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INTERMET Plans to Rebuild New River Foundry

2 May 2000

INTERMET Plans to Rebuild New River Foundry

           Rebuild Dependent Upon Approval of Environmental Permit

    TROY, Mich., May 2 INTERMET Corporation (Nasdaq: INMT),
one of the world's leading independent manufacturers of cast-metal automotive
components, announced today that subject to public review and support of an
environmental permit, it is planning to rebuild its New River Foundry in
Radford, Virginia.  The plant was heavily damaged and shut down after a March
5 explosion.
    "Our preferred choice has always been to rebuild the New River plant,"
said John Doddridge, chairman and chief executive officer of INTERMET.  "Given
the extent of the damage, we had to consider the possibility of not
rebuilding.  But the tremendous community support and the availability of a
capable trained workforce provided the necessary encouragement to make our
decision to rebuild the plant."
    Doddridge continued: "We were delayed for a period of time while the
authorities were investigating the accident, and it also has taken time to
develop the data required to apply for a new air permit.  The proposed permit
to be issued by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality was a very
important part of our decision-making process.  We appreciate the quick turn-
around on the proposed permit and we hope the public hearing also goes well."
    INTERMET hopes to have the New River plant fully operational by November
of this year, though certain areas of the plant may be functioning before
others.  The parts finishing line at the New River Foundry may be operating
soon on a temporary basis to help out the company's other foundries.  The
company also announced that a number of New River workers will be called back
temporarily to help out with this short-term finishing work.
    With headquarters in Troy, Michigan, INTERMET Corporation is a full-
service supplier of powertrain, chassis/suspension and structural components
to the worldwide automotive industry.  INTERMET also manufactures cranes and
specialty service vehicles.  The company has more than 8,000 employees at
facilities located in North America and Europe.  More information about the
company is available on the Internet at http://www.intermet.com