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Timken IsoClass Metric Bearings Introduced

2 October 1998

The Timken Company Introduces Timken IsoClass Metric Bearings

    CANTON, Ohio, Oct. 2 -- The Timken Company today
introduced its new Timken(R) IsoClass(TM) line of metric 30000 series tapered
roller bearings at a special meeting with its authorized bearing distributors
in Europe.
    For decades, Timken has been the world leader in the manufacture of inch-
based tapered roller bearings.  While metric-sized bearings were an important
part of its standard line, this new initiative is designed to make Timken an
even more formidable source of metric product.
    "To serve this important market, we recognized the need to expand our
ability to produce and market metric bearings," said Robert L. Leibensperger,
executive vice president, chief operating officer and president -- bearings.
"This launch marks the start of a global initiative that is backed with
increased production capacity, an expanded line of competitively priced
product, worldwide promotion, and a well-trained sales force.  Enhancing our
metric market service also represents a profitable growth opportunity that
will increase shareholder value."
    Since 1996, Timken has invested $60 million in new plants and people,
including facilities in Italy, Poland and eight other countries, to support
the IsoClass tapered roller bearing product line.  The result is a selection
of more than 170 part numbers that cover the full spectrum of metric bearings,
including both a line of flanged IsoClass bearings and a customized line of
IsoClass bearings to facilitate modifications to meet special application
requirements.
    "We also have invested more than a half million hours in developing new
designs and performance testing," said Michael C. Arnold, vice president -
bearings - business process advancement.  "Every IsoClass bearing, no matter
where in the world it is manufactured, meets our stringent worldwide quality
requirements, assuring our customers of not only a full line but the highest
quality line of 30000 series metric bearings."
    Although the United States market largely uses inch-based bearings, nearly
half the world's tapered roller bearing market is metric.  Today's product
launch will be followed with events in the US, Asia and Latin America to mark
the product's worldwide debut.
    The Timken Company (http://www.timken.com) is a leading international
manufacturer of highly engineered bearings and alloy steels.  The company
employs 21,000 people worldwide and reported 1997 sales of more than U.S.
$2.6 billion.