Somerset, PA (January 5, 2004). Somerset Welding & Steel, Inc., a leading manufacturer of dump bodies, trailers, and specialty truck equipment, today announced the appointment of David N. Spear as Quality Assurance Manager and Michael Riggs as Product Development Manager.

David Spear will be responsible for ensuring that quality system processes at Somerset Welding are implemented and maintained in accordance with the company's ISO 9001:2000 standard. He will oversee the company's goals of satisfying customer needs, producing high quality products, delivering on time, and monitoring internal procedures to make sure these goals are consistently met. Prior to joining Somerset Welding & Steel in 2000 as Training Director, David was a teacher in the public school system where he taught communications, English, and computer applications. He earned a Bachelors Degree in English from Geneva College and a Masters in Modern Humanities from Frostburg State University.

As Product Development Manager for Somerset Welding & Steel, Michael Riggs will be responsible for market research, reviewing and evaluating the company's existing product lines, identifying and implementing product enhancements to ensure customer satisfaction, and coordinating activities between sales, engineering, production, and marketing to establish effective programs to meet the needs of their customers. Michael joined the company in 1993 and began by working in the company's manufacturing plant. This hands-on experience prepared him for his eventual positions within the warranty and quality departments prior to being named to this new position.

Somerset Welding and Steel, Inc. is a subsidiary of Riggs Industries and was founded in 1958. The company operates J&J Truck Bodies & Trailers, manufacturers of dump truck bodies and trailers, J&J Truck Equipment, a provider of specialty truck equipment, and Lincoln Supply and Equipment, a retail outlet that provides heavy equipment for construction and agricultural applications. Somerset Welding & Steel is an ISO 9001:2000 certified company, serving clients worldwide.

For more information on Somerset Welding & Steel, please contact Shahira Hoffman, visit www.jjbodies.com, email skh@jjbodies.com, or by phone 800.262.6578.