[GENCORP LOGO]
                                                                  EXHIBIT 99.1



News Release
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INVESTOR CONTACT: YASMIN SEYAL
                  SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
                  916-351-8585

PRESS CONTACT:    LINDA BEECH CUTLER
                  VICE PRESIDENT, CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS
                  916-351-8650


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

                  GenCorp Names Douglas Jeffries Vice President
                                 and Controller


SACRAMENTO, CA, July 31, 2002 -- GenCorp Inc. (NYSE: GY), announced today that
Douglas Jeffries has assumed the position of vice president and controller for
the Company. Mr. Jeffries is responsible for all aspects of financial
management, reporting and accounting practices, providing leadership to the
Company's operating units: Aerojet, Aerojet Fine Chemicals and GDX Automotive.
He will report to Yasmin Seyal, the Company's senior vice president and chief
financial officer.

"Doug brings extensive experience and an impressive track record," said Ms.
Seyal. "He will play a significant role in GenCorp's efforts to streamline our
internal processes, and will work closely with our operating units regarding
their financial objectives, controls and procedures."

Mr. Jeffries, a northern California native, most recently was executive vice
president and chief operating officer of San Francisco-based Red Herring
Communications. He has also served as vice president and chief financial officer
at Alaris Medical, Inc. (AMEX: AMI), and has held executive financial and
technology management positions with Cardinal Health (NYSE:CAH) and
PricewaterhouseCoopers. Mr. Jeffries is a CPA and holds an MBA from the
University of Southern California.

GenCorp is a technology-based manufacturer with leading positions in automotive,
aerospace and defense, and pharmaceutical fine chemicals industries. For more
information, visit the Company's website at www.gencorp.com.


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