BLOOMINGTON, Minn., March 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Toro Company (NYSE: TTC) today announced the addition of Michael J. Hoffman to the company's board of directors. The announcement, made at Toro's Annual Meeting of Stockholders, came shortly after Hoffman assumed his role as chief executive officer of The Toro Company on March 15, 2005. His board position is effective immediately.

In addition, stockholders also re-elected Ronald O. Baukol, retired executive vice president of international operations of 3M Company; Katherine J. Harless, president of Verizon Information Services, Inc.; and Dale R. Olseth, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of SurModics, Inc., to three-year terms ending after Fiscal 2008.

"On behalf of all of our directors, I welcome Mike to our board with great enthusiasm," said Ken Melrose, executive chairman of Toro's board of directors. "This announcement brings the board to 12 members, enabling more flexibility and the ability to retain and add to the talent and skills of our team. Mike's history with Toro and his knowledge of the industry will make him a valuable asset to the board."

Hoffman joined Toro in 1977, serving the company in various sales, service and marketing roles for nearly all company businesses in the professional and residential segments. Over the past 10 years as a key executive, he successfully directed these divisions toward increased market share, revenue growth and profitability.

Hoffman holds a bachelor's degree in marketing management from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn., and an MBA from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota.

About The Toro Company:

The Toro Company (NYSE: TTC), with fiscal year 2004 sales of $1.6 billion, is a leading provider of outdoor maintenance and beautification products for home, recreation, and commercial landscapes around the world. Together with its distributors, Toro provides innovative products, agronomic expertise and exemplary service that helps consumers and professionals maintain their landscapes.

SOURCE The Toro Company
03/15/2005
CONTACT: Connie Kotke of Toro Media Relations, +1-952-887-8984
Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/103025.html
Web site: http://www.thetorocompany.com
(TTC)