CANTON, Ohio, April 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - The Timken Company (NYSE: TKR) announced today it will make laser ultrasonic technology commercially available to steel manufacturers. The technology, a gauging system that enables more efficient manufacturing of seamless steel tubing, successfully completed a rigorous testing period at the company's Gambrinus Steel Plant. The laser-based measuring system helps ensure that steel tubes are produced with a more uniform wall, reducing the need for removing excess material from the tube wall. "The capabilities of this laser ultrasonic system extend far beyond those of previous radiation gauging techniques," said Raymond V. Fryan, director, process improvement - alloy steel. "Most importantly, measuring the full-length of the tube during manufacturing not only verifies quality of the entire tube, it also reduces mill downtime by significantly reducing the need for sampling." The company was awarded a $1.4 million grant in June of 1999 from the United States Department of Energy for the development of laser ultrasonic technology. The Department of Energy has funded 60 percent of the total project cost, now projected at $3.1 million. "Development of this process enabled us to enhance our product consistency while giving us a innovative product to market commercially," Mr. Fryan said. Timken, in cooperation with the National Research Council of Canada and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, began development of the system in March of 1999. The Timken Company (NYSE: TKR) ( http://www.timken.com ) is a leading international manufacturer of highly engineered bearings, alloy and specialty steels and components, as well as a provider of related products and services. With operations in 24 countries, the company employs about 18,700 people worldwide and recorded 2001 sales of U.S. $2.4 billion. SOURCE The Timken Company