Sturgis Michigan, May 5, 2005 - 2005 marks the 60th anniversary of Midwest Tool And Cutlery Company. Founded in 1945 as an OEM manufacturer of snips and shears, the company now produces a full line of aviation snips, tinner snips, specialty snips and HVAC/R hand tools. The made in the USA Midwest Snips® national brand is a leading high-quality hand tool brand used worldwide by contractors, tradesmen, and tool user professionals.

"We take pride in our manufacturing history, product innovation, and U.S. workforce. Our revolutionary new Upright Snips™ are just the latest example of our commitment to continuous improvement in product performance and benefits as we constantly strive to offer high-quality products that help the end-user get the job done easier," notes Stephen Deter, President & CEO.

As part of its 60th anniversary, the company is sponsoring a sweepstakes giveaway to promote its revolutionary new Upright Snips™ aviation snips. The sweepstakes, which runs through year-end 2005, will award the grand prize winner a new Harley-Davidson Sportster motorcycle.

Upright Snips significantly improve cutting sheet metal and other materials for the contractor, tradesman and do-it-yourself user. Available in both right and left cutting models, the Upright Snips incorporate a patent pending right angle 90 handle to blade design.

About Midwest Tool & Cutlery
Midwest Tool And Cutlery Company produces its made in the USA Midwest Snips® brand of aviation and tinner snips at manufacturing operations in Sturgis and Kalkaska, Michigan. The company also produces a full line of folding tools, crimpers, cable cutters and other specialty tools for the HVAC/R, construction, siding, roofing, industrial, automotive, and sheet metal industries. Midwest Snips® are sold thru wholesale distributors worldwide as well as major U.S. retail outlets including Sears and The Home Depot.

Visit www.midwestsnips.com for more information.

# # # Application Notes for Editors: Midwest Snips® aviation snips and associated specialty tools are widely used in the following trades/applications: - Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC/R) and refrigeration installation and repair - Exterior remodeling industry (roofing, siding, gutter and down spout installation and repair) - Floor covering installation - Metal building construction and maintenance - RV/Motor home/trailer manufacturing - General construction, maintenance and repair - Auto body repair - General sheet metal cutting - Industrial /MRO applications

# # # Color photo included with e-mail releases - photos available by request for mailed releases. Photos include: Midwest Snips® logo; Upright Snips™ aviation snip; Midwest Tool and Cutlery Company Management Team - seated (left to right) David Schmick, V.P., Stephen Deter, Pres./CEO, Timothy Eagan, Treasurer, standing (left to right) Stan Payne, Forge Plant Mgr., Earl Ambrose, HR Mgr., Roger Rynberg, Sturgis Plant Mgr., Bob Besser, Sales Mgr., Harold Cody, Marketing Mgr.