Editorial Contact:

Chuck Schroeder
Charleston|Orwig, Inc
(262) 563-5056
cschroeder@comktg.com

MILLER/HOBART WELDING HELMETS’ RACER SERIES ADDS DALE EARNHARDT, JEFF GORDON

- Priced less than competitive helmets— $249

APPLETON, Wis., March 3, 2003 -
Racing fans will be thrilled to learn that the Racer Series of auto-darkening welding helmets from Miller Electric Mfg. Co. now features helmets honoring Jeff Gordon and the legendary Dale Earnhardt Sr.

“We’ve received a tremendous response so far to the Racer Series, and particularly to the Dale Earnhardt Jr. helmet,” said Tom Sommers, product manager, Miller Electric Service Parts. “We decided to add the Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Sr. helmets, which complement our current line and add appeal to a wider audience.”

The Gordon helmet features his #24 and the Earnhardt helmet features a facsimile signature, his #3 and a Winston Cup emblem commemorating his seven championships. “These are lightweight, very comfortable helmets that retail for $249, or about $100 less than competitors’ helmets,” Sommers said.

The Miller helmets have variable welding shade control (#9 - #13), lens sensitivity and delay control, auto-on/auto-off circuitry with reset function, a self-recharging Solarcell™ lithium battery and a 3.85 x 1.85-in. viewing field. They provide continuous eye protection against UV and IR radiation, even when the lens is in #3 ultra-clear (light state) mode. Made of polyamide nylon materials, the helmets are durable and lightweight (16 oz.) for operator comfort.

Featuring the same performance as Miller’s XLi Series, the Racer Series has a 1/16,000 second lens reaction time and internal shade, lens sensitivity and delay controls. The XLi Series is appropriate for MIG and Stick welding applications.

The Miller helmets are covered by an 18-month warranty. For more information, visit Miller’s Web site at www.MillerWelds.com. Only Miller combines the convenience of online shopping with the expertise of a local distributor for sales and service. To find the Miller distributor nearest you, call 1-800-4-A-MILLER (800-426-4553), fax 877-327-8132, visit the Web site or write to Miller Electric Mfg. Co., P.O. Box 100, Lithonia, GA 30058.

Headquartered in Appleton, Wis., Miller is a leading worldwide manufacturer of arc welding equipment and related systems for metalworking, construction, maintenance and other applications. Miller Electric Mfg. Co. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW), Glenview, Ill. ITW is a diversified multinational manufacturer of highly engineered components, assemblies and systems.