CANTON, Ohio, March 20, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ -- The Timken Company (NYSE: TKR) today announced that the "intrinsically safe" version of its StatusCheck™ wireless condition monitoring system has won a Plant Engineering magazine 2005 Product of the Year award. Voted on by the trade magazine's readers, Timken's silver award in the Instruments category will be presented during ceremonies this evening at a National Manufacturer's Week industry dinner in Rosemont, Ill.

Ideal for heavy industrial applications, such as oil refineries, chemical plants, metal mills and mine sites, StatusCheck is a wireless sensor system designed to detect and monitor excessive levels of temperature and vibration in critical manufacturing equipment. The innovative device is a cost-effective method to evaluate and record real-time data, allowing users to correct a potential problem before it begins.

The device carries the "intrinsically safe" designation because it comes with its own battery and accompanying circuitry that is incapable of creating a spark that could ignite flammable gas, helping customers ensure a safe and productive work environment.

"This award highlights Timken's ability to provide innovative solutions for its customers," said Brent L. Henderhan, product manager for Timken's industrial business. "It is gratifying that StatusCheck, which helps promote safety and productivity for our customers, has received this industry recognition as a leading friction management tool."

StatusCheck is part of Timken's line of condition monitoring solutions, which includes handheld instruments, continuous monitoring devices, online systems and premium route-based services, providing a one-stop shop for a broad range of friction-management needs.

Timken single-point lubricators won a Plant Engineering award in 2003. More information on Timken's condition monitoring solutions is available from Timken representatives or by visiting www.timken.com.

About The Timken Company

The Timken Company (NYSE: TKR, www.timken.com) keeps the world turning, with innovative ways to make customers' products run smoother, faster and more efficiently. Timken's highly engineered bearings, alloy steels and related products and services turn up everywhere. With operations in 27 countries, sales of $5.2 billion in 2005 and 27,000 employees, Timken is Where You Turn™ for better performance.

Media Contact: Craig Gifford, Senior Communications Representative, Telephone: (330) 471-3910, Facsimile: (330) 471-7032,craig.gifford@timken.com

Investor Contact: Steve Tschiegg, Manager - Investor Relations, Telephone: (330) 471-7446, Facsimile: (330) 471-2797, steve.tschiegg@timken.com

SOURCE The Timken Company

Media, Craig Gifford, Senior Communications Representative, +1-330-471-3910, or fax, +1-330-471-7032, or craig.gifford@timken.com , or Investors, Steve Tschiegg, Manager - Investor Relations, +1-330-471-7446, or fax, +1-330-471-2797, or steve.tschiegg@timken.com , both of The Timken Company 
 

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