EXHIBIT 99.1

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BURKE INDUSTRIES INC. FILES VOLUNTARY PETITION UNDER CHAPTER 11 OF THE
BANKRUPTCY CODE

SANTA FE SPRINGS, CA - (Business Wire) - June 25, 2001 - Burke Industries, Inc.
announced today that the Company has filed a voluntary petition for relief under
Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the
District of New Jersey. Burke Industries, Inc. is a leading, diversified
manufacturer of highly engineered organic, silicone and vinyl based products for
commercial construction, aerospace and other industrial markets. The Company
markets its products under the BurkeMercer, Burkeline, Haskon, Purosil and SFS
brand names.

The combination of a general economic downturn and rapidly increasing cost of
utilities, insurance, certain raw materials and other overhead all contributed
to the need for a Chapter 11 filing. The Company thoroughly analyzed all of its
available options and concluded that a reorganization under Chapter 11 is the
only way to secure additional operating liquidity and financing, stabilize the
Company's financial condition, and maintain sufficient flexibility to
restructure its debt while continuing to execute its business plan.

The Company has secured a commitment for Debtor-In-Possession financing from
Bank of America, subject to court approval. The Company believes that the
financing package will, among other things, provide ample funding to maintain
normalized business relationships with its vendors and maintain uninterrupted
supply of products to its customers. While operating under the protection of
Chapter 11, the Company will seek to increase operating liquidity and continue
the operating and financial restructuring it began in 2000.