Barnes Distribution Receives Approval For PC+HD Key Cutter for General Motors Dealers

    CLEVELAND--Feb. 5, 2001--Barnes Distribution, a business unit of Barnes Group Inc. , today announced approval of the Curtis(R) PC+HD computerized code key cutter and duplicator by General Motors for its GM Dealer Equipment Program.
    The Curtis(R) PC+HD computerized code key cutter and duplicator is designed for the auto dealer. The Curtis(R) PC+HD is fast, easy to use and cost effective - virtually eliminating miscuts and time spent searching for key codes and the need for code books.
    "General Motors' approval solidifies our commitment to offering the latest state-of-the-art technology to the key cutting auto dealership network," said William E. Beaver, vice president, sales and marketing, Curtis Industries, a Barnes Distribution company. "Curtis is determined to maintain its position as the market leader in the automotive key cutter segment."
    "As General Motors transitions to transponder keys, there is a tremendous growth opportunity," said A. Keith Drewett, president, Barnes Distribution. "We expect to greatly increase our penetration of the MRO needs of General Motor dealerships throughout the United States."
    Barnes Distribution is an industry leader in the distribution of maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) supplies, die and nitrogen gas springs and security products. Barnes Distribution services thousands of customers on four continents under the brand names of Bowman Distribution, Curtis Industries, Mechanics Choice, Raymond, Motalink and Autoliaison.
    Barnes Group Inc. (www.barnesgroupinc.com) is a diversified international manufacturer of precision metal parts and distributor of industrial supplies, serving a wide range of markets and customers. Founded in 1857 and headquartered in Bristol, Connecticut, Barnes Group consists of three businesses with 1999 sales of $622 million: Associated Spring, a manufacturer of precision mechanical and nitrogen gas springs; Barnes Aerospace, a manufacturer and repairer of aircraft engine and airframe components and assemblies; and Barnes Distribution, a distributor of maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) supplies. Nearly 5,700 dedicated employees at more than 50 locations worldwide contribute to Barnes Group Inc.'s success.
    The Curtis(R) PC+HD computerized code key cutter and duplicator is available through the GM Dealer Equipment Program, administered by Dealer Equipment and Services, a business group of SPX Service Solutions. To contact GM Dealer Equipment, call (800) GM-Tools or visit the GMDE website, www.gmde.com.

    This release may contain certain forward-looking statements as defined in the Public Securities Litigation and Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the statements. Investors are encouraged to consider these risks and uncertainties as described within the company's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the following: changes in market demand for the types of products and services produced and sold by Barnes Group, changes in worldwide economic and political conditions, interest and foreign exchange rate fluctuations, and regulatory changes.