Actuant Division Wins Third American Convertible Top Program.

Business Editors

MILWAUKEE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 8, 2001

Actuant Corporation (NYSE:ATU) announced today that its Power-Packer business unit has received a contract to produce a multi-cylinder, high pressure electro-hydraulic system for the retractable hardtop on the Chevrolet SSR. The contract, awarded by American Sunroof Company (ASC) Incorporated, represents a multi-million dollar, long-term contract.

Robert C. Arzbaecher, President and Chief Executive Officer of Actuant commented, "The convertible top market continues to expand rapidly on a worldwide basis. The use of retractable hard top roof systems, such as the one on the SSR, is becoming more prevalent and our high-pressure electro-hydraulic system is becoming the preferred actuation solution for these hard tops. This program represents our third convertible top actuation system win in the North American market in recent months, and will increase our unit volume considerably in model years 2002 and 2003. Because of this expected growth, and to better serve our customers, we will be setting up production at our existing Glendale, Wisconsin facility with capacity to accommodate future growth."

Actuant, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a diversified industrial company with operations in 19 countries. The Actuant businesses are market leaders in highly engineered position and motion control systems and branded hydraulic and electrical tools. Products are offered under such established brand names as Enerpac, Gardner Bender, Mox-Med, Milwaukee Cylinder, Nielsen Sessions, Power-Packer, Power Gear and Dewald.

For further information on Actuant and its business units, visit the Company's website at www.actuant.com.