---

Timken Tiesup TISCO's Tata Timkin

15 March 1999

The Timken Company Closes Deal to Buy TISCO's Interest in Tata Timken Limited in India

    CANTON, Ohio, March 15 -- The Timken Company has
completed the transaction to increase its stake in Tata Timken Limited, in
Jamshedpur, India, to 80 percent by acquiring the 40 percent stake held by The
Tata Iron and Steel Company (TISCO) of India for 1.18 billion rupees
(equivalent U.S. $27.8 million).
    Pending government approvals, Tata Timken will operate as Timken India, a
subsidiary of The Timken Company.  The Indian public will continue to hold the
remaining 20 percent equity.
    "Timken's ownership broadens the operation's customer base and puts the
company in a position to grow our business both in the Indian market and in
the region," says Robert L. Leibensperger, executive vice president, chief
operating officer and president - bearings.  "This investment is part of our
ongoing commitment to profitable global growth."
    The plant makes tapered roller bearings for trucks, farm tractors and
industrial applications.  The operation also produces AP cartridge bearings
for rail applications.
    The acquisition follows the formation of Timken Engineering and Research -
India in Bangalore in October 1998, which brought the company's technical
resources closer to customers in the region.
    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 U.S. $2.6 billion.