In recognition of its ongoing excellence of exporting products manufactured in the United States, Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. was honored as a President's E-Star Award recipient at ceremonies held recently at the White House. President George W. Bush and Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez presented the award to the Company. Lincoln's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer John M. Stropki said, "Our growing exports of high-technology products reflect not only the global leadership of Lincoln Electric in the welding industry, but also the strength of our U.S. manufacturing base. The E-Star Award honors the engineering and manufacturing excellence and productivity of our employees. It is their commitment that enables us to meet the increased demand for Lincoln products from our global customers." Commerce Secretary Gutierrez said, "Exports create good high-paying jobs in Cleveland, and Lincoln Electric is at the forefront of innovation and competitiveness. I commend Lincoln for helping to grow new markets around the world."

The "E-Star" Award is the highest honor the federal government can give to a U.S. exporting company. The award recognizes firms, persons and organizations engaged in the marketing of products that make significant contributions to the expansion of the export trade of the United States. This marks the 45^th anniversary of the award, which was created by President John F. Kennedy in 1961.