Dirt Devil announces the new Gator series of hand vacs

To mark the 25th anniversary of Dirt Devil’s powerful and compact cleaning products, they are introducing the new Gator Series line of hand vacs. Designed with a dirt cup that flips open for easy emptying, the Gator Series allows the user to remove debris with a quick press of a button, eliminating contact with dirt and saving time and effort. The Gator Series vary in voltage (10.8V-18V) and price ($29.99-$59.99) and will be available this fall at Target, Best Buy and DirtDevil.com . Full press release after the jump.

DIRT DEVIL® UNVEILS NEW LINE OF HAND HELD VACUUMS

Dirt Devil® launches innovative products by showcasing what they do best

CLEVELAND (September 21, 2009) – Twenty five years ago, the first hand-held vacuum entered the marketplace and revolutionized the way Americans cleaned their homes. Introduced as the “Dirt Devil®,” the compact cleaning product was powerful, lightweight, innovative, and an enormous hit when launched in 1984.  Since then, the hand vac has been the company’s signature product.

That’s why Dirt Devil® is proud to announce the latest advancement to the hand vacuum product line with the Dirt Devil® Gator Series^TM, a unique line of hand vacs designed to make dirt disposal easy. The Dirt Devil® Gator Series™ dirt cup flips open for easy emptying versus the traditional two-piece dirt cup that requires users to take the unit apart and remove dirt and dust with their hands. Now, they can just press the release buttons and empty debris without touching the dirt, saving both time and effort. No parts, no mess…clean hands!

The new collection of products feature the benefits that have made Dirt Devil® a household name and the go-to source for hand vacs for the past twenty five years – the products are innovative, powerful and easier to use than ever before.  “Consumers are seeking out products that will save time without sacrificing a quality clean.  The Gator Series™ does exactly that and at a price they can afford,” says Chris Gurreri, President, TTI Floor Care North America.

The new hand vacs vary in voltage and offer ENERGY STAR approval.  They all feature a built-in crevice tool and three-year warranties. Two models come complete with a motorized brushroll that is perfect for pet owners.  The motorized brushroll is also great for cleaning cars and stairs. The Gator Series™ line will be available this fall at Target, Best Buy and DirtDevil.com for $29.99-$59.99.

Specific Gator Series™ Features Include:

Dirt Devil® Gator 10.8V^TM

Cordless Hand Vacuum

· Gator Series^TM Dirt Cup for easy emptying

· Powerful suction for quick clean ups

· Built-in crevice tool for cleaning tight spaces

Dirt Devil® Gator 15.6V^TM

Cordless Hand Vacuum

· ENERGY STAR approval rating

· Gator Series^TM Dirt Cup for easy emptying

· Reusable filter – simply rinse to clean

· Powerful suction for quick clean ups

· Built-in crevice tool for cleaning tight spaces

Dirt Devil® Gator 15.6V^TM or 18V^{TM WITH BRUSHROLL}

Cordless Hand Vacuum

· ENERGY STAR approval rating

· Motorized brushroll for cleaning stairs, cars, and especially pet hair

· Gator Series^TM Dirt Cup for easy emptying

· Reusable filter – simply rinse to clean

· Powerful suction for quick clean ups

· Built-in crevice tool for cleaning tight spaces

About Dirt Devil®

Since the first hand-held vacuum was introduced in 1984, the Dirt Devil brand has continued to develop clever floor care products that recognize consumers’ needs and solve their cleaning challenges. Included in its comprehensive line of products are full-size, hand-held, bagged and cyclonic upright and canister, carpet cleaners and hard-floor cleaners. Dirt Devil appliances and accessories are available at major retailers and independent dealers throughout the United States and Canada, as well as online at www.dirtdevil.com.

About TTI Floor Care North America

TTI Floor Care North America, a member of the TTI Group of companies, proudly promotes two iconic consumer brands, Hoover and Dirt Devil. With a world-class research and development center in Glenwillow, Ohio, TTI Floor Care North America is dedicated to becoming a leader in every floor care appliance category. TTI Floor Care North America brands are part of a powerful portfolio that includes trusted home improvement and construction tools.

Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd. (www.ttigroup.com) was founded in 1985 and listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited in 1990. TTI employs approximately 23,000 people worldwide. TTI’s portfolio of global brands includes, among others, Milwaukee^®, AEG^®, Ryobi^®, Hoover^®, Homelite^®, Royal^®, Dirt Devil^® and Regina^®. TTI is one of the constituent stocks on the Hang Seng HK MidCap Index under the Hang Seng Composite Index, the MSCI Hong Kong Index, the FTSE All-World Hong Kong Index, the FTSE/Hang Seng Asian Cyclical Index and the Dow Jones Hong Kong Titans 30.