WOODHEAD INDUSTRIES INC
DEF 14A, 1998-12-18
ELECTRIC LIGHTING & WIRING EQUIPMENT
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SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

                    Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a)
             of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )

Filed by the registrant /X/
Filed by a party other than the registrant / /

Check the appropriate box:
/ / Preliminary Proxy Statement
/ / Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 
    14a-6(e) (2))
/X/ Definitive Proxy Statement
/ / Definitive Additional Materials
/ / Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-11(c) or Section
    240,14a-12



                            WOODHEAD INDUSTRIES, INC.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                (Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)


- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    (Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

/X/ No fee required.
/ / Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4)
    and 0-11.
    1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    2) Aggregate number of securities to which transactions applies:

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant
       to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the filing fee 
       is calculated and state how it was determined):

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    5) Total fee paid:

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

/ / Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
/ / Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act
    Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was 
    paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement 
    number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.

    1) Amount previously paid:

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:

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    3) Filing Party:

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    4) Date Filed:

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
Woodhead Industries, Inc.

                                                               December 18, 1998
            Dear Stockholder:

            You are cordially invited to attend the 1999 Annual Meeting of
            Stockholders. The meeting will be held at the Northbrook Hilton
            Hotel, 2855 North Milwaukee Avenue, Northbrook, Illinois at 10:00
            a.m. on Friday, January 22, 1999. After the business session, we
            will report on current operations and other matters of importance.

            The formal Notice and Proxy Statement appear on the following pages
            and contain details of the business to be conducted at the meeting.
            In addition to the election of two directors, you will be asked to
            ratify the appointment of the independent public accountants.

            Northbrook is a northern suburb of Chicago and the Northbrook Hilton
            Hotel is located just west of the Illinois Tollway near the
            intersection of Milwaukee Avenue (Rt. 21) and Palatine Road.

            Your vote is very important regardless of the number of shares you
            own. We hope you can attend the meeting. However, whether or not you
            plan to attend, please sign, date and return the accompanying proxy
            card as soon as possible. The enclosed envelope requires no postage
            if mailed in the United States. If you attend the meeting, you may
            revoke your proxy if you wish and vote personally.



                                                         Sincerely,


                                                         /s/ C. Mark DeWinter
                                                        ------------------------
                                                         C. Mark DeWinter
                                                         Chairman, President and
                                                         Chief Executive Officer
<PAGE>
Woodhead Industries, Inc.

Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders
                               January 22, 1999

To Our Stockholders:

The Annual Meeting of the Stockholders of Woodhead Industries, Inc. (the
"Company") will be held at the Northbrook Hilton Hotel, 2855 North Milwaukee
Avenue, Northbrook, Illinois on Friday, January 22, 1999 at 10:00 a.m., Chicago
time, to consider and take action upon the following matters which are described
more fully in the enclosed Proxy Statement:

      1.   The election of two directors;

      2.   The ratification of the appointment of Arthur Andersen LLP as
           independent public accountants of the Company; and

      3.   The transaction of such other business as may properly come before 
           the meeting.

The Board of Directors has fixed November 27, 1998 as the record date for the
determination of the stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the
meeting and at any adjournment or postponement thereof. A list of such
stockholders will be available for examination by any stockholder at the
principal office of the Company, Three Parkway North, Suite 550, Deerfield,
Illinois, for a period of ten days prior to the meeting and at the meeting.

The Board of Directors has authorized the solicitation of proxies. Unless
otherwise directed, the proxies will be voted FOR the election of the two
persons listed in the attached Proxy Statement; FOR the ratification of the
appointment of independent public accountants; and on any other business that
may properly come before the Annual Meeting as the named proxies in their best
judgment shall decide.






                                                    /s/ Robert J. Tortorello
                                                    ------------------------
                                                    Robert J. Tortorello
                                                    Secretary



Deerfield, Illinois
December 18, 1998
<PAGE>

Woodhead Industries

Proxy Statement
                                                            Deerfield, Illinois
                                                            December 18, 1998


To the Stockholders of Woodhead Industries, Inc.

The accompanying proxy is solicited by and on behalf of the Board of Directors
of Woodhead Industries, Inc., Three Parkway North, Suite 550, Deerfield,
Illinois 60015, for use at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company to
be held January 22, 1999 and at any adjournments or postponements of such
meeting. This Proxy Statement and accompanying proxy, along with the Company's
Annual Report to Stockholders, are first being sent to stockholders on or about
December 18, 1998.

Any stockholder giving a proxy has the power to revoke it at any time before it
is voted. Proxies may be revoked by filing with the Secretary of the Company
written notice of revocation bearing a later date than the proxy, by duly
executing a subsequently dated proxy relating to the same shares of Common Stock
and delivering it to the Secretary of the Company or by attending the Annual
Meeting and voting in person. Attendance at the Annual Meeting will not in and
of itself constitute revocation of a proxy. Any subsequently dated proxy or
written notice revoking a proxy should be sent to the Secretary of the Company
at Woodhead Industries, Inc., Three Parkway North, Suite 550, Deerfield,
Illinois 60015.


SHARES OUTSTANDING AND VOTING RIGHTS

Only stockholders of record at the close of business on November 27, 1998 are
entitled to vote at the meeting. On that date the Company had outstanding
11,034,631 shares of Common Stock, each of which is entitled to one vote.
Stockholders do not have cumulative voting rights with respect to the election
of directors.

The matters to be considered and acted upon at such meeting are referred to in
the preceding Notice and are more fully discussed below. All shares represented
by proxies which are returned properly signed will be voted as specified on the
proxy. If choices are not specified on the proxy, the shares will be voted as
recommended by the Board. The Company's By-laws require that the holders of a
majority of the total number of shares issued and outstanding be represented in
person or by proxy in order for the business of the meeting to be transacted.
Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted in the determination of whether
a quorum exists.

ITEM 1

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Nominees and Continuing Directors

The Company's By-laws provide that the Board of Directors shall consist of no
more than twelve directors, but no less than five directors divided into three
classes, the classes to be as nearly equal in number as possible. The Board of
Directors currently consists of ten members.
<PAGE>

Class III, to be elected at this meeting, consists of two directors to serve
until the 2002 Annual Meeting of Stockholders or until their successors have
been elected and qualified. The nominees, Daniel T. Carroll and Sarilee K.
Norton are two of the three current members of Class III, and their terms expire
at this meeting. Robert D. Tuttle, the other current member of Class III, is
retiring from the Board following this meeting. The Board of Directors has
determined not to fill the vacancy created by Mr. Tuttle's retirement at this
time and has approved a resolution reducing the size of the Board to nine
members effective immediately upon Mr. Tuttle's retirement.

Shares represented by proxies which are returned properly signed will be voted
for the nominees unless the stockholder indicates on the proxy that authority to
vote the shares is withheld. Each of the nominees has consented to serve as a
director if elected. Although it is not anticipated, if any of the nominees
should be unable or unwilling to serve as a director, it is intended that the
proxies will be voted for such other person or persons, if any, as the Board of
Directors may determine.

The affirmative vote of the majority of shares present in person or represented
by proxy at the annual meeting and entitled to vote is required to elect
directors. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have the same effect as a no
vote.

The following  sets forth certain  information  with respect to the nominees as 
well as to those  directors in Classes I and II whose terms  continue after the
meeting.
<PAGE>

The management nominees for director are:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>       <C>                           <C>                                <C>          <C>              <C>    

                                           Principal Occupation                          Director        Term to
             Name of Nominee                   or Employment                   Age         Since         Expire
         ----------------------          -------------------------            -----      --------       --------


Class II
Daniel T. Carroll (C)(N).............Chairman,                                 72       Jan. 1987          2002
                                       The Carroll Group

Sarilee K. Norton (A)(N).............Vice President, Corporate                 51       May 1996           2002
                                       Strategy, Tenneco

Those directors whose terms do not expire this year are:

Class I
Charles W. Denny (C)(N)..............Chairman, Group Schneider                 62       Feb. 1993          2000
                                       North America and Vice
                                       Chairman, Square D Company

C. Mark DeWinter (E).................Chairman, President and Chief             56       Jan. 1988          2000
                                       Executive Officer of the
                                       Company

Ann F. Hackett (C)(N)................Director, Horizon Consulting Group        44       Nov. 1997          2000
                                       and Vice President,
                                       Soul Source, Inc.

Eugene P. Nesbeda (C)(N).............President, Tetra Pak Plastic              44       June 1997          2000
                                       Packaging

Class II

Linda Y. C. Lim (A)(E)...............Associate Professor of International      48       Nov. 1997          2001
                                       Business, University
                                       of Michigan Business School

Dale A. Miller (A)(E)................President and Chief Executive             51       Apr. 1993          2001
                                       Officer, Novartis Animal
                                       Health US, Inc.

Alan L. Shaffer (C)(E)...............Group Vice President, Industrial          48       June 1996          2001
                                       Products, Milacron Inc.
</TABLE>
- --------------
(A)  Member of Audit Committee
(C)  Member of Compensation and Stock Option Committee
(E)  Member of Executive Committee
(N)  Member of Nominating Committee
<PAGE>



Mr.  Daniel T.  Carroll,  Chairman of The Carroll  Group,  has served in that  
position  since 1982.  He currently  serves as a director of A. M. Castle & Co.;
American Woodmark Corp.; Aon Corporation;  Comshare,  Inc.;  Diebold,  Inc.; 
Oshkosh Truck  Corporation;  and Wolverine World Wide, Inc. The Carroll Group is
a management consulting firm.

Ms. Sarilee K. Norton, Vice President--Corporate Strategy, Tenneco, has held
that position since January 1997. Prior to that, she had been Vice President,
Quality Management and Strategy for Tenneco Packaging for more than five years.
Tenneco is one of the world's leading and most diverse packaging manufacturers.

Mr. Charles W. Denny is Chairman of Group Schneider North America and Vice
Chairman of Square D Company. In 1998, he retired as Chief Executive Officer of
Group Schneider North America. Prior to May 1997, he had been President and
Chief Executive Officer of Group Schneider North America and President and Chief
Operating Officer of Square D Company since 1992. He currently serves as a
director of Cherry Corporation. Square D Company is one of North America's
largest manufacturers of quality electrical power control and distribution
products.

Mr. C. Mark  DeWinter has been the Company's  Chairman,  President  and Chief  
Executive  Officer  since  January,  1997,  having served as President and Chief
Executive Officer since 1993.  Prior to that he served as the Company's 
President and Chief Operating Officer since 1987.

Ms. Ann F. Hackett is Director,  Horizon  Consulting Group,  which was founded 
in 1996. She also has been Vice President,  Soul Source,  Inc. since 1996. Prior
to that she had been an independent  management  consultant in human resource 
and strategy  development  from 1990 to 1996.  Horizon  Consulting Group and 
Soul Source, Inc. provide strategic, organizational, marketing and operational 
advice to clients.

Mr. Eugene P. Nesbeda, has been President, Tetra Pak Plastic Packaging at Tetra
Pak Group since 1995. Prior to that, he served as an officer of the General
Electric Company since 1989, his most recent position there being Vice President
and General Manager of GE Structured Products from 1992. Tetra Pak Plastic
Packaging is one of the world's leading suppliers of packaging to the liquid
food industry.

Dr. Linda Y. C. Lim has been  Associate  Professor of  International  Business 
at the  University  of Michigan  Business  School since 1994 and Director of the
University's  Southeast Asia Business  Program since 1993.  Prior to that,  she 
served as Adjunct  Assistant  Professor at the University of Michigan  Business
School from 1991 to 1994.

Mr. Dale A. Miller has been President and Chief  Executive  Officer of Novartis 
Animal Health US, Inc.  since 1996.  Prior to that, he was President and Chief
Executive  Officer of Sandoz Agro,  Inc. and Sandoz Agro,  Ltd. for more than 10
years.  Novartis  Animal Health US, Inc.,  an  international  manufacturer  of
specialty animal health products, was created as a result of the merger of 
Sandoz, Ltd. and Ciba Geigy, Ltd.

Mr.  Alan L.  Shaffer  has been Group Vice  President--Industrial  Products  at 
Milacron  Inc.  since  1986.  Milacron  is a premier  manufacturing  source for
metalworking and processing technologies serving industries worldwide.
<PAGE>

Information Concerning the Board and its Committees

Board of Directors

The Board normally considers dividend action in January, April, July and
October. At its October meeting it reviews the results of operations for the
fiscal year just ended and the Company's operating plan for the year ahead as
well as the capital budget for the ensuing year.

In fiscal 1998, there were six meetings of the Board of Directors. All directors
were present for 75% or more of the total number of meetings of the Board of
Directors and Committees of the Board on which they serve, with the exception of
Dr. Lim.

Committees of the Board

The committees established by the Board to assist it in the discharge of its
responsibilities are the Audit Committee, Compensation and Stock Option
Committee, Executive Committee, and Nominating Committee. These committees and
the principal responsibilities of each are described below. Respective
memberships on the various committees are identified in the list of directors in
this Proxy Statement.

The Audit Committee currently consists of four directors who are not employees
of the Company ("non-employee directors"). This Committee reviews the results
and costs of audits by the Company's outside auditors. Each year this Committee
recommends the appointment of an independent public accounting firm.
Periodically it meets with representatives of that firm and with the Company's
management. It also reviews and monitors policies established to prevent
unethical, questionable or illegal activities by those associated with the
Company. The Audit Committee held three meetings during fiscal 1998.

The Compensation and Stock Option Committee consists of five non-employee
directors. This Committee makes recommendations to the Board of Directors as to
the salaries of the Company's officers as well as incentive plans and other
forms of compensation. This Committee also grants stock options to management
personnel and key employees of the Company and its subsidiaries, and maintains
administrative authority with respect to the Woodhead Industries, Inc. Stock
Compensation Plans. The Compensation and Stock Option Committee held one meeting
during fiscal 1998.

The Executive Committee, comprised of five directors, exercises the authority of
the Board of Directors in certain matters subject to the final approval of the
entire Board. This Committee meets periodically to discuss and review matters of
interest to the Board. The Executive Committee held no meetings during fiscal
1998.

The Nominating Committee, comprised of five directors, reviews the
qualifications of possible directors and submits its recommendations to the
Board of Directors to fill board vacancies. This Committee also reviews and
recommends board committee assignments. The By-laws provide a procedure for
stockholder nominations. (See "Proposals of Stockholders") The Nominating
Committee held two meetings during fiscal 1998.

Directors' Compensation

Directors who are officers of the Company receive no additional compensation for
service on the Board of Directors or any committee thereof or on any Company
committee. Non-employee directors each receive an annual retainer of $17,000
plus an additional $900 for attendance at each meeting of the Board or a
committee of the Board. Committee chairpersons also receive an annual stipend of
$1,000.
<PAGE>

Under a deferred compensation arrangement, non-employee directors may elect to
defer payment of their annual retainers and fees until termination of their
services as directors. Deferred amounts accrue interest at the Federal Reserve
Discount Rate until paid. The Company has established a trust to ensure payment
to all directors of their deferred compensation and retirement benefits.

The 1993 Directors Stock Option Plan provided for three automatic annual grants
of stock options to each non-employee director who was serving on the Board of
Directors at the time of such grants. No further grants may be made under this
plan. Each annual grant (which became exercisable six months following its grant
date) entitles the participant to purchase from the Company up to 1,500 shares
of Common Stock (subject to adjustment pursuant to the 1993 Directors Plan) at
the fair market value of the Common Stock on the grant date. Directors' stock
options expire five years after the date they were granted, or at such earlier
date as provided in the 1993 Directors Plan.

Pursuant to the 1996 Stock Awards Plan, non-employee directors are eligible to
receive grants of either stock options or restricted stock. Under this plan, the
Compensation and Stock Option Committee determines the number of shares covered
by an option and the option price, which price, however, may not be less than
the fair market value of the stock at the time of the grant. Grants of 2,000
options (16,000 in aggregate) were made to each non-employee director on October
21, 1997 with an exercise price of $20.375.

During 1998, Mr. Carroll exercised an option for 4,500 shares with an exercise
price of $6.98 per share. At the time of this exercise the fair market value of
the stock was $20.97. Also, Mr. Tuttle exercised two options, each for 1,500
shares with exercise prices of $14.31 and $13.19. At the time of these exercises
the fair market value of the stock was $20.88.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Company's
executive officers and directors to file initial reports of ownership and
reports of changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission and
NASDAQ. Executive officers and directors are required by SEC regulations to
furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Based on a
review of the copies of such forms furnished to the Company and written
representations from the Company's executive officers and directors, all reports
were filed on a timely basis except that one report of a purchase of shares by
Robert G. Jennings' spouse was inadvertently filed late.
<PAGE>

STOCK OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT
AND CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS

Management

The following table sets forth the number of shares of the Company's Common
Stock beneficially owned as of November 27, 1998, by each director, each
executive officer named in the Summary Compensation Table and all directors and
executive officers as a group.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                        Number of Shares       Percent of
                                                                      Beneficially Owned(1)(2)   Class
                                                                  ----------------------------------------
         <S>                                                           <C>                     <C>    
         Daniel T. Carroll..........................................        22,252                *
         Charles W. Denny...........................................        10,850                *
         C. Mark DeWinter...........................................       448,130(3)             4.1%
         Ann F. Hackett    .........................................         1,000                *
         Robert G. Jennings.........................................       155,750(4)             1.4%
         Linda Y. C. Lim   .........................................           300                *
         Dale A. Miller.............................................         8,000(5)             *
         Robert A. Moulton..........................................        89,800                *
         Eugene P.  Nesbeda.........................................         3,000                *
         Joseph P. Nogal............................................        46,800(5)             *
         Sarilee K. Norton..........................................         4,370                *
         Alan L. Shaffer............................................         4,500(5)             *
         Robert J. Tortorello.......................................       113,650(5)             1.0%
         Robert D. Tuttle...........................................        42,000(5)             *
         All directors and executive officers as a group
           (15 persons) including above-named.......................       952,802                8.6%
</TABLE>
- ----------------
     *   Less than 1%.

(1)   Except as otherwise indicated, each director and executive officer has 
      sole voting and investment power over the shares he or she beneficially 
      owns.

(2)   Includes shares which may be acquired within 60 days pursuant to option
      grants as follows: Mr. Carroll -- 7,250 shares, Mr. Denny -- 7,250 shares,
      Mr. DeWinter -- 396,000 shares, Mr. Jennings -- 118,750 shares, Mr. Miller
      -- 7,250 shares, Mr. Moulton -- 69,300 shares, Mr. Nesbeda -- 2,000
      shares, Mr. Nogal -- 40,800 shares, Ms. Norton -- 3,500 shares, Mr.
      Shaffer -- 3,500 shares, Mr. Tortorello -- 98,200 shares, Mr. Tuttle --
      2,000 shares, and all directors and officers as a group -- 757,800 shares.
      Stock options carry no voting or investment rights.

(3)   Includes  30,000 shares granted as a restricted  stock award under the 
      1990 Stock Awards Plan.  These shares vest on July 28, 2000. Mr. DeWinter
      has the right to vote such shares.

(4)   Excludes 3,500 shares owned by Mr. Jennings' family members sharing the 
      same household for which he disclaims any beneficial ownership.
<PAGE>

(5)   Shared voting and  investment  power as follows:  Mr. Miller-- 750 shares,
      Mr.  Nesbeda-- 1,000 shares,  Mr. Nogal-- 6,000 shares,  Mr.  Shaffer-- 
      1,000 shares, Mr. Tortorello-- 15,450 shares, and Mr. Tuttle-- 40,000 
      shares.

Other Beneficial Owners

The  following  table shows  persons or groups who are known to the Company to 
be  beneficial  owners of more than 5% of the  outstanding  Common  Stock of the
Company as of November 27, 1998:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                Name and Address                                       Amount and Nature of         Percent
               of Beneficial Owner                                     Beneficial Ownership        of Class
             -----------------------                                --------------------------     ---------
         <S>                                                        <C>                             <C>    
         Mary Woodhead Eklund..........................................    783,201(1)(3)              7.1
         666 Hilary Drive
         Tiburon, California 94920

         Neuberger & Berman............................................    756,950(2)                 6.9
         605 Third Avenue
         New York, New York 10158

         Bankmont Financial Corp.......................................    600,000(3)                 5.4
         111 West Monroe Street
         Chicago, Illinois 60690

- ------------
(1)   Information provided by Mary Woodhead Eklund and stockholder records
      indicates that Mary Woodhead Eklund has shared voting and dispositive
      power as to 715,201 shares including the shares referred to in footnote 3
      below, and sole voting and dispositive power as to 67,500 shares. Included
      are 500 shares owned by Ms. Eklund's spouse for which she disclaims any
      beneficial interest.

(2)   Information  provided by Neuberger & Berman and stockholder records 
      indicates that Neuberger & Berman has sole voting power as to 576,200 
      shares,  shared voting power as to 180,750 shares and shared 
      dispositive power as to 756,950 shares.

(3)   Information  provided by the Bankmont  Financial  Corp.  indicates that 
      such entity has shared voting and  dispositive  power as co-trustee as 
      to 600,000 shares.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The following table sets forth the compensation received by the Chief Executive
Officer and the four other most highly compensated executive officers of the
Company (the "Named Executives") for services to the Company and its
subsidiaries during the last three fiscal years.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                           SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
                                                                                    Long Term
                                                      Annual Compensation         Compensation
                                            ----------------------------------  -------------------
                                                                      Other
                                                                     Annual    Restricted             All Other
                                                                     Compen-      Stock               Compensa-
                                              Salary      Bonus      sation      Awards    Options     tion(3)
  Name and Principal Position        Year       ($)        ($)         ($)         ($)       (#)         ($)
  <S>                               <C>       <C>         <C>        <C>       <C>         <C>        <C>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------   ---------------------------------
C. M. DeWinter                       1998     335,000           0       (1)         0       45,000      12,785
Chairman, President and              1997     315,000     226,800       (1)         0       45,000      15,447
Chief Executive Officer              1996     300,000     180,000       (1)         0       45,000      12,924

R. G. Jennings                       1998     167,500           0    19,961(2)      0        8,500      12,785
Vice President, Finance              1997     161,000      96,600       (1)         0        8,500      15,447
and C.F.O.                           1996     155,000      93,000       (1)         0        9,000      12,924

R. J. Tortorello                     1998     148,200           0    16,097(2)      0        5,500      12,413
Vice President,                      1997     142,500      68,400       (1)         0        5,500      14,816
General Counsel and                  1996     137,000      65,760       (1)         0        6,200      12,057
Secretary

R. A. Moulton                        1998     120,700           0    15,980(2)      0        3,500      10,703
Vice President,                      1997     116,000      55,680       (1)         0        3,500      12,619
Human Resources                      1996     111,500      53,520       (1)         0        3,800      10,371

J. P. Nogal                          1998     117,600           0       (1)         0        3,500      10,511
Treasurer/Controller and             1997     113,000      54,240       (1)         0        3,500      12,370
Assistant Secretary                  1996     108,500      52,080       (1)         0        3,800      10,173
</TABLE>
- --------------
(1)   No disclosure is required pursuant to applicable Securities and Exchange
      Commission Regulations, as the aggregate value of perquisites and other
      personal benefits covered by this column does not exceed the lesser of
      $50,000, or 10% of the annual salary and bonus shown for the indicated
      Named Executives.

(2)   Includes amounts for membership dues and use of Company  automobiles,  
      respectively as follows: Mr. Jennings-- $6,327 and $8,793, Mr. 
      Tortorello-- $6,162 and $8,995, and Mr. Moulton-- $6,625 and $8,478.

(3)   Reflects the amount of the Company's contribution to the Profit Sharing 
      and 401(k) Plan.
<PAGE>

OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR

The following table sets forth information on option grants in fiscal 1998 to
the Named Executives.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         Potential Realizable
                                                                                                 Value
                                    Individual Grants                                      At Assumed Annual
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               Percent Of                                      Rates Of
                                                 Total                                        Stock Price
                                                 Options                                    Appreciation For
                                   Options      Granted To    Exercise Or                    Option Term(2)
                                  Granted(1)   Employees In   Base Price(1) Expiration       5%           10%
       Name                           (#)      Fiscal 1998     ($/Share)      Date          ($)          ($)
      -------                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                <C>            <C>            <C>       <C>            <C>          <C>
C.M. DeWinter....................    45,000        33.3%         20.38      10/21/07       576,900     1,461,600
R.G. Jennings....................     8,500         6.3%         20.38      10/21/07       108,970       276,080
R.J. Tortorello..................     5,500         4.1%         20.38      10/21/07        70,510       178,640
R.A. Moulton.....................     3,500         2.6%         20.38      10/21/07        32,050       113,680
J.P. Nogal.......................     3,500         2.6%         20.38      10/21/07        32,050       113,680
</TABLE>
- ----------------
(1)   All such options were granted on October 21, 1997 at fair market value on 
      such date and were not exercisable until October 21, 1998.

(2)   Amounts shown assume a 5% and 10% annual rate of appreciation on the price
      of the Company's Common Stock throughout the option term. There can be no
      assurance that the rate of appreciation assumed for purposes of this table
      will be achieved. However, an increase of approximately $141 million and
      $358 million, respectively, in the "Potential Realizable Value" would be
      realized by all shareholders under the prescribed 5% and 10% stock price
      appreciation rates.

AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND
FISCAL YEAR END OPTION VALUES

The following table sets forth information regarding stock option exercises
during fiscal 1998 and the unexercised options held as of the end of fiscal
1998.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             Number Of Unexercised     Value of Unexercised
                                   Shares                      Options At Fiscal       In-The-Money Options
                                 Acquired On      Value            Year End            At Fiscal Year End(1)
                                  Exercise      Realized              (#)                       ($)
          Name                       (#)           ($)     Exercisable/Unexercisable Exercisable/Unexercisable
         -------               --------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                <C>           <C>             <C>                          <C>
C.M. DeWinter....................       0              0          351,000/45,000              939,975/ 0
R.G. Jennings....................  16,417        185,844          110,250/ 8,500              343,200/ 0
R.J. Tortorello..................  14,000        163,399           92,700/ 5,500              329,558/ 0
R.A. Moulton.....................  19,000        280,490           65,800/ 3,500              249,743/ 0
J.P. Nogal.......................   1,000         12,810           37,300/ 3,500               85,140/ 0
</TABLE>
- ----------------
(1)   Value represents the fair market value as of the end of fiscal 1998 of the
      shares subject to such options less the exercise price of such options.
<PAGE>


COMPENSATION AND STOCK OPTION COMMITTEE
REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The Company's primary financial objective is to increase shareholder value. To
achieve this objective, the Company has created a comprehensive business
strategy. The purpose of the Compensation and Stock Option Committee of the
Board of Directors (the "Committee") is to establish and administer total
executive compensation policies which are aligned with the Company's strategic
business objectives. The Committee, which is composed entirely of non-employee
directors, recommends compensation actions for all corporate officers to the
Board of Directors for approval.

Compensation Philosophy

There are certain guiding principles to which the Committee adheres in
structuring the compensation packages of key executives including the Named
Executives. These are:

      Pay for Performance -- A high percentage of executives' total compensation
      is composed of short-term and long-term variable pay directly linked to
      the performance of the Company. The Committee believes that this structure
      aligns the executives' interests with the interest of the stockholders.

      Competitiveness -- Total compensation programs are designed to provide
      executives with an opportunity to earn at a level above the median
      industry practices and market competitors, when Company performance
      exceeds industry norms and that of its competitors. This enables the
      Company to significantly challenge its management team.

      Executive Ownership -- A major component of variable pay is equity based
      compensation. This links management's interests with stockholders'
      interests and properly balances rewards for long-term vs. short-term
      results.

      Management Development -- Total compensation programs are designed to
      attract and retain individuals with the leadership skills and other key
      competencies required to shape the Company's future. This is based on the
      belief that the Company's human resources can provide a competitive
      advantage in the marketplace.

Components of Executive Pay

The components of total pay for all executives are base salary, annual
incentives, long-term incentives, and benefits. The Committee annually reviews
total compensation for the Company's executives, as well as each component of
compensation. This involves a market comparison of compensation and changes in
compensation for equivalent positions in related industrial groups, including
companies of comparable size. Competitive data are provided by independent
compensation consultants at the request of the Committee.

Base Salary -- Base salary is generally set at a range of ten percent plus or
minus the median salary offered by companies of comparable size. An individual
executive's base salary, as well as increases, are based on the executive's
performance, experience, and reference to competitive rates for jobs with
comparable content. Actual salary adjustments for executives are determined on a
case by case basis and vary based on factors including performance, job content,
and pay position within a range, with no one factor given any particular
weighting.
<PAGE>

Annual Incentives -- Under the Company's annual Management Incentive Plan, a
target annual incentive is established for all participants in the form of a
percentage of base salary. Target awards under the annual incentive plan vary
from 20% to 70% of base salary, with the maximum awards varying from 30% to 120%
of base salary. There is no minimum award under the plan. These targets provide
executives with the opportunity to exceed competitive annual incentive levels if
the Company's performance significantly exceeds standard industry benchmarks.
Performance is measured against predetermined financial goals as reviewed and
approved by the Committee.

For the Chief Executive Officer and the Named Executives, incentive awards are
based on two equally weighted components. One is year-over-year growth in net
income and the other is return on stockholders' equity. Company performance is
measured against a predetermined scale with minimum thresholds applicable to
each performance component under which no portion of an incentive award is
earned. An absolute threshold, related to year-over-year growth in net income,
must be achieved before any incentive award may be earned by the Named
Executives.

Long-Term  Incentives-- Long-term  incentives are provided in the form of stock 
options and restricted  stock under the 1996 Stock Awards Plan and  predecessor
plans.

      Stock Options -- Incentive stock options or non-qualified stock options
      may be granted to provide executives with the opportunity to acquire an
      equity interest in the Company and to share in the appreciation of the
      stock. Market surveys of long-term incentives are reviewed to establish
      competitive practices. Management makes recommendations to the Committee
      on the size of a grant, if any, for each executive based on the
      individual's ability to affect financial performance, the executive's past
      performance, and expectations of the executive's future contributions. All
      individual stock option grants are reviewed and approved by the Committee.

      Normally stock options are granted annually to executive officers and key
      management personnel. The exercise price of such stock options has always
      been set at the fair market value on the date of the grant. The Company
      has never re-priced any stock option grant.

      Restricted Stock -- Restricted stock awards are intended to be a mechanism
      for aligning management and stockholders' interests and to insure
      retention of key selected executives. The Company's long-term performance
      ultimately determines the compensation value derived from restricted
      stock, since the value is dependent on the long-term growth of the
      Company's stock price. Only one restricted stock award has ever been
      granted by the Company.

Benefits -- Certain employee benefits are provided to executives as part of the
total compensation program. Generally the benefits offered to executives are
largely those offered to the general employee population, except for incremental
amounts of life insurance. Additionally, executive officers are provided
non-cash personal benefits such as tax and financial planning, health exams,
club memberships, and company cars. Two of the Named Executives are also covered
by a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan.

Section 162(m) Compliance -- Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
places a $1,000,000 cap on the amount of compensation which may be deducted for
each of the Named Executives. The Company has studied this cap and intends to
take the necessary steps to conform its compensation to comply with such Section
162(m).
<PAGE>

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION

Mr.  DeWinter's  base salary was increased  during fiscal 1998 to an annual rate
of $335,000,  competitive  with the median base salary paid to chief executive
officers of comparably sized corporations.

In fiscal 1998, Mr. DeWinter had a target annual incentive level of 60% of base
salary. However, the Company did not achieve its minimal performance threshold
for growth in net income. Accordingly, no annual incentive was awarded to Mr.
DeWinter for fiscal 1998.

During fiscal 1998, the Committee approved a stock option grant to Mr. DeWinter
of 45,000 shares. This grant is consistent with competitive practices of
companies in related industries, and of comparable size. The grant also reflects
the Committee's recognition of Mr. DeWinter's leadership in achieving the
Company's past performance, as well as its expectation for his future
contributions.

The Committee believes that the policies and programs described above have
supported the strategic business objectives leading to the increased shareholder
value of the Company over the last five-year period.


                                                  COMPENSATION AND STOCK OPTION
                                                  COMMITTEE



                                                      Charles W. Denny, Chairman
                                                      Daniel T. Carroll
                                                      Eugene P. Nesbeda
                                                      Ann P. Hackett
                                                      Alan L. Shaffer
<PAGE>


PERFORMANCE GRAPH

The following graph compares the cumulative total shareholder return on the
Company's Common Stock for the last five fiscal years with the cumulative total
return on the Russell 2000 Index and the Dow Jones Electrical Components Group
over the same period (assuming the investment of $100 in the Company's Common
Stock, the Russell 2000 Index and the Dow Jones Electrical Components Group on
October 1, 1993 with all dividends reinvested).

[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              10/94     10/95     10/96     10/97     10/98    
                              ------------------------------------------------
<S>                           <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>   
Woodhead Industries           $ 101     $ 146     $ 136     $ 222     $ 113
Dow Jones Electrical
 Compenents Group             $ 107     $ 125     $ 156     $ 200     $ 186
Russell 2000                  $ 102     $ 127     $ 143     $ 191     $ 155
</TABLE>

Severance Agreements

The Company has entered into severance agreements with certain key employees,
including all Named Executives, which provide for the payment of compensation
and benefits in the event of termination of employment following a change in
control of the Company. The agreements generally define "change in control of
the Company" as (i) the acquisition of 25% or more of the combined voting power
of the Company's then outstanding securities; (ii) a change in the majority of
the Company's Board of Directors over a two-year period; or (iii) shareholder
approval of a plan of complete liquidation of the Company or an agreement for
the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all the Company's
assets or the merger or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation,
unless the Company's shareholders continue to hold at least 80% of the combined
voting power of the voting securities of the Company or the surviving entity.

The original term of the severance agreements is three years provided, however,
that each October 1 the agreements will be extended for an additional year
unless the Company provides proper notice of its intention not to extend the
agreements. If a change in control of the Company occurs during the 
<PAGE>

original or extended term, the agreements will continue in effect for the later 
of (i) the original or extended term or (ii) twenty-four months beyond the month
in which the change in control occurs. In no event will the term of an agreement
extend beyond the date the executive attains age sixty-five.

An executive whose employment is terminated following a change in control of the
Company generally will receive compensation pursuant to the severance agreement
only if the termination was by the Company without "cause" or by the executive
for "good reason" as those terms are defined in the agreements. In addition to
the ordinary compensation and benefits (excluding severance) to which any
terminating employee would be entitled, the severance agreements provide the
following additional benefits payable after a change in control of the Company
to executives who are terminated without cause or who resign for good reason:
(i) three times the sum of the executive's base salary and target bonus,
provided, however, that if executive is within three years of normal retirement
age, then this amount is reduced pro rata; (ii) continued health care coverage
and life insurance coverage for up to 36 months; (iii) a cash payment equal to
the difference between the fair market value of the Company's stock and the
exercise price of unexercised options for the Company's stock times the number
of shares represented by the unexercised options; (iv) a cash payment equal to
the present value of the accrued benefit under the Retirement Plan and the
account balance in the Profit Sharing Plan to the extent that either is not
fully vested; (v) the payment of any federal excise taxes; and (vi) the
reimbursement of all legal and accounting fees and expenses incurred as a result
of such termination.

The Company has established a trust which, in the event of a change in control
of the Company, will be funded to ensure payment to all key employees of the
compensation and benefits described herein.

Retirement Plans

The Company provides Retirement Plans which cover the employees of the Company
and its subsidiaries, excluding, however, those employees who are members of
groups which have not adopted the Plans, groups covered by collective bargaining
agreements that do not provide for participation and employees of certain
foreign subsidiaries. The Plans are funded entirely by the Company and provide
pension benefits upon retirement at age 65. The Plan for the Company and its
U.S. subsidiaries provides pension benefits upon retirement at age 65 equal to
1.2% of the participant's average annual compensation multiplied by years of
credited service up to 30 years, reduced by .6% of final average compensation
(which reflects reductions for social security benefits) up to covered
compensation multiplied by years of credited service up to 30 years.
Participants are fully vested in their accrued pension benefits after five years
of service. The Plans provide for early retirement at age 55 with 10 years'
continuous employment. In the event of the death of an active participant who
has completed 5 years of service, provision is made to pay a benefit of monthly
income for life to the participant's surviving spouse equal to 50% of the
benefit which would have been payable to the participant.

Annual amounts of normal retirement pension payable under the Plans are
illustrated in the following table. The illustration assumes retirement as of
October 1, 1998 at the normal retirement age of 65. Benefits were computed on a
straight life annuity basis.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

  Five-Year                                             Estimated Annual Normal Retirement Pension
   Average                                               Based Upon the Indicated Benefit Service
                                ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Compensation                                10 Years       15 Years       20 Years       25 Years      30 Years
- -----------------                         ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------  ------------
<S>                                         <C>             <C>            <C>            <C>           <C>
$100,000.................................    $10,132         $15,198       $20,265        $25,331       $30,397
 125,000.................................     13,132          19,698        26,265         32,831        39,397
 150,000.................................     16,132          24,198        32,265         40,331        48,397
 160,000 and above.......................     17,332          25,998        34,665         43,331        51,997
</TABLE>
<PAGE>

The number of years of  service,  as of October 1, 1998 for each of the  
executive  officers  listed in the  summary  compensation  table was as  
follows:  Mr. DeWinter--12 years, Mr. Jennings--11 years, Mr. Tortorello--11 
years, Mr. Moulton--12 years, and Mr. Nogal--20 years.

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan

The Woodhead Industries, Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan ( the
"SERP") is a non-qualified and unfunded plan designed to provide supplemental
retirement benefits to selected key employees of the Company who have forfeited
potential retirement benefits from former employers and/or who are subject to
statutory or regulatory restrictions on qualified plan benefits. The
supplemental benefit payable to each participant who retires on or after his
normal retirement age is equal to sixty percent (60%) of his average monthly
compensation, less the sum of (i) his "Primary Social Security Benefit" and (ii)
the actuarial equivalent of any retirement benefits to which such participant is
then entitled under any other retirement plan or arrangement maintained by the
Company. A participant's average monthly compensation is one-sixtieth (1/60) of
the aggregate of such participant's base salary and bonus award for the five
highest consecutive Plan Years (as defined in the Retirement Plan). The SERP
provides for early retirement (before age 65) under certain conditions with
reduced benefits. The supplemental benefit to which a participant may be
entitled under the SERP will be paid as a lump sum benefit at retirement.
Messrs. DeWinter and Jennings are the only Named Executives currently covered by
the SERP who would be entitled to benefits thereunder. The estimated lump sum
benefits under the SERP that would be received by these Named Executives, if
each retired at age 65, are as follows: Mr. DeWinter, $1,319,459; Mr. Jennings,
$366,787. The amounts assume that these Named Executives will continue to work
for the Company until their normal retirement dates and that their earnings will
remain the same as in fiscal year 1998.

The Company has  established a trust which,  in the event of a change in control
of the Company,  will be funded to ensure payment to all  participants  of the
benefits described herein.

Profit Sharing Plans

The Company provides Profit Sharing Plans which cover the employees of the
Company and its subsidiaries excluding those employees who are members of groups
which have not adopted the Plans, groups covered by collective bargaining
agreements that do not provide for participation and employees of certain other
subsidiaries. The plans are funded by the Company and annual profit sharing
contributions are, under most plans, 5% of annual pretax profits, as defined,
but not exceeding 15% of the aggregate compensation paid to participants during
the year. The contributions, together with non-vested amounts forfeited by
reason of terminations of employment during the year, are allocated among the
accounts of participants in accordance with a formula based on participants'
covered compensation. The amounts so allocated are invested by the plan trustee,
at the direction of each participant, in various investment alternatives. A
participant's account is vested in annual increments of 20% for each of five
years in which the participant completes 1,000 hours of service, and is fully
vested after five years of service. The accounts, however, are automatically
vested upon death, permanent disability or reaching age 65. Distribution of a
participant's vested account balances is normally made upon termination of
employment in the form of a single payment or installment payments.

The Plan for the Company and its U.S. subsidiaries also provides employees the
opportunity for tax-deferred savings pursuant to Section 401(k) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986. The Plan allows participants to make elective deferrals of
up to 15% of their eligible compensation, not to exceed the maximum amount
allowable by law. The Company will make matching contributions of 50% of the
amount (up to 4% of the participant's eligible compensation) a participant
defers to the Plan.
<PAGE>

Employee contributions and income derived therefrom are 100% vested and
nonforfeitable. Amounts credited to participant accounts which are attributable
to the Company's matching contributions (and any income derived therefrom) are
vested in annual increments of 20% for each of five years in which the
participant completes 1,000 hours of service, and are fully vested after five
years of service.

Management Incentive Plan

The Management Incentive Plan is administered by a Corporate Management
Committee under the direction of the Compensation and Stock Option Committee of
the Board of Directors. Participants include officers and other key employees
who can make significant contributions to the profitable growth of the Company.
In general, a minimum increase in the Company's net income over the prior year
must be achieved before any payments can be made under the Plan.

Each eligible participant shall have defined in advance of the fiscal year a
range of incentive opportunity, including a maximum bonus amount, which is
expressed as a percent of the participant's base salary. Corresponding with the
incentive opportunity are pre-established performance targets that must be
achieved before the incentive award is earned. These performance targets are
related to the specific strategic objectives of each of the business units.
These targets may include, but are not limited to, return on stockholders'
equity, return on funds employed, achievement of key organizational goals and
income from operations. Maximum payments may range from 30% to 100% of a
participant's base salary.

Stock Compensation Plans

The Company has adopted stock compensation plans, from time to time, for the
benefit of certain key employees of the Company and its subsidiaries. There are
currently five plans, the 1981 and 1987 Stock Compensation Plans (the "1981
Plan" and "1987 Plan"), and the 1990, 1993 and 1996 Stock Awards Plans (the
"1990 Plan", "1993 Plan" and "1996 Plan") under which options have been granted
and remain unexercised. No shares are available for the granting of options
under the 1981 Plan, 1987 Plan, 1990 Plan or 1993 Plan. Presently there are
approximately 330 employees eligible to participate. These plans are
administered by the Compensation and Stock Option Committee of the Board of
Directors. Under these plans, options are granted to eligible employees to
purchase Company stock. The employees who are granted options, the number of
shares covered by an option, and the option price are determined by the
Compensation and Stock Option Committee. The option price, however, may not be
less than the fair market value of the stock at the time of the grant. Options
under all plans expire not later than ten years after grant. The optionee
generally must exercise his option within 30 days of termination of employment
with the Company or one of its subsidiaries. Termination of employment for death
or disability may extend the post-employment period in which options may be
exercised to up to two years, while retirement at age 55 or older may extend
that period to up to five years. Options are not transferable except in the case
of the optionee's death.

The plans permit an optionee to acquire stock pursuant to an option either by
paying cash or by exchanging Company stock at its then fair market value, or by
a combination of cash and stock. The plans provide for the granting of
non-qualified options in addition to or instead of incentive stock options.

Also, the 1990 Plan, 1993 Plan and 1996 Plan authorize the Compensation and
Stock Option Committee to grant restricted stock with such restriction periods
as it may designate. During the restriction period, the restricted stock may not
be sold, assigned, pledged or otherwise transferred. Except for the restrictions
on transfer and such other restrictions as the Compensation and Stock Option
Commit-
<PAGE>

tee may impose, a participant has all the rights of a holder of the Company's 
Common Stock including, but not limited to, voting and receiving dividends. To 
date, only one award of restricted shares has been granted.

ITEM 2

RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

Upon recommendation of the Audit Committee, the Board of Directors has
reappointed Arthur Andersen LLP as independent public accountants for the fiscal
year ending October 2, 1999, subject to ratification by the stockholders. Arthur
Andersen LLP has examined the financial statements of the Company each fiscal
year since 1961. A representative of Arthur Andersen LLP will be present at the
Annual Meeting to respond to appropriate questions from stockholders and to make
a statement if such person desires.

The Board of Directors recommends that stockholders vote FOR the ratification of
the selection of Arthur Andersen LLP as the Company's independent public
accountants.

PROPOSALS OF STOCKHOLDERS

Proposals of stockholders intended to be presented at the next Annual Meeting
must be received by the Secretary, Woodhead Industries, Inc., Three Parkway
North, Suite 550, Deerfield, Illinois 60015, no later than August 21, 1999.

The Company's By-laws provide that nominations for the election of directors may
be made by the Board of Directors or a committee appointed by the Board of
Directors. Stockholders intending to nominate director candidates for election
must deliver written notice thereof to the Secretary of the Company not later
than (i) with respect to an election to be held at an annual meeting of
stockholders, 90 days in advance of such meeting, and (ii) with respect to an
election to be held at a special meeting of stockholders, the close of business
on the seventh day following the date on which notice of such meeting is first
given to stockholders. Stockholders wishing to make such nominations may contact
the Secretary of the Company to determine the proposed date of such annual
meeting. The By-laws further provide that the notice shall set forth certain
information concerning such stockholder and his nominee(s), including their
names and addresses, a representation that the stockholder is entitled to vote
at such meeting and intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to
nominate the person or persons specified in the notice, a description of all
arrangements or understandings between the stockholder and each nominee, such
other information as would be required to be included in a proxy statement
soliciting proxies for the election of the nominees of such stockholder and the
consent of each nominee to serve as a director of the Company if so elected. The
chairman of the meeting may refuse to acknowledge the nomination of any person
not made in compliance with the foregoing procedure.
<PAGE>

General

The Company has mailed to all stockholders, concurrently with this Proxy
Statement, its annual report for the year ended October 3, 1998. Proxies will be
solicited by mail. Proxies may be solicited by directors, officers and a small
number of regular employees of the Company personally or by mail, telephone or
telegraph, but such persons will not be specially compensated for such service.
It is contemplated that brokerage houses, custodians, nominees and fiduciaries
will be requested to forward the soliciting material to the beneficial owners of
stock held of record by such persons. The expense of such solicitation will be
paid by the Company. In addition, the Company has retained D. F. King & Co.,
Inc. to assist them in the solicitation of proxies from stockholders. For such
services, the Company will pay D. F. King & Co., Inc. a fee not to exceed $5,000
plus out-of-pocket expenses. If any matters other than those referred to in the
Notice of Annual Meeting should properly come before the meeting, it is the
intention of the persons named in the accompanying form of proxy to vote the
proxies held by them in accordance with their best judgment. Management does not
know of any business other than that referred to in the Notice which may
properly be considered at the meeting.



                                By order of the Board of Directors


                                /s/ Robert J. Tortorello
                                ------------------------
                                Robert J. Tortorello
                                Secretary

<PAG
E>
                           WOODHEAD INDUSTRIES, INC.

      PLEASE MARK VOTE IN OVAL IN THE FOLLOWING MANNER USING DARK INK ONLY.

[                                                                              ]
1.  Election of Directors
    Nominees:  Daniel T.               FOR       WITHOLD        FOR ALL (Except
    Carroll and Sarilee                ALL       ALL            Nominee(s)
    K. Norton.                                                  written below)

    _________________________________________

2.  Ratification of the appointment    
    of Arthur Andersen LLP             FOR       AGAINST        ABSTAIN

3. In their discretion, the Proxies 
   are authorized to vote upon such 
   other business as may properly come 
   before the meeting.

THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED HEREIN BY
THE UNDERSIGNED STOCKHOLDER.

IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR PROPOSALS 1 AND 2.

                                      Dated: __________________________, 19_____

Signature(s) ___________________________________________________________________


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please sign exactly as name appears below. When shares are held by joint
tenants, both should sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator,
trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If a corporation, please
sign in full corporate name by President or other authorized officer. If a
partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                           s s FOLD AND DETACH HERE s


                             YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT.


          PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS PROXY CARD PROMPTLY
                          USING THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.

4347 WOODHEAD INDUSTRIES, INC.
<PAGE>

PROXY                                                                     PROXY

                            WOODHEAD INDUSTRIES, INC.

             PROXY SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF
        WOODHEAD INDUSTRIES, INC. FOR ANNUAL MEETING ON JANUARY 22, 1999

The undersigned holder of Common Stock of Woodhead Industries, Inc. hereby
appoints Charles W. Denny, C. Mark DeWinter and Ann F. Hackett or any of them,
with full power of substitution, to act as proxy for and to vote the stock of
the undersigned at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Woodhead Industries,
Inc. to be held at the Northbrook Hilton Hotel, 2855 North Milwaukee Avenue,
Northbrook, Illinois on January 22, 1999, or any adjournment or postponement
thereof:

          PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS PROXY CARD PROMPTLY
                          USING THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.

                  (Continued and to be signed on reverse side.)

4347 WOODHEAD INDUSTRIES, INC.


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