BRISTOL, Conn., Dec 16, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Barnes Group Inc. (NYSE: B) today announced that it has promoted Idelle K. Wolf to President, Barnes Distribution, effective January 1, 2006. Ms. Wolf was President, Barnes Distribution North America. She remains a Vice President, Barnes Group Inc. A. Keith Drewett, President, Barnes Distribution and Vice President, Barnes Group Inc., will retire on March 1, 2006. Mr. Drewett, who had previously indicated his intention to retire, will assist in the transition of leadership at Barnes Distribution.

"During the past five years, Idelle has been in leadership positions at Barnes Distribution in her role as Chief Operating Officer, Barnes Distribution and, most recently, as President, Barnes Distribution North America. She successfully integrated several significant acquisitions, drove process changes, and spearheaded the rationalization of Barnes Distribution's distribution centers throughout North America," said Edmund M. Carpenter, President and Chief Executive Officer, Barnes Group Inc. "With strategic vision, extensive industry knowledge, management talents and leadership qualities, Idelle is the ideal executive to lead Barnes Distribution."

In May of 2000, Ms. Wolf joined Barnes Distribution as Chief Operating Officer when Barnes Group acquired Curtis Industries. At Curtis Industries, Ms. Wolf was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. In December 2004, Ms. Wolf was named President, Barnes Distribution North America.

"I would like to thank Keith for his significant contributions during his time as President, Barnes Distribution," said Carpenter. "Keith joined Barnes Distribution in May 2000 as a part of the Curtis Industries acquisition. While leading Barnes Distribution, he successfully doubled the business through acquisitions and organic growth, assembled an excellent leadership team, and placed Barnes Distribution on a solid financial and strategic footing."

Barnes Group Inc. (www.barnesgroupinc.com) is a diversified international manufacturer of precision metal components and assemblies and a 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 2004 sales of $994.7 million: Barnes Distribution, an international, full-service distributor of maintenance, repair, operating, and production supplies; Associated Spring, one of the world's largest manufacturers of precision mechanical and nitrogen gas springs and a global supplier of retaining rings, reed valves, shock discs, and injection-molded plastic components; and Barnes Aerospace, a manufacturer and repairer of highly engineered assemblies and components for commercial and military aircraft engines, airframes, and land-based industrial gas turbines.

SOURCE: Barnes Group Inc.

Barnes Group Inc.
Investor Relations
Brian D. Koppy, 860-973-2126
or
Corporate Communications
Stephen J. McKelvey, 860-973-2132