Hitachi Maxco, Ltd. Press Release (March 25, 2005): Hitachi Roller Chain Affiliate Obtains API “7F” Certification Hitachi Maxco, Ltd. announces today that Sugiyama Chain Corporation of Japan, an affiliate of its parent company Hitachi Metals Techno, Ltd. obtained certification from the American Petroleum Institute (API) as a manufacturer of roller chains according to the institute’s 7F specification for “Oil Field Chain and Sprockets”. Sugiyama Chain’s license number is 7F-0025. This certification means that the API has approved both the manufacturer’s quality manual and quality system. The manufacturer is allowed, as a result of this certification, to use the API Monogram License. Hitachi Maxco, Ltd. supplies roller chains manufactured by its parent company’s affiliate, Sugiyama Chain Corporation, in North America under its “Inspire SeriesTM SBR®” brand. These chains therefore are approved according to the API 7F specification. API approval is expected to open markets for Hitachi Maxco, Ltd. in the oil field industries in both the USA and Canada. End of Release