Press Release

PITTSBURGH, June 20, 2007 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ -- MSA (NYSE: MSA), the world's leading provider of sophisticated safety products, today announced it has been awarded a $9.9 million ($10.5 Canadian) contract from the Canadian military to produce ballistic helmets for use by Canadian forces. The contract also covers production of spare parts, including suspension systems and chin-straps. Helmet production is expected to begin this Fall.

The helmet model to be produced for the Canadian Forces is known as the CG634. MSA also produces ballistic helmets for the U.S. military, including the Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH) for the U.S. Army. MSA ballistic helmets, which combine advanced protection with greater comfort, stability and situational awareness, have been credited with saving numerous lives in military actions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"Our ballistic helmets represent the culmination of extensive work conducted by our engineering staff, our global head protection team and military safety experts," said John T. Ryan III, MSA Chairman and CEO. "Developing innovations in head protection has been a core competency of MSA for nearly a century. We're very proud that the Canadian military has entrusted MSA with the important responsibility of helping safeguard its men and women in uniform."

About MSA:

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 $914 million, 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

Mark Deasy of Mine Safety Appliances Company, +1-412-967-3357

http://www.msanet.com/