Williams Controls Announces the Election of Patrick W. Cavanagh to the Board of Directors

PORTLAND, Ore., May 11, 2005 -- Williams Controls, Inc. (the "Company") today announced that Patrick W. Cavanagh, the current President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, has been elected to the Board of Directors effective on May 5, 2005.

Williams Controls' Chairman of the Board, R. Eugene Goodson stated, "Although Pat recently joined the Company in October, 2004, I have known and admired his leadership abilities for over a decade. In his short time with the Company, he has led Williams' strategic expansion into the China and European markets. Further, he has accelerated our strategic sensor program, which will continue our technological leadership. He concluded, "We are happy to have Mr. Cavanagh leading the Company and joining our distinguished Board."

ABOUT WILLIAMS CONTROLS

Williams Controls is a leading designer and manufacturer of Electronic Throttle Control Systems for the heavy truck and off-road markets. For more information, you can find Williams Controls on the Internet at www.wmco.com.

The statements included in this news release concerning predictions of economic performance and management's plans and objectives constitute forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1934, as amended. These forward looking statements are based on management's assumptions and projections, and are sometimes identifiable by use of the words, "expect to," "plan," "will," "believe" and words of similar predictive nature. Because management's assumptions and projections are based on anticipation of future events, you should not place undue emphasis on forward-looking statements. You should anticipate that our actual performance may vary from these projections, and variations may be material and adverse. You should not rely on forward-looking statements in evaluating an investment or prospective investment in our stock, and when reading these statements you should consider the uncertainties and risks that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Factors which could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, factors detailed in the Securities and Exchange Commission filings of the Company; economic downturns affecting the operations of the Company or any of its business operations, competition, and the ability of the Company to successfully identify and implement any strategic alternatives. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.