<p>NEWS RELEASE Editorial Contact: The Simon Group, Inc. Rachel Lufkin or Beth Smith Phone: (215) 453-8700 Fax: (215) 453-1670 E-mail: [email protected]</p><p>PLEASE REFER TO THIS NUMBER IN CORRESPONDENCE: MET-A-9323 </p><p>LITHIUM-ION TECHNOLOGY ENHANCES METABO’S CORDLESS RECIPROCATING SAW </p><p>WEST CHESTER, Pa., December 2006 -- Metabo Corporation, a leading international manufacturer of professional grade portable electric power tools and abrasives for industrial, construction and welding applications, today announced that its ASE 18 cordless reciprocating saw is now available with a lithium-ion battery. </p><p>The ASE 18 is Metabo’s latest cordless reciprocating saw, and its “Quick” blade changing system provides for easy, tool-free blade changes. The use of lithium-ion battery technology with this tool, which is ideal for a wide range of carpentry, roofing, and heating and air conditioning applications, is essential because lithium-ion batteries weigh 40 percent less than traditional rechargeable batteries and make the overall tool lighter and easier to use. The tool also features an ergonomically designed handle to reduce operator fatigue and allow closer access to difficult to reach locations. </p><p>The lithium-ion batteries used in the ASE 18 boast an increased service life of up to 1,500 charges when compared with traditional NiCd or Ni-MH rechargeable batteries. The reciprocating saw also runs longer because the lithium-ion batteries have 40 percent higher performance than traditional rechargeable batteries. -more-</p><p>1506 Old Bethlehem Pike. Sellersville, PA 18960  215/453-8700  Fax: 215/453-1670  [email protected] 2</p><p>MET-A-9323</p><p>Features of the ASE 18 cordless reciprocating saw include a tool-less adjustable depth stop and a two-finger power switch that increases user comfort for longer operation. The saw delivers 0-2,700 strokes per minute, with a stroke length of 1”. It is 19.5” long, weighs 7.7 lbs. and comes furnished with a charger, 2 battery packs and assortment of saw blades.</p><p>For more information, please contact Terry Tuerk, Metabo Corporation, 1231 Wilson Drive, West Chester, PA 19380. Tel: 800/ 638-2264; Fax: 800/ 638-2261; Email: [email protected]; Web: www.metabousa.com. -30- READER SERVICE INQUIRIES: Please send all reader service inquiries to Terry Tuerk, Metabo, 1231 Wilson Drive, West Chester, PA 19380. </p><p>ABOUT METABO: Metabo, a leading international manufacturer of professional grade portable electric power tools and abrasives for industrial, construction and welding applications, has international headquarters in Nurtingen, Germany and U.S. headquarters in West Chester, Pennsylvania. The company has focused its product development on technological advancements in electronic circuitry and mechanical design, which has resulted in high performance, durable electric power tools. The name Metabo is German for “metal-boring,” symbolic of the first tool -- a metal-boring tool -- manufactured by the company in 1924.</p><p>EDITOR’S NOTE: Product available for demo or review. </p><p>1506 Old Bethlehem Pike. Sellersville, PA 18960  215/453-8700  Fax: 215/453-1670  [email protected] </p>