17. Operating Leases

The Company leases buildings and machinery and equipment under various lease agreements expiring on dates through 2034. Rental expense recorded for operating leases for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 was $563,182 and $532,465, respectively. For information regarding intercompany operating leases see Note 3a.

Future minimum rental payments under noncancelable operating leases for the five years succeeding December 31, 2010 and thereafter are: