---

National-Standard Company Announces Executive Appointments

16 November 1999

National-Standard Company Announces Executive Appointments

    NILES, Mich., Nov. 16 -- National-Standard Co. (Amex: NSD)
announced today that Ronald B. Kalich has been elected to the position of
President and Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Michael B. Savitske, who was
elected Vice Chairman of the Company.
    A special committee of the Board of Directors had been conducting a search
for Mr. Savitske's successor since being advised of his intent to retire from
active service in 2001.
    Mr. Kalich most recently was President and CEO of Getz International, a
unit of The Marmon Group.  Prior to joining Marmon, he held executive
positions with Danaher Corporation, Forstman Little & Company, and Cooper
Industries.  He has served as a Director of National-Standard Company since
1998 and is also a Director of Thomas and Betts Corporation and The
Carbide/Graphite Group, Inc.  He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in
Electrical Engineering from Carnegie-Mellon University and an MBA from the
University of Pittsburgh.
    "We are very pleased that we were able to provide for a smooth transition
of leadership for the Company as a result of Mike Savitske's early
notification of his retirement plans," said David F. Craigmile, Chairman.
"Given his involvement in the Company's activities as a Director, Ron Kalich
is very familiar with the issues facing the Company.  His background in
managing diverse industrial businesses, acquisitions and international
marketing and distribution provides the experience necessary for the
successful leadership of the Company's future."
    Founded in 1907, National-Standard is a Niles, Michigan based firm with
annual sales of approximately $200 million.  In ten 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.