Bruce Carothers Appointed National Sales Manager
July 21, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Stephen Durr (757) 486-6623

Hermes Abrasives, Ltd. announces the hiring of Mr. Bruce Carothers as the new National Sales Manager, effective June 19, 2004. As National Sales Manager, Mr. Carothers will be responsible for all coated abrasive sales activities for Hermes Abrasives, Ltd. in the United States and Mexico.

Bruce comes to Hermes with over 25 years of sales experience, 15 of which include experience as a National Sales Manager in the industrial cutting tools industry for various international companies. Mr. Carothers will continue to work from Georgia and will eventually relocate to Virginia.