EXHIBIT 99


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


               BMC INDUSTRIES, INC. ADOPTS SHARE RIGHTS PLAN



June 30, 1998 -- Minneapolis, Minnesota -  The Board of Directors of BMC
Industries, Inc., today announced it has adopted a Share Rights Plan.

Under the Plan, the Board of Directors has declared a dividend distribution of
one Preferred Share Purchase Right on each outstanding share of BMC's Common
Stock held by shareholders of record as of the close of business on July 20,
1998.  The Rights will expire on July 20, 2008.

The Share Rights Plan is intended to increase the likelihood that the Company's
shareholders will realize the long-term value of their investment, and that all
shareholders will receive fair and equal treatment in the event of a takeover
attempt of the Company.  The Rights Plan was not adopted in response to any
current takeover approach or similar development.

The Rights will generally become exercisable after any person or group acquires
beneficial ownership of 15 percent or more of the Company's Common Stock or
announces a tender or exchange offer that would result in that person or group
beneficially owning 15 percent or more of the Company's Common Stock.  Each
Right will entitle shareholders to buy one five-hundredth of a share of a newly
created series of preferred stock at an exercise price of $75 (subject to
adjustment) upon certain events.

If any person or group becomes owner of 15 percent or more of the Company's
Common Stock, each Right will entitle its holder (other than such person or
member of such group) to purchase, at the Right's then-current exercise price,
shares of the Company's Common Stock having a value of twice the Right's
then-current exercise price (subject to possible adjustments).

In addition, if the Company is acquired in a merger or other business
combination transaction, or sells 50 percent or more of its assets or earnings
power, each Right will generally entitle its holder to purchase, at the Right's
then-current exercise price, common shares of the acquiring company having a
market value of twice the Right's then-current exercise price.

In certain circumstances, the Company may exchange the Rights for shares of its
Common Stock, delay or temporarily suspend the exercisability of the Rights or
reduce the 15 percent stock ownership threshold to not less than 10 percent.

At the option of the Board of Directors, the Company may redeem the Rights at
$.001 per Right




BMC Adopts Shareholder Rights Plan - page 2

at any time prior to the public announcement that a 15 percent or more position
has been acquired and, unless there has been a change in control of the Board,
during the 20 day period thereafter (subject to possible extension).

Further details of the Share Rights Plan will be outlined in a letter that will
be mailed to all shareholders of record as of July 20, 1998.

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 polycarbonate, glass and plastic eyewear
lenses.  BMC's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the
symbol BMC.


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