$25,000 GRANT AWARDED TO NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CARBON PRODUCTS, INC.
State Funds To Assist With Training Workforce

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 13, 2005

Columbus, OH -- Lieutenant Governor Bruce Johnson today awarded National Electrical Carbon Products, Inc. (NECP), a subsidiary of The Morgan Crucible Company (Morgan), a $25,000 grant from the Ohio Investment in Training Program (OITP) to assist in training workers on new equipment and procedures. Today, the company announced its plan to invest $6.6 million in its Fostoria (Seneca County) operation where it expects to retain 120 employees as a result of the project.

“I’m pleased that the Ohio Department of Development is assisting NECP through programs such as the OITP,” Lt. Governor Johnson said. “I commend the company on its decision to invest in its Fostoria operation, which has been a valued member of Ohio’s business community for more than 100 years. I’m confident that the OITP funds presented today will be invaluable in the training needs of this workforce.”

The company plans to make facility improvements and purchase equipment that will allow it to increase its efficiency and productivity, and reduce operating costs. Additionally, Morgan representatives participated in Governor Taft’s Japan/Taiwan Business Trade Mission last fall and expect export sales to increase as a result of the mission and its new investment.

NECP produces a wide range of carbon and graphite materials used in a variety of applications. These products include felt, cloth and tape, pipe, rods, coke particles, porous carbon and graphite, filtration tubes, fluxing tubes, raschig rings, fine grain, graphite powder, and carbon and graphite brushes. NECP serves a number of market segments including semi-conductor, metallurgical, aerospace, super abrasives, high temperature, glass, automotive, industrial traction and railroad.

Ohio Investment in Training Program grants are available to assist companies in offsetting the cost involved in training new workers or upgrading the skills of existing workers, allowing companies to remain competitive in the marketplace.