Special Devices, Inc. Names New Chief Executive Officer

23 September 1999
Special Devices, Inc. Names New Chief Executive Officer
    MOORPARK, Calif., Sept. 22 -- Special Devices, Inc. (SDI), a
leading designer and manufacturer of highly reliable, precision-engineered
pyrotechnic devices for the aerospace and automotive industries, has named
Thomas W. Cresante Chief Executive Officer.
    Mr. Cresante has a prestigious manufacturing management background with
over 28 years of experience.  He has held various executive management
positions with major automotive components suppliers such as TRW, Allied
Signal, Rockwell International and ITT.  As a senior executive of several of
the world's leading manufacturers of occupant restraint systems including
airbags and seatbelts, Mr. Cresante is extremely familiar with SDI's market,
products and key customers.
    Mr. Cresante will replace current CEO, George A. Sawyer, who will step
down on September 27.  Mr. Sawyer will continue with his position on SDI's
Board of Directors as Chairman of the Executive Committee.
    "We have been especially fortunate in recruiting Tom to SDI.  Tom is
well-known and respected throughout our industry and, in particular, with our
major automotive customers," Sawyer said.
    "He is a strong advocate of 'World Class Manufacturing' techniques related
to both automotive and aerospace processes.  My associates and I at J. F.
Lehman & Company are convinced that these advanced techniques in modern
manufacturing, when fully put in place at SDI, will take our business to new
heights," Sawyer added.
    Special Devices, Inc. (SDI) is a leading designer and manufacturer of
highly reliable, precision-engineered pyrotechnic devices for the aerospace
and automotive industries.  The Company is dedicated to supplying its
customers with products that meet their stringent requirements while
maintaining the highest level of quality, reliability and innovation.  SDI is
a privately held corporation whose principle shareholders are affiliates of J.
F. Lehman & Company.  For more information regarding SDI, contact
805-553-1200.

    This release contains forward-looking statements relating to business
growth at SDI.  These forward-looking statements are based on current
expectations and involve various risks and uncertainties that may cause actual
results to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking
statements.  SDI undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements
to reflect events or circumstances after the date thereof.