Re Agreement

RNS Number:7221L
Rockwell International Corporation
16 October 2001

                                                  Contact: Donald J. McGrath    
                                                         Rockwell Automation 
                                                                414.212-5265 
                                                 [e-mail]



     Bridgestone/Firestone Engages Rockwell Automation to Improve Production 
       Quality and Production Efficiency through Asset Management Program

MILWAUKEE, October 16, 2001 - Bridgestone/Firestone Inc., one of the world's 
leading manufacturers of tires, has entered into an agreement with Rockwell 
Automation (NYSE: ROK) Global Manufacturing Solutions business for the 
implementation of a RAAMP Agreement with Extended Warranty and Parts Repair at 
the company's Warren County, Tenn. plant. Designed to streamline maintenance 
repair and operations (MRO) activities, the program tracks the problems that 
lead to unplanned downtime, indicating repair needs, reducing spare-part 
inventory, and lowering repair-related MRO expenses.

"We selected Rockwell Automation because the company understands the business 
and operational challenges manufacturers face," said Cecil Morris, the plant's 
purchasing manager.

Rockwell Automation Asset Management Portfolio (RAAMP) combines a customized 
maintenance inventory software solution with several modularized maintenance, 
repair-related consulting services designed to maximize asset management 
investment and enhance profitability. The system will allow the 
Bridgestone/Firestone plant to track repairable assets in real-time, streamline 
parts inventory, improve maintenance reliability, compile performance data on 
equipment and recoup lost warranty dollars.

Assisted by an onsite Rockwell Automation specialist, maintenance managers will 
be able to track individual parts by serial numbers and trace histories, 
including machine of origin, date of failure, repair performed and repair date. 
Additionally, as managers evaluate equipment for reliability and life span 
against warranties, the RAAMP program will provide information allowing 
Bridgestone/Firestone to examine maintenance issues on a deeper level of detail 
- addressing the root-cause of downtime and improving the quality of the 
production process.

Nashville-based Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc., is a subsidiary of Bridgestone 
Corporation, the world's largest tire and rubber company. Bridgestone/Firestone 
manufactures and markets Bridgestone, Firestone, Dayton and house and private 
brand tires. The company also produces Firestone air springs, roofing materials,
synthetic rubber and industrial products. The company employs approximately 
41,000 employees in North America, more than 21,000 of them in the company's 
retail network.

Rockwell Automation (NYSE: ROK) is a $4.3 billion world-leading provider of 
industrial automation power, control and information solutions that help 
customers meet their manufacturing productivity objectives. The company brings 
together leading brands in industrial automation for Complete Automation 
solutions, including Dodge(R) mechanical power transmission products, Reliance 
Electric(TM) motors and drives, Allen-Bradley(R) controls and engineered 
services and Rockwell Software(R) factory management software. The company also 
is a leading provider of contact management technologies and applications that 
help companies more efficiently manage interaction with their own customers. 
Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., USA, the company employs approximately 23,500 
people at more than 450 locations serving customers in more than 80 countries.

For more information on Rockwell Automation Asset Management solutions, please 
contact the Rockwell Automation Response Center, 10701 Hampshire Avenue South, 
Bloomington, Minn., 55438, 800.223.5354, Ext.1336.