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Pentair Equipment Businesses Win Sears 'Partners In Progress' Award

March 8, 2000

ST. PAUL, Minn., March 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Pentair, Inc. (NYSE: PNR) announced today that its equipment businesses -- DeVilbiss Air Power Company (DAPC) of Jackson, Tenn. and Century Manufacturing of Bloomington, Minn. -- have been named recipients of the Sears 1999 Partners in Progress Award. This is the ninth time that DAPC has won the Partners in Progress award; Century has won the award four times.

"It's an honor to be recognized by one of the largest retailers in the world for the outstanding product quality and service we provide," said Steve Bentson, president of Pentair's equipment businesses. "For DAPC and Century to have won this award is a true testament to the hard work and dedication of the employees in Pentair's equipment businesses."

The Partners in Progress award recognizes suppliers who demonstrate superior achievements in market performance, quality performance, and service quality. In a letter to the companies, Sears Vice President and General Merchandise Manager Daniel F. Laughlin said: "You ... are being recognized for your participation with Sears in bringing quality products or services to our mutual target customers, and for joining with us in our continuing commitment to stand for integrity and value in the marketplace."

DeVilbiss Air Power Company ( http://www.devap.com ) is a leading manufacturer of air compressors, air tools, generators, nailer/staplers, and cold water pressure washers. DAPC employs 1,000 people and is headquartered in Jackson, Tenn., where it also has an extensive manufacturing and warehouse facility. A second DAPC manufacturing facility is located in Decatur, Ark.

Century ( http://www.centurymfgco.com ) manufactures battery chargers and testers, lubricating tools and equipment, portable power supplies, automotive refrigerant and coolant recyclers, automatic transmission fluid exchangers, arc and MIG welders, plasma cutters, and welding accessories, and a complete line of lifting equipment including hydraulic jacks and specialty tools. The company employs approximately 380 people at its headquarters and plant in Bloomington, Minn.

Pentair ( http://www.pentair.com ) is a diversified manufacturer operating in three principal markets: professional tools and equipment, water and fluid technologies, and electrical and electronic enclosures. The company employs 14,000 people in more than 50 locations around the world.

For more information, contact Mark Cain of Pentair, 651-639-5278, Mike Davis of DeVilbiss Air Power Co., 901-421-6899, or Kent Rahn of Century Manufacturing, 612-885-6411. SOURCE Pentair, Inc.

CONTACT: Mark Cain of Pentair, 651-639-5278, Mike Davis of DeVilbiss Air Power Co., 901-421-6899, or Kent Rahn of Century Manufacturing, 612-885-6411/