U.S. Representatives Ney and Regula Honored for Support on Key Manufacturing Issues

    CANTON, Ohio, Jan. 26 U.S. Representatives Robert Ney and
Ralph Regula today were awarded the National Association of Manufacturers
(NAM) Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence in recognition of their
consistent support of American manufacturers and their employees.  The Timken
Company and The Longaberger Company co-hosted the awards ceremony at Timken's
Corporate Headquarters.
    (Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19991012/TKRLOGO )
    The award is given by the NAM -- one of the nation's largest and most
influential business groups -- to senators and representatives based on their
voting records on key legislation affecting the manufacturing community.  Its
recipients have shown support for a pro-growth, pro-manufacturing,
pro-employee agenda.  Members of Congress are notified throughout the
congressional session of votes that will be considered as "key votes" used to
determine eligibility for the award.  This marks the second time that the NAM
has given the award.
    "Both Representative Ney's and Regula's voting records show a true
understanding of manufacturing's key role in the strength of our economy and a
willingness to cast the critical votes that will boost competitiveness, job
creation and prosperity for working Americans," said W. R. Timken, Jr.,
chairman and chief executive officer.  He also is serving as chairman of the
NAM.  Mr. Timken noted that Representatives Ney and Regula voted
overwhelmingly in support of manufacturers on NAM-determined key votes.
Key manufacturing votes for the 106th Congress included tax cuts, trade
expansion and e-commerce expansion, among others.
    "The Longaberger Company is pleased to join our colleagues at The Timken
Company, on behalf of the employees at both companies, in thanking
Representatives Ney and Regula for championing the causes that will allow U.S.
manufacturers and their employees to continue to drive our economy to new
heights," said Rachel Longaberger, president of The Longaberger Foundation and
company director.
    The Longaberger Company ( http://www.longaberger.com ) is a $1 billion
direct sales company based in Newark, Ohio.  The largest manufacturer of
handmade hardwood maple baskets in the U.S., the company was founded in 1973
and employs more than 8,700 people. Nearly 70,000 independent Longaberger
sales associates market and sell a full line of Longaberger products including
baskets, wrought iron, pottery, fabric liners and accessories.
    The Timken Company ( http://www.timken.com ) is a leading
international manufacturer of highly engineered bearings, alloy and specialty
steels and components, as well as related products and services.  With
operations in 24 countries, the company employs about 20,500 people worldwide
and recorded 2000 sales of U.S. $2.6 billion.