FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 5, 2003

For More Information Contact:

Ken Jopp
Marketing Communications Manager
952 937 4914
Info@mts.com

MTS Innovator Receives Award for Friction Stir Welding

Eden Prairie, Minn., Sept. 5, 2003 - MTS Systems Corporation (Nasdaq: MTSC) announced today that Mike Skinner, market manager of its friction stir welding systems, has been awarded an Innovator of the Year award from Finance and Commerce, a Minneapolis-based business daily.

The publication recognized Skinner at its 2003 awards luncheon held September 5 in Minneapolis. Skinner was honored for his leadership in commercializing friction stir welding, an advanced technology used to join metal plates and similar parts and which has technical and economic advantages over traditional welding and other joining technologies.

"Mike and MTS's entire friction stir welding team have been terrific entrepreneurs in developing this technology into a growing business," said Sidney W. Emery, Jr., Chairman and CEO. "Mike is a genuine innovator and leader. He saw a market need and managed the integration of several technologies into a unique product that is gaining wide acceptance in the market."

About MTS Systems Corporation:

MTS Systems Corporation is a global supplier of integrated simulation solutions that help customers accelerate and improve their design, development, and manufacturing processes. MTS supplies products for determining the mechanical behavior of materials, products and structures - including computer-based testing and simulation systems, modeling and testing software, and consulting services - as well as a provider of industrial products. MTS had 1,900 employees and revenue from continuing operations of $327 million for the fiscal year ended September 28, 2002. Additional information on MTS can be found on the worldwide web at www.mts.com.