Exhibit 99.1

Magnetek Receives First Production Order for Large Wind Power Inverters


    MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 20, 2006--Magnetek,
Inc. (NYSE:MAG) today announced that it has received an initial
production order for calendar 2007 delivery of 60 wind power inverters
valued at more than $7 million. Magnetek's digital wind power
inverters transform variable-frequency alternating current (AC) from
wind turbine generators into the steady flow of 60-cycle AC needed to
feed the utility power transmission grid.

    In 2003, Magnetek entered into an agreement with a leading wind
power company to develop power inverters for large, multi-megawatt
wind turbines. The first 60 wind inverters to be delivered by Magnetek
beginning in mid-2007 are a result of that agreement. Under a separate
supply agreement reached in October of this year, Magnetek will
provide inverters for an initial period of one-year with customer
options to extend the agreement in subsequent years. If exercised, the
options could produce incremental revenues of more than $60 million
for Magnetek through 2011.

    Over the past decade, wind energy has become the world's fastest
growing energy source, expanding globally at an average rate of 28%
over the past five years alone. Currently, just under 60,000 megawatts
of wind energy are installed globally with the majority, approximately
40,000 megawatts, installed in Europe and about 9,000 megawatts in the
U.S. In Europe, government targets focused to decrease the use of
carbon fuels and increase energy sustainability have encouraged the
growth of wind energy. Today, in Denmark and some areas of Germany
wind energy already contributes between 25-30% to these nations'
generation mix.

    In the U.S. wind currently provides less than 0.5%; however,
considering America's abundant and energetic winds, wind energy could
provide a significant contribution toward the nation's energy security
and clean power generation efforts. According to the U.S. Department
of Energy, the world's winds could theoretically supply the equivalent
of 5,800 quadrillion BTUs (quads) of energy each year -- more than 15
times current world energy demand. (A quad is equal to about 172
million barrels of oil or 45 million tons of coal.)

    Magnetek manufactures digital power and motion control systems
used in material-handling, people-moving, communications and energy
delivery, and is the world's leading builder of grid-tied power
inverters for large commercial fuel cells with more than 160
installations and half a billion operating hours in the field over the
past decade. On September 29, 2006, the Company reported revenues of
$83.1 million for its 2006 fiscal year, ended on July 2, 2006 (a).

    (a) Magnetek's fiscal quarters end on the Sundays nearest
September 30, December 31, March 31 and June 30.

    This news release contains forward-looking statements within the
meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995,
including statements regarding the Company's anticipated financial
results for its first quarter and fiscal year ending July 2, 2006.
These forward-looking statements are based on the Company's
expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that cannot be
predicted or quantified and are beyond the Company's control. These
risks and uncertainties include effects of economic, market and
operating conditions on the Company and its financial results. Other
factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from
expectations are described in the Company's reports filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934.


    CONTACT: Magnetek, Inc.
             Robert Murray, 213-200-7606
             bmurray@magnetek.com