NORTEK, INC. ANNOUNCES $225,000 DONATION TO HERITAGE HARBOR MUSEUM

Company's Pledge Will Help Fund Construction of Triple-Decker Walk-Through Gallery

PROVIDENCE, RI, May 11, 2000—Nortek, Inc. (NYSE:NTK), further demonstrating its long-standing commitment to the history and culture of the people of Rhode Island, today announced a donation of $225,000, over four years, to the Heritage Harbor Museum toward its $34 million community campaign. Heritage Harbor is being developed on the Providence downtown riverfront.

Nortek's pledge will help fund the construction of a full-scale recreation of a Rhode Island "Triple Decker" that will educate visitors about early 20th Century domestic life, housing, living conditions, and other aspects of neighborhood history. The 2,540 square-foot home--featuring a display of products manufactured by Nortek-owned companies--will be representative of the Triple Deckers that are still found in many parts of the state and hold fond memories for the generations who grew up in them.

"Nortek is proud to be part of this exciting regional project," said Richard J. Harris, Vice President and Treasurer. "We believe that all Rhode Islanders and other visitors to the museum will be able to experience the energy and self-esteem that emanate from understanding and sharing the heritage of our individual cultures and communities. As a leading manufacturer of building and remodeling products, the opportunity to help fund the Triple Decker exhibit was a natural fit. We look forward to the completion of what will be a significant addition to the state's cultural experiences."

Albert T. Klyberg, Heritage Harbor Executive Director, praised Nortek for "its generosity toward a project that benefits all Rhode Islanders in their appreciation of the state's rich history." Added Klyberg, "A project of this scope and complexity would not be possible without financial assistance from corporations like Nortek. The company's pledge will help recreate a type of housing that reflects a common struggle and the proximity of loved ones to notions of neighborhood, local stores, sports teams, nearby work places, political clubs, and places to repose where everyone knew your name."

The Heritage Harbor Museum, slated to begin construction this July, is a unique museum complex being developed by The Rhode Island Historical Society in partnership with more than 16 cultural and historical organizations. Planned as an adaptive reuse of the decommissioned South Street Power Plant, Heritage Harbor will become Rhode Island's first statewide history museum.

It will house Native American, Black, Portuguese, Jewish, American, Italian, Irish, German, Indian, Hispanic and Southeast Asian heritage museums, the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame, and specialty museums themed to steamships, diners, jewelry and military history. The museum will also be a participant in the Smithsonian Institution Affiliations Program, which will allow it to borrow Smithsonian artifacts on a long-term basis.

Nortek is a leading international manufacturer and distributor of high quality, competitively priced building, remodeling and indoor environmental control products for the residential and commercial markets. The Company offers a broad array of products for improving the environments where people live and work. Its products include range hoods and other spot ventilation products, heating and air conditioning systems, wood and vinyl windows and doors, vinyl siding products, indoor air quality systems, and specialty electronic products.