Ames True Temper Closes Parkersburg, WV Facility

CAMP HILL, Pa., Sept. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ames True Temper, Inc. announced today that it would cease operations at its Parkersburg, WV facility effectively immediately.

The Company issued a closure notice to employees under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act on July 15, 2005. However, the final determination was made when Company and union officials were unable to agree on terms for a new labor contract. The labor agreement with the United Steelworkers Union expires on September 14, 2005.

"We deeply regret, despite the efforts of all concerned, that we were unable to reach an agreement that allows us to be competitive out of our Parkersburg facility," said Duane Greenly, Chief Operations Officer.

About Ames True Temper

Ames True Temper, Inc. is a leading North American manufacturer and marketer of non-powered lawn and garden tools and accessories. Ames True Temper, Inc. owns and operates 16 manufacturing and distribution facilities throughout the United States, employing over 1700 employees.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements other than statements of historical fact are "forward-looking statements" for purposes of federal and state securities laws. Forward-looking statements may include the words "may," "will," "plans," "estimates," "anticipates," "believes," "expects," "intends" and similar expressions. Although Ames believes that such statements are based on reasonable assumptions, these forward-looking statements are subject to numerous factors, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to be materially different from those projected or assumed in its forward-looking statements. These factors, risks and uncertainties include, among others, the following:

-- The Company's liquidity and capital resources;

-- Sales levels to existing and new customers;

-- Increased concentration of its customers;

-- Seasonality and adverse weather conditions;

-- Competitive pressures and trends;

-- Changing consumer preferences;

-- New product and customer initiatives;

-- Risks relating to foreign sourcing, foreign operations and availability
of raw materials;

-- The Company's ability to successfully consummate and integrate
acquisitions; and

-- General economic conditions.

The Company's actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements. The Company can give no assurances that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if any of them do, what impact they will have on its results of operations and financial condition. The Company does not intend, and undertakes no obligation, to update any forward-looking statement.

CONTACT: Media, Chris Ebling, VP of Human Resources, +1-717-737-1500, or Investors, Eric Aumen, Director, Investor Relations and Public Reporting,+1-717-730-2933, investor@amestruetemper.com, both of Ames True Temper, Inc.