Press Release

PITTSBURGH, May 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of MSA (NYSE: MSA) today declared a second quarter dividend of 28 cents per share on common stock, payable June 10, 2012 to shareholders of record on May 21, 2012.  This represents an 8 percent increase from the previous quarterly dividend of 26 cents.

The Board also declared a dividend of 56-1/4 cents per share on preferred stock, payable June 1, 2012 to shareholders of record on May 21, 2012.

About MSA:   

Established in 1914, MSA is a global leader in the development, manufacture and supply of safety products that protect people and facility infrastructures.  Many MSA products integrate a combination of electronics, mechanical systems and advanced materials to protect users against hazardous or life-threatening situations. The company's comprehensive line of products is used by workers around the world in a broad range of industries, including the fire service, the oil, gas and petrochemical industry, construction, mining and utilities, as well as the military.  Principal products include self-contained breathing apparatus, fixed gas and flame detection systems, handheld gas detection instruments, head protection products, fall protection devices and thermal imaging cameras. The company also provides a broad range of consumer and contractor safety products through a joint venture with MCR Safety.  These products are marketed and sold under the Safety Works® brand.  MSA, based north of Pittsburgh in Cranberry Township, Pa., has annual sales of approximately $1.2 billion, manufacturing operations in the United States, Europe, Asia and Latin America, and 42 international locations.  Additional information is available on the company's Web site at www.MSAsafety.com.  Information on Safety Works products can be found at www.SafetyWorks.com.

SOURCE MSA

Mark Deasy, +1-724-741-8570