Committee's charter reflects such responsibilities and is available on the Company's website,www.trimascorp.com,, in the Corporate Governance section of the Investors page. The Committee last reviewed and updated its charter on October 29, 2009.

Input from Management

        Certain senior executives provide information used by the Compensation Committee in November 2006.the compensation decision-making process. Specifically, our President and CEO provides input to the Committee regarding corporate and business unit performance goals and results. He also reviews with the Committee the performance of the executive officers who report directly to him, and makes recommendations to the Committee regarding their compensation. Our Chief Financial Officer also provides input and analysis regarding financial and operating results. Our Vice President, Human Resources regularly works with the Committee Chair to prepare materials for Committee discussions, and presents management's recommendations regarding program changes.

        The Committee faced a unique situation during 2007 as the Company again became publicly-traded after being privately-held for several years. To address both transitional and ongoing executivecarefully considers management's input, but is not bound by their recommendations in making its final pay matters, the Company sought input from Mr. Grant Beard, the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer, and other member of management as necessary, as it values their understanding of the overall effectiveness of the management team and each person's individual contribution to the Company's achievements. Support for Committee actions and decisions also was provided by members of the Company's legal, human resources and accounting departments. In 2007, the Committee had seven meetings and a substantial amount of the Committee's work related to the determination of: (1) long term equity incentive compensation for the Company's executive officers and other Company recipients of equity compensation; and (2) compensation for the Company's executive officers.program decisions.

Independent Compensation Consultant

        The Compensation Committee alsohas retained Hewitt Associates LLC ("Hewitt") as its independentan outside consultant forconsulting firm to advise the Compensation Committee on various executive and director compensation matters. InAt the outset of 2010, the Committee retained Hewitt Associates to provide this capacity,assistance. This consulting relationship was transitioned as of October 1, 2010, when Hewitt reportsspun-off a significant portion of its executive compensation practice into Meridian Compensation Partners, LLC ("Meridian"), a completely separate entity that is independent from Hewitt.

        Hewitt, and now Meridian, reported directly to the Compensation Committee. Use of an outside consultant is an important component of the TriMas compensation setting process, as it enables the Compensation Committee to make informed decisions based on market data and best practices. Representatives from Meridian attend Compensation Committee meetings, meet with Compensation Committee members in executive session and consult with the members as necessary communicates separatelyrequired to provide input with regard to the CEO's compensation based on the Committee's assessment of his performance.

        Meridian has no affiliations with any of the Named Executive Officers or members of the Board other than in its role as an outside consultant. Meridian does not provide any other services to the Company. All work performed by Meridian, whether with the Committee withoutdirectly or with management present. Hewitt's scope of activities on behalfat the direction of the Committee, during 2007 included, among other items, competitive benchmarking analyses for executives and outside directors, assistance with annual and long-term incentive plan design andrequires pre-approval by the Chair of the Compensation Committee.


        During 2010, Meridian's consulting related communications and documentation, providing assistanceprimarily to management as it develops proposalsthe Company's compensation analysis for the Committee's review,NEOs and consulting withBoard, and strategy regarding long term equity compensation. During 2010, we paid Hewitt and Meridian approximately $60,034 and $35,699, respectively, for advising the Compensation Committee on executive and with management on technical issues relative to all aspects of the Company's executivedirector compensation program.matters.

The Role of Compensation Philosophy for Named Executive OfficersBenchmarking and Peer Group Assessment

        The Committee seeks to ensure that total compensation paid to the Company's named executive officers is fair, reasonable and competitive. Total annual compensation of named executive officers consists of base salary, annual cash incentive awards, long-term incentive compensation and certain other benefits (including retirement and welfare benefits and perquisites). The Company also has various deferred compensation arrangements for its named executive officers.

        The Committee also recognizes the importance of maintaining sound principles for the development and administration of compensation and benefit programs, including maintaining strong links between executive pay and performance. The Committee believes that reviewing market benchmark pay data is an important element in ensuring that the overall compensation paid to named executive officers should be closely aligned withprogram remains competitive. However, the Committee does not rigidly rely only on market data in making pay decisions; it considers such other factors as overall Company performance, general business conditions and the goals of retaining and motivating leadership talent.

        In 2009, the Company on bothCommittee reviewed and approved a short-term and long-term basis,benchmarking peer group that included companies in the same or similar Global Industry Classification Standard categories as TriMas, and that such compensation should assistwere roughly comparable to the Company in attracting, retaining, motivating and rewarding key executives criticalsize (generally, their 2008 revenues ranged from one third of to its long-term success. In addition,three times TriMas' 2008 revenues). This group also included companies with which TriMas competes for customers, market share, or talent.

        This Committee used the Committee believes that the proportion of total compensation that is (i) performance-based compensation, (ii) long-term compensation subject to vesting, and (iii) share-based compensation should increase as an employee's level of responsibility increases.

        The Committee further strives to have a market competitive pay structure with applicable peer groups, while recognizing the significance of maintaining internal pay fairness and other factors



described herein. The Committee also takes into account individual performance, hiring and retention needs and other external market pressuresgroup in finalizing its compensation determinations.

Peer Group Analyses

        To establish an ongoing executive pay structure as a publicly-traded company, the Committee asked HewittDecember 2009 to benchmark pay for the Company's top officers. In so doing, two peer groups were used: (1) a "strategic"five executives. Data from this analysis was used to make pay decisions for 2010 and to support pay decisions made for 2011.

        The Committee did delete one entity from the benchmarking peer group identified byin 2010 (BWAY Holding Company) because it is no longer a publicly-traded company. The following 24 companies remain in the Committee and the Company's management, and (2) a second peer group comprised generally of industrial manufacturing companies who participated in Hewitt's executive pay database in 2007. These two groups are referred to together as the "Current Peer Groups."

        The strategic peer group includes 15 entities that, like the Company, are U.S.-based companies engaged primarily in manufacturing diversified products, and are viewed as similar to the Company in terms of industry, business and operations. Also, like the Company, these companies are organized as parent companies with various direct and indirect operating subsidiaries. This group is made up of the following companies:Committee's comparator group:

Actuant Corporation GenCorpGardner Denver Kaydon CorporationRobbins & Meyers

Ametek, Inc.

 
Graco,
GenCorp. Inc.

 

Roper Industries Inc.
Carlisle Companies
Aptar

 
Greif,
Graco, Inc.

 
Sequa Corporation
Silgan Holdings
Crane Co.
Carlisle Companies

 
Harsco Corporation
Greif, Inc.

 
SPX Corporation
Stoneridge Inc.

Crane Co.


IDEX


Teleflex Inc.

Donaldson Company

 
IDEX
Kaydon Corporation

 
Teleflex Incorporated
Thor

Drew Industries


Kennametal


Transdigm Group

EnPro


Lufkin Industries


Winnebago Industries

        Fiscal year 2006 revenues for theseThe Compensation Committee plans to review the peer companies ranged from $404 million and $4.3 billion, with a median of approximately $1.8 billion. Because the Company's 2007 revenue was approximately $1.1 billion, regression analysis (based on revenues) was used to determine size-adjusted market median pay levels. All data relied upon with respect to the strategic peer group is based upon SEC filings for the year ended December 31, 2006.

        The second peer group used to provide an additional perspective on market pay levels is comprised of the following companies:

A.O. Smith CorporationDonaldson CompanySauer-Danfoss Inc.
Albemarle CorporationGraco, Inc.Sensient Technologies Corporation
Brady CorporationHubbell Inc.Valmont Industries
Cameron InternationalJoy Global Inc.W.R. Grace & Co.
Cleveland-CliffsKaydon CorporationWalter Industries
Corn Products International Inc.Milacron Inc.Woodward Governor Company

        Fiscal year 2006 revenues for these peer companies ranged from $404 million to $3.7 billion, with a median of approximately $1.7 billion. Again, regression analysis (based on the Company's $1.1 billion in annual revenues) was used to determine size-adjusted market median pay levels. All data relied upon with respect to the second peer group is based upon SEC filings for the year ended December 31, 2006.

        The Committee is committed to reviewing the Current Peer Groups periodically to ensure they remainit remains suitable for benchmarking purposes, andpurposes. The Committee anticipates that changes in the group will occur from time to time based on the evolution of its own business strategy, the business mix of the peer companies, and the availability of comparative data.

        The composition of the Current Peer Groups listed above differ from the group identified as relevant to compensation discussions prior to the Company's initial public offering in May 2007. The prior benchmark group was comprised of 20 entities that, like the Company, are U.S.-based companies engaged primarily in manufacturing diversified products and are organized as parent companies with various direct and indirect operating subsidiaries. Revenues for the prior group for fiscal year 2005



ranged from $355 million to $12.9 billion, with a median that was approximately $2.2 billion (as compared to the Company's 2006 revenue of approximately $1.0 billion). All data relied upon with respect to the former group is based upon SEC filings for the year ended December 1, 2005. The former benchmark group consisted of the following companies:

Allegheny Technologies Incorporated
Ametek, Inc.
Carlisle Companies Incorporated
Crane Co.
Danaher Corporation
Donaldson Company, Inc.
Dover Corporation
Dura Automotive Systems, Inc.
GenCorp Inc.
Graco, Inc.
Greif, Inc.
Harsco Corporation
IDEX Corporation.
Illinois Tool Works Inc.
Kaydon Corporation
Parker-Hannifin Corporation
Roper Industries, Inc.
Sequa Corporation
Teleflex Incorporated
Trinity Industries, Inc.

This group is referred to below as the "Pre-Offering Peer Group."

In general, the Compensation Committee's objective is to set target compensation levels at market median with an opportunity to earn above-marketabove market awards when shareholders have received above-marketabove market returns. However, the Compensation Committee recognizes that it may occasionally need to set and pay target compensation above this range whendepending on the circumstances warrant (for example, to address specific individual hiring or retention issues). In determining the compensation components for each NEO for 2010, the Compensation Committee generally focused on market values at the size adjusted median. It also subjectively considered other factors in its decision process including individual performance, Company performance, tenure and experience, and incremental cost. Specific positioning against the market is described in the following paragraphs in greater detail for each component of pay.


Compensation Components

        The material elements of the Company's executive compensation packageprogram, and the purpose for each element, are as follows:

    Base salary—Deliver a competitive level of fixed cash compensation to compensate for the primary duties of the role

    Annual incentive—Earn additional cash and stock compensation based on the degree to which annual performance goals are met

    Long-term incentive—Provide additional compensation potential based on equity grants that increase in value as stock price increases, thereby aligning the interests of executives and shareholders

    Retirement and health/welfare benefits—Enable executives to provide for their own financial security in retirement, and provide a baseline measure of protection in cases of illness, disability or loss of life

    Perquisites—Provide a financial benefit allowance to compensate our executives for the extraordinary demands on their time

        Each program element is further described in the following paragraphs.

        Base Salary. Base salaries for the Company's named executive officersNamed Executive Officers are established based on the scope of their responsibilities and their prior relevant background, training, and experience, and takingtake into account competitive market pay levels. The Committee believes that executive base salaries should generally be competitive with the size-adjusted median salaries for executives in similarcomparable positions and with similar responsibilities in the companies of similar size represented in the compensation data reviewed. Consistent with the Company's policy of setting compensation levels that reflect, among other things, an executive's level of responsibility, the Chief Executive Officer's salary and total compensation reflect the scope of his responsibilities andat the benchmark compensation data evaluated.peer group. The Company believes that providing competitive salaries allows the Companyis key to its ability to successfully attract and retain talented executives. An executive's base

        Each year, the Committee considers whether to grant merit increases and/or market-based adjustments to TriMas' NEOs. In so doing, it considers several factors such as individual responsibilities, performance, experience, and alignment with market levels.

        Based on continued operational improvement and individual performance, the Compensation Committee approved the following salary adjustments in 2010:

NEO
 1/1/2010
Base Salary
 Salary Rate
effective 7/1/2010
 % Increase
in 2010
 TRS vs.
Market Median
 

President & CEO

 
$

675,000
 
$

691,875
  
2.5

%
 
2.9

%

CFO

 
$

360,000
 
$

400,000
  
11.1

%
 
7.6

%

President, Cequent Performance Products

 
$

300,000
 
$

307,500
  
2.5

%
 
(9.8

)%

President, Packaging Systems

 
$

419,000
 
$

430,500
  
3

%
 
16.5

%

General Counsel

 
$

350,000
 
$

370,000
  
5.7

%
 
11.9

%

Additional detail regarding the increase and resulting salary level for each executive is also evaluated together with other componentsdescribed below:



based on their ability

The Committee has also approved the Company's annual operating results.following salary levels to become effective July 1, 2011:

NEO
 Salary as of
July 1, 2011
 

President and CEO

 
$

700,000
 

CFO

 
$

410,000
 

President, Cequent Performance Products

 
$

316,800
 

President, Packaging Systems

 
$

442,500
 

General Counsel

 
$

381,100
 

        The Company structured2011 increases represent increases in line with merit assessments and general market movement for the Annual Value Creationrespective positions.

2010 TriMas Incentive Compensation Plan so that it is taxable to the executive officers at the time payments are made to them.

        The Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and vice presidentgoal of human resources present to the Committee for its ultimate approval recommended corporate and personal performance targets for each plan participant. In recommending and approving the performance objectives, the Company's executives and Committee, respectively, include and consider performance targets that are viewed as reasonably achievable and others that are viewed as more of a challenge to achieve based on past performance and specific industry and general economic conditions. The intentTriMas Corporation Incentive Compensation Plan ("ICP") is to provide a balance betweensupport our overall business objectives by aligning corporate, business unit and individual performance with the twogoals of shareholders and focusing attention on the key measures of success. The Plan is designed to ensure thataccomplish this goal by providing the named executive officersopportunity for additional cash or stock-based rewards when pre-established performance goals are properly incented throughout the year.

achieved. The Company's corporate performance objective for fiscal year 2007 was achieving internally budgeted amounts of Annual Value Creation Plan Adjusted EBITDA. The Committee chose Annual Value Creation Plan Adjusted EBITDA as the relevant performance measure because it is viewed as a proxy for our ability to generate cash from operations, and as such is considered asICP also plays a key meansrole in ensuring that our annual cash compensation opportunities remain competitive.

        Target awards. Each of measuring the Company's business performance. Annual Value Creation Plan Adjusted EBITDA reflects further adjustments to our reported Adjusted EBITDA results for items such as lease expense on sale-leaseback transactions, corporate expenses, expenses for equity compensation, other income (expense), gains (losses) on fixed asset sales and certain non-recurring charges. These adjustments are made because the Committee has determined that they are important to consider to ensure that the Annual Value Creation Plan measures results that are driven primarily by management's efforts rather than by external economic factors. The Annual Value Creation Plan also measures the efficiency of use of working capital and the deployment of capital expenditures against budget commitments.

        Further, each participant also is measured on the degree to which personal objectives are met. The NEO's develop individual goals and objectives that pertain to the overall support of the business and creation of shareholder value. Each NEO discusses and implements their respective goals as agreed upon with the President and CEO; in the case of Mr. Beard, this process is coordinated with the Committee. Attainment of each NEO's personal goal objectives is assessed in connection with the NEO's annual review and a value assigned for purposes of determining the individual performance compensation component.

        The following chart summarizes the metrics and weightings that applied to our NEOs for 2007. As indicated, corporate financial objectives are more heavily weighted than individual performance objectives, to reflect the Committee's belief that the largest portion of potential incentive pay should be based on financial results:

Position

EBITDA Level and Weighting
Other

Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial OfficerCorporate Annual Value Creation Plan
Adjusted EBITDA—75%
Personal Objectives—25%

Group Presidents


Corporate Annual Value Creation Plan
Adjusted EBITDA—25%


Personal Objectives—25%
Group-level Annual Value Creation Plan
Adjusted EBITDA—50%

        The Annual Value Creation Plan target for fiscal year 2007 was to achieve 100% of internally budgeted Annual Value Creation Plan Adjusted EBITDA (approximately $187.8 million in 2007) at the corporate level and across all groups. Group-level Annual Value Creation Plan Adjusted EBITDA targets and the achievement during 2007 are discussed in the "Grants of Plan and Plan-Based Awards."


        Each participant is assignedhas a target award,bonus opportunity for the plan year that is expressed as a percentage of base salary. Target awards increase commensurate with responsibility andfor 2010 are aligned with market award levels. Theshown in the following chart:

NEO
 Target
Bonus Amount
 Target Award as
Percent of Salary
 

President & CEO(1)

 $761,000  110%

CFO

 $280,000  70%

President, Cequent Performance Products

 $155,000  50%

President, Packaging Systems

 $279,000  70%

General Counsel

 $185,000  50%

(1)
Disclosure in the Company's proxy statement filed in 2010 referenced the President & CEO's target awardsbonus amount as a percentage of base salary for 2007 were as follows:

    President and Chief Executive Officer—100%

    Chief Financial Officer and Group Presidents—70%.$742,500. As adjusted in the Company's third quarter Form 10-Q, the amount originally approved by the Compensation Committee is $761,000.

        Based on the degree to which actual performance results exceed theachieved, actual awards generally can vary as a percent of target goals, Annual Value Creation Plan payouts can increase above target levelsfrom a threshold of 0% to a maximum of 240% of212.5% for participants at the Company-wide level, and from 0% to 200% for business unit participants.

        Consistent with the ICP program design, all ICP participants, including the NEOs, whose target award. However, no payment will be made for any award component when actual performance for that component falls belowawards exceeded $20,000, receive 80% of the relevant objective,awards earned in cash and no Annual Value Creation Plan awards are paid if the Annual Value Creation Plan Adjusted EBITDA falls below 50%20% of the objectiveaward value in the form of a given year.restricted stock award in March 2011. The restricted stock will vest on the first anniversary of the grant date. This program feature permits the ICP to reward shorter-term performance leverage further supportsand encourages longer-term employee retention.

        Performance measures. The ICP measures Company-wide performance indicators to determine bonuses earned by participants with corporate-wide responsibilities. Messrs. Wathen, Zeffiro and Sherbin can earn bonuses based on achieving Company-wide performance goals. Participants with



business unit level responsibility are assessed on performance metrics that evaluate solely the Committee's belief that a significant percentageperformance of executive compensation should vary commensurate withthe participant's business unit. Messrs. Benson and Brooks can earn bonuses based on the performance results achieved.achieved by each of their respective business units.

        Each year, the Compensation Committee approves the specific performance metrics for that year's program, and their relative weightings based on the importance of that measure to the Company for the year. The target level for each performance metric is the center of the plan and if attained will pay out at 100% of the metric. The threshold is the lowest level of payout below which no payment is made for that specific component. If performance under a metric is between the identified threshold and the maximum, the actual payout is determined based on the achievement of milestones within the matrix, with the distance between the milestones determined on a facts and circumstances basis depending on the business unit and respective metric.

Grants        Company-wide Performance Measures. The following Company-wide performance metrics were selected for the 2010 ICP for employees with Company-wide responsibility:


Category
Specific Areas of Focus

Structured planning process

Implement and use QRF process
Improve forecast accuracy

Great place to work

Upgrade communication plan and implement
Improve employee engagement survey results
Training goals

"Best cost" producer

Implement new sourcing initiative
Grow "backroom" migration to low cost sources

Governance

Regulatory Compliance

Management team credibility

Deliver on key objectives
Continuing confidence of Board
Build confidence among investors

        For 2010, the specific Company-wide performance goals were as follows:

Metric
ThresholdTargetMaximumWeighting

Sales/Profitability

At $808.2 million in sales and 7.5% operating profit, the participant would receive 50% award of this metric

At $854.8 million in Sales and 9.5% operating profit, the participant would receive 100% award of this metric

At $900.8 million in Sales and 11.5% operating profit, the participant would receive 200% award of this metric


35

%

Return on Average Invested Capital

At 5.6% of ROAIC, the participant would receive 60% award of this metric

At 7.5% of ROAIC, the participant would receive 100% award of this metric

At 9.5% of ROAIC, the participant would receive 200% award of this metric


15

%

EPS

At $0.49 earnings per share, the participant would receive 50% award of this metric

At $0.61 earnings per share, the participant would receive 100% award of this metric

At $0.91 earnings per share, the participant would receive 250% award of this metric


25

%

Cash Flow

At $15.23 million cash flow the participant would receive 70% award of this metric

At $30.0 million cash flow the participant would receive 100% award of this metric

At $43.50 million cash flow the participant would receive 200% award of this metric


15

%

Non Financial Objectives

This metric is awarded based on the individual executive's achievement of individual goal and objectives.


10

%

        Business-unit performance measures. For 2010, ICP bonuses for the President, Packaging Systems and President, Cequent Performance Products were based on the following performance measures at the business unit level. This approach focuses business unit leaders on optimizing the performance of their respective business unit rather than on overall Company-wide performance.



        For 2010, the specific performance goals for Packaging Systems were as follows:

Metric
ThresholdTargetMaximumWeighting

Sales/Profitability

At $139.5 million in sales and 22.3% operating profit, the participant would receive 50% award of this metric

At $155.0 million in Sales and 24.3% operating profit, the participant would receive 100% award of this metric

At $186.0 million in Sales and 27.3% operating profit, the participant would receive 200% award of this metric


40

%

Cash Flow

At $38.82 million cash flow the participant would receive 70% award of this metric

At $43.16 million cash flow the participant would receive 100% award of this metric

At $51.84 million cash flow the participant would receive 200% award of this metric


15

%

Productivity

At $3.36 million in Productivity gains the participant would receive 60% award of this metric

At $4.19 million in Productivity gains the participant would receive 100% award of this metric

At $6.29 million in Productivity gains the participant would receive 200% award of this metric


15

%

Inventory Turns

At 6.73 inventory turns the participant would receive 60% award of this metric

At 7.47 inventory turns the participant would receive 100% award of this metric

At 8.47 inventory turns the participant would receive 200% award of this metric


10

%

%New Product/Market Sales

See note below.(1)


10

%

Non Financial Objectives

This metric is awarded based on the individual executive's achievement of individual goal and objectives.


10

%

(1)
The Compensation Committee set the target for this metric at a level that requires Packaging Systems to successfully expand its product portfolio and geographic market base to contribute both to 2010 sales and profitability and provide a foundation for 2011 activity. Achievement at each milestone requires innovation and commercialization.

        As Cequent Performance Products is an operating segment that is part of the broader Cequent North American reportable segment, we do not provide information regarding the threshold, target and maximum for its 2010 ICP metrics. The Compensation Committee designated targets that for each metric requires disciplined financial and operations management. On a year over year basis, the targets reflect the Committee's expectation of improved growth and earnings over the prior year. The Cequent Performance Products targets are also designed to incent and require the business unit leadership to deliver new cost savings initiatives and contributions from new markets and products.

        Award Determination and Payouts. In February of each year, the Compensation Committee determines the degree to which ICP goals for the prior year were achieved. For 2010, the results achieved for each Company-wide performance measure are indicated below, including results achieved for the non-financial objectives, and the resulting aggregate awards for each of the NEOs whose bonuses are based on Company-wide performance.


Metric
 Weight Result Achieved Payout Earned as a
Percent of Total Target
Award
 

Sales/Profitability

  
35%
 

Sales: $942.6 million
Oper Margin: 12.1%

  

70%

 

ROAIC

  
15%
 

10.8%

  

30%

 

Earnings per share

  
25%
 

$1.21

  

62.5%

 

Cash flow

  
15%
 

$83.4 million

  

30%

 
 

Subtotal before Non-financial objectives

       

192.5%

 

Nonfinancial objectives

  
10%
      

Total awards earned by each executive

    

Non-Financial Objective

    
 

President and CEO

    

20%

  

212.5%

 
 

Chief Financial Officer

    

20%

  

212.5%

 
 

General Counsel

    

17.5%

  

210%

 

        Based on the performance of the Company in 2010 and the individual contributions of each of Messrs. Wathen, Zeffiro and Sherbin toward that performance, each received the following weighting for the non-financial objectives component.

Explanation of the 2010 Non-Financial Objectives Achieved-Company-Wide Performance

        President & CEO—Mr. Wathen received 200% of the non-financial objective of his bonus for his role in leading the Company to a successful 2010 and continuing to improve the Company's strategic planning and execution. Under his leadership, the Company increased its 2010 sales by 17% compared to 2009, improved the strategic execution of its growth initiatives, and successfully implemented a Global Sourcing Organization and many productivity initiatives. Mr. Wathen's leadership and focus on strategic planning and execution significantly impacted shareholder value in 2010 as evidenced by the increase in earnings per share of over 150% compared to 2009 levels.

        CFO—Mr. Zeffiro received 200% of the non-financial objective of his bonus for playing a significant role in the Company's overall success. He played a key leadership role in improving the closing and reporting process, improving our overall quarterly forecasting and simplifying the budget process. Mr. Zeffiro continued to develop and hire key team members to assist with the improvement of these processes. He also led the Company's Global Sourcing Organization initiative that facilitated the Company's low cost sourcing and productivity initiatives.

        General Counsel—Mr. Sherbin received 175% of the non-financial objective of his bonus for playing a significant role in supporting the Company's initiatives. He played a key role in the Company's two acquisitions in 2010 and the disposition of a significant real estate asset. He strengthened and developed the legal team, supported strategic planning and provided pragmatic legal advice and counsel to the executive leadership and senior management regarding day-to-day initiatives.


        Results for the NEOs whose bonuses are determined at the business unit level are detailed below:

 
  
 Packaging Systems Cequent Performance Products 
Metric
 Weight Result Payout as
% of Target
 Result Payout as
% of Target
 

Sales/Profitability

  
40

%

Above Target

  
67

%

Above Target

  
72

%

Cash Flow

  
15

%

Maximum

  
30

%

Maximum

  
30

%

Productivity

  
15

%

Maximum

  
30

%

Above Target

  
23

%

Inventory Turns

  
10

%

Above Target

  
12

%

Below Target

  
8

%

% New Products/Market Sales

  
10

%

Maximum

  
20

%

Above Target

  
15

%

Nonfinancial objectives:

  
10

%

Above Target

  
17.5

%

Maximum

  
20

%
 

Total

       
177

%
   
168

%

Explanation of the 2010 Non-Financial Objective Achieved-Messrs. Benson and Brooks

        President, Cequent Performance Products—Mr. Benson received 200% of the non-financial objective of his bonus for his strong strategic leadership of the continued integration of the legacy towing, trailer, and electrical business. Under Mr. Benson's leadership and direction, Cequent Performance Products effectively leveraged its broad product portfolio to gain market share, drove top line growth, and implemented productivity improvements to create margin expansion. Mr. Benson also provided leadership in Cequent Performance Products' improved financial forecasting which facilitated financial visibility and strategic planning for the business.

        President, Packaging Systems—Mr. Brooks received 175% of the non-financial objective of his bonus for his leadership of the Packaging Systems team. Under Mr. Brooks' direction, Packaging Systems identified and implemented top-line growth initiatives involving new products and new geographic markets. Mr. Brooks also maintained focus on the Packaging Systems' core business of industrial closures which experienced improvement year over year. In 2010, Packaging Systems effectively implemented the Company's quarterly rolling forecast (QRF) planning process and continued to produce employee engagement results in excess of manufacturing industry benchmarks.

        The target and actual awards earned by our NEOs are listed in the following chart:

NEO
 Target
Award as
Percent of
Salary
 Target Bonus
Amounts
 Actual ICP
Award Earned
 ICP Earned
and Paid in
Cash
 ICP Earned and
Paid in
Restricted Stock
in March 2011
 

President & CEO

  
110

%

$

761,000
 
$

1,617,201
 
$

1,293,761
 
$

323,440
 

CFO

  
70

%

$

280,000
 
$

595,028
 
$

476,022
 
$

119,006
 

President, Cequent Performance Products

  
50

%

$

155,000
 
$

260,338
 
$

208,270
 
$

52,068
 

President, Packaging Systems

  
70

%

$

279,000
 
$

492,770
 
$

394,216
 
$

98,554
 

General Counsel

  
50

%

$

185,000
 
$

388,519
 
$

310,815
 
$

77,704
 

2011 TriMas Incentive Compensation Plan—Program Highlights.

        For fiscal year 2011, the Committee approved several changes to the ICP at the Company-wide level:


For fiscal year 2011, the Committee also approved several changes to the ICP at the Cequent Performance Products and Packaging Systems level:

Key plan features that will remain constant for 2011 include target awards, the requirement that 20% of ICP bonuses earned for those whose target awards exceed $20,000, be paid in restricted stock, and performance measures at the business unit level. As a percent of salary, the NEOs' target awards for 2011 are as follows:

NEO
 Target Bonus Amount Target Bonus
as a
percentage of
salary
 

President & CEO

 
$

788,000
  
112.5

%

CFO

 
$

298,000
  
72.5

%

President, Cequent Performance Products

 
$

159,000
  
50

%

President, Packaging

 
$

287,000
  
70

%

General Counsel

 
$

191,000
  
50

%

        The 2011 increases for the President & CEO and CFO represent increases in line with merit assessment and additional allocation to performance based pay.

Long-term Incentive Program

        Overview. The Company has two equity incentive plans, referred to as the 2002 Long Term Equity Incentive Plan and the 2006 Long Term Equity Incentive Plan.Plan (together, the "Equity Plans"). Each provides for grants to employees, directors and consultants of incentive and nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, dividend equivalent rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units or performance-based awards. Equity compensationThe Company historically has issued prior to the Company's initial public offering was granted under the 2002 Long Term Equity Incentive Plan. In 2007, the Company awarded equity compensation under each of the 2006 Long Term Equity Incentive Plan.Plans.

        Purpose. Our long-term equity program is designed to reward the achievement of long-term business objectives that benefit our shareholders through stock price increases, thereby aligning the interests of our executives with those of our shareholders. We make periodic grants to participants, after considering such factors as overall business climate, stock price performance, share availability, and retention considerations, to name a few.


        Grants. In 2009, we made grants of stock options to our Company leadership group. In February 2010, grants were more limited, as our strategy to date is to make grants to all participants on a periodic basis rather than annually. The Committee administersapproved restricted stock unit grants for the 2006 Long Term Equity Incentive PlanCFO and hasGeneral Counsel with grant date values of $200,000 and $150,000, respectively. A key purpose of these grants was to better align the power to selectrecipients' long term incentive compensation with the recipients of awards. The Board of Directors retainsmarket. These grants also have a retention purpose, since they will not vest until the authority to grant and administer awards to non-employee directors, who may receive and elect to defer stock and cash compensation under the 2006 Equity Plan. The Committee has broad power to determine and amend award terms, although in general, such amendments may not adversely affect a participant without the participant's consent, except for amendments that are necessary under the United States Internal Revenue Code ("Code") Section 409A and adjustments in connection with certain corporate events, such as stock splits or other changes in the outstanding common stock, or a merger or other extraordinary transaction. The Company may make awards to executives when they join the Company, annually and/or in connection with achieving performance goals. Each grant has a vesting period determined on a case by case basis.

        In general, the Board of Directors is authorized to amend or modify the 2006 Long Term Equity Incentive Plan at any time without shareholder approval, other than to materially increase benefits, increase the number of shares available for awards or change the eligibility requirements. No awards may be made after the tenththird anniversary of the earlier of Board or shareholder approvalgrant and require that the recipient be employed by the Company as of the 2006 Long Term Equity Incentive Plan. Optionsvesting date.

        Pursuant to his offer letter dated January 12, 2009, and discussed in more detail later, Mr. Wathen has the opportunity to receive restricted stock appreciation rights granted under the 2006 Long Term Equity Incentive Plan may notunits when specific performance hurdles are met. Specifically, he will be granted with an exerciserestricted stock units if the Company's closing stock price below fair market valueexceeds various price hurdles for any successive 75 trading day period within the first 36 months of employment. During 2010, the first two price hurdles of $5 and $10 were met, and he was granted 25,000 restricted stock units on each of March 24, 2010 and October 21, 2010. Vesting will occur in increments of one-third on the first, second and third anniversaries of each grant date provided Mr. Wathen remains employed by the Company on those dates. The third stock price performance hurdle of $15 was achieved in 2011 and unless shareholder approval is obtained, optionsMr. Wathen was granted a 25,000 restricted stock units on January 21, 2011.

        In summary, the grants to NEOs in 2010 consisted of the following number of restricted stock units:

2010 Special Cash Awards.

        On February 26, 2010, the Compensation Committee granted special one-time cash awards to the President & CEO and stock appreciation rights will not be repriced such thatChief Financial Officer of $150,000 and $50,000, respectively, in recognition of their exercise price is below fair market value per share on the date of original grant.leadership and performance. The Committee sets the terms of the cash awards in a participant'srequired each recipient to use the after-tax amount of his award agreement, but no option or stock appreciation right will have a term that exceeds 10 years, and most options and stock appreciation rights will have shorter terms if a participant dies, becomes disabled or terminates employment. All awards are forfeited if a participant's employment is terminated for cause.to buy shares of Company stock.

2011 Special Awards of Restricted stock,Stock.

        On February 24, 2011, the Compensation Committee awarded restricted stock units performance awards, annual incentive awardsto Messrs. Wathen, Zeffiro, and other incentive awards are subjectSherbin, in recognition of their leadership and role within the Company. The award consists of three components each to vesting and/or designated performance requirements. Inbe settled in shares of the eventCompany's common stock. Upon the Company achieving at least $2.00 of a change in control,cumulative earnings per share for any consecutive four financial quarters beginning April 1, 2011 through September 30, 2013, 50% of the Committee, at its discretion, may accelerate vesting or cash-out awards, or arrangerestricted stock units will vest on the business day immediately following the release of earnings for the assumptionquarter in which the EPS performance measure is met (the "EPS Vesting Date") and the remaining 50% will vest in two equal parts on the first and second anniversary of awards in the event of certain acquisitions.

        In 2007, the Committee, together with Hewitt, evaluated the type and scope of equity compensation to provide the named executive officers followingEPS Vesting Date. Upon the Company's initial public offering.stock price closing at or above $30 and $35 per share for 30 consecutive trading days with the last such trading day occurring on or prior to September 30, 2013, 50% of the restricted stock units will be granted and immediately vested on the close of the business day on which such trading threshold is satisfied and the remaining 50% will vest in two equal parts on the first and second anniversary of the date on which the respective trading threshold is met, and require that the recipient be employed by



Based on its assessmentthe Company as of each vesting date. The awards consisted of the market, and its compensation philosophy, the Committee determined that a combination of restricted shares and performance units would best meet its objectives of retaining executives, aligning the compensation program with shareholders' interests, and tying rewards to performance. The Committee considered the equity compensation awarded within the Current Peer Groups as well as in other initial public offerings. The Company awarded 2007 grants at the lower end of market practice, with a view to increasing the emphasis on equity compensation over time.

        The 2007 grantsfollowing number of restricted stock and performance units tounits:

 
 $2.00 EPS
Target
 $30 Stock
Price Target
 $35 Stock
Price Target
 

President & CEO

  21,000  10,500  10,500 

Chief Financial Officer

  10,500  5,250  5,250 

General Counsel

  5,840  2,920  2,920 

        In connection with the named executive officers were made underapproval by the 2006 Long Term Equity Incentive Plan. AllCompensation Committee of the awards have restrictions that lapse as to one-third2010 ICP payments, each NEO receives 80% of the payment in cash and 20% of the ICP award in restricted stock. The number of restricted stock units is based on the close of business stock price on March 1, 2011. As described earlier, these shares will vest on eachthe first anniversary date of the grant, (September 1, 2007). Further,provided the performance units would vest on this schedule only ifparticipant is employed by the Company first met or exceededat the 2007 Adjusted Recurring EBITDA thresholdtime of $159 million (as with the Annual Value Creation Plan, the Committee determined that assessing EBITDA subjectvest. The value to adjustments was the appropriate method by whichbe delivered to measure results). Although similar to the Annual Value Creation Plan Adjusted EBITDA, the 2007 Adjusted Recurring EBITDA includes corporate expenses, lease expense on sale leaseback transactions and certain non-recurring charges. If the 2007 financial target was exceeded, the Committee provided for the grant of up to 68% of additional performance units, adjustedeach NEO in proportion to the overachievement of the 2007 Adjusted Recurring EBITDA target. However, because the 2007 Adjusted Recurring EBITDA target was not achieved, the performance units did not vest and were forfeited.

        For details of the restricted stock is as follow:

NEO
 ICP Earned
and to be Paid in
Restricted Stock
in March 2011
 

President & CEO

 
$

323,440
 

CFO

 
$

119,006
 

President, Cequent Performance Products

 
$

52,068
 

President, Packaging System

 
$

98,554
 

General Counsel

 
$

77,704
 

        Program Changes for 2011. The Committee and performance units grantedmanagement are considering the design of an ongoing long-term incentive program that is expected to the NEOs during fiscal year 2007, see "Executive Compensation—Grantsinclude annual grants of Plan-Based Awardsperformance-based equity and stock options. The new program design is expected to be finalized and implemented beginning in Fiscal 2007."

2008 Equity Grants under the 2006 Long Term Equity Incentive Plan2012.

        On March 19, 2008, the Committee approved 2008 equity incentive grants for Company executives, including the NEOs. The grants to the NEOs are similar in structure to the 2007 grants and are comprised of a mix of restricted stock and performance units issued under the 2006 Long Term Equity Incentive Plan. All of the awards have restrictions that lapse as to one-third of the number of shares on each anniversary date of the grant (April 2, 2008). Further, the performance units are also subject to the vesting requirement that the Company meet or exceed a 2008 Company financial threshold. Although there is no additional equity award if the financial threshold is overachieved, a partial award of the performance units vests if between 90% and 100% of the threshold is satisfied. The 2008 equity incentive grants to the NEOs are as follows:

 
 Restricted
Stock

 Performance
Units

E.R. Autry. Jr.  0 0
Grant H. Beard 15,400 42,000
Lynn A. Brooks 5,500 15,000
Jeffrey B. Paulsen 5,500 15,000
Edward L. Schwartz 7,000 16,000
Executive Group (1) 48,400 124,000
Non-executive Director Group (2) 0 0
Non-executive Officer Employee Group (3)(4) 51,600 126,000

(1)
Eight eligible participants in the 2006 Long Term Equity Incentive Plan.

(2)
Five eligible participants in the 2006 Long Term Equity Incentive Plan.

(3)
Fifty-five eligible participants in the 2006 Long Term Equity Incentive Plan.

(4)
Consists of all employees, including current officers who are not executive officers, as a group.

The per share closing price of the Company's common stock on March 31, 2008 was $5.27.


Benefits and Retirement Programs

        The named executive officersConsistent with our overall philosophy, the NEOs are eligible to participate in benefit plans that are available to substantially all the Company's employees, includingemployees. These programs include participation in the Company's retirement program (comprised of a 401(k) savings component and a quarterly contribution component), and in our medical, dental, vision, group life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance programs.

        The Company makes matching contributions for active participants in the 401(k) savings component in which each of the named executive officers participates, equal to 25% of theirthe participants' permitted contributions, up to a maximum of 5% of the participant's eligible compensation. In addition, for most employees (including the named executive officers) the Company may contribute up to an additional 25% of matching contributions based on the Company's annual financial performance.

        Under the terms of the quarterly contribution component, the Company contributes to the employee's plan account at the end of each quarter with an amount determined as a percentage of the employee's pay.base pay upon an employee's eligibility following one year of employment. The percentage is based on the employee's age and for salaried employees, ranges from 1.0% for employees under the age of 30 to 4.5% for employees age 50 orand over. For 2007,2010, Mr. AutryZeffiro received 3.0%, Mr. Sherbin received 4.0%, Mr. Benson received 4.5%, Mr. Wathen received 4.5% beginning February 2010 and the other named executive officers received 4.0%, except Mr. Brooks who received 6.0%7.0% due to a supplemental legacy benefit.


Executive Retirement Program

        The Company's executive retirement program provides senior managers including the NEOs, a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan and a Compensation Limit Restoration Plan. These plans providewith retirement benefits in addition to those provided under the Company's qualified retirement plans and are offered by theplans. The Company offers these programs to enhance the competitiveness of total executive pay.

        Under the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan ("SERP"), the Company makes a contribution to each participant's account at the end of each quarter with the amount determined as a fixed percentage of the employee's eligible compensation. The percentage is based on the employee's age on the date of original participation in the plan (6.0% for Mr.Messrs. Brooks and for Mr. Autry, andWathen, 4.0% for the other NEOs)Messrs. Sherbin and Zeffiro, and Mr. Benson does not participate). Contributions vest 100% after five years of eligible employment. Immediate vesting in the Company's contributions occurs upon attainment of retirement age death or disability.death.

        The Compensation Limit Restoration Plan ("CLRP") provides benefits to senior managers in the form of Company contributions which would have been payable under the quarterly contribution component of the Company's tax-qualified retirement plan, but for tax limits on the reductionamount of pay that can be considered in recognizable compensation to $225,000 (as of December 31, 2007, as adjusted by the Internal Revenue Service from time to time) as required by the Code.a qualified plan. There are no employee contributions permitted under this plan. Company contributions under the CLRP vary as a percent of eligible compensation based on the employee's age.

        Effective January 1, 2007, the qualified retirement plans vesting provisions were modified to accommodate requirements under the Pension Protection Act of 2006. The vesting schedule for the Plans changed from 100% vesting upon completion of five-years of service for all contributions, to 100% vesting upon completion of three years for contributions made after January 1, 2007. In 2010, the Committee harmonized the vesting schedule for the Compensation Limit Restoration Plan are based on a percentage of an employee's eligible compensation as determined byto the employee's age. Contributionsthree-year period reflected in the qualified plan. For this reason, contributions made before 2010 vest 100% after five years of eligible employment. Contributions made in or after 2010 vest 100% after three years of eligible employment. Immediate vesting in the Company's contributions occurs upon attainment of retirement age death or disability.death.

        Mr. Brooks may beIn 2010, the Company implemented an elective deferral compensation feature to supplement the existing executive retirement program. For fiscal years beginning in 2011, an employee eligible to receive supplemental medical benefits for himselfSERP contributions may elect to defer up to 25% of his or her base pay and up to 100% of his surviving spouse.or her bonus. This plan is intended to encourage the continued employment and diligent service of plan participants.

TriMas Corporation Benefit Restoration Pension Plan

        Mr. Beard and Mr. Brooks participateparticipates in the TriMas Corporation Benefit Restoration Plan ("Benefit Restoration Plan"), which is an unfunded non-qualified retirement plan. The Benefit Restoration Plan provides for benefits that were not able to be provided to certain executives in the Metaldyne Pension Plan (a plan adopted by the Company's predecessor) because of the Code limitationstax limits on compensation that may be considered in a qualified pension plan. The TriMas Corporation Benefit Restoration Plan was frozen as of December 31, 2002.

        Under the frozen Benefit Restoration Plan, which consists of a pension and a profit sharing component, each of Mr. Beard and Mr. Brooks is eligible to receive a retirement benefit in addition to those provided under the Company's other plans. Upon termination on or after age 65, each55, Mr. Brooks is entitled to receive a specified pension benefit annually, the age 65 present value of which is reflected in the "Retirement Benefits" table below. Mr. Beard is also eligible to receive a profit sharing benefit in the form of a lump sum payment as reflected in the "Executive Retirement Program" table below.table.


Perquisites

        Effective January 1, 2010, the Compensation Committee implemented a Flexible Cash Allowance Policy. Under this program certain executives receive a quarterly cash allowance in lieu of other Company provided perquisites. Eligibility and amounts of the cash allowance are reviewed annually by the Compensation Committee, and adjusted as it considers necessary.

        For the fiscal year 2010, the NEOs received the following cash allowances:

    President and Chief Executive Officer; Chief Financial Officer; President, Packaging Systems; General Counsel—$55,000

    President, Cequent Performance Products—$25,000

        The same cash allowance levels will remain in place in 2011 for participating executives, including the NEOs.

        The Company provides the NEOs with the following perquisites: supplemental universal life insurance, auto allowance, private club membership,continues to make executive health screening, tax reimbursements and, in the case of Mr. Beard for 2006, personal use of the Company's owned and leased aircraft. For 2006, Mr. Beard was taxed on the value ofphysical examinations available to its officers. The Compensation Committee considers this usage accordingpractice to be a direct benefit to the Code. In 2007, Mr. Beard directly reimbursed the Company for the actual cost of his personal use of the Company's owned and leased aircraft (inclusive of operational expenses, crew costs, fuel surcharges, catering, landing fees and federal excise taxes).Company.

Change in Control and Severance Based Compensation

        The NEOs andCertain of the Company's other Section 16 officersNEOs are covered by the Company's Executive Severance/Change in Control Policy. The Policy requires the Company to make severance payments to ana covered executive if his or her employment is terminated under certain circumstances, as described in greater detail elsewhere in this proxy statement.below under "Post-Employment Compensation."

        Although a significant part of compensation for the Company's executives is performance-based and largely contingent upon achievement of aggressive financial goals, the Executive Severance/Change in Control Policy provides important protection to certain of the Section 16Company's executive officers. The Committee believes that offering this program is consistent with market practices, assures the Company can both attract and retain executive talent, and will assist with management stability and continuity in the face of a possible business combination.

Accounting and Tax Effects

        The impact of accounting treatment is considered in developing and implementing the Company's compensation programs generally, including the accounting treatment as it applies to amounts awarded or paid to the Company's executives.

        The impact of federal tax laws on the Company's compensation programs is also considered, including the deductibility of compensation paid to the NEOs, as regulated by Section 162(m) of the Code. Most of the Company's compensation programs are designed to qualify for deductibility under Section 162(m), but to preserve flexibility in administering compensation programs, not all amounts paid under all of the Company's compensation programs qualify for deductibility.

        Likewise, the impact of Section 409A of the Code is taken into account, and the Company's executive plans and programs are, in general, designed to comply with the requirements of that section so as to avoid possible adverse tax consequences that may result from noncompliance with Section 409A.

        Stock Options.    In general, the grant of a stock option will not be a taxable event to the recipient and it will not result in a tax deduction to the Company. The tax consequences associated with the exercise of an option and the subsequent disposition of shares of common stock acquired on the exercise of such option depend on whether the option is an incentive stock option ("ISO") or a non-qualified stock option ("NQSO").

        Upon the exercise of an NQSO, the optionee will recognize ordinary taxable income equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares of common stock received upon exercise over the exercise price. The Company will generally be able to claim a deduction in an equivalent amount. Any gain or loss upon a subsequent sale or exchange of the shares of common stock will be capital gain or loss, long-term or short-term, to the optionee, depending on the holding period for the shares of common stock.

        Generally, an optionee will not recognize ordinary taxable income at the time of exercise of an ISO and no deduction will be available to the Company, provided the option is exercised while the optionee is an employee or within three months following termination of employment (longer, in the case of termination of employment by reason of disability or death). If an ISO granted under the 2006 Long Term Equity Incentive Plan is exercised after these periods, the exercise will be treated for



federal income tax purposes asStock Ownership Guidelines for Executives

        To further align the exerciseinterests of an NQSO. Also, an ISO granted underexecutives with those of shareholders, the 2006 Long Term Equity Incentive Plan will be treated as an NQSO to the extent it (together with any other ISOs granted under other plans of the Company) first becomes exercisable in any calendar year for the shares of common stock having a fair market value, determined as of the date of grant, in excess of $100,000.

        If shares of common stock acquired upon exercise of an ISO are sold or exchanged more than one year after the date of exercise and more than two years after the date of grant of the option, any gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss to the optionee. If shares of common stock acquired upon exercise of an ISO are disposed of prior to the expiration of these one-year to two-year holding periods (a "Disqualifying Disposition"), the optionee will recognize ordinary income at the time of disposition, and The Company will generally be able to claim a deduction, in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares of common stock at the date of exercise over the option price. Any additional gain will be treated as capital gain, long-term or short-term, depending on how long the shares of common stock have been held. Where shares of common stock are sold or exchanged in a Disqualifying Disposition) other than certain related party transactions) for an amount less then their fair market value at the date of exercise, any ordinary income recognized in connection with the Disqualifying Disposition will be limited to the amount of gain, if any, recognized in the sale or exchange, and any loss will be a long-term or short-term capital loss, depending on how long the shares of common stock have been held.

        Although the exercise of an ISO as described above would not produce ordinary taxable income to the optionee, it would result in an increase in the optionee's alternative minimum taxable income and may result in an alternative minimum tax liability. No options were granted in 2007 and no options are currently outstanding under the 2006 Long Term Equity Incentive Plan.

        The Company has no practice of timing option grants or restricted stock awards to coordinate with the release of material non-public information, and the Company has not timed the release of material non-public information for the purpose of affecting the value of NEO compensation.

        Given its relatively new status as a publicly-traded company, theCompensation Committee has not yet adopted stock ownership guidelines for certain executives, policies against hedging,including the NEOs. The guidelines are expressed as a multiple of base salary, as set forth below:

President and Chief Executive Officer

5x

CFO; General Counsel

3x

Other executives, as determined by the Compensation Committee (including the President, Packaging Systems and President, Cequent Performance Products)

2x

        As executives have five years to meet these ownership guidelines from the time of adoption by the Compensation Committee, the Compensation Committee will not evaluate compliance until 2014. New executives designated as participants will have five years from the time they are named to a qualifying position to meet the ownership guidelines. Adherence to these guidelines will be measured each year on January 1, using the executive's base salary and the value of the executive's holdings and stock price on such day. Once an executive attains the required ownership level, the executive will not be considered to fall out of compliance solely due to subsequent stock price declines.

        The following equity holdings count towards satisfaction of the guidelines:

    Shares owned (or beneficially owned) by the executive, including shares acquired upon exercise of stock options or acquired through any Company employee benefit plans;

    Time-vesting restricted stock or restricted stock units, whether vested or not; and

    Vested, in the money stock options.

        Prior to attaining sufficient shares to satisfy the guidelines, executives must retain shares having a value equal to at least 50% of the after-tax gain recognized with respect to the exercise of stock options, sale of vested restricted stock or other disposition with respect to any equity awards granted under the Company's equity incentive plans.

        The Compensation Committee has the discretion to consider non-compliance with the guidelines in determining whether or the extent to which future equity awards should be granted and may require all stock attained through Company grants be retained until the guidelines are satisfied.

Recoupment Policy

        In 2009, the Compensation Committee implemented a recoupment (also known as a clawback) policy. However, it expectspolicy subjecting incentive compensation and grants under the Company's equity plans to considerexecutive officers and implement such policiesbusiness unit presidents to potential recoupment. The Board has the authority to trigger recoupment in the futureevent of a material financial restatement or manipulation of a financial measure on which compensation is based where the employee's intentional misconduct contributed to the restatement or manipulation and, but for such misconduct, a lesser amount of compensation would have been paid. The Compensation Committee will reevaluate and, if necessary, revise the Company's recoupment policy to comply with the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act once the rules implementing the recoupment requirements have been finalized by the SEC.

Employment Arrangements

        The terms of Mr. Wathen's employment with the Company are contained in a letter agreement dated January 12, 2009, a copy of which the Company timely filed with the SEC on a Current Report on Form 8-K. In addition to providing for base salary and bonus compensation as partdiscussed elsewhere in this Proxy Statement, the letter agreement provided for the grant to Mr. Wathen of the transition200,000 stock options upon his initial date of the executive compensation program.employment with pro-rata vesting over three years, consideration for an



additional equity grant in 2009, and a one-time bonus of $100,000 to be used by Mr. Wathen for the purchase on the open market, on an after tax basis, of Company common stock (which bonus was payable after Mr. Wathen confirmed his purchase of an additional $100,000 of Company stock during the first available open trading window).

        The letter agreement also provides for the following restricted stock unit grants to Mr. Wathen if the Company's closing stock price exceeds the thresholds listed below for any successive 75 day trading period within the first 36 months of Mr. Wathen's employment:

Threshold
 Number of
Restricted
Stock Units
 

$5.00

  25,000 

$10.00

  25,000 

$15.00

  25,000 

$20.00

  25,000 

$25.00

  25,000 

        All units earned under this program vest in increments of one-third over the three year period following each grant and require that he be employed by the Company on each respective vesting date.

Annual and Long Term Compensation

        The following table summarizes the annual and long-term compensation paid to the Company's Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial OfficerNEOs in 2010.

Name and Principal Position
 Year Salary
($)(1)
 Stock
Awards
($)(2)(3)(4)
 Option
Awards
($)(5)
 Non-Equity
Incentive
Plan
Compensation
($)(6)(7)(8)
 Change in
Pension
Value and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
($)(9)
 All Other
Compensation
($)
 Total
($)
 

David M. Wathen, President

  2010  683,400  886,400    1,443,800    130,400  3,144,000 
 

(principal executive officer)

  2009  656,800  138,400  106,500  775,000    110,400  1,787,100 

A. Mark Zeffiro,

  
2010
  
380,000
  
319,100
  
  
526,000
  
  
87,700
  
1,312,800
 
 

Chief Financial Officer

  2009  373,800  31,000  35,800  252,000    79,000  771,600 
 

(principal financial officer)

  2008  200,800  95,900    250,000    306,000  852,700 

Thomas M. Benson, President,

  
2010
  
303,800
  
52,100
  
  
208,300
  
  
45,700
  
609,900
 
 

Cequent Performance Products

  2009  311,500  31,800  14,900  260,700    25,600  644,500 

Lynn A. Brooks,

  
2010
  
424,800
  
98,600
  
  
394,200
  
33,900
  
118,900
  
1,070,400
 
 

President, Packaging Systems

  2009  400,800  56,400  28,800  420,300  14,800  150,900  1,072,000 

  2008  380,500  33,700    190,000  16,300  150,200  770,700 

Joshua A. Sherbin,

  
2010
  
360,000
  
227,800
  
  
310,800
  
  
89,800
  
988,400
 
 

Vice President,

  2009  363,500  21,500  34,800  175,000     94,100  688,900 
 

General Counsel

  2008  342,200  30,600    105,000    94,200  572,000 

(1)
During 2010 and three other most highly compensated executive officers who2008, there were serving at26 bi-weekly pay periods for Company employees paid on a bi-weekly basis, including the end of 2007, whom are referred to collectivelyNEOs. There were 27 bi-weekly pay periods for such employees in this report as the "named executive officers" or "NEOs":

Name and Principal Position
2009.

(2)
Year
Salary($)
Stock
Awards
($)(1)

Option
Awards
($)(2)

Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)(3)

Change in
Pension Value
and Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings($)(4)

All Other
Compensation($)

Total($)
Grant H. Beard,
President (principal
executive officer)
2007
2006
875,000
875,000
59,300
12,900
129,000
900,000
800,000
100
(200

)
222,400
343,500
2,069,700
2,147,300

E.R. Autry, Jr.,
Chief Financial Officer
(principal financial
officer)


2007
2006


354,200
330,000


26,100


24,600
121,800


200,000
250,000





143,300
86,100


748,200
787,900

Lynn A. Brooks,
President, Rieke Packaging
Systems Group


2007
2006


370,200
350,000


20,200


4,100
41,000


225,000
240,000


6,000
6,700


125,300
76,800


750,800
714,500

Jeffrey B. Paulsen,
President, Energy Products
and Industrial Specialties
Group


2007
2006


341,900


20,200





250,000





97,900


710,000

Edward L. Schwartz,
President, Recreational
Accessories and RV &
Trailer Products Group


2007
2006


370,200
350,000


21,400


7,600
57,500


325,000
245,000





83,200
56,400


807,400
708,900

(1)
All awards in this column relate to restricted stock granted under the 2002 Long Term Equity Incentive Plan and the 2006 Long Term Equity Incentive Plan and are calculated in accordance with SFAS 123R.Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 718, "Stock Compensation." The award earned reflects the grantgrants of restricted stock awards or units, as approved by the Compensation Committee, on September 1, 2007.April 2, 2008, June 2, 2008, December 4, 2009, February 26, 2010, March 24, 2010 and October 21, 2010. The award does not include any performance units not earned. For 2010, also includes the full value of the 20% of Incentive Compensation Plan 2010 amounts earned required to be paid in restricted stock, with the number of shares determined based on the Company's closing stock price as the Company did not meet the requisite financial threshold in order for the performance units to vest.of March 1, 2011. See "Grants of Plan-Based Awards."

(3)
In connection with his joining the Company on January 13, 2009, Mr. Wathen was given the opportunity to earn restricted stock units in the event that the Company's closing stock price for any successive 75 trading day period within 36 months of his start date, exceeds five thresholds: $5.00; $10.00; $15.00; $20.00; and $25.00. For each threshold met, Mr. Wathen would earn 25,000 restricted stock units, up to a maximum of 125,000 should all five thresholds be met within the 36 month period. If earned, the restricted stock units would vest ratably over a three year period from the date of the grant. Mr. Wathen earned 50,000 restricted stock units during 2010, 25,000 on each of March 24, 2010 and October 21, 2010, respectively, as the Company's closing stock price met the requirements for the $5.00 and $10.00 thresholds as of those dates.

(2)(4)
RepresentsOn February 26, 2010, Messrs. Sherbin and Zeffiro were granted restricted stock units under the Company's 2006 Long Term Equity Incentive Plan valued at $200,100 and $150,100, respectively, based on the Company's common stock closing price on the grant date, to better align the recipients' long term incentive compensation expense, calculatedwith the market. The restricted stock units vest three years following the date of grant and will be settled in accordance with SFAS 123R relatedcash based on the closing price as of the vest date.

(5)
All awards in this column relate to stock options granted under the 2002 Long Term Equity Incentive Plan prior to 2006.and the 2006 Long Term Equity Incentive Plan. This amount represents the full grant date fair value as calculated in accordance with ASC Topic 718, "Stock Compensation."

(3)(6)
Annual Value CreationIncentive Compensation Plan payments are made in the year subsequent to which they were earned. Amounts earned under the 2007 Annual Value Creation2010 Incentive Compensation Plan were approved by the Compensation Committee on February 25, 200824, 2011 and were paid out shortly thereafter. For 2010, amount includes the cash-paid portion of the award. For 2009, amount includes both the cash-paid portion of the award and the amount the NEO elected to receive in restricted stock. For 2008, amounts awarded under the ICP were payable only in cash and are included herein.

(4)(7)
For Mr. Wathen, includes a one-time cash bonus of $100,000 in 2009 pursuant to his offer letter on January 12, 2009, which was to be used for the purchase on the open market, on an after-tax basis, of Company common stock. For Mr. Zeffiro, includes a one-time cash bonus of $100,000 in 2008 upon employment with the Company.

(8)
For Messrs. Wathen and Zeffiro, 2010 includes a special one-time cash award of $150,000 and $50,000, respectively, granted by the Compensation Commitee on February 26, 2010 in recognition of their leadership and performance, which was to be used for the purchase on the open market, on an after-tax basis, of Company common stock.

(9)
The benfitsbenefits of the TriMas Benefit Restoration Plan were frozen as of December 31, 2002. Therefore, the above amounts represent only the change in actuarial present value of that frozen benefit.

        Following is further detail on the NEOs' other compensation:

Name

Year
Auto
Allowance
($)

Club
Membership
($)

Life and
Disability
Insurance
Premiums
($)

Non-
Business
Owned and
Leased
Aircraft
Usage($)(2)

Tax
Reimburse-
ments($)

Company
Contributions
in Retirement
and 401(k)
Plans($)(1)

Total($)
Grant H. Beard2007
2006
25,100
24,800
42,500
54,700
23,700
23,600

122,200
55,500
45,300
75,600
72,900
222,400
343,500

E.R. Autry, Jr. 


2007
2006


25,300
25,000


18,600
14,700


26,100





31,300
6,700


42,000
39,700


143,300
86,100

Lynn A. Brooks


2007
2006


27,500
27,500





26,700





19,900
400


51,200
48,900


125,300
76,800

Jeffrey B. Paulsen


2007
2006


25,600


27,600


7,100





24,400


13,200


97,900

Edward L. Schwartz


2007
2006


25,700
24,100


6,700


7,200





8,800
3,300


34,800
29,000


83,200
56,400

Name
 Year Perquisite
Allowance
($)
 Auto
Allowance
($)
 Club
Membership
($)
 Life and
Disability
Insurance
Premiums
($)
 Non-Business
Owned and
Leased
Aircraft
Useage
($)(1)
 Tax
Reimbursements
($)
 Relocation
Benefit
($)(2)
 Company
Contributions
in Retirement
and 401(k)
Plans
($)(3)
 Total
($)
 

David M. Wathen

  2010  55,000              75,400  130,400 

  2009        24,500    27,600  15,800  42,500  110,400 

A. Mark Zeffiro

  
2010
  
55,000
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
32,700
  
87,700
 

  2009    15,000  8,300  8,000    22,300    25,400  79,000 

  2008    8,800  47,500  4,000  6,800  119,300  113,200  6,400  306,000 

Thomas M. Benson

  
2010
  
25,000
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
20,700
  
45,700
 

  2009                25,600  25,600 

Lynn A. Brooks

  
2010
  
55,000
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
63,900
  
118,900
 

  2009    16,900    36,000    37,600    60,400  150,900 

  2008    16,250    36,000    43,350    54,600  150,200 

Joshua A. Sherbin

  
2010
  
55,000
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
34,800
  
89,800
 

  2009    15,000  11,900  8,500    25,100    33,600  94,100 

  2008    12,500  15,000  8,500    29,800    28,400  94,200 

(1)
For Mr. Beard,Zeffiro, reflects the actual value attributable to the use of the Company's aircraft, inclusive of fuel, pilot time and all fees and expenses incurred.

(2)
In connection with Mr. Wathen joining the Company in 2009, his responsibilities required the cancellation of non-refundable personal travel for which the Company reimbursed him.

(3)
For Mr. Wathen, amounts comprised of $61,000$58,400 in 20072010 and $59,200$39,400 in 20062009 under the TriMas Executive Retirement Program and $14,600$17,000 in 20072010 and $13,700$3,100 in 20062009 under the TriMas Corporation Salaried Retirement Program; for Mr. Autry, amounts comprised of $26,300Zeffiro, $19,300 in 20072010, $14,400 in 2009 and $24,800$4,700 in 20062008 under the TriMas Executive Retirement Program and $15,700$13,400 in 20072010, $10,400 in 2009 and $14,900

    $1,700 in 20062008 under the TriMas Corporation Salaried Retirement Program; for Mr. Benson, amounts comprised of $2,600 in 2010 and $3,900 in 2009 under the TriMas Executive Retirement Program and $18,100 in 2010 and $18,000 in 2009 under the TriMas Corporation Salaried Retirement Program; for Mr. Brooks, amounts comprised of $30,200$38,100 in 20072010, $35,000 in 2009 and $28,800$32,100 in 20062008 under the TriMas Executive Retirement Program and $21,000$25,800 in 20072010, $25,400 in 2009 and $20,100$22,500 in 20062008 under the TriMas Corporation Salaried Retirement Program; for Mr. PaulsenSherbin, amounts comprised of $10,400$19,000 in 20072010, $18,200 in 2009 and $0$14,400 in 20062008 under the TriMas Executive Retirement Program and $2,800$15,800 in 20072010, $15,400 in 2009 and $0$14,000 in 20062008 under the TriMas Corporation Salaried Retirement Program; and for Mr. Schwartz, amounts comprised of $20,200 in 2007 and $17,400 in 2006 under the TriMas Executive Retirement Program and $14,600 in 2007 and $11,600 in 2006 under the TriMas Corporation Salaried Retirement program.Program. See "—Compensation Components—BenefitComponents-Benefit and Retirement Programs."

    (2)
    Derived from invoices received from the third party provider of the aircraft for Mr. Beard's non-business air travel.

Grants of Plan-Based Awards

        Annual Value Creation Plan payments are calculated as a percentage of the participant's base salary. If the prescribed performance targets are fully satisfied for the NEO participants, the percentage of base salary to be awarded under the Annual Value Creation Plan is as follows: President and Chief Executive Officer—100%; and Chief Financial Officer and Group Presidents—70%. If the actual performance relevant to an executive participant's performance exceeds the prescribed performance targets, the executive participant's Annual Value Creation Plan earn-out can exceed the stated salary percentages. However, no payment will be made for any award component when actual performance for that component falls below 80% of the relevant objective and no Annual Value Creation Plan awards are paid if the Company's Annual Value Creation Plan Adjusted EBITDA falls below 50% of the objective in a given year. The table below sets forth the estimated future Annual Value Creation Plan payments for each of the Company's named executive officers based on their 2007 salaries.

        For 2007, the Company achieved Annual Value Creation Plan Adjusted EBITDA of $193.3 million, or 102.9% of the corporate performance objective, the Recreational Accessories and RV & Trailer Products groups achieved 103.1% of their combined group performance objective ($60.1 million target, $62.0 million actual), the Packaging Systems group achieved 88.9% of its group performance objective ($56.0 million target, $49.8 million actual), and the Industrial Specialties and Energy Products groups achieved 99.6% of their group performance objective ($78.4 million target, $78.1 million actual). The Committee did not award Mr. Autry the personal performance component of his 2007 Annual Value



Creation Plan payment. For 2007, the Committee awarded Mr. Beard and Mr. Schwartz 97% and 129%, respectively, of the personal objective payment under the Annual Value Creation Plan.

 
  
  
 Estimated Future Payouts
Under Non-Equity Incentive
Plan Awards

 All Other
Stock Awards:
Number of
Shares of
Stock or Units
(#)

  
  
 
  
  
  
 Grant Date
Fair Value
of Stock and
Unit
Awards($)

 
  
  
 Closing
Price on
Grant Date
($/share)

Name

 Grant Type
 Grant
Date

 Threshold
($)

 Target
($)

 Maximum
($)

Grant H. Beard Annual Value Creation Plan(1)   $218,750 $875,000 $2,100,00       
  Time Vested Restricted Stock(2) 9/01/2007          25,000 $12.26 59,300
  Performance Unit(2) 9/01/2007          42,000 $12.26 

E.R. Autry, Jr. 

 

Annual Value Creation Plan(1)

 

 

 

$

90,000

 

$

252,000

 

$

604,800

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Time Vested Restricted Stock(2) 9/01/2007          11,000 $12.26 26,100
  Performance Unit(2) 9/01/2007          18,480 $12.26 

Lynn A. Brooks

 

Annual Value Creation Plan(1)

 

 

 

$

93,750

 

$

262,500

 

$

630,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Time Vested Restricted Stock(2) 9/01/2007          8,500 $12.26 20,200
  Performance Unit(2) 9/01/2007          14,280 $12.26 

Jeffrey B. Paulsen

 

Annual Value Creation Plan(1)

 

 

 

$

87,500

 

$

245,000

 

$

588,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Time Vested Restricted Stock(2) 9/01/2007          8,500 $12.26 20,200
  Performance Unit(2) 9/01/2007          14,280 $12.26 

Edward L. Schwartz

 

Annual Value Creation Plan(1)

 

 

 

$

93,750

 

$

262,500

 

$

630,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Time Vested Restricted Stock(2) 9/01/2007          9,000 $12.26 21,400
  Performance Unit(2) 9/01/2007          15,120 $12.26 
 
  
  
 Estimated Future Payouts
Under Non-Equity
Incentive Plan Awards
 All Other
Stock
Awards:
Number of
Shares of
Stock or
Units (#)
  
 Grant Date
Fair Value
of Stock
and Unit
Awards
($)
 
 
  
  
 Closing
Price on
Grant Date
($/share)
 
Name
 Grant
Type
 Grant
Date
 Threshold
($)
 Target
($)
 Maximum
($)
 

David M. Wathen

 Incentive Compensation Plan(1)     38,100  761,000  1,617,200          

 Restricted Stock Unit(2)  3/24/2010           25,000  6.95  173,800 

 Restricted Stock Unit(2)  10/21/2010           25,000  15.57  389,300 

 Restricted Stock Unit(2)  N/A           75,000     

A. Mark Zeffiro

 

Incentive Compensation Plan(1)

     
14,000
  
280,000
  
595,000
          

 Restricted Stock Unit(3)  2/26/2010           32,850  6.09  200,100 

Thomas M. Benson

 

Incentive Compensation Plan(1)

     
7,800
  
155,000
  
310,000
          

Lynn A. Brooks

 

Incentive Compensation Plan(1)

     
14,000
  
279,000
  
558,000
          

Joshua A. Sherbin

 

Incentive Compensation Plan(1)

     
9,300
  
185,000
  
393,200
          

 Restricted Stock Unit(3)  2/26/2010           24,640  6.09  150,100 

(1)
The amounts above in the Estimated Future Payouts under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards are based on awards pursuant to the current base salary ofIncentive Compensation Plan for each NEO as of December 31, 2007.2010. While each NEO is required to receive 20% of their award in restricted stock, which vests on the first anniversary of the payment of the cash portion, the above figures include 100% of the threshold, target and maximum awards pursuant to the plan. Upon approval of the total ICP award by the Compensation Committee, 80% of the award value would be paid in cash while 20% would be awarded in restricted stock based on the Company's then current stock price. The threshold payout is based on 25%the largest percentage payout of base salary,the smallest metric is the NEO's composite target bonus and the target award is 100% of base salary for Mr. Beard and 70%a specified dollar figure for each of the other NEOs, and theNEO. The maximum estimated possible payout for each participant is equal to 240% of base salary.maximum attainment for each metric.

(2)
The Incentive 2007 grants ofIn connection with his joining the Company on January 13, 2009, Mr. Wathen was given the opportunity to earn restricted stock units in the event that the Company's closing stock price for any successive 75 trading day period within 36 months of his start date, exceeds five thresholds: $5.00; $10.00; $15.00; $20.00; and performance$25.00. For each threshold met, Mr. Wathen would earn 25,000 restricted stock units, up to a maximum of 125,000 should all five thresholds be met within the named executive officers36 month period. If earned, the restricted stock units would vest ratably over a three year period from the date of the grant. Mr. Wathen earned 50,000 restricted stock units during 2010, 25,000 on each of March 24, 2010 and October 21, 2010, respectively, as the Company's closing stock price met the requirements for the $5.00 and $10.00 thresholds as of those dates.

(3)
On February 26, 2010, Messrs. Zeffiro and Sherbin were madegranted 32,850 and 24,640, respectively, restricted stock units under the Company's 2006 Long Term Equity Incentive Plan. AllPlan based on the Company's common stock closing price on the grant date, to better align the recipients' long term incentive compensation with the market. The restricted stock units vest three years following the date of grant and will be settled in cash based on the closing price as of the awards have restrictions that lapse as to one-third of the number of shares on each anniversary date of the grant (September 1, 2007). Further, the performance units would vest on this schedule only if the Company first met or exceeded the 2007 Adjusted Recurring EBITDA threshold of $159 million (as with the Annual Value Creation Plan, the Committee determined that assessing EBITDA subject to adjustments was the appropriate method by which to measure results). If the 2007 financial target was exceeded, the Committee provided for the grant of up to 68% of additional performance units, adjusted in proportion to the overachievement of the Adjusted Recurring EBITDA target. However, because the 2007 Adjusted Recurring EBITDA target was not achieved, the performance units did not vest and were forfeited.date.

Outstanding Equity Awards

        The following table summarizes the outstanding equity awards to the named executive officers as of December 31, 2007:2010:

 
  
 Option Awards
Name

 All Other
Stock
Awards:
Number of
Shares of
Stock or Units
(1)

 Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
Exercisable

 Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
Unexercisable

 Equity
Incentive
Plan Award:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options(2)

 Option
Exercise
Price

 Option
Expiration
Date

Grant H. Beard 25,000 25,512 25,513  20.00 6/5/2012
    277,750 166,650 111,100 20.00 6/5/2012
E.R. Autry, Jr.  11,000 5,555 3,333 2,222 20.00 6/30/2013
    5,555 3,333 2,222 20.00 1/31/2014
    38,890 2,593 36,297 23.00 1/31/2015
Lynn A. Brooks 8,500 7,654 7,654  20.00 6/5/2012
    88,880 53,328 35,552 20.00 6/5/2012
Jeffrey B. Paulsen 8,500       
Edward L. Schwartz 9,000 55,550 33,330 22,220 20.00 2/28/2013
    12,500 833 11,667 23.00 2/28/2015

 
 Option Awards Share Awards 
Name
 Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
Exercisable
 Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
Unexercisable(1)
 Option
Exercise
Price
($)
 Option
Expiration
Date
 Number
of Shares or
Units of Stock
that have not
Vested
(#)(2)
 Market Value
of Shares or
Units of Stock
that have not
Vested
$(3)
 Equity
Incentive
Plan Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares,
Units
or Other
Rights
that have not
Vested
(#)(4)
 Equity
Incentive
Plan Awards:
Market Value
or Payout
of Shares,
Units
or Other
Rights
that have not
Vested
$(3)
 

David M. Wathen

  66,666  133,334  1.38  1/12/2019  76,620  1,567,650  75,000  1,534,500 

A. Mark Zeffiro

  
30,000
  
60,000
  
1.01
  
3/8/2019
  
42,810
  
875,890
  
  
 

Thomas M. Benson

  
26,664
  
6,666
  
23.00
  
9/30/2015
  
7,177
  
146,840
  
  
 

  5,000  25,000  1.01  3/8/2019         

Lynn A. Brooks

  
193,068
  
  
20.00
  
6/5/2012
  
12,674
  
259,310
  
  
 

  24,166  48,334  1.01  3/8/2019         

Joshua A. Sherbin

  
44,000
  
11,000
  
23.00
  
3/31/2015
  
30,447
  
622,950
  
  
 

  29,166  58,334  1.01  3/8/2019         

(1)
Stock options that have been granted under the 2006 and 2002 Long Term Equity Incentive Plans vest over a period of three to seven years.

(2)
All awards in this column relate to restricted stock and performance unit grants awarded on September 1, 2007 under the 2006 Long Term Equity Incentive Plan. All restricted stock granted in 20072008 vests over the three-year period beginning on the date of the respective grant with one-third of the grant being vested on a pro-rata basis over each of the three years following the respective grant date. As the Company did not meet the financial threshold required forThe performance units awardedgranted in 20072009 vest over the period from grant date (December 4, 2009) to March 15, 2011. The restricted stock units granted on February 26, 2010 vest they were cancelledafter three years from grant date. The restricted stock units granted on March 24, 2010 and October 21, 2010 vest ratably over the period from grant date.

(3)
The market value is based on the stock price as of December 31, 2007 and are not reflected in this column. The performance2010 ($20.46) multiplied by the number of share or unit awards.

(4)
In connection with his joining the Company on January 13, 2009, Mr. Wathen was given the opportunity to earn restricted stock units are included in the "Grantsevent that the Company's closing stock price for any successive 75 trading day period within 36 months of Plan Based Awards" table discussed above.

(2)
Stock options that have been granted underhis start date, exceeds five thresholds: $5.00; $10.00; $15.00; $20.00; and $25.00. For each threshold met, Mr. Wathen would earn 25,000 restricted stock units, up to a maximum of 125,000 should all five thresholds be met within the plan36 month period. If earned, the restricted stock units would vest ratably over a three year period from the date of three to seven years. 50%the grant. Mr. Wathen earned 50,000 restricted stock units during 2010, 25,000 on each of vested options became exercisable 180 days afterMarch 24, 2010 and October 21, 2010, respectively, as the Company's initial public offering, withclosing stock price met the remaining 50% becoming exercisable 360 days followingrequirements for the Company's initial public offering.$5.00 and $10.00 thresholds as of those dates.

Post-Employment CompensationRestricted Share Vesting in 2010

        AsThe following table sets forth information concerning the number of November 17, 2006, allshares of restricted stock awarded in prior years to NEOs with restrictions that lapsed in 2010 and the Company's Executive Officers, or Executives, are currently employedvalue of such shares at willthe time the restrictions lapsed.

Name
 Vesting Date Number of
Shares Acquired
on Vesting
(#)
 Value Realized
on Vesting
($)(1)
 

David M. Wathen

  3/15/2010  79,840  562,070 

A. Mark Zeffiro

  
3/15/2010
  
9,940
  
69,980
 

  6/2/2010  4,000  40,400 

Thomas M. Benson

  
3/15/2010
  
10,170
  
71,600
 

  4/2/2010  1,067  7,450 

  9/1/2010  1,334  18,690 

Lynn A. Brooks

  
3/15/2010
  
18,060
  
127,140
 

  4/2/2010  1,833  12,790 

  9/1/2010  2,834  39,700 

Joshua A. Sherbin

  
3/15/2010
  
6,900
  
48,580
 

  4/2/2010  1,667  11,640 

  9/1/2010  2,334  32,700 

(1)
Based on closing stock prices of $7.04 on March 15, 2010, $6.98 on April 1, 2010, $10.10 on June 2, 2010 and do not have employment agreements. Prior to November 17, 2006, the Company's Executives had employment agreements that were terminated in connection with the$14.01 on September 1, 2010.

Post-Employment Compensation

        The Company having institutedmaintains an Executive Severance/Change of Control Policy, or the Policy. The Policy applies to certain of the Company's executives including the NEOs.executives. The Policy states that each Executiveexecutive shall devote his or her full business time to the performance of his or her duties and responsibilities for the Company. The Policy requires the Company to make severance payments to an Executiveexecutive if his or her employment is terminated under certain circumstances.

        If the Company terminates the employment of the President and Chief Executive Officer's employmentOfficer for any reason other than for cause, disability, or death, or if the President and Chief Executive Officer terminates his or her employment for good reason, the Company will provide the President and Chief Executive Officer with two years' annual base salary, Annual Value CreationIncentive Compensation Plan bonus payments equal to one year's bonus at his or her target bonus level in effect on the date of termination (paid in equal installments over two years), any Annual Value CreationIncentive Compensation Plan bonus payment that has been declared for the President and Chief Executive Officer but not paid, his or her pro-rated Annual Value CreationIncentive Compensation Plan bonus for the year of termination through the date of termination based on his or her target bonus level, immediate vesting upon the termination date of any equity awards under the 2002 Long Term Equity Plan and a pro rata portion of equity awards under all subsequent plans through the termination date, executive level outplacement services for up to 12 months, and continued medical benefits for up to 24 months following the termination date. Mr. Beard'sThe President and Chief Executive Officer's termination based compensation is higher than that of other executive officers in the interest of keeping with the Company policy of compensating executive officers at levels that correspond with their levels of responsibility.

        If the Company terminates the employment of any Executive'scovered executive (excluding the President and Chief Executive Officer) employment for any reason other than cause, disability, or death, or if the Executive executive



terminates his or her employment for good reason, the Company will provide the Executiveexecutive with one yearyear's annual base salary, Annual Value CreationIncentive Compensation Plan bonus payments equal to one year's bonus at his or her target bonus level in effect on the date of termination (paid in equal installments over one year), any Annual Value CreationIncentive Compensation Plan bonus payment that has been declared for the Executiveexecutive but not paid, his or her pro-rated Annual Value CreationIncentive Compensation Plan bonus for the year of termination through the date of termination based on his or her target bonus level, immediate vesting upon the termination date of any equity awards under the 2002 Long Term Equity Plan and a pro rata portion of equity awards under all subsequent plans through the termination date, executive level outplacement services for up to 12 months, and continued medical benefits for up to 12 months following the termination date.

        In the case of an Executive'sany covered executive's voluntary termination or termination for cause, the Company pays the Executiveexecutive the accrued base salary through termination plus earned, but unused vacation compensation. All other benefits cease as of the termination date. If an Executive'sexecutive's employment is terminated due to death, the Company pays the unpaid base salary as of the date of death, accrued but unpaid Annual Value CreationIncentive Compensation Plan compensation and vests in their entirety all of the Executive'sexecutive's outstanding equity awards. Other than continued participation in the Company's medical benefit plan for the Executive'sexecutive's dependents for up to 36 months, all other benefits cease as of the date of the Executive'sexecutive's death. If an Executiveexecutive is terminated due to becoming disabled, the Company pays the Executiveexecutive earned but unpaid base salary and Annual Value CreationIncentive Compensation Plan payments and vests in their entirety all of the Executive'sexecutive's outstanding equity awards. All other benefits cease as of the date of such termination in accordance with the terms of such benefit plans.


        In the case of a qualifying termination of an Executive'sany covered executive's (including the President and Chief Executive Officer) employment within three years of a change of control, then, in place of any other severance payment, the Company will provide the executive with a payment equal to 36 months of his or her base salary rate in effect at the date of termination, an Annual Value CreationIncentive Compensation Plan bonus payment equal to three years' bonus at his or her target bonus level in effect at the date of termination, any Annual Value CreationIncentive Compensation Plan bonus payment that has been declared for the Executiveexecutive but not paid, his or her pro-rated Annual Value CreationIncentive Compensation Plan bonus for the year of termination through the date of termination based on his or her target bonus level, immediate vesting upon the termination date of all unvested equity awards, executive level outplacement services for up to 12 months, and continued medical benefits for up to 36 months following the termination date provided that the timing of the foregoing payments will be made in compliance with Code Section 409A.

        For purposes of the policy, "Change of Control" is defined as follows:

      (1)
      the direct or indirect sale, transfer, conveyance or other disposition (other than by way of merger or consolidation), in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the Company's properties or assets, to any "person" (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) other than Heartland or any of its affiliates;

      (2)
      the adoption of a plan relating to the liquidation or dissolution of the Company (except as required to conform with Section 409A of the Code);

      (3)
      the consummation of any transaction (including, without limitation, any merger or consolidation) the result of which is that any "person" (as defined above), other than Heartland or any of its affiliates, or an otherwise defined permitted group, becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of the Company's common voting stock, measured by voting power rather than number of shares; or

      (4)
      the first day on which a majority of the members of the Board of Directors are not Continuing Directors. A "Continuing Director" means any member of the Board who

        (a) has been a member of the Board of Directors throughout the immediately preceding twelve (12) months, or (b) was nominated for election, or elected to the Board of Directors with the approval of the Continuing Directors who were members of the Board at the time of such nomination or election, or designated as a Director under the Company's Shareholders Agreement.

Change of Control is defined in a manner consistent with the definition in the indenture governing the Company's 973/84% senior subordinated notes due 2012.2017, filed as an exhibit to the Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 15, 2010.

        In addition, the Executive Severance/Change of Control Policy states that in return for these benefits, each executive covered under the Policy must refrain from competing against the Company for a period following termination that corresponds to the duration of any severance payments the executive would be entitled to receive or 24 months if no severance payments are payable.


        The tables below summarize the executive benefits and payments due to the President and Chief Executive Officer and other NEOs upon termination, both in connection with a termination (i) for any reason other than cause, disability, or death, or if the Executiveexecutive terminates his or her employment for good



reason ("Involuntary, not for cause") and (ii) in connection with a change of control. The tables assume that termination occurred on December 31, 2007.2010.

Executive Benefits and Payments upon
Termination for Chief Executive Officer

 Termination
involuntary,
not for cause

 Termination in
connection
with a change of
control

Base salary $1,750,000 $2,625,000
Annual Value Creation Plan bonus payments $875,000(3)$2,625,000
Value of restricted awards(1) $7,350 $264,750
Value of stock options(2) $0 $0
Outplacement services $50,000 $50,000
Medical benefits $27,000 $40,000
Total $2,709,350 $5,604,750

 
 Termination
involuntary, not for
cause or Executive
terminates for good
reason
$
 Termination
for cause
$
 Termination in
connection with a
change of control
$
 Death
$(4)
 Disability
$(5)
 

David M. Wathen

                

Cash payments(1)

  2,144,800    4,358,600  691,900  691,900 

Value of restricted stock(2)

  631,000  631,000  1,567,600  1,567,600  1,567,600 

Value of stock options(3)

  2,491,000  2,491,000  3,816,000  3,816,000  3,816,000 

Outplacement services

  50,000    50,000     

Medical benefits

  33,400    50,000  50,000   
            

Total

  5,350,200  3,122,000  9,842,200  6,125,500  6,075,500 
            

A. Mark Zeffiro

                

Cash payments(1)

  680,000    2,040,000  280,000  280,000 

Value of restricted stock(2)

  339,400  339,400  875,900  875,900  875,900 

Value of stock options(3)

  1,053,700  1,053,700  1,750,500  1,750,500  1,750,500 

Outplacement services

  30,000    30,000     

Medical benefits

  16,700    50,000  50,000   
            

Total

  2,119,800  1,393,100  4,746,400  2,956,400  2,906,400 
            

Thomas M. Benson

                

Cash payments(1)

           

Value of restricted stock(2)

  121,500  121,500  146,800  146,800  146,800 

Value of stock options(3)

  351,200  351,200  583,500  583,500  583,500 

Outplacement services

           

Medical benefits

           
            

Total

  472,700  472,700  730,300  730,300  730,300 
            

Lynn A. Brooks

                

Cash payments(1)

  709,500    2,128,500  279,000  279,000 

Value of restricted stock(2)

  214,700  214,700  259,300  259,300  259,300 

Value of stock options(3)

  937,600  937,600  1,498,900  1,498,900  1,498,900 

Outplacement services

  30,000    30,000     

Medical benefits

  16,700    50,000  50,000   
            

Total

  1,908,500  1,152,300  3,966,700  2,087,200  2,037,200 
            

Joshua A. Sherbin

                

Cash payments(1)

  555,000    1,665,000  185,000  185,000 

Value of restricted stock(2)

  238,600  238,600  622,900  622,900  622,900 

Value of stock options(3)

  1,024,400  1,024,400  1,701,900  1,701,900  1,701,900 

Outplacement services

  30,000    30,000     

Medical benefits

  16,700    50,000  50,000   
            

Total

  1,864,700  1,263,000  4,069,800  2,559,800  2,509,800 
            

(1)
Comprised of base salary as of December 31, 2010 and Incentive Compensation Plan payments.

(2)
Restricted stock valued at the market price of the Company's common stock of $10.59$20.46 at December 31, 2007. Mr. Beard2010. Messrs. Wathen, Zeffiro, Benson, Brooks and Sherbin had 2,77730,840, 16,587, 5,940, 10,494 and 11,664 shares, respectively, that would have been exercisablevested upon termination as of December 31, 2007,2010, and 25,000

    76,620, 42,810, 7,177, 12,674 and 30,447 shares, respectively, that would be exercisable upon a change of control.

    (2)
    All outstanding stock options have exercise prices in excess of their fair market values at December 31, 2007. Mr. Beard had 303,262 stock options that were exercisable as of December 31, 2007 and 606,525 stock options that would bebeen vested upon a change of control.

(3)
Payable in equal installments over two years.

Executive Benefits and
Payments upon Termination
for named executive officers
(other than CEO)

 E.R. Autry, Jr.
 Lynn A. Brooks
 Jeffrey A. Paulsen
 Edward L. Schwartz
 
 (1)
 (2)
 (1)
 (2)
 (1)
 (2)
 (1)
 (2)
Base Salary $360,000 $1,080,000 $375,000 $1,125,000 $350,000 $1,050,000 $375,000 $1,125,000
AVCP bonus payments $252,000 $756,000 $262,500 $787,500 $245,000 $735,000 $262,500 $787,500
Value of restricted stock(3) $12,941 $116,490 $9,997 $90,015 $9,997 $90,015 $10,590 $95,310
Value of stock options(4) $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $
Outplacement services $30,000 $30,000 $30,000 $30,000 $30,000 $30,000 $30,000 $30,000
Medical benefits $13,000 $40,000 $13,000 $40,000 $13,000 $40,000 $13,000 $40,000
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total $667,941 $2,022,490 $690,497 $2,072,515 $647,997 $1,945,015 $691,090 $2,077,810

(1)
Termination involuntary, not for cause. Base salary as of December 31, 2007.

(2)
Termination in connection with a change of control.

(3)
Restricted stockStock options valued at the market price of the Company's common stock of $10.59$20.46 at December 31, 2007. Mssrs. Autry,2010, less the respective exercise prices. Messrs. Wathen, Zeffiro, Benson, Brooks, Paulsen and SchwartzSherbin had 1,222, 944, 944130,556, 54,175, 44,722, 236,709 and 1,000 shares, respectively, that would have been exercisable upon termination as of December 31, 2007, and 11,000, 8,500, 8,500 and 9,000 shares, respectively, that would be exercisable upon a change of control.

(4)
All outstanding stock options have exercise prices in excess of their fair market values at December 31, 2007. Mssrs. Autry, Brooks, Paulsen and Schwartz had 50,000, 96,534, 0 and 68,05096,670 stock options, respectively, that were exercisable as of December 31, 2007,2010, and 100,000, 343,376, 0200,000, 90,000, 63,330, 265,568 and 136,100142,500 stock options, respectively, that would be vested upon a change of control.

(4)
With respect to death, the Policy provides that all obligations of the Company to make any further payments, except for accrued but unpaid salary and accrued but unpaid Incentive Compensation Plan awards, terminate as of the date of the Executive's death. Equity awards become 100% vested upon death. Executive's dependents are eligible to receive reimbursement for the employee portion of COBRA premiums for a period not to exceed thirty-six (36) months after the Executive's date of death.

(5)
With respect to disability, the Policy provides that all obligations of the Company to make any further payments, except for accrued but unpaid salary and accrued but unpaid annual incentive compensation plan awards, terminate on the earlier of (a) six (6) months after the disability related termination or (b) the date Executive receives benefits under the Company's long term disability program. Equity awards become 100% vested upon the disability termination.

        In addition, the Executive Severance/Change of Control Policy states that in return for these benefits, each Executiveexecutive covered under the Policy is required to refrain from competing against us for a period following termination that corresponds to the duration of any severance payments the Executiveexecutive would be entitled to receive or 24 months if no severance payments are payable.


        This employment policy may be modified by the Compensation Committee at any time, provided that the prior written consent of the Executiveexecutive is required if the modification adversely impacts the Executive.executive. Further, the Compensation Committee may amend or terminate the Policy at any time upon 12 months' written notice to any adversely affected Executive.executive.

Retirement Benefits

        The following table summarizes the Company's Benefit Restoration Plan actuarial present value for the partcipating named executive officers.participating NEO.

Name

 Plan Name
 Number of Years of Credited
Service

 Present Value of Accumulated
Benefit(1)

Grant H. Beard TriMas Benefit Restoration Plan 6 $21,200
Lynn A. Brooks TriMas Benefit Restoration Plan 28 $118,800

Name
 Plan Name Number of Years of
Credited
Service
 Present Value of
Accumulated
Benefit(1)

Lynn A. Brooks

 TriMas Benefit Restoration Plan 31 $183,800

(1)
The Benefits of the TriMas Benefits Restoration Pension Plan were frozen as of December 31, 2002. Any changes in the present value of the accumulated benefits represent only changes in actuarial assumptions used in calculating the present value of those benefits.

Executive Retirement Program

        The following table summarizes the activity in the nonqualified retirement plans for the Company's named executive officers:NEOs:

Name


Executive
Contributions
in
Last Fiscal
Year
($)

Registrant
Contributions in
Last Fiscal
Year
($)(1)

Aggregate
Earnings in
Last
Fiscal Year
($)(2)

Aggregate
Withdrawals/
Distributions
($)

Aggregate
Balance at
Last
Fiscal Year-
End
($)(3)

Grant H. Beard2007
2006

61,000
59,200
35,100
32,100

383,000
286,900
E.R. Autry, Jr. 2007
2006

26,300
24,800
3,400
1,700

70,400
40,700
Lynn A. Brooks2007
2006

30,200
28,800
9,200
9,400

159,800
120,400
Jeffrey B. Paulsen2007
2006

10,500
300

10,800
Edward L. Schwartz2007
2006

20,200
17,400
9,900
6,500

95,500 65,400

Name
 Year Executive
Contributions in
Last Fiscal Year
($)
 Registrant
Contributions in
Last Fiscal Year
($)(1)
 Aggregate
Earnings in Last
Fiscal Year
($)(2)
 Aggregate
Withdrawals/
Distributions
($)
 Aggregate
Balance at Last
Fiscal Year-End
($)
 

David M. Wathen

  2010    49,800  7,500    88,300 

  2009    28,500  2,500    31,000 

A. Mark Zeffiro

  
2010
  
  
15,600
  
5,100
  
  
44,000
 

  2009    14,400  4,300    23,300 

  2008    4,700  (100)   4,600 

Thomas M. Benson

  
2010
  
  
8,200
  
1,000
  
  
17,600
 

  2009    3,900  1,000    8,400 

Lynn A. Brooks

  
2010
  
  
36,500
  
35,000
  
  
302,300
 

  2009    33,000  47,500    230,800 

  2008    32,100  (41,600)   150,300 

Joshua A. Sherbin

  
2010
  
  
18,600
  
15,200
  
  
102,400
 

  2009    18,200  17,000    68,600 

  2008    14,400  (21,400)   33,400 

(1)
Represents the Company's contributions to the TriMas Executive Retirement Program. These contributions are included in the column titled "All Other Compensation" in the summary executive compensation table and under "Company Contributions in Retirement and 401K Plans" in the supplemental table.

(2)
In addition to earnings on the TriMas Executive Retirement Program, the amount for Mr. BeardBrooks includes earnings attributable to his participation in the Benefit Restoration Plan. Any changes in the value of the accumulated benefits represent only changes in average performance of the Fidelity Freedom Funds.

(3)
Includes amounts previously reported as compensation to the Company's executive officers for previous years.

        Contributions to the Executive Retirement Program are invested in accordance with each named executive officer'sNEO's directive based on the investment options in the Company's Corporation Retirement Program.retirement program. Investment directives can be amended by the participant at any time.



COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

        The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of TriMas Corporation has reviewed and discussed with management this Compensation Discussion and Analysis. Based on this review and discussion, it has recommended to the Board of Directors that this Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this proxy statement and in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of TriMas Corporation filed for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007.2010.

                        Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors
                        Eugene A. Miller, Chairman
                        Richard M. Gabrys
                        Marshall A. Cohen
                        Samuel Valenti III

                        Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors

                        Samuel Valenti III
                        Charles E. Becker
                        Eugene A. Miller


REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Fees Paid to Independent Auditor

        The Audit Committee represents and assistsfollowing table presents fees billed by KPMG for professional audit services rendered related to the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities for general oversight of the integrityaudits of the Company's annual financial statements. The Company's compliance with legalstatements for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and regulatory requirements, the independent registered public accounting firm's qualifications2008, and independence, the performance of the Company's internalfees for other services rendered by KPMG during those periods.

 
 2010
($)
 2009
($)
 2008
($)
 

Audit Fees

  1,614,500  1,857,000  2,424,300 

Audit-related Fees

  304,100  234,000   

Tax Fees

  20,200    66,900 

All Other Fees

       
        

Total

  1,938,800  2,091,000  2,491,200 

Audit and Audit-Related Fees

        Integrated audit function and independent registered public accounting firm, and risk assessment and risk management. The Audit Committee manages the Company's relationshipfees billed for services rendered in connection with the independent registered public accounting firm (which reports directly to the Audit Committee.) The Audit Committee has the authority to obtain advice and assistance from outside legal, accounting or other advisors as the Audit Committee deems necessary to carry out its duties and receives appropriate funding as determined by the Audit Committee from the Company for such advice and assistance.

        The Company's management is primarily responsible for the Company's internal control and financial reporting process. The Company's independent registered public accounting firm, KPMG, is responsible for performing an independent audit of the Company's consolidatedannual financial statements and issuing opinions on the conformity of reporting those audited financial statements with United States generally accepted accounting principles and the effectiveness of the Company's internal controlfinancial controls over financial reporting. The Audit Committee monitorsreporting were $1,614,500, $1,857,000, and $2,424,300 for 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. In 2010, audit-related fees of $304,100 were incurred primarily related to comfort letter procedures performed in connection with the Company's financial reporting process and reportsregistration statement fillings. In 2009, audit-related fees of $234,000 were incurred primarily related to the Board on its findings.Company's debt refinancing activities.

Tax Fees

        In this context,Except for the Audit Committee hereby reportsamounts disclosed above, there were no tax fees billed by KPMG during 2010, 2009 and 2008, as follows:the Company has retained another firm to provide tax advice.

        1.        The Audit Committee has revieweddetermined that the auditedrendering of all non-audit services by KPMG is compatible with maintaining such auditor independence.

        We have been advised by KPMG that neither the firm, nor any member of the firm, has any financial statement forinterest, direct or indirect, in any capacity in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007 with the Company's management;Company or its subsidiaries.

        2.Policy on Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Non-Audit Services of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

        The Audit Committee has discussed withis responsible for appointing, setting compensation and overseeing the work of the independent registered public accounting firm the matters required to be discussedfirm. The Audit Committee has established a policy regarding pre-approval of all audit and non-audit services provided by the Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended (Codificationindependent registered public accounting firm.


        On an ongoing basis, management communicates specific projects and categories of Statements on Auditing Standards, AU 380), as adoptedservice for which the advance approval of the Audit Committee is requested. The Audit Committee reviews these requests and advises management if the committee approves the engagement of the independent registered public accounting firm. No services are undertaken which are not pre-approved. On a periodic basis, management reports to the Audit Committee regarding the actual spending for such projects and services compared to the approved amounts. All of the services provided by our independent auditor in 2010, 2009 and 2008, including services related to audit, audit-related fees, tax fees and all other fees described above, were approved by the Audit Committee under its pre-approval policies.

        The Audit Committee's policies permit the Company's independent accountants, KPMG, to provide audit-related services, tax services and non-audit services to the Company, subject to the following conditions:

            (1)   KPMG will not be engaged to provide any services that may compromise its independence under applicable laws and regulations, including rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board ("PCAOB") in Rule 3200T;Board;

            3.(2)   KPMG and the Company will enter into engagement letters authorizing the specific audit-related tax or non-audit services and setting forth the cost of such services;

            (3)   The Company is authorized, without additional Audit Committee has receivedapproval, to engage KPMG to provide (a) audit-related and tax services, including due diligence and tax planning related to acquisitions where KPMG does not audit the written disclosures and the letter from the independent registered public accounting firm required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 (Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1, "Independence Discussions with Audit Committees"), as adopted by the PCAOB in rule 3600T, and has discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm its independence; and


            4.     Based on the review and discussions referred to in paragraphs 1 through 3 above, the Audit Committee recommendedtarget company, to the Board, and the Board has approved,extent that the audited financial statements be includedcost of such engagement does not exceed $250,000, (b) due diligence and tax planning related to acquisitions where KPMG audits the target company, to the extent the cost of such engagement does not exceed $20,000, and (c) services not otherwise covered by (a) or (b) above to the extent the cost of such engagements does not exceed $150,000; provided, however, that the aggregate amount of all such engagements under (a), (b) and (c) may not exceed $350,000 in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, for filing with the Securitiesany calendar quarter; and Exchange Commission.

            (4)   The undersigned membersChairman of the Audit Committee have submitted this Report towill be promptly notified of each engagement, and the Board of Directors.Audit Committee will be updated quarterly on all engagements, including fees.




    The Audit Committee



    Eugene Miller, Chairman
    Daniel Tredwell
    Marshall Cohen


Proxy Card




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TRIMAS CORPORATION

The Board of Directors recommends a vote
FOR the proposals regarding:

Vote On Directors

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nominee(s), mark “For All Except” and write the number(s) of the nominee(s) on the line below.

1.Election of Directors

Nominees:

01)Brian P. Campbell

02)Richard M. Gabrys

03)Eugene A. Miller

To vote against all nominees, mark “Withhold All” above. To vote against an individual nominee, mark “For All Except” and write the nominee’s number on the line above.

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2.Ratification of Appointment of KPMG LLP

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3.Approval of the Increase of Shares Reserved for Issuance Under the 2006 Long Term Equity Incentive Plan

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o

o

three-year frequency in proposal 4. The proxies will vote in their discretion upon any and all other matters which may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof. The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following: 2. To approve the TriMas Corporation 2011 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan. 3. To approve a non-binding, advisory vote regarding the compensation of the Company's Named Executive Officers. Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, or other fiduciary, please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally. All holders must sign. If a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate or partnership name, by authorized officer. To vote against all nominees, mark Withhold All above. To vote against an individual nominee, mark For All Except and write the nominees number on the line above. The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR proposals 2 and 3: The Board of Directors recommends you vote 3 YEARS on the following proposal: 4. To hold a non-binding, advisory vote regarding the frequency of voting on the compensation of the Company's Named Executive Officers. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 For Against Abstain 1 Year 2 Years 3 Years Abstain


Yes

No

Please indicate if you plan to attend this meeting.

o

o

Please sign below exactly as the name(s) appear(s) on the stock certificate (as indicated hereon). If the shares are issued in the names of two or more persons, all such persons must sign the proxy.

Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX]

Date

Signature (Joint Owners)

Date


ADMISSION  TICKET

Please retain and present this top portion of the proxy card as your admission ticket together with a valid picture identification to gain admittance to the Annual Meeting.

Proxy Form

FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERSSHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON MAY 2, 2008
10, 2011 AND ANY ADJOURNMENTS OR POSTPONEMENTS THEREOF

THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF TRIMAS CORPORATION

Properly executed proxies received by the day before the cut-off date or the meeting date will be voted as marked and,if not marked, will be voted FOR proposals (1), (2)1, 2 and (3).

3 and for the three-year frequency in proposal 4. By casting your voting instructions on the reverse side of this proxy form, you hereby (a) acknowledge receipt of the proxy statement related to the above-referenced meeting, (b) appoint the individuals named in such proxy statement, and each of them, as proxies, with full power of substitution, to vote all shares of TriMas Corporation’sCorporation's common stock that you would be entitled to cast if personally present at such meeting and at any postponement or adjournment thereof, and (c) revoke any proxies previously given.

This proxy will be voted as specified by you. If no choice is specified, the proxy will be voted according to the Board of Director Recommendations indicated on the reverse side of this proxy, and according to the discretion of the proxy holders for any other matters that may properly come before the meeting or any postponement or adjournment thereof.

Please date, sign and mail the proxy promptly in the self-addressed return envelope which requires no postage if mailedin the United States. When signing as an attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give your full title as such. If shares are held jointly, both owners should sign. Alternatively, you may vote by phone or the Internet, as described in the instructions on the reverse side of the proxy.

ADMISSION TICKET Please retain and present this top portion of the proxy card as your admission ticket together with a valid picture identification to gain admittance to the Annual Meeting. IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON MAY 10, 2011 The Proxy Statement and 2010 Annual Report of TriMas Corporation are also available at: http:// www.trimascorp.com/2011proxy M33924-P08502 Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting: The Proxy Statement and 2010 Annual Report are available at www.proxyvote.com. Continued and to be signed on reverse side

 



QuickLinks

TriMas Corporation Notice of 2008 Annual Meeting of ShareholdersNOTICE OF 2011 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS To be held May 2, 200810, 2011
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON MAY 10, 2011
TriMas Corporation 39400 Woodward Avenue, Suite 130 Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48304
Proxy Statement for 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders PROXY STATEMENT FOR 2011 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
ABOUT THE MEETING
PROPOSAL 1—ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS RISK MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONS
Director Compensation Table
PROPOSAL 2—RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
PROPOSAL 3—RATIFICATION OF INCREASE OF SHARES RESERVED FOR ISSUANCE UNDER THE 2006 LONG TERM EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PERSONS
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Proxy CardPROPOSAL 2—APPROVAL OF 2011 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN
PROPOSAL 3—ADVISORY VOTE ON COMPENSATION PAID TO NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
PROPOSAL 4—ADVISORY VOTE ON THE FREQUENCY OF SAY-ON-PAY VOTES
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PERSONS
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION Compensation Discussion and Analysis Overview
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION