Exide Technologies to Invest $8.4 Million to Meet Increasing Demand For Sealed Industrial Batteries in Europe

    PRINCETON, N.J., Feb. 8 Exide Technologies
today announced plans to invest $8.4 million (9 million euros) in converting
the Malpica, Spain, manufacturing facility from an exclusive producer of
aftermarket transportation batteries to one which manufactures both industrial
and transportation batteries.
    Craig Muhlhauser, Exide President and Chief Operating Officer, said, "We
are pleased that customer demand for our high-quality, sealed-technology
industrial batteries in Europe and global demand for our unique, cylindrically
wound Exide Orbital Select automotive batteries warrants the conversion of
Malpica."
    Initial industrial-battery production is scheduled for April.  Industrial-
battery capacity will increase from 2,000 blocs per week at start up to 11,000
per week in 2003 when the capital investment is completed.  The additional
capacity is required to meet growing demand of telecom-equipment suppliers for
third-generation wireless networks.
    Exide Technologies will produce TEBUS Front Access sealed-technology
industrial batteries and AGM sealed-technology industrial blocs in addition to
the Exide Orbital Select automotive battery at Malpica.
    "The network power market is continuing to grow at double-digit rates,"
added Muhlhauser.  "AGM sealed technology industrial bloc batteries
(TEBUS/DCI) are the first choice for back-up solutions in today's Internet and
wireless-driven voice, data and multimedia networks.
    "In addition, the transportation business group is faced with growing
demand for the Exide Orbital Select batteries, including the beginning of
shipments this quarter to Chrysler for the diesel-powered Voyager minivan it
manufactures and sells in Europe."
    The company will discontinue the production of conventional automotive
aftermarket batteries at Malpica to make room for the expanded Exide Orbital
Select and industrial battery production.
    Exide Technologies is the global leader in providing electrical energy
storage solutions to transportation and industrial customers worldwide.  The
company is expected to have annual revenues of approximately $3 billion and
has operations in 89 countries, serving the industrial and transportation
market.
    Industrial applications include network power batteries for
telecommunications systems, fuel cell load leveling, electric utilities,
railroads, photovoltaic and other uninterruptible power supply markets, and
motive power batteries for a broad range of equipment uses, including lift
trucks, mining and other commercial vehicles.
    Transportation applications include automotive, heavy-duty truck,
agricultural, marine and other batteries, as well as new technologies being
developed for hybrid vehicles and new 42-volt automobile applications.  The
company supplies both the aftermarket and original equipment transportation
markets.
    Further information on Exide Technologies, its financial results and other
recent events can be found on the Internet at http://www.exideworld.com.