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AMETEK to Lower Cost Structure

15 December 1998

AMETEK to Lower Cost Structure

   - Company to Incur Non-recurring Fourth Quarter Charge of $8.0 Million -
       - Actions to Result in Sequential Increase in Operating Income -

    PAOLI, Pa., Dec. 14 -- AMETEK, Inc. today
announced that it is taking a series of actions designed to lower its cost
structure.  These initiatives include:  the transition of U.S. motor
production to low-cost facilities, the closing and consolidation of
electromechanical motor plants in Europe, expanding flow manufacturing in
electronic instruments, and a reduction in workforce.  Accordingly, AMETEK
will incur for the fourth quarter ending December 31, 1998, a non-recurring
charge of approximately $8.0 million pretax, or 14 cents per diluted share.
    Walter E. Blankley, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer said, "Our
operational planning for 1999 is based on a continuation of the mixed markets
that affected performance in the second half of 1998.  To meet our double-
digit earnings growth target we will accelerate certain cost savings
initiatives. The result of all of these actions should be a sequential
increase in operating income.  We expect earnings in the fourth quarter of
1998 to be approximately 33 cents per diluted share before non-recurring
charges. The first quarter of 1999 is expected to be modestly below the 44
cents per share earned in the strong first quarter of 1998."

    Electromechanical Group Moves Toward Best-Cost Producer Objectives
    Frank S. Hermance, President and Chief Operating Officer, said, "We are
stepping up the transition of U.S. motor production to our new, low-cost
facility in Reynosa, Mexico -- increasing that plant's utilization and
lowering our overall costs.  EMG will expedite the ongoing consolidation of
our two plants in Italy that serve floorcare markets.  EMG's motor plant in
Germany also will be closed and manufacturing relocated to our plants in the
Czech Republic and Italy.

    Electronic Instrument Group Reduces Workforce, Intensifies Flow
Manufacturing
    Hermance continued, "EIG will accelerate implementation of Operational
Excellence.  This includes a workforce reduction as well as continued
expansion of flow manufacturing and supply chain management.  This will
increase production efficiency and reduce operating and purchased material
costs.  We also will reduce overlap in our marketing, sales, and distribution
support areas.

    Corporate Profile
    AMETEK is a leading global manufacturer of electric motors and electronic
instruments in North America, Europe, and Asia.  Sales are expected to
approach $1 billion in 1998.  Its Corporate Growth Plan is based on Four Key
Strategies: Operational Excellence, New Products, Global & Market Expansion,
and Strategic Acquisitions & Joint Ventures.  Its objective is double-digit
percentage growth in earnings per share from continuing operations and a
superior return on total capital.  The common stock of AMETEK is a component
of the S & P Mid Cap 400 Index and the Russell 2000 Growth Index.

    Forward-looking Information
    Statements in this news release that are not historical are considered
"forward-looking statements" and are subject to change based on various
factors and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ
significantly from expectations.  Those factors are contained in AMETEK's
Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

    CONTACT:  William F. Cleary, 610-889-5249, or James P. McKinley,
610-889-5271.