The Timken Company Launches Worldwide Centennial Commemoration
26 January 1999
The Timken Company Launches Worldwide Centennial Commemoration in Sao Paulo, Brazil
CANTON, Ohio, Jan. 25 -- The Timken Company
launched its 100th anniversary commemoration last week, kicking off a year-
long series of events in which more than 21,000 associates in 25 countries on
six continents will participate.
Sao Paulo, Brazil, was the starting point as company executives joined
Timken do Brasil's 400-plus associates and their families in celebrating the
Centennial of the company's founding in 1899.
"'Building on Yesterday, Inventing Tomorrow(TM)' is our company's
Centennial theme," said W.R. Timken, Jr., chairman, president and chief
executive officer. "We want to applaud the efforts of our associates
worldwide and use this year of reflection as a launching pad for the future.
This celebration is an excellent start. It is gratifying to be with
associates and their families and share their pride in the past and their
enthusiasm about our company's future."
Brazilian associates were treated to the first look at the company's
striking 60-by-90-foot Centennial display, a collection of photos, artwork and
memorabilia detailing The Timken Company's rich past and projecting its
future. The display is one of several Centennial items that will be featured
at Timken celebrations around the world.
"This event will further demonstrate to all associates just how important
they are to the company's ongoing success," said Russell Pender, director and
president of Timken do Brasil. "It is The Timken Company's way of saying
'thank you' to every associate -- past and present -- for all of their efforts
and accomplishments."
The weather for the company's Family Day event was perfect. Associates
enjoyed food and refreshments, video games, rides and a full day of music and
dancing. Colorful bands and dancers added a truly Brazilian touch to the
festivities. The event's grand finale found nearly all of the 1,500 attendees
dancing the samba.
The Timken Company also hosted Timken do Brasil customers and distributors
to an appreciation dinner, underlining the company's commitment to maintaining
strong ties with business partners and local communities.
The following day Robert L. Leibensperger, executive vice president, chief
operating officer and president - bearings, spoke at an American Chamber of
Commerce luncheon. "Timken do Brasil associates have shown their commitment
to quality by achieving certification for both the ISO 9000 and QS 9000
quality standards," said Mr. Leibensperger in a speech that outlined positive
prescriptions for the world's economy. "We are here this week to salute you
as leaders of this fine community -- our customers and distributors, our
associates and their families, all of whom deserve to be commended for their
efforts."
The Timken Company established its first Brazilian sales office in 1944 to
capitalize on rapidly expanding South American markets. In 1960, production
facilities were installed as part of a Brazilian governmental program designed
to strengthen the country's automotive industry. The Timken plant was built
to serve original equipment and aftermarket automotive customers. In the
1970s and again in 1984, the facility was expanded and modernized, increasing
capacity nearly 80 percent. Further investments are underway to position
Timken do Brasil for future growth as Brazil's industrial base continues to
develop.
Today, Timken do Brasil manufactures a wide range of Timken tapered roller
bearing components and assemblies. Employing more than 400 associates, its
Brazilian customers include Ford, General Motors, Eaton, Volkswagen, Dana,
Mercedes Benz, numerous industrial companies, railroads and aftermarket
distributors.
The Timken Company (http://www.timken.com) is a leading international
manufacturer of highly engineered bearings and alloy steels with operations in
25 countries. The company employs 21,000 people worldwide and reported 1998
sales of more than $2.6 billion.