LECO Lincoln Electric Holdings Inc

- Teams With Future Farmers of America for donation of emergency power generators CLEVELAND, Sept. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:LECO) today announced that it is partnering with the Future Farmers of America (FFA) to aid in recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The Company is donating engine-driven welders/generators for emergency power backup through the FFA chapters to schools in the three stricken Gulf States. "Our hearts go out to those who have survived or lost loved ones in the devastation of Hurricane Katrina," said John M. Stropki, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Some of our own sales people in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama were affected. They and their families are safe and accounted for, and we are helping provide the support they need to get their lives back together. "FFA is a strong and caring organization, and we are pleased that we are able to lend our support to their efforts in aiding those left without energy, and in some cases, homeless in the affected areas. "Likewise, we are fortunate to have a workforce that is dedicated and concerned with those who have been displaced by Hurricane Katrina. Lincoln Electric employees are putting forth a great effort in responding to the Hurricane Katrina crisis. In addition to the Company's donation of welding generators, our workforce is making contributions to the American Red Cross and other aid organizations. Those donations will be matched in-kind with additional equipment donations." The Company is also responding to increased demand in supplying its industrial, rental and retail distributors and customers with product to help their communities. "The recovery effort will take time, and I want to assure all of our business partners that Lincoln Electric will provide a steady and increased supply of product to help them operate, and in some cases, rebuild," said Mr. Stropki. Lincoln Electric is the world leader in the design, development and manufacture of arc welding products, robotic arc-welding systems, plasma and oxyfuel cutting equipment. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Lincoln has operations, manufacturing alliances and joint ventures in 18 countries and a worldwide network of distributors and sales offices covering more than 160 countries. The Company is celebrating its 110th anniversary this year. For more information about Lincoln Electric, its products and services, visit the Company's Web site at http://www.lincolnelectric.com/. DATASOURCE: Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. CONTACT: Roy L. Morrow of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc., +1-216-383-4893, or Web site: http://www.lincolnelectric.com/

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