Press Release

Dividend Remains Unchanged

PITTSBURGH, May 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Board of Directors of MSA (NYSE: MSA) today declared a second quarter dividend of 24 cents per share on common stock, payable June 10, 2009 to shareholders of record on May 22, 2009.

The Board also declared a dividend of 56-1/4 cents per share on preferred stock, payable June 1, 2009 to shareholders of record on May 22, 2009.

About MSA:

Established in 1914, MSA is a global leader in the development, manufacture and supply of safety products that protect people's health and safety. Many MSA 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, oil, gas and petrochemical industry, homeland security, construction, mining and other industries, as well as the military. Principal products include self-contained breathing apparatus, gas masks, gas detection instruments, head protection, ballistic body armor, fall protection devices 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 in the United States, Europe, Asia and Latin America, and more than 40 international locations. Additional information is available on the company's Web site at www.msanet.com.

SOURCE MSA

CONTACT:
Mark Deasy
of MSA
+1-412-967-3357
Web Site: http://www.msanet.com