Timken Extends New Product Brands to Mexican Distributors Via The Timken Store at PTplace.com

The Timken Company today announced the extension of its Torrington-, Fafnir- and Kilian-branded products to authorized Timken distributors in Mexico via The Timken Store at www.PTplace.com . This bilingual site now provides authorized distributors quick access to an even broader range of friction management solutions online." The acquisition of The Torrington Company has brought many exciting opportunities to both The Timken Company and our distributors," said Daniel E. Muller, vice president - distribution management. "We have in place an aggressive e-business strategy that positions us to compete in the global marketplace. Timely access to product information can make all the difference to bringing value to our customers." In mid-2003, we announced the availability of these new product brands online to our authorized U.S. industrial distributors. The increase in online ordering indicates the success of this initiative. Making these brands available online to our authorized Mexican distributors makes it possible for them to increase their efficiency and effectiveness in the marketplace, and that positions us for mutual profitable growth." The acquisition of Torrington expands The Timken Company's portfolio of friction management products. As a result, Timken, long known for tapered roller bearings as well as cylindrical and spherical bearings, now offers a broader line of bearings, including needle, ball, machine tool and pillow block, and a stronger line of cylindrical and spherical bearings." We are committed to efficiently integrating Torrington-, Fafnir- and Kilian-branded products into PTplace.com," commented Mr. Muller. "This is a significant element of our strategy to enhance how we serve our authorized distributors." PTplace.com is a Web site shopping mall operated by CoLinx. In 2001, Timken formed a joint venture with INA, Rockwell Automation and SKF to create CoLinx, a convenient and neutral e-business marketplace. As a result, these and other premium brand manufacturers offer industrial distributors a valuable combination of products, knowledge and capabilities in one electronic location, which coordinates ordering and fulfillment for the partners.