TUCSON

TUCSON, Arizona, October 21, 2002

WALBRO JAPAN CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF OPERATION

Walbro Japan, a subsidiary of Walbro Engine Management, celebrated its 30th anniversary with ceremonies in Sendai, Japan on October 21, 2002.

"We are extremely pleased to celebrate 30 years of operation in Japan," said Andrew Masterman, President, Walbro Engine Management. "Walbro Japan has grown in size and in importance to the Company over the past three decades and is a valuable source of both technology and products."

Walbro Japan was formed in 1972 as a joint venture with Keihin-Seiki. Walbro soon bought out its partner, making the Japanese operation a wholly-owned subsidiary. In addition to administrative offices in Tokyo, Walbro Japan has extensive operations in Miyagi Prefecture in northern Japan, in the cities of Kakuda and Marumori. These include an engineering center with design, engineering, test and calibration labs, plus major manufacturing operations. Walbro Japan employs 520 people.

Walbro Japan produces carburetors for outdoor power equipment manufacturers in Japan and Europe, as well as carburetors for two-wheeled vehicles. Walbro Japan's precision production capabilities are evidenced by the fact that it also manufactures regulators, valves and solenoids for medical equipment.

"This anniversary demonstrates the success of Walbro's global philosophy," Masterman added. "When Walbro established its first Japanese operations in 1972, it was regarded as an unusual move for a company of its size. Today, Walbro Engine Management has 12 facilities around the world, allowing us to serve a global customer base with world-class levels of technology, quality and service."

Walbro Engine Management, a unit of TI Automotive, is the world's largest manufacturer of small engine carburetors for hand-held power equipment and a major manufacturer of small engine ignition systems, fuel injection components and other products for outdoor power equipment, marine and recreational products. Walbro Engine Management has facilities in the United States, Mexico, Italy, Japan, Thailand and China. More information is available at www.walbro.com.

For more information, please contact:

Ann M. Guernsey
Walbro Engine Management
(520) 877-3000