Press Release

PITTSBURGH, Nov. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of Mine Safety Appliances Co. (Amex: MSA) has elected Dennis L. Zeitler to the position of Chief Financial Officer. In his new capacity, Mr. Zeitler will retain his role as Vice President and Treasurer in addition to assuming the CFO responsibilities held by Jim Herald, who is retiring from the company following 13 years of service.

A reorganization of duties also will occur within MSA's Information Technology group. Effective with Mr. Herald's retirement, Stephen C. Plut has been named Chief Information Officer and will report directly to John T. Ryan III, MSA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Additionally, Millard L. Humphreys, Jr. has been named Director, Supply Chain Management, and will report directly to Tom Hotopp, President.

"These organizational changes enhance the financial and IT functions at MSA and are reflective of the demands of an evolving business environment," Mr. Ryan said. "But equally important, these changes represent the confidence the Board of Directors, the other officers and I have in their ability to lead and continue to make MSA a great company and an exciting place to work. On this occasion, I would like to express my appreciation for the fine contributions Jim Herald has made to our organization."

Mr. Zeitler, who began his career with MSA in 1977 as Manager of Financial Services, was named Treasurer of the company in 1989. In addition to his financial responsibilities, Mr. Zeitler oversees MSA's real estate projects, including Cranberry Woods, a progressive commercial real estate project under development at the company's Cranberry Township site. Mr. Zeitler also serves on MSA's Strategy Committee, responsible for corporate funding and investing, banking and insurance, foreign currency, pension investing, and acquisitions and divestitures.

Mr. Zeitler received a bachelor's degree in economics from St. Vincent College and a master's degree in finance from the University of Pittsburgh. His professional and community affiliations include the Financial Executives Institute, the Community Development Corporation of Butler County, Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, and the National Kidney Foundation.

MSA is the world's leading provider of quality products and services that protect people's health, safety and the environment. The company has sales and manufacturing operations throughout the United States and has 29 international affiliates.
SOURCE Mine Safety Appliances Company
CONTACT: Mark Deasy of Ketchum, 412-456-3843, or fax, 412-456-3900, for MSA; or Ben DeMaria of MSA, 412-967-3109, or fax, 412-967-3056
NOTE TO EDITORS: Mr. Zeitler and his family reside in Wilkins Township, Pa.