Contact:
                                           Ed Dickinson
                                           Chief Financial Officer, 636/916-2150




FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

                     LMI AEROSPACE ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF
                    BDO SEIDMAN, LLP AS PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT

         ST. LOUIS,  December 29, 2003 - LMI Aerospace,  Inc.  (Nasdaq:LMIA),  a
leading  provider  of  assemblies,  kits and  detail  sheet  metal and  machined
components to the aerospace, defense and technology industries,  announced today
that its Audit  Committee  has  selected  and Board of  Directors  ratified  the
appointment of BDO Seidman,  LLP as the Company's principal  accountant to audit
the financial  statements of the Company for its fiscal year ending December 31,
2003.

         LMI  Aerospace,  a  leading  supplier  of  quality  components  to  the
aerospace and technology  industries for 55 years,  operates thirteen facilities
that  fabricate,  machine,  finish,  integrate,  assemble and kit formed,  close
tolerance  aluminum and specialty alloy  components for  commercial,  corporate,
regional and military aircraft,  laser,  equipment used in the semiconductor and
medical industries, and for the commercial sheet metal industries.


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