MSA, the leading global manufacturer of safety products and systems that protect people and facility infrastructures, has appointed Steve Blanco to the position of Vice President of Global Operational Excellence.

New to MSA, Mr. Blanco succeeds Kerry M. Bove who, in November, 2011, was named a president of MSA International, responsible for the company's operations in Asia, Australia, Sub-Saharan Africa and South America. Mr. Blanco has also been elected an officer of the company and will join MSA's Executive Leadership Team, responsible for leading the company's Operational Excellence functions around the world.

With nearly 25 years of operations experience, Mr. Blanco comes to MSA from Eaton Corporation, where he worked for the past five years, most recently serving as Vice President of Manufacturing for the company's $7.2 billion Electrical Sector. Prior to this, he spent nearly 20 years with Ford Motor Company and Visteon, serving in a variety of engineering, plant management and operations roles.

In his new position with MSA, Mr. Blanco will work to implement best-in-class practices, including leading-edge manufacturing processes and systems that advance the effectiveness and efficiency of MSA's global manufacturing operations. He will also work to develop the company's Operational Excellence team to support business objectives and the implementation of MSA's corporate strategy, of which Operational Excellence is a key focus.

An engineer by trade, Mr. Blanco earned his bachelor's of science degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Purdue University and holds an MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University.

About MSA:

Established in 1914, MSA is a 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.