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National-Standard Announces that it has Licensed GridShield Technology

1 February 2000

National-Standard Announces that it has Licensed GridShield(TM) Technology to Nicholas Plastics

    NILES, Mich., Jan. 31 -- National-Standard (Amex: NSD)
announced today that it has licensed Nicholas Plastics (through its N-K
Manufacturing Technologies Molding Group) to produce its proprietary
GridShield(TM) product line. Located in central Michigan, Nicholas Plastics
and N-K have been serving the needs of the automotive, appliance, and office
furniture market for over 25 years.
    The markets for this product line include:

    *  Automotive
       -  Dashboard Electronic Components (Radios, HVAC Controls, displays,
          etc.)
       -  Electronic Systems Controls (Air Bags, Engine, Antilock Brakes)
       -  Small Electric Motors (Wiper, Seat, Mirror)
    *  Telecommunications
       -  Cellular Phone Cases
    *  Computers
       -  Laptop Covers
       -  Charger Units
       -  Peripheral Components
    *  Portable Medical Devices

    This technology has been under development for several years, and
National-Standard has five patent applications submitted.  National-Standard
will produce the specialized wire mesh that is the key component necessary to
provide shielding for the various applications.  N-K will produce the final
shielded part using their expertise in insert molding.
    The final product will compete against other shielding technologies,
including sheet metal, die cast, conductive polymers, and conductive painted
and plated parts.  Features the new technology offers include reduced weight,
improved shielding, cost reduction, and enhanced features.
    "We've developed this technology over a number of years and are delighted
to work with N-K to commercialize GridShield(TM) in this exciting and growing
marketplace," said Ronald B. Kalich, President and Chief Executive Officer.
    Founded in 1907, National-Standard is a Niles, Michigan based firm with
annual sales of approximately $180 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.
    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning
of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, relating to the
acceptance of a new shielding technology by the automotive,
telecommunications, computer and medical devices industries.
    The ability of the Company to achieve acceptance of its new shielding
process by the named industries is subject to risks and uncertainties,
including, but not limited to, the granting of patent protection, the response
of competitive products and pricing, changes in product demand by customers,
availability and cost of raw materials, and changes in economic conditions.
Should any one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, actual
performance results will vary materially.  The Company does not intend to
update these forward-looking statements.