11/18/2004

GGB unit opens new plant in Slovakia

GGB, formerly Glacier Garlock Bearings, has opened its new manufacturing plant in Slovakia. Among those attending were Pavol Prokopovič, minister of transportation, post offices and telecommunications of the Slovak Republic; Ernie Schaub, president and CEO of GGB's parent company, Enpro Industries; and Bernd Fischer, president of GGB.

"This state-of-the-art facility represents a vital component in our overall business strategy," said EnPro's Schaub. "Not only will it make our European manufacturing operations more cost-effective, but it will also help make us more competitive on a global basis."

GGB's Fischer added, "The timing for this facility couldn't be more propitious. As many of the former Eastern Bloc countries take their rightful place in the EU, it is important for us to establish production closer to their rapidly growing economies and markets for our products. The ultimate beneficiaries of the improved responsiveness and proximity this new plant affords, will be our customers."

The new plant consolidates production from GGB's facility in Scotland, which has been closed, and its facility in nearby Dolny Kubin, Slovakia, which also will be closed. Situated on a 58,000 sm site near the town of Martin in the north central part of the country, the 9,000 sm facility has already begun production of GGB's metal-polymer plain bearings. It is expected to employ 150 by the end of next year. GGB also operates plants in Heilbronn, Germany; Annecy and Dieuze, France; Barueri, Brazil; and Thorofare, N.J., U.S.A..

About GGB

GGB is the global leader in high-duty, polymer-based bearings, which include its well known DU and DX steel-backed polymer products. It has manufacturing plants in the U.S., France, Germany, Slovakia and Brazil. The company serves more than 50,000 customers worldwide through 22 units in 19 countries. It is an operation of EnPro Industries, Inc. (NYSE: NPO), Charlotte, N.C., U.S.A.