SUPERIOR ESSEX Introduces New PerformaLink Warranty Program for High-Bandwidth Cable Products

SUPERIOR ESSEX., January 14, 2000—<%=company%> (SUT: NYSE), through its SUPERIOR ESSEX Communications Group, announced today the introduction of its new PerformaLink Warranty Program. This new protective warranty guarantees lifetime performance to specification for the entire basic link (cable and passive connectors). The PerformaLink Warranty applies to the full line of SUPERIOR ESSEX high-bandwidth cable products (i.e., Category 5 and above) in combination with a select group of top connectivity manufacturers' components.

PerformaLink Warranty will guarantee that the basic link will perform to appropriate industry standards for the usable life of the building in which the cable is installed. With PerformaLink, SUPERIOR ESSEX warrants not only its own cable product, but also the third-party connectors that complete the basic link. Product replacement and installation charges are warranted as part of the PerformaLink program.

"PerformaLink is our way of demonstrating true confidence in the lifetime performance of our products," said Tim Waldner, Senior VP of Marketing for SUPERIOR ESSEX. " We also want to give our customers the freedom to choose any of the top connectivity manufacturers in combination with SUPERIOR ESSEX cable products"

Full details of the PerformaLink Warranty will be unveiled at the BISCIâ Winter Conference in Orlando on January 17, 2000 and on the SUPERIOR ESSEX website, www.superioressex.com.

SUPERIOR ESSEX is the marketing name for Superior Telecommunications Inc., a subsidiary of Superior TeleCom Inc., the largest North American wire and cable manufacturer and the fourth largest wire and cable manufacturer in the world. Superior manufactures a broad portfolio of products with primary applications in the communications, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and electrical wire and cable markets. The company is a leading manufacturer and supplier of communications wire and cable products to telephone companies, distributors and system integrators; magnet wire for motors, transformers, generators and electrical controls; and building and industrial wire for applications in construction, appliances, recreational vehicles and industrial facilities.

While this release provides an overview of the PerformaLink Warranty Program, the actual terms, conditions and limitations of any warranty will be set out in a written warranty form to be provided by SUPERIOR ESSEX.