Press Release

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121217/NE30693 )

Mr. Vartanian, who joined MSA in 1985, will serve as an officer of the company and will be responsible for developing and implementing the strategic blueprint for MSA's Fixed Gas and Flame Detection business.  Most recently, Mr. Vartanian served as the integration leader for MSA's 2010 acquisition of California-based General Monitors, a leading innovator and developer of advanced gas and flame detection systems.  Following the integration, Mr. Vartanian was named Chief Operating Officer of General Monitors in 2011. 

"Our acquisition of General Monitors accelerated a key element of our corporate strategy, and that is to focus on those core products that provide the greatest potential for growth, profitability and long-term success for our organization," said William M. Lambert, MSA President and CEO.  "In Nish we have a proven leader who understands the depth, synergies and complexities of both organizations, and I have great confidence he will help MSA achieve continued growth and success in our core Fixed Gas and Flame Detection business around the world," Mr. Lambert said.

During his 27 years with the company, Mr. Vartanian has served in various roles of increasing responsibility within MSA North America.  He began his career as a sales representative in Atlanta, Ga.  He was later promoted to U.S. National Sales Manager and, in 2005, was named Director of North America Commercial Sales and Distribution.  Mr. Vartanian was appointed to MSA's Executive Leadership Team in 2011.

Mr. Vartanian holds a bachelor's degree in business from the University of Massachusetts.

Note to local editors:  Mr. Vartanian resides in Laguna Hills, Ca. In 2010, he relocated to the Los Angeles area from Gibsonia, Pa.

About MSA:   

Established in 1914, MSA is the global leader in the development, manufacture and supply of safety products that protect people and facility infrastructures.  Many MSA products integrate a 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 a broad range of industries, including the fire service, the oil, gas and petrochemical industry, construction, mining and utilities, as well as the military.  Principal products include self-contained breathing apparatus, fixed gas and flame detection systems, handheld gas detection instruments, head protection products, fall protection devices and thermal imaging cameras. The company also provides a broad range of consumer and contractor safety products through a joint venture with MCR Safety.  These products are marketed and sold under the Safety Works^® brand.  MSA, based north of Pittsburgh in Cranberry Township, Pa., has annual sales of approximately $1.2 billion, manufacturing operations in the United States, Europe, Asia and Latin America, and 42 international locations.  Additional information is available on the company's Web site at www.MSAsafety.com.  Information on Safety Works products can be found at www.SafetyWorks.com.

SOURCE MSA

Mark Deasy, +1-724-741-8570