The Eastern Company Declares Regular Quarterly Cash Dividend

The Eastern Company Declares Regular Quarterly Cash Dividend7/18/2001 3:55:00 PMNAUGATUCK, Conn., Jul 18, 2001 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The Eastern Company (AMEX: EML) a leading manufacturer of vehicular and industrial hardware, locks, metal castings, coin collection and smart card products, today announced the declaration of its regular quarterly cash dividend of eleven cents ($0.11) per share, payable September 14, 2001, to common stock shareholders of record as of August 24, 2001. This represents the Company's 244th consecutive quarterly dividend.

The Eastern Company is a 143-year-old manufacturer of industrial hardware, security products and metal castings. It operates from nine locations in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Taiwan and China. The diversity of the Company's products enables it to respond to the changing requirements of a broad array of markets.

Forward-Looking Statements: Information in this news release contains statements which reflect the Company's current expectations regarding its future operating performance and achievements. Actual results may differ due to the many economic uncertainties that affect the Company's business environment. Further information about the potential factors which could affect the Company's financial result are included in the Company's reports and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company is not obligated to update or revise the aforementioned statements for those new developments. 

CONTACT:          The Eastern Company
                  Leonard F. Leganza or John L. Sullivan III
                  (203) 729-2255