PANDUIT Named Preferred Vendor by the U.S. Air Force

Business Wire, Nov 15, 2006

TINLEY PARK, Ill. -- PANDUIT, a leading, world-class developer and provider of innovative network infrastructure systems, announces that the U.S. Air Force named PANDUIT a preferred vendor for its network cabling needs.

Through this designation, PANDUIT is engaged in the First 400 Feet program, a military network infrastructure upgrade project. This program requires complete physical layer reconstruction of the network to comply with the Air Force's growing needs. Upgrades will support voice, video and data connectivity enhancements for Unclassified, U.S. Secret and Coalition Secret networks.

Working in partnership with Anixter, the world's largest distributor of communication products and electrical wire and cable, PANDUIT is providing high performance copper cabling systems to Air Force facilities throughout the Pacific Rim. In the Pacific region, the Air Force commands about 45,000 military and civilian personnel at facilities in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, Diego Garcia, Japan and South Korea.

"Partnering with PANDUIT was paramount to successful and timely deployment of this project," stated Kevin Reed, Government Sales Manager, Anixter. "PANDUIT expertise in the government sector, ability to service large global clients and extensive technology capabilities truly differentiated them from the competition."

"PANDUIT solutions will enable the technology enhancements required by the U.S. Air Force. We look forward to demonstrating our value and expertise on this project, and many others into the future," said Ron Partridge, Vice President Global Sales and Marketing, PANDUIT Corp.

About PANDUIT:

PANDUIT is a leading, world-class developer and provider of innovative networking and electrical solutions. For more than 50 years, PANDUIThas engineered and manufactured end-to-end solutions that assist our customers in the deployment of the latest technologies. Our global expertise and strong industry relationships make PANDUIT a valuable and trusted partner dedicated to delivering technology-driven solutions and unmatched service. Through our commitment to innovation, quality and service PANDUIT creates competitive advantages to earn customer preference. (www.panduit.com)

About Anixter:

Anixter is the world's leading distributor of communication products, electrical and electronic wire & cable and a leading distributor of fasteners and other small parts ("C" Class inventory components) to Original Equipment Manufacturers. The company adds value to the distribution process by providing its customers access to 1) more than 325,000 products and over $800 million in inventory, 2) 204 warehouses with more than 5 million square feet of space, and 3) locations in 227 cities in 46 countries. Founded in 1957 and headquartered near Chicago, Anixter trades on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AXE.