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Simpson Industries Reports Strong Sales

17 July 2000

Earnings Exceed Consensus Expectations

    PLYMOUTH, Mich. - Simpson Industries, Inc. today announced first quarter 
sales of $138.6 million and net earnings of $6.3 million for the quarter ended 
June 30, 2000.  Diluted earnings per share were $0.36 versus First Call 
consensus estimates of $0.35.

    Net sales for the quarter were essentially flat at $138,572,000 compared
to $139,399,000 in the second quarter of 1999.

    Net earnings of $6,347,000 or $0.36 per share diluted, were higher than
first quarter but slightly below diluted earnings per share of $0.38 in the
second quarter of 1999.

    For the six months ended June 30, 2000, net sales were $283,137,000, up
3.9% over 1999 first half.  Net earnings were $12,494,000 or 70 cents a share
diluted, same as 1999.

    "We are pleased to report strong sales and earnings for the second quarter
despite a 20%+ drop in the North American heavy duty engine volumes," said Roy
E. Parrott, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Simpson Industries.  "We
are on track to beat last year's record earnings per share in Year 2000,"
added Mr. Parrott.

    Simpson Industries supplies powertrain and chassis products to original
equipment manufacturers and Tier 1 integrators in the worldwide automotive and
medium and heavy-duty diesel engine markets.  Simpson's products are focused
in three groups:  noise, vibration and harshness, wheel-end and suspension,
and modular engine assemblies.  Simpson's manufacturing units are located in
the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, England, India, France, Spain and
South Korea.  Information about Simpson is available on the Internet at
http://www.simpsonind.com .

    Simpson Industries, Inc.

    Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)

    (Dollar and share amounts in thousands, except per share data)


                                     Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended
                                           June 30               June 30

                                      2000       1999       2000       1999
    Net Sales                       $138,572   $139,399   $283,137   $272,501

    Cost of products sold            122,629    123,237    251,205    242,000
    GROSS PROFIT                      15,943     16,162     31,932     30,501

     Administrative and selling        3,518      2,748      6,790      5,524
     Amortization of intangible assets   487        504      1,053      1,025

    OPERATING EARNINGS                11,938     12,910     24,089     23,952

    Interest and other income - net       96        (13)      (341)      (109)
    Interest expense                  (2,269)    (2,184)    (4,526)    (4,316)
    EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES       9,765     10,713     19,222     19,527
    Income taxes                       3,418      3,750      6,728      6,835

    NET EARNINGS                      $6,347     $6,963    $12,494    $12,692


    BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE           $0.36      $0.39      $0.70      $0.70

    DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE         $0.36      $0.38      $0.70      $0.70

    Cash dividends per share           $0.10      $0.10      $0.20      $0.20

    Basic weighted average shares
     outstanding                      17,874     18,066     17,890     18,105

    Diluted weighted average shares
     outstanding                      17,875     18,098     17,908     18,130

    Depreciation expense              $6,671     $6,407    $13,081    $12,765

    Capital expenditure               $9,100    $14,740    $17,965    $19,775



    Simpson Industries, Inc.

    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

    (Dollar amounts in thousands)


                                              June 30,            December 31,
                                                2000                  1999

    ASSETS

    Cash & Cash Equivalents                    $4,439                $7,362

    Other Current Assets                      134,398               121,936

    Total Current Assets                      138,837               129,298

    Property, Plant & Equipment - net         188,300               182,913

    Other Assets & Intangible                  46,029                49,245

    Total Assets                             $373,166              $361,456

    LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

    Notes Payable                              16,879                10,908

    Current Liabilities                        90,274                95,405

    Total Current Liabilities                $107,153              $106,313

    Long-Term Debt                            102,898                98,955

    Other Liabilities                          26,906                23,156

    Shareholders' Equity                      136,209               133,032

    Total Liabilities & Equity               $373,166              $361,456