Exhibit 99.1


[logo]  ALLEGHENY TECHNOLOGIES
        SPECIALTY MATERIALS THAT MAKE OUR WORLD


1000 Six PPG Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15222-5479                   NEWS RELEASE...


                                                   Contact:   Dan L. Greenfield
                                                              412- 394-3004

          ALLEGHENY TECHNOLOGIES TO ACQUIRE J&L SPECIALTY STEEL ASSETS

Pittsburgh, PA - February 17, 2004 - Allegheny Technologies Incorporated
(NYSE:ATI) announced today that an Asset Purchase Agreement has been signed with
Arcelor and J&L Specialty Steel, LLC under which a wholly owned ATI subsidiary
will acquire substantially all of the assets of J&L Specialty Steel.

The transaction, which is targeted for closing on May 3, 2004, is conditioned
upon completion of due diligence, the successful negotiation of new collective
bargaining agreements with the United Steelworkers of America (USWA) at both ATI
Allegheny Ludlum and J&L Specialty Steel, approval by ATI's secured lenders, and
customary regulatory approvals.

"This transaction provides an opportunity to accelerate the return to
profitability of our flat-rolled stainless steel business," said Pat Hassey,
Allegheny Technologies President and Chief Executive Officer. "The economics of
the transaction are attractive. The combination and integration of the J&L
Specialty Steel operations with our Allegheny Ludlum operations should improve
our overall competitive position and create opportunities for growth, cost
savings and operating synergies. In addition, this industry consolidation
improves customer service by maintaining J&L's capacity in the U.S. stainless
steel market.

"This is a unique opportunity for ATI and the employees of both Allegheny Ludlum
and J&L Specialty Steel. Although several closing conditions must be satisfied,
we are working diligently towards completion of a successful transaction."

Allegheny Technologies Incorporated (NYSE: ATI) is one of the largest and most
diversified specialty materials producers in the world, with revenues of
approximately $1.9 billion in 2003. The Company has approximately 8,800
employees world-wide and its talented people use innovative technologies to
offer growing global markets a wide range of specialty materials. High-value
products include nickel-based and cobalt-based alloys and superalloys, titanium
and titanium alloys, specialty steels, super stainless steel, exotic alloys,
which include zirconium, hafnium and niobium, tungsten materials, and highly
engineered strip and Precision Rolled Strip(R) products. In addition, we produce
commodity specialty materials such as stainless steel sheet and plate, silicon
and tool steels, and


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forgings and castings. The Allegheny Technologies website can be found
at www.alleghenytechnologies.com.

ATI Allegheny Ludlum is a world leader in the production and marketing of sheet,
plate, and strip specialty materials including stainless steel, nickel-based
alloys, titanium, and titanium-based alloys. The company also produces
grain-oriented silicon electrical steel products and tool steel plate. Allegheny
Ludlum's website can be found at http://www.alleghenyludlum.com.

J&L Specialty Steel is a leading manufacturer of flat-rolled stainless steel
products. The company is headquartered in Coraopolis, PA, with plants located in
Midland, PA and Louisville, OH. J&L is a wholly owned subsidiary of Arcelor, the
world's largest producer of steel. J&L's website can be found at
www.jlspecialty.com.

With approximately 100,000 employees in over 60 countries, Arcelor is the
world's largest steel producer. In 2002, on a pro forma basis, production was
approximately 44 million tons of steel with a turnover of 26.6 billion euros.
Arcelor is a major player in all its main markets: automotive, construction,
household appliances and packaging as well as general industry. Arcelor's
website can be found at www.arcelor.com.

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on
management's current expectations and are subject to uncertainties and changes
in circumstances. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or
implied in the forward-looking statements. Additional information concerning
factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those
projected in the forward-looking statements is contained in Allegheny
Technologies' filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We assume no
duty to update our forward-looking statements.



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