---

Textron Automotive Announces Acquisition of Bates Technologies, Inc.

3 May 1999

Textron Automotive Company Announces Acquisition of Bates Technologies, Inc.

       Bolt-On Proprietary Machine Tool Business for Micromatic Textron

    TROY, Mich., May 3 -- Textron Automotive Company Inc.
announced today the acquisition of Bates Technologies, Inc., a $5 million-in-
sales manufacturer and distributor of after-market honing products.  Terms
were not disclosed.
    Bates Technologies, Inc., Fishers, Indiana, will become part of Micromatic
Textron, Holland, Michigan, a division of Textron Automotive Company, which
specializes in the manufacture of proprietary machine tools, components and
assembly systems for automotive and commercial markets.
    "Bates Technologies brings immediate synergy in manufacturing, engineering
and technology to Micromatic Textron," said Textron Automotive Company
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Sam Licavoli.  "Furthermore,
the acquisition of Bates Technologies is in line with Micromatic's strategy to
increase this division's product mix to a higher percentage of short cycle,
high-growth products."
    "This acquisition advances our strategy to offer a more broad technical
capability to our bore finishing customers in the U.S. as well as Europe and
Asia," said Micromatic Textron President Michael J. Brennan.
    "We are very excited about joining the Textron Automotive family of
companies which will enable us to accelerate our growth globally," said Ted L.
Bates, President, Bates Technologies, Inc.
    With $2.4 billion in annual revenues and manufacturing locations in
thirteen countries, Textron Automotive Company Inc. is a leading, global
supplier of instrument panels, cockpit modules, exterior and interior trim,
plastic fuel systems and automotive systems and components.  Globally
recognized for breakthrough proprietary technologies and quality, Textron
Automotive Company has received more than fifty awards for excellence from
OEMs in North America, Europe and Asia.
    Textron Inc. is a $10 billion, global, multi-industry company
with market-leading operations in Aircraft, Automotive, Industrial and
Finance.