Contact:       Jeffrey J. Hattara            (NYSE-BMC)
               (612)851-6030                 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


                 BMC INDUSTRIES TO ACQUIRE MONSANTO'S ORCOLITE UNIT 
                                   FOR $100 MILLION

March 25, 1998 --Minneapolis, Minnesota - BMC Industries, Inc. ("BMC") and
Monsanto Company ("Monsanto") announced today that they have entered into a
definitive agreement under which BMC will acquire Monsanto's Orcolite business
for $100 million in cash.  The transaction has been approved by the boards of
directors of both companies and is subject to customary conditions and normal
regulatory approval.  The transaction is expected to close in the second
quarter.

Orcolite, headquartered in Azusa, California, is a producer of ophthalmic lenses
with estimated 1997 sales of $34 million.  Orcolite produces both hard resin
plastic and polycarbonate lenses and is well regarded in the ophthalmic lens
industry for its manufacturing capabilities, product innovation and customer
service.  Orcolite employs approximately 285 people at the California facility.

When the transaction closes, Orcolite will be operated with BMC's existing
ophthalmic lens subsidiary, Vision-Ease Lens, Inc. ("Vision-Ease"), to form a
single ophthalmic lens business.  Vision-Ease plans to operate Orcolite's
manufacturing facility to accommodate increasing product demand and facilitate
the launch of a continued stream of new, innovative products.

"This is an outstanding opportunity for Vision-Ease and the customers we serve,"
stated Paul B. Burke, Chairman and CEO of BMC.  "The relative strengths of
Vision-Ease and Orcolite complement each other well.  With this combination,
Vision-Ease and Orcolite customers will enjoy the benefits of broader product
lines, significantly increased sales and marketing efforts, more resources
devoted to research and development and better service levels."

                                       -more-



The acquisition will be funded through borrowings under a $275 million
syndicated bank credit facility provided for BMC by BT Alex. Brown and NBD 
Bank. This facility is committed, subject to customary terms and conditions, 
and will provide sufficient funds to satisfy working capital requirements and 
general corporate purposes. 

BMC Industries, Inc. is one of the world's largest manufacturers of aperture
masks for color picture tubes used in televisions and computer monitors.  The
Company is also a leading producer of glass, plastic and polycarbonate eyewear
lenses.  BMC's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the
symbol BMC.






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