“We are very pleased with our sales levels in the second quarter.  Our Piling and Rail Distribution businesses increased 62% and 50%, respectively, over the prior year quarter.  These increases were primarily responsible for our increased profitability this quarter,” remarked Stan L. Hasselbusch, President and CEO.

          “Profitability was hampered, however, by poor results in our Fabricated Products business,” added Hasselbusch.  “We have gone 21 months without a new highway and transit appropriations bill and it has negatively impacted competitive bidding opportunities in the marketplace and margins have declined as a result.  We expect a better second half of 2005 for our bridge decking business, but our heavy structural fabrication business continues to be in an extremely competitive environment.

          “Our concrete tie business experienced lower volumes, as anticipated, due to decreased sales at our Spokane facility,” continued Mr. Hasselbusch.  “This facility will experience lower Class One sales in 2005 and beyond and will need to continue to develop the transit and industrial tie markets to maintain adequate volumes.”  Mr. Hasselbusch also noted, “The concrete tie business will have a poor second half in 2005 as we will be building new facilities as opposed to manufacturing significant volumes of ties.  Our Grand Island facility stopped tie production in early July to prepare for a nine week installation of new manufacturing equipment.”

          Mr. Hasselbusch concluded by saying, “Overall business activity remains strong and is reflected in our new orders.  Bookings for the quarter were $94.3 million, 29% ahead of last year.  We expect this activity to lead to continued improved earnings in the second half of 2005 compared to 2004.”

          L.B. Foster Company will conduct a conference call and webcast to discuss its second quarter operating results on Thursday, July 28, 2005 at 10:00am EDT. The call will be hosted by Mr. Stan Hasselbusch, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. David Russo, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Listen via audio on the L.B. Foster web site: www.lbfoster.com, by accessing the Investor Relations page. 

          The Company wishes to caution readers that various factors could cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those indicated by forward-looking statements in news releases, and other communications, including oral statements, such as references to future profitability, made from time to time by representatives of the Company. Specific risks and uncertainties that could affect the Company’s profitability include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions, adequate funding for infrastructure projects (including the passage of an adequate highway and transit bill), the potential value or viability of the Dakota Minnesota & Eastern Railroad, delays or problems encountered during construction or implementation at our concrete tie facilities, and the continued availability of existing and new piling products. Matters discussed in such communications are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Sentences containing words such as “anticipates,” “expects,” or “will” generally should be considered forward-looking statements.  More detailed information on these and additional factors which could affect the Company’s operating and financial results are described in the Company’s Forms 10-K, 10-Q and other reports, filed or to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company urges all interested parties to read these reports to gain a better understanding of the many business and other risks that the Company faces.  The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made only as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.