Exhibit 99.1

          APW TO EXPLORE STRATEGIC ALTERNATIVES FOR INDUSTRIAL SEGMENT


MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin (Sept. 24, 1999)--Applied Power Inc. (NYSE:APW) announced
today that it has retained Credit Suisse First Boston as its financial advisor
to explore strategic alternatives relating to the Company's Industrial business
segment ("Industrial"). Industrial's business designs, manufactures and sells a
broad range of unique industrial solutions, holding leading product positions
for niche applications and serving industrial markets around the world. The
business operates under market leading brand names including Enerpac, Gardner
Bender, Power-Packer, Power Gear and Barry Controls. Industrial is expected to
generate sales of over $690 million in fiscal 1999. "While we are very pleased
with the historical performance and future outlook of APW Industrial, we believe
that a strategic combination of the business with another industrial company may
offer our shareholders the opportunity to realize greater value. This will
enable existing Applied Power shareholders to continue to participate in the
strong potential of APW Electronics," said Richard G. Sim, Chairman, President
and Chief Executive Officer of Applied Power. Applied Power said that it would
only undertake a combination involving Industrial if it concluded that such a
transaction would enhance shareholder value and overall financial performance by
allowing management to focus resources on the substantial opportunities that
exist in its APW Electronics business.

Applied Power Inc., headquartered in Waukesha, Wisconsin, is a global company
comprised of two business segments.  APW Electronics supplies electronic
enclosures, power supplies, thermal systems, backplanes, and cabling either as
products or integrated as a system supplied along with new product design,
supply chain management, assembly and test services.  Industrial is composed of
standard and customized OEM products sold to a wide array of end users through
distribution or directly into a variety of niche markets.  To receive a faxed
copy of this or other recent Applied Power communications, please call the
Company's "News on Demand" service at 1-800-549-0679.

CONTACT:  Applied Power Inc.
                        Robert C. Arzbaecher, 414/523-7600
                        OR
                        Credit Suisse First Boston
                        312/750-3000