Release Details

TUSTIN, Calif., Jan. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- To continue with its objective of building a major presence in the hearth industry, Hearth Products Inc. (HPI) has purchased the stock of Security Chimneys International Ltd. of Laval, Quebec. Security Chimneys joins Lennox Hearth Products (Tustin, CA) and three recently acquired companies -- Superior Fireplace Company (Fullerton, CA), Marco Manufacturing (Lynwood, CA) and Whitfield Hearth Products (Burlington, WA) -- to contribute to projected 1999 combined annual hearth product sales in excess of $175 million.

Security Chimneys was founded 30 years ago. The company manufactures a complete line of high-quality chimney conduits including gas, wood, pellet and oil venting for residential, commercial and industrial applications, as well as wood and gas fireplaces. The primary channel for distribution will remain the hearth products industry.

According to Warren Hanselman, President of HPI: "Security Chimneys fits our long-term strategic goal of being a key factor in the hearth products industry. We are especially encouraged about the capabilities of our new company in presenting us with a solid foundation in the chimney market. Security Chimneys will stay firmly independent with its own products, supported by its own sales force. We highly value the enthusiasm and professionalism of Pierre Archambault, President of Security Chimneys, and his exceptional team as well as the exciting programs that have made the company so successful in its field.

"HPI will continue to explore other appropriate acquisition opportunities that will enable us to be a strong partner in helping these businesses expand. What all our sister companies have in common is extensive R & D, state-of-the- art technology, manufacturing, sales, marketing and financial expertise. We are pleased to welcome Security Chimneys to our corporate family. We look forward to the important role all our companies will play in our future growth through producing the finest fireplaces, related appliances and components in the industry," said Hanselman.

HPI is a wholly owned subsidiary of Lennox Industries, Inc., a Lennox International company and a leader in total home comfort system design, manufacturing and sales for over 100 years. HPI is based in Tustin, CA, while Lennox Industries is headquartered in Richardson, TX. Lennox markets its HVAC products through a network of nearly 6,000 North American dealers.

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements. For information concerning these risks and uncertainties, see Lennox' publicly available filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Lennox disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
SOURCE Lennox International Inc.
Web site: http: //www.lennox.com
CONTACT: Karen O'Shea, Vice President, Communications and Public Relations of Lennox International Inc., 972-497-5258