WALBRO ENGINE MANAGEMENT BEGINS CONSTRUCTION OF SECOND MANUFACTURING FACILITY IN MEXICO TO MEET INCREASED CUSTOMER DEMAND TUCSON

TUCSON, Arizona, June 7, 2001

WALBRO ENGINE MANAGEMENT BEGINS CONSTRUCTION OF SECOND MANUFACTURING FACILITY IN MEXICO TO MEET INCREASED CUSTOMER DEMAND

Construction of Walbro Engine Management's second manufacturing facility in Mexico began with ceremonies on May 11. The 70,000 square foot facility, located in the city of Los Mochis in the State of Sinaloa, is expected to be operational by the end of the year. The facility is being built in response to increasing customer demand for Walbro fuel system and ignition products for the hand-held and industrial power equipment markets.

Construction began when Juan S. Millan, Governor, State of Sinaloa, Mexico; teamed with Andrew V. Masterman, President, Walbro Engine Management, to cement the first stone in place during a traditional Mexican ceremony attended by more than 200 people.

Other key government officials joining Walbro executives at the event were Heriberto Felix, Secretary of Economic Development, State of Sinaloa; Oscar Lara, Secretary of Finance, State of Sinaloa; and Esteban Martinez, Mayor of Los Mochis.

We are extremely pleased to begin construction of our new facility in Los Mochis, said Walbro's Masterman. The ongoing cooperation of local and state governments, the availability of an experienced, stable workforce in Los Mochis and the facility's location on major transportation corridors will ensure the success of this venture.

We are confident that the Los Mochis facility, combined with our existing production facility in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, will allow us to satisfy increased customer demand resulting from several new, long-term contracts, Masterman noted. We are now working with our customers to determine how to best utilize the two facilities to effectively meet their needs.

Walbro Engine Management, a unit of TI Automotive Ltd, is the world's largest manufacturer of small engine carburetors for hand-held power equipment, and a major manufacturer of small engine ignition systems and other products for outdoor power equipment and recreational products. Walbro Engine Management has facilities in the United States, Mexico, Italy, Japan and China.

TI Automotive is a tier one supplier specializing in fluid storage and delivery systems including brake, fuel and air conditioning applications. As a result of the merger of TI Group with Smiths Industries in December, TI Automotive is currently a division of Smiths Group. TI Automotive employs some 20,000 people at over 150 facilities in 29 countries. Further details can be found on www.tiautomotive.com.

For more information, please contact:

Thomas L. Jarboe
Walbro Engine Management
(989) 872-2131