DULUTH, Georgia - January 20, 2004

Nordson Corporation (Nasdaq - NDSN) has named Dave Petteplace general sales manager. In this position, Petteplace will manage the sales and service operations of the company's Packaging and Product Assembly (PPA) and Paper and Paperboard Converting (PPC) business groups throughout western and central Canada.

Steve Shelby, end user sales manager for North America, said, "Dave's experience, combined with his in-depth knowledge of our products, will enable us to maximize out efforts to establish new business and maintain a leadership position in adhesive dispensing throughout Canada."

Since joining Nordson in 1995, Petteplace has held positions of increasing responsibility from area manager to senior area manager.

Petteplace received a diploma in business administration from Conestoga College of Applied Arts and Technology in Ontario.

Nordson Corporation is the world's leading producer of precision dispensing equipment. Nordson systems apply adhesives, sealants and coatings to a broad range of consumer and industrial products during manufacturing operations, helping customers meet quality, productivity and environmental targets. The company also manufactures technology-based systems for curing and surface treatment processes. Headquartered in Westlake, Ohio, Nordson has direct operations in 30 countries.