EWI Hires Mark Matson as Human Resources Director

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 11, 2006 -- EWI announced today that Mr. Mark Matson joined EWI as Human Resources Director. Mr. Matson's responsibilities include the development and implementation of all phases of talent management practices as well as the alignment of those practices with business strategies.

Henry Cialone, President and CEO of EWI stated, "We're pleased to welcome Mark to our leadership team. He will add tremendous value and insight while partnering with my leadership team to foster a work environment that attracts, supports, develops, and rewards the talent that distinguishes EWI in our market."

Mark Matson commented, "I'm pleased to come on board at an exciting and challenging time in the company's growth. I look forward to meeting and working with the many bright and talented people that enable EWI to deliver on its commitment to its members. I will be doing a lot of listening in my first few months before determining priorities for the HR team in the future."

Mr. Matson is certified by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) as a Senior Professional in Human Resource Management (SPHR). He received his master's degree in Labor Relations and Human Resource Management from the Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University. He holds a bachelor's degree in Urban Studies from the Catholic University of America in Washington D.C.

Mr. Matson has been an active leader in community and professional organizations. He has served on the Advisory Board for the Institute for Management Studies based in Reno, NV and the National Certification Standards Committee for the Society for Human Resource Management in Washington, D.C. He is an active community leader with the Central Ohio United Way, most recently serving on their Race and Diversity Vision Council. He has served as a Trustee for the Columbus Literacy Council, as a Trustee and President for Rebuilding America/Ohio, and as a community educator for the Columbus AIDS Task Force.

Prior to joining EWI, Mr. Matson was Corporate Human Resources Director at OCLC Online Computer Library Center Inc., where he partnered with senior management to counsel them on the people and organizational dimensions of business management and leadership.

About EWI

Based in Columbus, Ohio, EWI is North America's leading engineering and technology organization dedicated to welding and materials joining. EWI's staff provides materials joining assistance, contract research, consulting services and training to over 3,300 member company locations representing world-class leaders in the aerospace, automotive, defense, energy, government, heavy manufacturing, medical and electronics industries. For more information, please visit www.ewi.org.