EXHIBIT 99.6


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



                                          
               BMC INDUSTRIES COMPLETES ACQUISITION OF ORCOLITE UNIT



May 18, 1998 -- Minneapolis, Minnesota -- BMC Industries, Inc. ("BMC") announced
today that it has successfully completed the acquisition of Monsanto Company's
Orcolite operations, based in Azusa, California, effective May 15, 1998. 
Orcolite, a producer of polycarbonate and hard-resin plastic ophthalmic lenses,
will be managed as part of BMC's Vision-Ease Lens subsidiary.

BMC paid a purchase price of $100 million, plus $1 million in working capital
adjustments.  The Orcolite acquisition was funded through borrowings under BMC's
new $275 million syndicated bank credit facility, which was completed
contemporaneously with the closing of the acquisition.

"I am very excited about the successful consummation of the Orcolite
acquisition," said Paul B. Burke, Chairman and CEO of BMC.  "This acquisition is
an integral part of our strategic growth strategy.  The integration of Orcolite
into our existing Vision-Ease operations will greatly enhance our leadership
position in the growing polycarbonate segment of the ophthalmic lens market.  We
look forward to working closely with Orcolite personnel to ensure a smooth
transition into the BMC and Vision-Ease family." 

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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