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For release: Immediately Contact: Mike Mitrovich, 425-398-1310 or Bruce Harmon, 541-754-7613

Top lubrication expert joins MPL Technology
Seattle, WA, April 6, 2004

MPL Technology, announced that Thomas J. Risdon, a leading technical service/lubrication engineer/tribologist in the field of solid lubricants, has joined MPL Technology, Inc. as Director of Technology Services here, today. Risdon, with over thirty years experience in the industry, provided advice to MPL during development of its Solidstick™ lubricant. Risdon's expertise helped MPL work out the combinations of extreme pressure additives that make up the patented formula for Solidstick.

Risdon is a well-published expert in solid lubricants, whose career included research engineering and product development for Climax Molybdenum Company, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Most recently, he owns Solid Lubricant Solutions, a consulting company providing services based on his expert knowledge of solid and fluid lubricants and tribological testing methods.

Michael Mitrovich, MPL president, said, "Mr. Risdon is an important part of MPL Technology's product research and development. As a leading authority in the field of solid lubricants, he has been instrumental in keeping Solidstick on the cutting edge of solid lubricant technology. That is why Solidstick is the leader in flange lubrication for the North American railroad industry."

Risdon and his wife Phyllis live in Dexter, Michigan. They have two children, a son and a daughter.

Solidstick's practical, cost-effective lubricating system rubs lubricant against the flanges of locomotive wheels at the precise points where needed. It reduces friction in the train on curves and tangent track, reducing fuel consumption. Development of the lube system included guidance from Risdon and extensive testing at the Transportation Technology Center, Pueblo, CO and operation on short line railroads.

"We found several benefits with Solidstick when operating in the rail environment," Mitrovich added. "Most important is the dramatic fuel savings in railroads are experiencing. Savings also include significant reduction in flange wear and wheel truing requirements, increased rail life, and reduced reliance on trackside lubricators."

MPL Technology, founded in 1991, markets solid polymer lubricants to railroads as an alternative to flange spray and grease lubricants. It is also used in industrial applications. Michael Mitrovich introduced solid polymer lubricants to the heavy haul and transit industries in 1986.

Editors note: Photos can be obtained from Bruce Harmon at bruce.m.harmon@comcast.net