Ceradyne, Inc. Licenses Ford ``Metal Sprayform'' Technology

    COSTA MESA, Calif.--Sept. 27, 2001--Ceradyne, Inc. announced it has licensed a Ford Motor Company proprietary technology for forming complicated metal components by means of a technique known as "sprayforming."
    This license agreement is between Ceradyne and Ford Global Technologies, Inc., an intellectual property holding company and wholly owned subsidiary of Ford Motor Company.
    Sprayforming to make tools, dies and objects is a Ford-developed technology and is protected by an extensive portfolio of U.S. and foreign patents. As an early adopter of this advanced state-of-the-art technology, Ceradyne will be working closely with Ford scientists and engineers to advance its capabilities of this technology. Ceradyne's applicable expertise in the use of ceramic molds and the fabrication of armored systems is in the early development stage.
    Ceradyne's close relationship with Ford will allow Ceradyne to become a key supplier of ceramic materials to other sprayforming technology users, as well as to achieve a competitive advantage in manufacturing armored systems.
    Joel P. Moskowitz, Ceradyne's chairman and CEO, stated: "Ceradyne and Ford have a 25-year history of technical collaboration. This unique Ford technology offers Ceradyne the opportunity to develop cost-effective metal armor components to supplement its lightweight ceramic armor products. Additionally, the sprayform process itself uses a disposable ceramic tool which Ceradyne has been developing at its Thermo Materials division in Scottdale, Georgia."
    Ceradyne develops, manufactures and markets advanced technical ceramics for industrial, electronic, defense and consumer applications. Additional information about the Company can be found at the Company's website at www.ceradyne.com.