BRISTOL, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 14, 2006--Barnes Aerospace, a business unit of Barnes Group Inc. (NYSE: B), announced it has been recognized as 2005 Supplier of the Year by Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE: NOC) Integrated Systems sector for its work in the manufacture of sheet metal components and assemblies for the E-2C Hawkeye and Joint Strike Fighter programs. Recognized for this award is Barnes Aerospace's Ogden division in Ogden, Utah. Barnes Aerospace Ogden was one of eight companies to receive a Supplier of the Year designation in this, the second year of the awards program.

"It was the employees of Barnes Aerospace who earned this recognition from Northrop Grumman, one of Barnes Aerospace's valued customers," said Patrick J. Dempsey, President, Barnes Aerospace. "Everyone at Barnes Aerospace is dedicated to providing superior manufacturing expertise and the highest quality products to our customers. Barnes Aerospace is honored to be recognized with this prestigious award, and very proud to be part of the Northrop team."

Northrop Grumman developed its Supplier of the Year Award program to recognize the critical role that its suppliers play in the delivery of high-performance products that the company produces for U.S. and international customers. Every supplier is "graded" quarterly on parameters such as quality, on-time delivery and participation in affordability initiatives. To be considered for a Supplier of the Year award, a company must demonstrate consistent superior performance in delivering products and services to Northrop Grumman. The program is an outgrowth of the company's strategic sourcing initiative, an effort started in 2003 to build stronger long-term relationships between the company and its suppliers.

"The support of our suppliers is critical to our sector's ability to produce and deliver affordable, high performance products," said Scott J. Seymour, Northrop Grumman corporate vice president and president of the Integrated Systems sector. "Their commitment, innovation, integrity and sustained levels of excellence play a substantial role in our success."

Northrop Grumman is the prime contractor for a variety of tactical and strategic airborne systems, including the U.S. Air Force's B-2 stealth bomber, the Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System, and Global Hawk unmanned aerial reconnaissance system; and the U.S. Navy's E-2 family of early warning and battle management aircraft, among others. It also serves as a major subcontractor to Lockheed Martin on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program, and to Boeing on the Navy's F/A-18 program.

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 2005 sales of $1.1 billion: 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 products and a global supplier of retaining rings, reed valves, shock discs, and injection-molded plastic components and assemblies; and Barnes Aerospace, a manufacturer and repairer of highly engineered assemblies and components of aircraft engines, airframes, and land-based industrial gas turbines. Over 6,000 dedicated employees at more than 60 locations worldwide contribute to Barnes Group Inc.'s success. The Company has paid cash dividends to stockholders on a continuous basis since 1934.

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

SOURCE: Barnes Group