The Timken Co. recently earned the fifth annual Manufacturer Product Training Award from Progressive Distributor magazine in recognition of its Distributor Training School.

Established nearly 50 years ago, Timken's Distributor Training School travels throughout the United States and Canada each year teaching industrial distributors and end-users about the basic types of bearings, how and where they are used, and proper installation and maintenance practices.

"Each year, we ask distributors in the industry to nominate manufacturers who are deserving of this award," said Rich Vurva, Editor of Progressive Distributor. "We rely on their input because we want to recognize a company that has proven its support to its distribution network by providing a strong training program. It provides us an opportunity to highlight a company that is setting an example for others. This year we are pleased to honor Timken for its longstanding reputation for providing high-quality training for distributors."

Since 1956, more than 26,000 distributors have attended the Distributor Training School, and just this summer, its geographical reach has expanded beyond North America to other areas, including China. Timken inherited the school with the acquisition of The Torrington Co. last year and has since integrated all product lines into the three-day curriculum.

"We are honored to be chosen by Progressive Distributor for this distinguished award," said Jamie H. Martin III, Director of Integration for Timken's distribution management group. "For years, Timken has been committed to providing our authorized distributors with in-depth, objective training. Our philosophy has always been that distributor and end-user education is a critical component in understanding and meeting the diverse needs of the industrial marketplace."

Based in Fort Atkinson, Wis., Progressive Distributor is a leading sales and marketing magazine for industrial and construction supply distributors in the United States.

The Timken Co. is a leading global manufacturer of highly engineered bearings and alloy steels and a provider of related products and services with operations in 27 countries. The company recorded 2003 sales of $3.8 billion and employed approximately 26,000 at year-end.