Press Release

PITTSBURGH, April 2, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- MSA Auer, the German operating unit of sophisticated safety equipment manufacturer MSA (NYSE: MSA), today celebrated its 50th anniversary of becoming a member of MSA's network of global affiliated companies. On this day in 1958, the late John T. Ryan, Jr. -- president of MSA at that time -- signed a contract to acquire Auergesellschaft in Berlin. The company's acquisition of Auer -- a leading German manufacturer of industrial safety equipment -- was significant in that it marked a milestone in MSA's global expansion efforts and paved the way for a strong MSA presence throughout Europe.

Over the past five decades Berlin has been the site of many important milestones that have helped fuel the growth and success of MSA, noted MSA Chairman and CEO John T. Ryan III. "MSA Auer's business has grown substantially over these many years as we have continued to invest in our German affiliate. In 1973, for example, we established our European Headquarters in Berlin and it has served MSA in that capacity ever since."

Mr. Ryan also noted that MSA associates have been witness to many events in Berlin that have helped shape history over the past half century. "Our executives were personally in the audience when President Kennedy spoke the words 'Ich bin ein Berliner' and when President Reagan declared 'Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this Wall,'" he said. "Our associates were also fortunate to be present to see the raising of the German flag over the Reichstag in 1990, symbolizing Germany's unification."

Today MSA is a global leader in the development, manufacture and supply of sophisticated safety products that protect people's health and safety. The company's comprehensive line of products is used by workers around the world in the fire service, homeland security, construction and other industries, as well as the military.

"There are probably only a small number of companies throughout the world that have existed for 50 years, let alone well over a century, as Auergesellschaft, eventually named MSA Auer, has done," Mr. Ryan said. "Yet, because of the efforts of our associates there and that of our predecessors to carry on the noble mission of the founders, we are able today to celebrate this great anniversary together."

Established in 1914, MSA is a global leader in the development, manufacture and supply of sophisticated safety products that protect people's health and safety. Sophisticated safety products typically integrate any 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 the fire service, homeland security, construction and other industries, as well as the military. Principal products include self-contained breathing apparatus, gas masks, gas detection instruments, head protection, respirators and thermal imaging cameras. The company also provides a broad range of consumer and contractor safety products through retail channels. These products are marketed and sold under the MSA Safety Works brand. MSA has annual sales of approximately $1 billion, manufacturing operations throughout the United States and Europe, and more than 40 international locations. Additional information is available on the company's Web site at http://www.msanet.com.

SOURCE MSA

CONTACT:
Mark Deasy of MSA
+1-412-967-3357