Featuring CleanStream® HEPA Filtration Media from Gore

Elkton, MD, February 28, 2002 - Shop-Vac Corporation, the recognized world leader in wet/dry vacuums, has joined with W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., the recognized world leader in industrial filtration, to introduce new Shop-Vac® brand wet/dry replacement vacuum filters with Gore's CleanStream® HEPA filtration media.

The new replacement filters feature Gore's exclusive filtration media, which stops dirt at the filter's surface, while allowing air to pass through. Unlike ordinary filters, which trap dust within the depth of the filter media, eventually becoming clogged and restricting airflow, Gore's CleanStream® HEPA filtration media works like new every time. The easy to clean surface requires only a simple tap or rinse to remove dirt and fine dust, restoring airflow to like-new performance for maximum suction power over the lifetime of the filter.

This performance is backed by a one-year satisfaction guarantee.

The HEPA filtration performance is noteworthy, too. Most filters that claim the HEPA rating may employ a HEPA media; however, few are fully sealed in such a way as to provide true HEPA filter performance. The new Shop-Vac® product with CleanStream® HEPA filtration media is a HEPA-rated filter, providing 99.97% filtration efficiency for particles down to 0.3 microns - ideal for capturing and retaining fine drywall and cement dust, sawdust and cold fireplace ash. Best of all, the filters can be used wet or dry, eliminating the need for frequent filter removal.

Shop-Vac is the recognized world leader in wet/dry vacuum technology, a position it has held for over 30 years by continuing to improve cleaning performance and expanding product offerings to meet the varied needs of its customer base. According to Larry Tempesco, Shop-Vac's VP of Sales and Marketing, "This new wet/dry replacement filter represents the very best in filtration technology. Gore's CleanStream® Filter, with over seven years of proven success in the wet/dry replacement filter category, is a welcome addition to ShopVac's wide range of accessories designed to meet the high-performance cleaning needs of industrial, commercial workshop and home maintenance users."

The new high performance replacement filters will be available starting in March at home centers and hardware stores throughout the U.S. Gore will continue to supply replacement filters for Craftsman® brand and other wet/dry vacuums direct to retail. For more information, log onto: www.shopvac.com or www.cleanstream.com.

W. L. Gore and Associates, Inc., a global innovations company best known for its
GORE-TEX® performance fabrics, is a world leader in industrial filtration, with over 25 years experience in particulate control for such demanding applications as food, pharmaceutical and chemical processing, cement plants and pollution control.