Wescast to Close Chassis Business

BRANTFORD, Ontario--March 1, 2005--Wescast Industries Inc. ("Wescast") (TSX:WCS.SV.A) announced today its decision to close the chassis business conducted at its Cordele, Georgia facility. The shutdown of the Georgia facility is expected to be completed by the end of the second quarter of 2005.

This announcement follows Wescast's adoption of a revised global strategy focussed on its successful core competency of designing, casting and machining powertrain components and its prior statements regarding the intention to exit the chassis business. Wescast tried for several months to sell the Georgia operation as a going concern, but was unable to complete a sale.

"Given the current market conditions, it has become an increasingly difficult environment in which to complete a sale of the chassis business. In light of this, and our commitment to the global powertrain strategy, we have made the decision to close the Georgia facility so that we can focus all of our resources on our core business. We deeply regret the effect it will have on our employees, their families and the Cordele community" said Ed Frackowiak, Chairman and CEO.

Wescast has been in contact with existing customers to ensure a continuity of supply while production requirements are transferred to other suppliers. Production at the Georgia facility is expected to cease in April, 2005.

About Wescast

Wescast Industries Inc. is the world's largest supplier of exhaust manifolds for passenger cars and light trucks. The Company designs, develops, casts and machines high-quality iron exhaust manifolds for automotive OEMs. The Company's global sales and design activities are co-ordinated through its technical development centre in Canada and supported by sales and design centres in the United States, Europe and Japan. The Company operates eight production facilities in North America and Europe, including a 49% interest in United Machining Inc., an accredited Minority supplier in Michigan. The Company is recognized worldwide for its quality products, innovative design solutions and highly committed workforce.

Wescast Industries Inc. (TSX:WCS.SV.A)