EXHIBIT 99.3

CONTACT:      Investor Relations                 (NYSE:  BMC)
                  (612) 851-6000                     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

                 BMC INDUSTRIES TO SUPPLY HDTV MASKS TO THOMSON

July 5, 2000 -- Minneapolis, Minnesota - BMC Industries, Inc. has been selected
by THOMSON multimedia (NYSE: TMS) as a supplier of shadow masks for its new
lineup of Digital High-Definition Television ("HDTV") Receivers.

THOMSON multimedia, the manufacturer and marketer of RCA, GE and PROSCAN home
entertainment products in the United States as well as other major consumer
electronics brands around the world, announced earlier this month new HDTV
models that will dramatically reduce consumer prices for HDTV products.

Thomson will use BMC's shadow masks for its 38-inch widescreen high-definition
television, the world's largest direct-view widescreen HDTV. BMC's masks will be
manufactured in Cortland, New York and Mullheim, Germany through a new
manufacturing process developed by BMC for advanced televisions. "BMC is excited
to be supporting THOMSON at the forefront of the Digital TV revolution," said
Benoit Pouliquen, BMC's President and Chief Operating Officer. "We believe that
BMC is well positioned to benefit from the launch of new high-definition and
flat screen TVs worldwide."

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of
Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 that are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created
thereby. Statements made in this press release which are not strictly
historical, including statements regarding future performance, are
forward-looking statements and as such are subject to a number of risks and
uncertainties, including, among others, consumer demand for direct-view HDTV
receivers; ability to meet customer requirements; and competition with
alternative technologies and products. Certain of these and other risks and
uncertainties are discussed in further detail in BMC's Annual Report and Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999 and other documents filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.

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BMC Industries, Inc. is one of the world's largest manufacturers of aperture
masks for color picture tubes used in televisions and computer monitors. BMC is
also a leading producer of polycarbonate, glass and plastic eyewear lenses.
BMC's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol
"BMC". For more information about BMC, visit the Company's website:
www.bmcind.com.

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