Press Release

PITTSBURGH, May 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Board of Directors of MSA (NYSE: MSA) has elected Paul R. Uhler a Vice President of the corporation. As a new officer of MSA, Mr. Uhler will maintain his present responsibilities and reporting relationships as head of the company's Human Resources and Corporate Communications functions. He will report to William Lambert, President, MSA North America.

"This election is well deserved and reflects the many contributions Paul has made to MSA over his many years with the company and the confidence the Board of Directors and I have in his ability to lead MSA's evolving and strategically critical HR function," said John T. Ryan III, MSA Chairman and CEO. "From manufacturing to HR, Paul has contributed to MSA's success on many fronts. He is a leader in his field and is well deserving of this promotion."

Possessing a broad knowledge of the many facets of human resources, Mr. Uhler most recently served as the Director of Human Resources and Corporate Communications, where he was instrumental in implementing a comprehensive reorganization of MSA's HR department. The HR transformation was initiated in 2004 and fully implemented in 2005 to better align the department's programs, initiatives and people processes with the company's strategic business goals.

Mr. Uhler began his career with MSA in 1984 holding various human resources and operational positions throughout the organization, including Plant Personnel Manager for MSA's Evans City, Pa. facility, and HR Manager for the company's Murrysville, Pa. production facility. Mr. Uhler also served as Plant Manager at Murrysville and, prior to his most recent position, as Director of Operations for MSA's former Safety Products Division. He also has held leadership positions on MSA's internal Global Manufacturing Council.

Mr. Uhler received a bachelor's degree in business from the University of Pittsburgh in 1982, and earned a master's degree in industrial relations from St. Francis College in 1985.

In addition to his MSA responsibilities, Mr. Uhler is a member of the American Production and Inventory Control Society, the Association for Manufacturing Excellence, Inc., The Manufacturers Alliance and the Manufacturing Executive Forum and GOAL/QPC. Mr. Uhler also serves on the board of directors for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Mr. Uhler is a past board member of the Westmoreland Manufacturer's Association.

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, thermal imaging cameras and ballistic body armor. 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 more than $900 million, manufacturing operations throughout the world, and more than 30 international locations. Additional information is available on the company's Web site at www.msanet.com.

SOURCE MSA

NOTE TO EDITORS: Mr. Uhler and his family reside in Ross Township.
CONTACT: Mark Deasy of MSA, +1-412-967-3357