Press Release

PITTSBURGH, Oct. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- MSA (NYSE: MSA), the global leader in the development, manufacture and supply of safety equipment, announced today that Jerry Zheng, MSA Environmental, Health and Safety Engineer, has been recognized as one of the National Safety Council's (NSC) Rising Stars of Safety.  Mr. Zheng, who received the award at last week's National Safety Council Congress and Expo in Orlando, FL., was recognized for his outstanding efforts to help ensure a long-standing, hazard-free work environment at MSA's facility in Suzhou, China. 

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121029/NE02227 )

The Rising Stars of Safety awards are an annual showcase of nominated professionals younger than 40 who regularly demonstrate a commitment to workplace safety.  In particular, the awards recognize people who engage their peers in safety initiatives, establish successful safety training and programs, and demonstrate their value of safety as a critical business component.

Since joining MSA in 2008, Mr. Zheng has played a key role in employee safety, beginning with his involvement in the relocation of MSA's plant in Wuxi, China to the company's facility in Suzhou, China.  Mr. Zheng developed and implemented a formalized safety process, which included the review and application of more than 185 environmental, health and safety local and state Chinese government regulations.  As a result of his efforts, and those of MSA's Suzhou workforce, the safety record at the Suzhou facility is approaching a remarkable two million injury-free hours worked. 

"All of us at MSA are proud of Jerry for this well deserved accomplishment," said Steve Blanco, Vice President of Global Operational Excellence for MSA.  "As 'The Safety Company,' we have an unwavering commitment to not only provide our customers with the highest-quality products in the industry, but also to ensure the safest workplace possible for our associates and this recognition is an affirmation of these efforts," Mr. Blanco said.

The NSC Congress and Expo was held in Orlando from October 20 through 25.  Mr. Zheng was also recognized in Safety+Health Magazine and on the National Safety Council's website, www.nsc.org. 

About MSA:           

Established in 1914, MSA is the 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