Special Devices, Inc. Names New Chief Executive Officer

MOORPARK, Calif. (PROTEXT) - Special Devices, Inc. (SDI), aleading designer and manufacturer of highly reliable, precision-engineered pyrotechnic devices for the aerospace and automotiveindustries, has named Thomas W. Cresante Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Cresante has a prestigious manufacturing managementbackground with over 28 years of experience. He has held variousexecutive management positions with major automotive componentssuppliers such as TRW, Allied Signal, Rockwell International andITT. As a senior executive of several of the world's leadingmanufacturers of occupant restraint systems including airbags andseatbelts, Mr. Cresante is extremely familiar with SDI's market,products and key customers. Mr. Cresante will replace current CEO, George A. Sawyer, whowill step down on September 27. Mr. Sawyer will continue with hisposition on SDI's Board of Directors as Chairman of the ExecutiveCommittee. "We have been especially fortunate in recruiting Tom to SDI.Tom is well-known and respected throughout our industry and, inparticular, with our major automotive customers," Sawyer said. "He is a strong advocate of 'World Class Manufacturing'techniques related to both automotive and aerospace processes. Myassociates and I at J. F. Lehman & Company are convinced thatthese advanced techniques in modern manufacturing, when fully putin place at SDI, will take our business to new heights," Sawyeradded. Special Devices, Inc. (SDI) is a leading designer andmanufacturer of highly reliable, precision-engineered pyrotechnicdevices for the aerospace and automotive industries. The Companyis dedicated to supplying its customers with products that meettheir stringent requirements while maintaining the highest levelof quality, reliability and innovation. SDI is a privately heldcorporation whose principle shareholders are affiliates of J. F.Lehman & Company. For more information regarding SDI, contact805-553-1200. This release contains forward-looking statements relating tobusiness growth at SDI. These forward-looking statements arebased on current expectations and involve various risks anduncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materiallyfrom those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. SDIundertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements toreflect events or circumstances after the date thereof. otsOriginal Text Service: Special Devices, Inc. Internet:http://www.newsaktuell.de Contact: Special Devices, Inc., 805-553-1200 Web site: http://www.specialdevices.com

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