Exhibit 99

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, September 28, 2006


                          THE EASTERN COMPANY ANNOUNCES
                            THREE-FOR-TWO STOCK SPLIT


Naugatuck, CT-The Eastern Company (AMEX-EML) announced today a three-for-two
stock split of the Company's common shares, pursuant to the authority delegated
to the President of the Company by a resolution of the board of directors of the
Company at a meeting held on April 26, 2006.

Leonard F. Leganza, Eastern's president and chief executive officer stated,
"This action reaffirms our confidence in the future operating results and cash
flow of the Company, as well as our long-term goal of building shareholder
value. We believe the stock split will bring the value of Eastern's shares to an
attractive level for individual investors, as well as improve our liquidity and
create a broader shareholder base for the Company. The three-for-two stock split
will increase the number of outstanding Eastern common shares from approximately
3.6 million to approximately 5.5 million."

As a result of the stock split, shareholders of record on October 10, 2006 will
be entitled to receive one additional share for every two shares they own on
that date. The Company will arrange for issuance of these shares on October 17,
2006. Any fractional shares created as a result of this split will be paid by
cash. The date on which the shares will begin trading at the split price is
October 18, 2006. Eastern's common stock purchase rights under its Rights
Agreement dated August 21, 1998, will also be appropriately adjusted to reflect
the stock split.

The Eastern Company is a 148-year-old manufacturer of industrial hardware,
security products and metal castings. It operates from nine locations in the
U.S., Canada, Mexico, Taiwan and China. The diversity of the Company's products
helps it to respond to the changing requirements of a broad array of markets.

Forward-Looking Statements: Information in this news release contains statements
which reflect the Company's current expectations regarding its future operating
performance and achievements. Actual results may differ due to the many economic
uncertainties that affect the Company's business environment. Further
information about the potential factors which could affect the Company's
financial results are included in the Company's reports and filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company is not obligated to update or
revise the aforementioned statements for those new developments.

Contact:          Leonard F. Leganza or John L. Sullivan III
                  (203) 729-2255