Donaldson Company Earns Top Honors
for Exceptional Performance

Aerospace and Defense division recognized as best supplier from U.S. Department of Defense; Illinois facility recommended for AS9100 certification

MINNEAPOLIS - Sept. 14, 2004 - Donaldson Company Inc. (NYSE: DCI) today announced its Aerospace and Defense division has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense as one of the government's best suppliers. Donaldson's Aerospace and Defense division earned an Automated Best Value System gold medal from the department's Defense Supply Center Richmond (DSCR) in Richmond, Va., for delivering exceptional supplier service and implementing outstanding plant operating procedures. The recognition comes after another honor for Donaldson, in which the company's corporate headquarters in Bloomington, Minn., and its manufacturing facility in Dixon, Ill., earned recommendation from an independent auditor to receive the prestigious Aerospace Standard AS9100 certification - the aerospace industry's version of the ISO 9000 international standard.

"We take pride in our commitment to develop and implement quality processes and continually improve effectiveness throughout Donaldson," said Tom Rice, market manager, aerospace and defense group, Donaldson Company. "Being recognized by DSCR for exceeding supplier standards is a great honor. Earning high marks from an independent third-party audit truly validates our quality manufacturing process. These types of honors exemplify our commitment to providing aerospace-industry customers with top-notch products and services."

At DSCR, Donaldson qualified as an Automated Best Value System gold medalist - achieving a perfect score of 100 - by meeting stringent quality and delivery requirements established by the Defense Logistics Agency. In evaluating award recipients, a computerized system collects a manufacturer's past performance and translates it into a numeric score, ranging from zero to 100. To be eligible, manufacturers must ship 10 or more contract lines for DSCR during a 12-month rating period. Donaldson supplies DSCR with air filters and exhaust products.

Donaldson's corporate aerospace and defense group and its Dixon facility qualified for its AS9100 certification after a rigorous audit procedure, which examined the plant's processes and procedures. Both locations achieved a flawless audit score of 100 percent, with zero standards violations. Donaldson manufactures filtration technology used in aircraft, defense, automotive, truck and off-road applications at its Dixon plant.

AS9100 is the only standard available for the global aerospace community that addresses the needs of suppliers, regulatory bodies and manufacturing customers of the aerospace industry. Companies implementing AS9100 standards can improve overall performance by reducing problems and increasing efficiency, thereby remaining competitive in the industry and saving customers the cost of conducting individual site audits.

About Donaldson Company
Donaldson Company Inc., headquartered in Minneapolis, is a leading worldwide provider of filtration systems and replacement parts. Founded in 1915, Donaldson is a technology-driven company committed to satisfying customer needs for filtration solutions through innovative research and development. Donaldson serves customers in the industrial and engine markets including dust collection, power generation, specialty filtration, compressed air purification, off-road equipment, industrial compressors, and trucks. Our 10,000 employees contribute to the company's success at over 30 manufacturing locations around the world. In fiscal year 2004, Donaldson reported sales of more than $1.4 billion and achieved its 15th consecutive record year. Donaldson is a member of the S&P MidCap 400 Index, and Donaldson shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DCI. Additional company information is available at www.donaldson.com

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