BRISTOL, Connecticut, March 31, 2000 -- Edmund M. Carpenter, president and chief executive officer of Barnes Group Inc. (NYSE: B), announced today that William C. Denninger, 49, has been appointed senior vice president, finance and chief financial officer, for Barnes Group Inc.

Prior to joining Barnes Group Inc., Mr. Denninger was vice president, finance and chief financial officer for BTR Inc., an industrial products manufacturer. In addition to his role as CFO of BTR Inc., he also served as the chief financial officer and controller for the BTR Automotive division. During his 15-year tenure with BTR Inc., Mr. Denninger held a series of top financial management positions with increasing levels of responsibility. Before starting with BTR Inc., Mr. Denninger served with ITT for 13 years within its manufacturing environment with continuously increasing management responsibility.

"We are pleased that Mr. Denninger is joining the Barnes Group Inc. leadership team. His considerable experience in global manufacturing businesses and financial management background will help position Barnes Group Inc. to attain balanced, sustainable and profitable growth," said Ed Carpenter.

Mr. Denninger earned an MBA in Finance from New York University and a BS from State University of New York.

Barnes Group Inc. (www.barnesgroupinc.com) is a diversified international manufacturer and distributor serving a wide range of industrial markets with precision metal parts and industrial supplies. Barnes Group Inc. consists of three separate businesses: Associated Spring, Barnes Aerospace and Bowman Distribution, and employs more than 3,800 people worldwide.