Barnes Group Inc. Announces Sale of Interest in NASCO Joint Venture.

BRISTOL, Conn. -- Barnes Group Inc. (NYSE: B) today announced the sale of its 45 percent interest in NASCO (NHK-Associated Spring Suspension Components Inc.), a joint venture formed in 1986 between Barnes Group and NHK Spring Co., Ltd. of Japan (NHK), to NHK. In consideration of this transaction Barnes Group Inc. will receive $18.6 million for its interest in the NASCO joint venture.

"This initial venture with NHK helped build a strong relationship between our two companies and has opened the door for further technology sharing and future product development," said Edmund M. Carpenter, President and Chief Executive Officer, Barnes Group Inc. "We are currently working on a second North American joint-venture with them that will be closely aligned with our common interests," continued Carpenter.

Barnes Group Inc. (www.barnesgroupinc.com) is a diversified international manufacturer of precision metal components and assemblies and a distributor of industrial supplies, serving a wide range of markets and customers. Founded in 1857 and headquartered in Bristol, Connecticut, Barnes Group consists of three businesses with 2004 sales of $994.7 million: Barnes Distribution, an international, full-service distributor of maintenance, repair, operating and production supplies; Associated Spring, one of the world's largest manufacturers of precision mechanical and nitrogen gas springs and a global supplier of retaining rings, reed valves, shock disks, and injection-molded plastic components; and Barnes Aerospace, a manufacturer and repairer of highly engineered assemblies and components for commercial and military aircraft engines, airframes, and land-based industrial gas turbines. Over 5,900 dedicated employees at more than 60 locations worldwide contribute to Barnes Group Inc.'s success.