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National-Standard Company Announces Discussions With American Stock Exchange

20 September 1999

National-Standard Company Announces Discussions With American Stock Exchange

    NILES, Mich., Sept. 20 -- National-Standard Company
announced today that it is involved in discussions with the
American Stock Exchange (AMEX) regarding the listing of National-Standard's
Common Stock (Symbol NSD).  The Company noted that it had been contacted by
the New York Stock Exchange regarding certain proposed continued listing
requirements.  The proposed NYSE criteria, which are under a 90-day comment
period with the Securities Exchange Commission, would require a listed company
to have both $50 million of Stockholders Equity and $50 million of market
capitalization.
    The NYSE has requested a plan from the Company that will demonstrate
compliance with the requirement by the end of the Company's 2000 fiscal year.
    The Company is continuing its discussions with both AMEX and NYSE to
ensure that trading in the Company's common stock continues in an efficient
manner.
    Founded in 1907, National-Standard is a Niles, Michigan based firm with
annual sales of approximately $200 million.  In eight operating facilities in
the United States and England, the Company manufactures and distributes a
broad range of wire and wire-related products, including tire bead wire and
welding wire, in addition to wire cloth, fabricated filters and inflator
housings for the automotive air bag industry.
    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning
of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 relating to
discussions with the New York and American Stock Exchanges.  The Company does
not intend to update these forward-looking statements.