Actuant Celebrates 100 Years by Ringing the Closing Bell of the New York Stock Exchange

Company Also Marks 10-Year Anniversary of Successful Spin-Off

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Actuant Corporation (NYSE:ATU) today recognizes its centennial as well as the 10-year anniversary of its successful spin-off. Actuant CEO Robert Arzbaecher and the Company's Executive Team and Board of Directors together will ring the closing bell of the New York Stock Exchange to mark this important milestone.

Said Arzbaecher, "For 100 years our Company has demonstrated the Drive to Lead and has shown remarkable resilience. From our humble start in Milwaukee as American Grinder Manufacturing Company in 1910, we've demonstrated the foresight to reinvent ourselves over the years, acquiring new businesses and shifting focus to deliver the quality products and services our customers want."

Founded in 1910 as American Grinder Manufacturing, the Company became Blackhawk Manufacturing in 1925, Applied Power Industries in 1961, and ultimately Actuant in 2000 with the spin-off. Throughout its history, the hallmarks that have contributed to Actuant's success have included the diversity of its numerous products, brands and customers, a continuous improvement philosophy, lean and asset light manufacturing, and a global focus.

Actuant's history was recently documented in a book by historian John Gurda. In a forward, Gurda states, "The business began with a rudimentary hand grinder that provided a platform for expansion into the automotive field, but it was a different technology--hydraulics--that really poised the company for explosive growth. Utilizing the power of fluid under pressure to move mountains, the firm became a global leader in hydraulic tools and systems. Success in that field powered the evolution of all that followed, and by the end of its first century, Actuant was a well-diversified industrial giant with operations on every continent."

August 2010 also marks the 10-year anniversary of Actuant Corporation as a standalone public company. As the table illustrates, Actuant has grown considerably through a combination of internal growth and acquisitions. A demonstrated continuous improvement culture is evident in the earnings and cash flow. "Actuant has always focused on creating shareholder value." commented Arzbaecher. "Since August 2000, Actuant's stock price has increased from a split-adjusted $3.75 to over $20 today. This return outperformed the S&P 500 and other market indices during the same period, providing Actuant shareholders with significant value."

                              August 2000 Spin-Off  August 2010

Sales                         $515 Million          Approx $1.25 Billion

Employees                     2,000                 6,100

Stock Price (split adjusted)  $3.75                 $20.62 (July 30, 2010)

Market Capitalization         $150 Million          $1.4 Billion

"As we enter our next century, we are well positioned with four diverse business segments, operations in more than 30 countries, and committed employees, customers and shareholders," continued Arzbaecher. "Our history demonstrates that change is inevitable, but growth is intentional. We have what is necessary for continued growth and success: a business model and capital structure that drives internal growth, acquisitions, and continuous improvement initiatives. Our disciplined execution of this business model will help us continue to deliver value to our shareholders."

Soon after ringing the closing bell of the New York Stock Exchange, Arzbaecher's videotaped comments will be shared with the Company's 6,100 employees around the world. "We are grateful for the many significant contributions of past and current employees. It is this dedication that has allowed us to successfully position Actuant to leverage our strengths, remain nimble, and continue our Drive to Lead."

About Actuant

Actuant Corporation is a diversified industrial company with operations in more than 30 countries. The Actuant businesses are leaders in a broad array of niche markets including branded hydraulic and electrical tools and supplies; specialized products and services for energy related industries and highly engineered position and motion control systems. The Company was founded in 1910 and is headquartered in Butler, Wisconsin. Actuant trades on the NYSE under the symbol ATU. For further information on Actuant and its businesses, visit the Company's website at www.actuant.com.

    Source: Actuant Corporation

Released August 2, 2010