DALLAS, Oct. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Industrial Technologies'
(NYSE: GIX) Harbison-Walker Refractories Division in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,
has announced a management realignment designed to increase efficiencies and
productivity throughout its North and South America, Mexico and European
operations.
    John Miller, has been selected as Vice President of North American
Operations for the U.S., Canada and Mexico, to manage H-W's manufacturing
sales and marketing including North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)
markets.
    Jess Hutchinson, Vice President of International Operations, will manage
all business units outside of the U.S. including Refractarios Chilenos S.A.
(RECSA); H-W's licensing group, and worldwide sales outside of North America
and Chile.
    W.K. Brown will continue managing H-W's minerals manufacturing, sales and
marketing.
    Mel Wees has been named to lead H-W's technology group.
    The new management team, all of whom report to Harbison's President Juan
Bravo, also includes: Dirk Hilkmann, Vice President of Planning and
Development; Steve Ross, Chief Financial Officer; and Larry Gorski, Vice
President of Human Resources.
    The team's directive and goal is to focus on efficiencies and productivity
throughout H-W's three profit centers (North American Operations,
International, and the Minerals Group), leverage efficiencies throughout the
company, and position the organization to meet the immediate and future needs
of a dynamic domestic and international refractories market.
    "I am excited about the organizational changes and what they imply for
improved efficiency and productivity.  This team will lead us into a much
stronger position in the Western Hemisphere and establish an improved Global
presence," Chairman and Chief Executive officer J.L. Jackson said.
    Global Industrial Technologies is a major manufacturer of technologically
advanced industrial products that support high-growth markets around the
world.

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