In keeping with its previously announced succession plan, Oglebay Norton Co. recently announced that its board of directors has elected Michael D. Lundin to succeed John N. Lauer as the company's chief executive officer, effective December 4. Lauer will continue to serve as chairman of the board of directors. Lundin joined Oglebay Norton in April 2000 as a corporate vice president and president of Michigan Limestone Operations, Inc., concurrent with Oglebay Norton's acquisition of Michigan Limestone Operations, LP. He was elected president and chief operating officer of Oglebay Norton in November 2001, and was appointed to the board of directors in December 2001. "Over the past year, Michael has demonstrated his ability to lead Oglebay Norton Company," said Lauer. "Since becoming president and COO, he has driven margin improvements across all our business segments, realigned the management structure at the operating level and initiated a new sales and marketing culture focused on bringing better service and value to our customers. I am confident in Michael's ability to continue to improve our performance and return Oglebay Norton to profitability."

The company's website is located at http://www.oglebaynorton.com .