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GNB Technologies Gains Toyota Quality Certificate

18 May 1998

GNB Technologies Gains Toyota Quality Certificate

    ATLANTA, May 18 -- Atlanta-based GNB Technologies, leading
manufacturer and recycler of lead-acid batteries for original equipment and
aftermarket applications, has earned the prestigious Quality Certificate of
Achievement Award for Quality Performance from Toyota Motor Manufacturing
North America, Inc. (TMMNA).  The award was presented to GNB's Original
Equipment division, headquartered in Toledo, OH, during TMMNA's annual
Supplier Business Meeting and Awards Ceremony, April 9 in Cincinnati.  The
award recognizes GNB for meeting the highest standards in quality, delivery,
value improvement and cost reduction for parts, materials, transportation and
export.  GNB manufactures the batteries for Toyota at its Shreveport, LA
manufacturing facility.
    "GNB and Toyota have had a strong and successful relationship since 1988,"
said Tom Minner, President & CEO of GNB Technologies.  "Our relationship
continues to grow as we share Toyota's goal of providing high quality,
American-built products."
    GNB supplies original equipment starting batteries for Toyota's Camry and
Avalon automobiles and the Sienna minivan, all built in Georgetown, KY.
According to the certificate, GNB products were delivered to the TMMNA
Georgetown production facility in 1997 with zero defects.
    GNB Technologies manufactures lead-acid batteries to the aftermarket under
the Champion(R), Champion(R) Performance Series, National(R), American(R) and
Power Breed(R) brand names.

     Note: GNB Technologies is an integrated provider of power technology
products.  It manufactures and recycles lead-acid batteries for the
automotive, recreational, boating, farm, heavy duty truck, electric utility,
electric vehicle, photovoltaic, railroad, telecommunications and
uninterruptible power supply markets in more than 50 countries.  GNB can be
found on the Internet at http://www.gnb.com.
    (Champion(R) is a registered trademark of the Champion Spark Plug
company).