Fairfield Manufacturing Acquired by Saurer AG

February 1, 2006 — Fairfield Manufacturing Co., Lafayette, Ind., announced it has been purchased by Switzerland-based Saurer AG, a $1.8 billion global manufacturer of textile machinery and power transmission solutions with 8,800 employees worldwide. Fairfield will become part of Saurer's Transmission Systems segment, which also includes Graziano Trasmissioni, an Italian manufacturer of gears, axles, transmissions, and complete drive line solutions for the on- and off-highway markets.

Fairfield adds specialty products to Saurer's product portfolio, granting the company access to new applications as well as providing Graziano a manufacturing footprint in the NAFTA region and offering better access to U.S. customers. In return, Graziano provides a platform for Fairfield to further penetrate the European market. In addition to the synergies that are created in Europe and North America, the combined business will be in a stronger position to further opportunities and production in China and India.

For more information, go to www.fairfieldmfg.com.