---

AMETEK Seeks Potential Buyers for Its Chemical Products Division

31 August 1999

AMETEK Seeks Potential Buyers for Its Chemical Products Division, Focuses on Core Businesses

    PAOLI, Pa., Aug. 31 -- AMETEK, Inc. today
announced it intends to sell its Chemical Products Division, a unit of its
Electronic Instruments Group.  AMETEK expects to use the proceeds from the
sale to reduce debt and to support the Company's strategic growth plans.
Salomon Smith Barney has been retained as AMETEK's financial advisor for the
sale of the business.
    Walter E. Blankley, AMETEK's chairman and chief executive officer, stated,
"Chemical Products Division does not fit AMETEK's strategic focus on electric
motors and electronic instrumentation.  We believe that the full value of this
business will be best realized under different ownership.  For that reason we
have decided to seek potential buyers for this business."
    "With this sale, AMETEK sharpens its focus on its core businesses where we
are market leaders.  Our competitive strength, strong cash flow and financial
flexibility position AMETEK to profitably grow through Operational Excellence,
new products, strategic acquisitions and the building of our global market
presence."
    The Chemical Products Division, with expected 1999 sales of $42 million,
consists of two business units:  Westchester Plastics and Haveg.  Westchester
Plastics is a leading custom compounder of thermoplastic resins used for
automotive, electronic and other components.  Westchester Plastics' operations
are located in Nesquehoning, PA, and Wapakoneta, OH.  Haveg produces
fluoropolymer products, composite materials and protective textiles for use in
corrosive and high-temperature applications from its location in Wilmington,
DE.
    AMETEK is a leading global manufacturer of electric motors and electronic
instruments.  AMETEK's Corporate Growth Plan is based on Four Key Strategies:
Operational Excellence, New Products, Global & Market Expansion and Strategic
Acquisitions & Alliances.  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 MidCap 400
index and the Russell 2000 Growth Index.
    CONTACT:  William J. Burke of AMETEK, 610-889-5249.