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United Steelworkers Union Loses Appeal

30 June 1999

United Steelworkers Union Loses Appeal: Titan Tire of Natchez Purchase Of Condere Corporation Assets Upheld

    QUINCY, Ill., June 29 -- The United States District Court for
the southern district of Mississippi has rejected the International
Steelworkers' appeal of the sale of the assets of Condere Corporation to Titan
Tire Corporation of Natchez, a subsidiary of Titan International, Inc.
.  The assets of Condere Corporation, including Fidelity Tire of
Natchez, Miss., were acquired by Titan September 4, 1998.
    The court's ruling should permit the Condere Estate to proceed with
payment to its creditors.  The International Steelworkers' appeal had delayed
previous payments.
    Titan Tire Corporation of Natchez currently employs 220 hourly workers and
with this court ruling Titan will be increasing employment.  United
Steelworkers Local 303L rejected the court ordered collective bargaining
agreement shortly after Titan's acquisition and remains on strike.
    "While Titan has created job opportunities for men and women in Natchez,
the United Steelworkers have persisted in continuing the strike to the
detriment of the working men and women," stated Maurice Taylor Jr., president
and CEO of Titan International, Inc.  "It is unfortunate that the
International Steelworkers' leadership has not focused on the realities of
business and returning their membership to work."
    Titan International, Inc. is a global manufacturer of mounted wheel and
tire systems for off-highway equipment used in agriculture, construction,
mining, military, recreation and grounds care.  Titan has worldwide
manufacturing and distribution facilities.