Thomas B. Clark
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer


August 15, 2000

Mr. Martin E. Franklin
Managing Partner
Marlin Partners II, L.P.
555 Theodore Fremd Avenue
Suite B-302
Rye, NY 10580

Dear Martin:

I wish to acknowledge  receipt of your letter dated August 15, 2000 in which you
request  the  calling of a special  meeting of  shareholders  for the purpose of
considering  a resolution  to initiate a sale process of Alltrista  Corporation.
Your letter is being referred to the Board of Directors for their consideration.

Sincerely,



Thomas B. Clark

TBC:dlf