Bowman and Hubbell are Wired for Success.

BRISTOL, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 12, 1999--

Cedric D. Beckett, president of Bowman Distribution today announced the addition of several new major products to its line of industrial electric products from Hubbell Incorporated for its maintenance, repair, and operating supplies (MRO) customers. "We are proud to be able to add these products by one of the nation's oldest and most respected manufacturers to Bowman's MRO business," said Beckett.

"Bowman already carries an extensive line of products manufactured by Hubbell, from straight blade plugs and connector bodies to receptacles and twist lock devices. We can now offer Bowman MRO customers an innovative and diverse line of strain relief grips from Hubbell Wiring Devices-Kellems. This positions Bowman Distribution far ahead of its competition in terms of wire management products for industrial and marine applications," said Robert Heintz, Bowman's Product Manager for Industrial Electric.

Hubbell-Kellems will provide Bowman with its Deluxe Liquid-tight Cord Grips that feature multi-weave aluminum construction and a corrosion-resistant stainless steel mesh covering to ensure long life and reliable performance. In addition, Bowman will distribute Liquid-tight Strain Relief Grips, Standard Duty Support Grips and Bus Drop Grips to its MRO customers worldwide. Hubbell-Kellems wiring devices are UL listed, CSA certified and manufactured to ISO 9002 specifications.

"Hubbell-Kellems is also an e-commerce pioneer and they are helping us develop online training modules and more efficient Internet links to our customers. While the new devices extend our industrial electrical product line, the relationships also strengthens our logistical management capabilities and integrates the supply chain into one streamlined process. Together, we are wired for success," said Beckett.

Barnes Group Inc. (http://www.barnesgroupinc.com) is a diversified international manufacturer and distributor, serving a wide range of industrial markets with precision metal parts and industrial supplies. Founded in 1857 and headquartered in Bristol, Connecticut, Barnes Group consisting of three separate businesses employing over 3800 employees worldwide.

Bowman Distribution, of Cleveland, OH, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Barnes Group, Inc., of Bristol, CT., and has been an industry leader in the distribution of maintenance, repair and operating supplies (MRO) since 1927.

This release may contain certain forward-looking statements including those that discuss strategies, goals, outlook or other non-historical matters, or project revenues, income, returns or other financial measures. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the statements, including the following: changes in market demand for the types of products and services produced and sold by Barnes Group, changes in worldwide economic and political conditions, interest and foreign exchange rate fluctuations, regulatory changes, and technological changes including Y2K issues.

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