The Timken Company Nominates New Board Member

    CANTON, Ohio, Jan. 31 -- At a regular meeting of
The Timken Company's board of directors, General Joseph W. Ralston, USAF,
Retired, was nominated for membership on the board and will stand for election
at the annual shareholders' meeting on April 15.
    General Ralston, 59, has been serving as commander, U.S. European Command
and Supreme Allied Commander Europe, NATO, in Mons, Belgium.  As such, he has
been the senior U.S. military officer and commander of a unified combatant
command with an area of responsibility that includes 93 nations throughout
Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
    "We are exceptionally fortunate to have joining our board a person with
such a distinguished record of achievement," said W. R. Timken, Jr., chairman.
"Joe Ralston will be contributing to our board a truly international
perspective and a deep understanding of complex issues that have very real
impacts on global companies such as ours.  He also brings to the table an
excellent understanding of some geographic and product markets that are very
important for us.  Joe will add great depth and breadth to our decision-
making."
    General Ralston holds a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Miami (Ohio)
University and a master's degree in personnel management from Central Michigan
University.  In addition, he also has completed programs at the Army Command
and General Staff College, the National War College and the John F. Kennedy
School of Government at Harvard University.
    General Ralston began his Air Force career in 1965 as a fighter pilot.  He
advanced through a series of assignments in the U.S., Asia and Europe.  He was
promoted to brigadier general in 1988, to major general in 1990, lieutenant
general in 1992 and to general in 1995.  He was assigned to his most recent
position in Belgium in 2000.
    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 a provider of related products and services.
With operations in 24 countries, the company employs about 18,000 people
worldwide and recorded 2002 sales of U.S. $2.6 billion.

    For Additional Information:
    Carol A. Titus
    Communications Manager
    330-471-3757