BRISTOL, Connecticut, July 11, 2001 - G. Jackson (Jack) Ratcliffe, Chairman of Hubbell Incorporated, has been elected to the Board of Directors of Barnes Group Inc. (NYSE: B). The election, which brings the Board membership to eight, was made effective at today's regularly scheduled Board meeting. Mr. Ratcliffe has been with Hubbell Incorporated since 1975, serving in several senior executive positions of increasing levels of responsibility. He was named Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer in 1987, and has retained the position of Chairman since July, 2001.

Hubbell Incorporated is an international manufacturer of quality electrical and electronic products for commercial, industrial, utility, and telecommunications markets. With approximately $1.4 billion in annual revenues, Hubbell Incorporated operates manufacturing facilities in North America, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Italy, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, participates in a joint venture in Taiwan, and maintains sales offices in Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, the People's Republic of China, and the Middle East.

"As Barnes Group continues to expand its global reach, Jack's extensive experience in guiding an international manufacturing company such as Hubbell Incorporated makes him an ideal person to add to our Board of Directors," said Thomas O. Barnes, Barnes Group Inc.'s Chairman. "As we noted in our proxy statement earlier this year, we are actively pursuing qualified candidates for the vacancies on the Board, and Jack's election today is a major step forward in fulfilling that goal."

Barnes Group Inc. (www.barnesgroupinc.com) is a diversified international manufacturer of precision metal parts and distributor of industrial supplies, serving a wide range of markets and customers. Founded in 1857 and headquartered in Bristol, Connecticut, Barnes Group consists of three businesses with 2000 sales of $740 million: Associated Spring, North America's largest manufacturer of precision mechanical and nitrogen gas springs; Barnes Aerospace, a manufacturer and repairer of highly engineered aircraft engine and airframe components and assemblies; and Barnes Distribution, an international distributor of maintenance, repair and operating supplies. Nearly 5,500 dedicated employees at more than 50 locations worldwide contribute to Barnes Group Inc.'s success.

Contacts:

Investors - Phillip J. Penn 860-973-2126

Media - Stephen J. McKelvey 860-973-2132