Master Lock is proud to announce that it has formed a partnership with Mike Rowe, creator and host of Discovery Channel’s popular program, Dirty Jobs and founder of mikeroweWORKS.com. Through Mike’s mission of raising respect and appreciation for skilled labor, coupled with Master Lock’s commitment to providing innovative security solutions, the partnership will help raise awareness for both. To launch the partnership, Master Lock also announced that it is making a substantial donation to the mikeroweWORKS foundation. The donation will support technical education scholarships and assistance to schools and institutes providing a technical curriculum.

Rowe, who calls himself a perpetual apprentice, has performed more than 300 of the dirtiest jobs throughout the country, and worked in all 50 states on his hit show, Dirty Jobs. “Getting involved with the hard working men and women who make civilized life possible, has been an incredible experience,” said Rowe. “mikeroweWORKS is dedicated to them, and this partnership with Master Lock is another important step in raising the level of awareness for the growing skills-gap in America.”

In Summer 2011, Master Lock will launch a new line of security products designed to protect tools and equipment in the cargo area of pickup trucks and vans, especially those that are used for work. As with his role on Dirty Jobs, Rowe will help introduce this new product line through a series of unscripted interviews with the people who actually designed these locks, as well as some amusing demonstrations in the real world. “With his strong connection to men and women working in the trades, we are excited to have Mike’s support and participation in this important new security category,” said Sherri Hanson, Master Lock Product Manager. “In addition, we are very proud to support Mike’s mission and vision at mikeroweWORKS.com,” she added.

About Master Lock
Master Lock is the world’s largest manufacturer of padlocks and related security products providing innovative security solutions for home, automotive, campus, power sports, bike and storage security needs for consumers and contractors alike. Master Lock Company L.L.C. is an operating unit of Fortune Brands, Inc., a leading consumer brands company. Headquartered in Deerfield, IL, Fortune Brands (NYSE:FO) is included in the S&P 500 Index.
www.masterlock.com.

About mikeroweWORKS.com
Founded on Labor Day, 2008, mikeroweWORKS is a mission to call attention to the growing skills-gap in the U.S., while providing a comprehensive resource for those in the trades or for anyone interested in learning more about them. In addition to the trade resource center and forum, Mike has established the mikeroweWORKS foundation to help fund scholarship programs and other initiatives to reinvigorate Trade School enrollments and industrial arts programs throughout the country. www.mikeroweWORKS.com.