CRDN Ceradyne, Inc. (MM)

Ceradyne, Inc. (Company) (Nasdaq:CRDN) is hosting today the grand opening of its new 115,000-square-foot facility in Lexington, Kentucky. The plant manufactures lightweight ceramic body armor systems for our military forces and silicon nitride technical ceramic components for diesel engines. Dignitaries from the U.S. Army, Ceradyne's industrial and diesel engine customer base, Lexington's Mayor, and Congressman Ben Chandler of the 6th Congressional District of the State of Kentucky are expected to attend the grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony, facility tour, and reception. The Honorable Ernie Fletcher, Governor of Kentucky, commented: "We are encouraged that Kentucky's business-friendly environment influenced Ceradyne's decision to locate its new manufacturing plant in Lexington. I am pleased that Ceradyne chose our state to produce state-of-the-art military systems which will save American lives." Ceradyne Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer Joel Moskowitz remarked: "This new plant encompasses cutting-edge advanced technical ceramic technology in two of our core competencies -- hot pressing lightweight, extremely hard boron carbide ceramic needed to meet recent increased military requirements for body armor, and Ceradyne's silicon nitride ceramics for use as components in diesel engines and other industrial and energy-related applications where erosion and corrosion resistance are required." Moskowitz continued, "This increase in manufacturing capacity and Kentucky's competitive energy rates are anticipated to allow Ceradyne to meet its growth projections and enhanced productivity objectives for both its defense and industrial markets." Mayor Teresa Ann Isaac commented: "For some time, the Lexington community has had a positive relationship with Ceradyne and its related companies. It's been a good match between a sophisticated, high-tech manufacturer and Fayette County, which has Kentucky's best-educated workforce. We are particularly satisfied to know that products made right here in Lexington help protect American troops overseas. We are very happy being a part of Ceradyne's past and present. We are thrilled to be a part of this dynamic company's future. The opening of the Lexington Lightweight Ceramic Armor and Silicon Nitride Automotive and Industrial Component Manufacturing Facility marks a significant step forward for both Ceradyne and Lexington." Bob Quick, President and CEO of Commerce Lexington Inc., remarked: "Lexington and Central Kentucky are fortunate to have a world-class company located in our region. Ceradyne Semicon Associates has long been an outstanding corporate citizen in Lexington and now its parent, Ceradyne, Inc., will contribute significantly through its capital and human investments to further grow our economy and tax base." Ceradyne develops, manufactures, and markets advanced technical ceramic products and components for defense, industrial, automotive/diesel, and commercial applications. Additional information about the Company can be found at www.ceradyne.com. Except for the historical information contained herein, this news release contains forward-looking statements regarding future events and the future performance of Ceradyne that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Words such as "anticipates," "believes," "plans," "expects," "intends," "future," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Other risks and uncertainties are described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, and its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005, as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.