MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Pentair (NYSE: PNR) announced today
that its Porter-Cable and Delta subsidiaries have renewed their commitment to
co-sponsor The New Yankee Workshop, public television's step-by-step
woodworking show hosted by Master Carpenter Norm Abram. The series premieres
its 13th season on January 8, 2000, on PBS (check local listings).
"The New Yankee Workshop's appeal to professional woodworkers and
discriminating do-it-yourselfers goes unmatched," said John Chapski, vice
president of marketing for Porter-Cable/Delta. "Each week, more than
3.8 million viewers tune in for Abram's straightforward and comprehensive
instructions on how to build woodworking projects. The program has been an
exceptional marketing vehicle for Porter-Cable and Delta."
Chapski said that The New Yankee Workshop co-sponsorship represents
Porter-Cable's and Delta's largest national marketing investments,
complementing aggressive trade and co-op, direct mail, point-of-sale, and
Internet advertising.
Abram's talents have earned him celebrity status and a cult following.
Over the years, his air of quiet authority and reassuring you-can-do-it
attitude have been credited with inspiring millions of people -- men, women,
and even children -- to turn their own hands to woodworking. One writer even
dubbed him "the most famous carpenter since Joseph." Most recently, Norm has
made appearances along with several NBA stars in a running series of
Footlocker TV advertisements labeled, "House of Hoops." His likeness,
complete with plaid shirt and beard, has been parodied on everything from Home
Improvement to Saturday Night Live. Esquire magazine included Abram in its
1997 list of the "100 best people in the world," honoring "... people who make
our lives larger richer or happier."
"We regularly receive letters from viewers around the world who love the
show and appreciate our support," said Delta Director of Marketing Steve
Quayle. "The show teaches them how to tackle challenging woodworking
projects, discover new products, and develop special techniques. It's
rewarding to know that this show is educating and encouraging woodworkers at
every level, from beginner to expert."
Porter-Cable Corporation ( http://www.porter-cable.com ) is a leading
manufacturer of portable electric and cordless power tools, air
nailers/staplers/compressors, generators and related accessories for the
professional woodworking, commercial/residential construction, plumbing, and
electrical markets. With its headquarters and manufacturing operation in
Jackson, Tenn., Porter-Cable operates a second manufacturing facility in
Steinheim, Germany, where its products are produced and sold throughout Europe
under the FLEX brand name.
Delta Machinery, also headquartered in Jackson, is the leading
manufacturer of the world's most complete line of woodworking machinery,
stationary equipment, and related accessories for use in home workshops,
building and construction trades, industry and schools. With its manufacturing
operation centralized in Tupelo, Miss., Delta owns and operates a subsidiary,
Biesemeyer, located in Mesa, Ariz. For more information on the Delta family
of tools, call Delta toll-free at 800-438-2486 or visit the Delta website at
http://www.deltawoodworking.com
Pentair ( http://www.pentair.com ) is a diversified manufacturer operating
in tools, equipment, water technologies, and enclosures markets. The company
employs 14,000 people in more than 50 locations around the world.
For more information contact Mark Cain of Pentair, Inc., 612-486-2761.
SOURCE Pentair, Inc.
CONTACT: Mark Cain of Pentair, Inc., 612-486-2761/