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The Timken Company Hosts Centennial Celebration in Australia

26 February 1999

The Timken Company Hosts Centennial Celebration in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia

    CANTON, Ohio, Feb. 26 -- Associates at Australian Timken
Proprietary Limited launched their Centennial commemoration joining Timken
associates around the world in celebrating the company's 100th anniversary.
    "This Centennial celebration is The Timken Company's way of saying 'thank
you' to all Australian associates -- past and present -- for their efforts and
accomplishments," said W. R. Timken, Jr., chairman, president and CEO.  "It
also is an appropriate time to congratulate Australian Timken on its 40th
anniversary."
    Australian associates marked the Centennial with a family day at Sovereign
Hill, an interactive historical sight featuring period costumes and events
associated with the 1850's gold rush.  An Australian-style barbecue and three-
member bush band added local flavor.  Guests enjoyed touring the scenic
township where activities included horse and carriage rides, an authentic
underground mine tour and gold panning.  In addition, children stepped back in
time with entertainment appropriate to the era as well as attending 1800's
style school lessons.
    The associates viewed various Centennial displays.  They also received a
copy of the hardbound history book, "Timken: From Missouri to Mars -- A
Century of Leadership in Manufacturing."  This detailed account of The Timken
Company's first 100 years traces its century as a leading producer of bearings
and steel.
    In addition to their family day, The Timken Company hosted Australian
Timken customers and distributors at an appreciation dinner in Sydney.  The
occasion underscored the company's commitment to maintaining strong ties with
business partners and local communities.
    "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," said Mr. Timken.
    The Timken Company recently refocused the scope of its Australian
operations, shifting emphasis from manufacturing to sales and service,
following a decline in demand for automotive parts in Australia.  The company
is now effectively poised to service Australian markets through a sales and
marketing office in Ballarat, complemented by satellite offices in Queensland,
New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia.
    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.