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Nelms Technologies Names David Bell Director of Business Development

3 September 1998

Nelms Technologies Names David Bell Director of Business Development

    ROMULUS, Mich., Sept. 2 -- Nelms Technologies, Inc. has named
David Bell as director of business development, according to the announcement
here today by Joe Lewis, president.
    "We have created this position so that we can integrate, on a more timely
basis, our engineering and manufacturing strengths with new market
opportunities that are emerging in the automotive supplier base," said Lewis.
    In his new position, Bell will work closely with other senior management
to develop market strategies for new parts and assemblies that complement
current sales, analyze potential acquisitions that will augment the Company's
current market positions and develop strategic alliances that will enhance the
Company's market presence, said Lewis.  Nelms Technologies and its operating
units design, manufacture and assemble a variety of hydraulic and mechanical
lifters, valve train guides and transmission and engine valve components,
among others products.
    "Our companies manufacture the highest quality parts, while providing a
rapid response approach to our customers' engineering needs.  We are seeking
to replicate this formula to a larger market," said Bell.  He said that, for
example, while the Company's Hy-Lift unit is the dominant maker of automotive
hydraulic lifters for the automotive aftermarket, it supplies less than 10% of
the automotive OEM market.
    Bell joined the Company in 1997 as Business Development Manager.  Prior to
joining Nelms Technologies, from 1986 to 1997, Bell held various executive
sales and marketing positions in the food distribution industry -- most
recently, with the Keebler Company and also with Cadbury Beverages - Mott's
U.S.A. Division.  He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
degree from Centenary College.  Bell and his wife, Betsy, have three children
and reside in Dexter, Mich.
    Nelms Technologies is a leading designer and manufacturer of components
used in engines, transmissions and other applications for automotive and
general industry customers worldwide.  The Company's wide range of precision
machined parts and assemblies are produced at its QS-9000 certified W.A.
Thomas Company and Hy-Lift L.L.C. subsidiaries.  Nelms Technologies is
headquartered in Romulus and operates four manufacturing facilities in
Michigan, employing over 500 men and women.