Empire Industries Announces Changes to Board of Directors


WINNIPEG, MANITOBA--(Marketwire - July 14, 2011) - Empire Industries Ltd. (TSX VENTURE:EIL) held its Annual Shareholders Meeting today. At the meeting, Ian Macdonald, Guy Nelson, Campbell McIntyre, Robert Marshall, Bruce Jackson, and Terence Quinn were re-elected as directors.

Four out of the six board members are independent: Ian Macdonald, Robert Marshall, Bruce Jackson, and Terence Quinn.

All four independent directors comprise the Corporate Governance Committee of the Board, chaired by Robert Marshall. The Audit Committee is chaired by Ian Macdonald, and is comprised of Ian Macdonald, Bruce Jackson, and Terence Quinn. Ian Macdonald is also Chairman of the Board.

Brett Third and Bill Rollins were not on the slate, and ceased to be directors as of the meeting. Brett Third has left the Company to pursue other endeavours. Bill Rollins continues to serve the Company as President of the Tornado Hydrovacs division.

"We believe that the Company would benefit from a smaller Board with a greater proportion of independent members," said Guy Nelson, Chief Executive Officer. "We believe that the new composition of the Board will provide us with the strategic insight and vision needed to move the Company forward."

Mr. Nelson added, "Brett and Bill have both made tremendous contributions to the Board, and we are grateful for their efforts. We wish Brett well in his future endeavours, and we thank him for his diligent service. Bill will continue to provide us with his vision and insights in his capacity as President of Tornado Hydrovacs."

About Empire Industries Ltd.

Empire Industries Ltd. is based primarily in western Canada, providing specialized engineered products and steel fabrication & installation. It also participates in a strategic partnership in the industrial maintenance services sector through its equity stake in ACE Industrial Services, based in Fort McMurray. The Company's business operations are focused on the infrastructure, commercial and industrial construction marketplace of western Canada and select niche markets internationally. Empire's common shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol EIL.

Reader Advisory

This news release contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, concerning Empire's business and affairs. In certain cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". These forward looking statements are based on current expectations, and are naturally subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances that may cause actual results to differ materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information is provided as of the date of this press release, and Empire assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contact Information:

Empire Industries Ltd.
Guy Nelson
Chief Executive Officer
(416) 366-7977
gnelson@empind.com

Empire Industries Ltd.
Allan Francis
Vice President – Corporate Affairs and Administration
(204) 589-9301
afrancis@empind.com
www.empind.com