Construction Begins on New C.R. Bard International Distribution Center; 411,184-Square-Foot Facility Underway in Covington, Ga.

Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers

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ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 30, 2003

C.R. Bard, Inc., a multinational medical device manufacturer; the Georgia Department of Industry, Trade & Tourism's (GDITT's) Office of Science and Technology (OST); and the Newton County Chamber of Commerce today broke ground for C.R. Bard's international distribution center to be located in Covington, Ga. The new facility represents a major expansion for the company and will produce about 130 new jobs for Georgians. The center will distribute 90 percent of C.R. Bard's entire product globally, which amounts to about $1 billion in technology annually.

The groundbreaking will mark the first phase in the development of the new 411,184-square-foot facility, located on a 38-acre lot in the Lochridge Industrial Park. The natural and man-made resources that exist here, along with the state's reputation as a transportation hub providing easy access to air, rail and water, make Georgia an ideal location for our distribution center, Bard officials explained. "Georgia has long been known for its strength in the medical device industry," said Carol Henderson, senior project manager, OST. Ernst & Young recently ranked Georgia as the nation's ninth largest life sciences center, and according to a report by the Battelle Memorial Institute, the medical device industry is a leading sector of Georgia's life sciences community.

"C.R. Bard has demonstrated a commitment to the Covington area with the addition of its new international distribution center. We are excited about its growth and the opportunities it creates for our citizens," said Adam Jones, director of economic development for Newton County Chamber of Commerce. C.R. Bard has been present in Covington since 1967 and currently employs approximately 500 Georgians in its two divisional headquarters, Bard Medical and Bard Urological.

"The high quality of the workforce in Newton County - people who are skilled and have a tremendous and enviable work ethic - was one of the key factors in our decision to build and expand here," said James Natale, president of corporate healthcare services, C. R. Bard.

During today's ceremony, Natale announced that the distribution center is on schedule to open by the end of the first quarter 2004. C.R. Bard, GDITT, Newton County officials and other state representatives worked for more than a year with Pattillo Construction and Insignia ESG to bring the project to fruition. "We will employ more than 130 people initially, and as our business grows, so, too, will the number of employees in our distribution center," said Natale.

About GDITT/Office of Science and Technology

The Georgia Department of Industry, Trade & Tourism (GDITT), the state's sales and marketing arm and thereby the lead governmental organization for promoting, marketing and supporting Georgia's economic growth, recently organized an Office of Science and Technology (OST), aimed at attracting and retaining life sciences and high-technology companies to the state. GDITT and its science and technology team focus on working with Georgia's communities, companies and institutions to build a critical mass of talent and intellectual capital to keep the state at the forefront of research, product development and groundbreaking advancements in the life sciences.

About C.R. Bard

C.R. Bard, Inc., headquartered in Murray Hill, N.J., is a leading multinational developer, manufacturer, and marketer of innovative life-enhancing medical technologies in the fields of vascular, urology, oncology and surgical specialty products.