CANTON, Ohio, Feb. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Timken has become the sole supplier of bearings for the Rolls-Royce Corporation Model 250 line of aircraft engines. More than 15,000 Model 250 engines are currently in service in helicopters and general aviation around the world.

"Approximately 40 years ago, Timken designed bearings for the original Model 250 engine. We've always been a leading supplier to Rolls-Royce, recommending bearing configuration changes to reduce weight and improve performance in the more than 30 variations of Model 250 engines," said J. Ron Menning, vice president - aerospace and defense. "We're proud to become the sole supplier to Rolls-Royce for these ball and cylindrical roller bearings."

Timken Aerospace, a subsidiary of The Timken Company, has supplied 27 bearing part numbers for the engines in the past. The new three-year agreement will add 11 additional bearing part numbers. The transition to sole supplier will be completed by the end of the first quarter 2004. All Model 250 engine bearings are produced at Timken's Lebanon, N.H., facility.

"We drive to work in partnership with customers to bring value to both them and our shareholders. This new contract with Rolls-Royce builds upon the value of Timken's service levels, response times and competitive prices," said Mr. Menning. "Our combination of performance, customer service, research, technology and precision manufacturing is key to success in this market."

The Timken Company (NYSE: TKR, www.timken.com) is a leading global manufacturer of highly engineered bearings and alloy steels and a provider of related products and services with operations in 29 countries. The company recorded 2003 sales of $3.8 billion and employed approximately 26,000 at year-end.

Timken is the registered trademark of The Timken Company

For Additional Information: Robert G. Bourquin, Senior Marketing Communications Representative, Phone: (330) 471-7106 orrobert.bourquin@timken.com.