For Immediate Release

Public Relations Division
Public Affairs Department
1170 Eighth Avenue
Bethlehem, PA 18016-7699
(610) 694-3711 - Phone
(610) 694-1509 - Fax

BETHLEHEM, Pa., May 19, 1997 -- Bethlehem Steel Corporation has been selected as a 1996 Supplier of the Year by General Motors Corporation, the second consecutive year Bethlehem was so honored by the world's largest automaker and manufacturing company.

Bethlehem was the only U. S. supplier of flat-rolled steel and one of only two such suppliers in the world that received the award from General Motors Worldwide Purchasing on Saturday, May 17, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The award recognizes supplier companies worldwide that exceed specific performance standards in the areas of quality, service and price selected from GM’s international supplier base of more than 30,000 companies.

Receiving the award for Bethlehem Steel, Curtis H. Barnette, Bethlehem's chairman, said:

"This award is accepted on behalf of all of our employees. Bethlehem Steel is deeply honored to be a Supplier of the Year to General Motors. Our Vision for Bethlehem is to be the Premier Steel Company. Our primary objective is to serve our customers, which is recognized by this award."

Harold R. Kutner, GM’s vice president for Worldwide Purchasing, said:

"Suppliers recognized as GM’s Supplier of the Year demonstrated throughout 1996 that they are the 'best of the best' in their respective businesses. These companies are truly globally competitive and are worldwide leaders in the areas of product development, technology, manufacturing, continuous improvement, value and, most importantly, quality."

GM first presented its supplier awards at the international level in 1992. Suppliers are recommended by GM teams, reviewed and approved by GM employees worldwide, and have exceeded expectations of GM buyers, engineers and plants.

Events for GM dealers, community leaders and Bethlehem Steel employees are scheduled for June 19 at the steelmaker's facilities in Burns Harbor, Ind., and Lackawanna, N. Y., and for June 20 in Bethlehem, Pa.