<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>

<!--XBRL Document Created with Wdesk from Workiva-->
<!--Copyright 2020 Workiva-->
<!--r:34ccc6b1-f050-4216-a867-9612c298525a,g:2928cba3-68ea-4cc5-999a-c343b0216c16-->
<link:linkbase xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd">
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/Cover" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#Cover"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/Cover" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_76e2f79e-4dbc-4726-bf4e-5aeb56f71c2c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_CoverAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentType_f4e63629-5094-4320-908d-7b3c53ed663c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentType"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_76e2f79e-4dbc-4726-bf4e-5aeb56f71c2c" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentType_f4e63629-5094-4320-908d-7b3c53ed663c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport_95c76d44-65f9-4c7e-95dd-6f060de0bec1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_76e2f79e-4dbc-4726-bf4e-5aeb56f71c2c" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport_95c76d44-65f9-4c7e-95dd-6f060de0bec1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_44f4a3c3-c113-4545-adf6-8bdfc228bd76" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_76e2f79e-4dbc-4726-bf4e-5aeb56f71c2c" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_44f4a3c3-c113-4545-adf6-8bdfc228bd76" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentTransitionReport_63a85e04-de86-4708-973d-c7948bf71182" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentTransitionReport"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_76e2f79e-4dbc-4726-bf4e-5aeb56f71c2c" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentTransitionReport_63a85e04-de86-4708-973d-c7948bf71182" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityFileNumber_48e8315d-6324-4cff-bffc-4a2fe997f11e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityFileNumber"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_76e2f79e-4dbc-4726-bf4e-5aeb56f71c2c" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityFileNumber_48e8315d-6324-4cff-bffc-4a2fe997f11e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityRegistrantName_7dc64045-1b6f-4e87-a65f-66a0b209e3ff" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityRegistrantName"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_76e2f79e-4dbc-4726-bf4e-5aeb56f71c2c" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityRegistrantName_7dc64045-1b6f-4e87-a65f-66a0b209e3ff" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode_0fe33f22-fbe7-4799-bce7-09f70253ef98" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_76e2f79e-4dbc-4726-bf4e-5aeb56f71c2c" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode_0fe33f22-fbe7-4799-bce7-09f70253ef98" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber_5959331d-c34e-4b5b-a879-5f71e5b952e6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_76e2f79e-4dbc-4726-bf4e-5aeb56f71c2c" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber_5959331d-c34e-4b5b-a879-5f71e5b952e6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1_2cb48647-7f61-477c-9da1-eb2e98195025" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_76e2f79e-4dbc-4726-bf4e-5aeb56f71c2c" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1_2cb48647-7f61-477c-9da1-eb2e98195025" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown_9a00bafc-0d8f-4c20-a5c9-96174a3b865d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_76e2f79e-4dbc-4726-bf4e-5aeb56f71c2c" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown_9a00bafc-0d8f-4c20-a5c9-96174a3b865d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince_85590af8-8b56-47d8-9c20-9b9bb3c4a0da" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_76e2f79e-4dbc-4726-bf4e-5aeb56f71c2c" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince_85590af8-8b56-47d8-9c20-9b9bb3c4a0da" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode_cb49118a-a8fb-4daa-9bda-6b55f3f11fae" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_76e2f79e-4dbc-4726-bf4e-5aeb56f71c2c" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode_cb49118a-a8fb-4daa-9bda-6b55f3f11fae" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_CityAreaCode_a3c9e2f0-69f9-4b8a-9758-69768ecbfff8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_CityAreaCode"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_76e2f79e-4dbc-4726-bf4e-5aeb56f71c2c" xlink:to="loc_dei_CityAreaCode_a3c9e2f0-69f9-4b8a-9758-69768ecbfff8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LocalPhoneNumber_a79ef5d0-d2ec-415a-9e47-3ccd96a30c74" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_LocalPhoneNumber"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_76e2f79e-4dbc-4726-bf4e-5aeb56f71c2c" xlink:to="loc_dei_LocalPhoneNumber_a79ef5d0-d2ec-415a-9e47-3ccd96a30c74" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_e524233e-ad77-42f3-9c40-5a42d44f8f0a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_76e2f79e-4dbc-4726-bf4e-5aeb56f71c2c" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_e524233e-ad77-42f3-9c40-5a42d44f8f0a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent_48c058c2-eb24-41f9-8147-dec866b27a12" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_76e2f79e-4dbc-4726-bf4e-5aeb56f71c2c" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent_48c058c2-eb24-41f9-8147-dec866b27a12" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityFilerCategory_3da2ba20-0bd4-4a0d-9137-0300d2b669d7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityFilerCategory"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_76e2f79e-4dbc-4726-bf4e-5aeb56f71c2c" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityFilerCategory_3da2ba20-0bd4-4a0d-9137-0300d2b669d7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntitySmallBusiness_1e230d1a-b8c0-4c6e-995a-3927da43edec" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntitySmallBusiness"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_76e2f79e-4dbc-4726-bf4e-5aeb56f71c2c" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntitySmallBusiness_1e230d1a-b8c0-4c6e-995a-3927da43edec" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany_3b17c2cc-34f2-4673-a912-14a2bf10cd97" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_76e2f79e-4dbc-4726-bf4e-5aeb56f71c2c" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany_3b17c2cc-34f2-4673-a912-14a2bf10cd97" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityShellCompany_ffd02e4d-9771-4961-98cd-243dc15df3b3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityShellCompany"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_76e2f79e-4dbc-4726-bf4e-5aeb56f71c2c" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityShellCompany_ffd02e4d-9771-4961-98cd-243dc15df3b3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_Security12bTitle_d7ddbc68-8c94-40bc-9743-418d5653bebd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_Security12bTitle"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_76e2f79e-4dbc-4726-bf4e-5aeb56f71c2c" xlink:to="loc_dei_Security12bTitle_d7ddbc68-8c94-40bc-9743-418d5653bebd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_TradingSymbol_46db35a6-af83-498f-86ba-c2a2be7fa5f6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_TradingSymbol"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="22" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_76e2f79e-4dbc-4726-bf4e-5aeb56f71c2c" xlink:to="loc_dei_TradingSymbol_46db35a6-af83-498f-86ba-c2a2be7fa5f6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_SecurityExchangeName_0e14df91-3f10-4ef0-a8d7-73320f15ef6e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_SecurityExchangeName"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="23" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_76e2f79e-4dbc-4726-bf4e-5aeb56f71c2c" xlink:to="loc_dei_SecurityExchangeName_0e14df91-3f10-4ef0-a8d7-73320f15ef6e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_b7699e5c-27df-4833-a397-71a90043d678" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="24" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_76e2f79e-4dbc-4726-bf4e-5aeb56f71c2c" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_b7699e5c-27df-4833-a397-71a90043d678" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_AmendmentFlag_aa05c0ba-6fda-47e6-b2c1-2f7395d70d46" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_AmendmentFlag"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="25" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_76e2f79e-4dbc-4726-bf4e-5aeb56f71c2c" xlink:to="loc_dei_AmendmentFlag_aa05c0ba-6fda-47e6-b2c1-2f7395d70d46" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_57d1c8cf-ae34-4e37-a954-3a93ca781943" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCentralIndexKey"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="26" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_76e2f79e-4dbc-4726-bf4e-5aeb56f71c2c" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_57d1c8cf-ae34-4e37-a954-3a93ca781943" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_706248a0-2408-4033-924c-0210082e616e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="27" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_76e2f79e-4dbc-4726-bf4e-5aeb56f71c2c" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_706248a0-2408-4033-924c-0210082e616e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_e9436c74-ed43-48a2-bc6e-ae98b3d0890b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="28" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_76e2f79e-4dbc-4726-bf4e-5aeb56f71c2c" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_e9436c74-ed43-48a2-bc6e-ae98b3d0890b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_9024abe4-43fd-4868-8b03-498bf1baddb9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="29" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_76e2f79e-4dbc-4726-bf4e-5aeb56f71c2c" xlink:to="loc_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_9024abe4-43fd-4868-8b03-498bf1baddb9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementofIncome" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementofIncome"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementofIncome" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_e2cb5a13-b67c-4e1d-be97-936a71cabe57" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_a0832c9b-4fcf-4487-97a4-a64098851a72" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_e2cb5a13-b67c-4e1d-be97-936a71cabe57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_a0832c9b-4fcf-4487-97a4-a64098851a72" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold_e502ff0c-6888-4b46-b342-f51a3daf3308" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_e2cb5a13-b67c-4e1d-be97-936a71cabe57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold_e502ff0c-6888-4b46-b342-f51a3daf3308" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GrossProfit_74e5dcbe-1cbb-43ba-8931-610b4de0d650" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GrossProfit"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_e2cb5a13-b67c-4e1d-be97-936a71cabe57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GrossProfit_74e5dcbe-1cbb-43ba-8931-610b4de0d650" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_609bce4d-7dd2-4032-97bc-2f3276ec5fe3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_e2cb5a13-b67c-4e1d-be97-936a71cabe57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_609bce4d-7dd2-4032-97bc-2f3276ec5fe3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense_307c96cf-6bc8-4dc4-ae2d-2c87c2870e93" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_e2cb5a13-b67c-4e1d-be97-936a71cabe57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense_307c96cf-6bc8-4dc4-ae2d-2c87c2870e93" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_169ae733-7353-418e-a685-39d7bf61035b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCharges"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_e2cb5a13-b67c-4e1d-be97-936a71cabe57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_169ae733-7353-418e-a685-39d7bf61035b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossBeforeTax_c8386a24-b16e-439e-98b3-2676d1f8ea00" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossBeforeTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_e2cb5a13-b67c-4e1d-be97-936a71cabe57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossBeforeTax_c8386a24-b16e-439e-98b3-2676d1f8ea00" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductLiabilityAccrualPeriodExpense_ad6f6e9a-eeb0-4533-ae92-6e8ad2dc1fca" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductLiabilityAccrualPeriodExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_e2cb5a13-b67c-4e1d-be97-936a71cabe57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductLiabilityAccrualPeriodExpense_ad6f6e9a-eeb0-4533-ae92-6e8ad2dc1fca" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_2472463c-d555-4308-9b1b-8f9b0a1604f7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_e2cb5a13-b67c-4e1d-be97-936a71cabe57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_2472463c-d555-4308-9b1b-8f9b0a1604f7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_294baa57-7352-491e-ad1a-f2f69df62681" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_e2cb5a13-b67c-4e1d-be97-936a71cabe57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_294baa57-7352-491e-ad1a-f2f69df62681" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_b6fc0648-e206-42e1-ae37-8be8e4f70d9b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_e2cb5a13-b67c-4e1d-be97-936a71cabe57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_b6fc0648-e206-42e1-ae37-8be8e4f70d9b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_f6f51d62-9197-4886-925d-5f1a52369edf" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_e2cb5a13-b67c-4e1d-be97-936a71cabe57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_f6f51d62-9197-4886-925d-5f1a52369edf" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTotalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_cd146002-2c43-40dd-84a6-67710c39c580" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_e2cb5a13-b67c-4e1d-be97-936a71cabe57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_cd146002-2c43-40dd-84a6-67710c39c580" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_72e32060-2d03-4498-9294-58a47d86053b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_e2cb5a13-b67c-4e1d-be97-936a71cabe57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_72e32060-2d03-4498-9294-58a47d86053b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_04edca8e-3997-486e-b4b7-b73c2ac3afc8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_e2cb5a13-b67c-4e1d-be97-936a71cabe57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_04edca8e-3997-486e-b4b7-b73c2ac3afc8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_000244b6-6bcc-41a6-9160-cfac4a606d33" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_e2cb5a13-b67c-4e1d-be97-936a71cabe57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_000244b6-6bcc-41a6-9160-cfac4a606d33" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_a16740be-c3c1-42ff-8cbb-d7c64dea8c35" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_e2cb5a13-b67c-4e1d-be97-936a71cabe57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_a16740be-c3c1-42ff-8cbb-d7c64dea8c35" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_1f368da6-eee0-4c07-954c-62deef37adf8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_e2cb5a13-b67c-4e1d-be97-936a71cabe57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_1f368da6-eee0-4c07-954c-62deef37adf8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_e6237e41-2ba1-459e-b204-80cef840da6d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_1f368da6-eee0-4c07-954c-62deef37adf8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_e6237e41-2ba1-459e-b204-80cef840da6d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_84a6082a-ca06-4706-b6d7-86a52da89bf2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_1f368da6-eee0-4c07-954c-62deef37adf8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_84a6082a-ca06-4706-b6d7-86a52da89bf2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareCashPaid_4f215cb2-1184-49fc-8dad-50ba1e2dd3af" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareCashPaid"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_e2cb5a13-b67c-4e1d-be97-936a71cabe57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareCashPaid_4f215cb2-1184-49fc-8dad-50ba1e2dd3af" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementofComprehensiveIncome" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementofComprehensiveIncome"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementofComprehensiveIncome" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_2a36e353-8d20-44c1-9baf-db51467154ce" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_127e5ca3-29f8-4a65-ac8c-b90c1e87af9c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_2a36e353-8d20-44c1-9baf-db51467154ce" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_127e5ca3-29f8-4a65-ac8c-b90c1e87af9c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_d4591059-648e-4f22-a7a0-5fb0a6d9d73c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_2a36e353-8d20-44c1-9baf-db51467154ce" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_d4591059-648e-4f22-a7a0-5fb0a6d9d73c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_5694bb94-057e-4e9d-9e30-097f2b7500c0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_d4591059-648e-4f22-a7a0-5fb0a6d9d73c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_5694bb94-057e-4e9d-9e30-097f2b7500c0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTax_e2396286-ef3f-4cd8-a9ef-2f5e5d24538d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_d4591059-648e-4f22-a7a0-5fb0a6d9d73c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTax_e2396286-ef3f-4cd8-a9ef-2f5e5d24538d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_fc081ad3-b9fb-4bf9-971b-b5dca99c725b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_d4591059-648e-4f22-a7a0-5fb0a6d9d73c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_fc081ad3-b9fb-4bf9-971b-b5dca99c725b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax_6db557ed-60b5-493c-858c-b25c15656c9d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_d4591059-648e-4f22-a7a0-5fb0a6d9d73c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax_6db557ed-60b5-493c-858c-b25c15656c9d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_7c787e83-57b7-498b-a5d4-7c6a1bcba5c8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_d4591059-648e-4f22-a7a0-5fb0a6d9d73c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_7c787e83-57b7-498b-a5d4-7c6a1bcba5c8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_52567fc6-cd25-4c74-aa80-364b564808a4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_2a36e353-8d20-44c1-9baf-db51467154ce" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_52567fc6-cd25-4c74-aa80-364b564808a4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_ac7a331c-54d9-4fb4-9065-783d96f87ce5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_2a36e353-8d20-44c1-9baf-db51467154ce" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_ac7a331c-54d9-4fb4-9065-783d96f87ce5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_51c31a40-60f1-4737-a777-99b10d9c192b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_2a36e353-8d20-44c1-9baf-db51467154ce" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_51c31a40-60f1-4737-a777-99b10d9c192b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheet" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheet"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheet" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_facc4eef-3f0e-41e3-a2a9-730c441b2bd2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_4f721184-2d4d-4e1d-892a-c6bb5cd9f332" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_facc4eef-3f0e-41e3-a2a9-730c441b2bd2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_4f721184-2d4d-4e1d-892a-c6bb5cd9f332" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_1e2f7352-41e8-4c8f-918e-0073e2bcb3d6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_4f721184-2d4d-4e1d-892a-c6bb5cd9f332" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_1e2f7352-41e8-4c8f-918e-0073e2bcb3d6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_6714fceb-8e34-4f83-aa1d-2a72e3cfa033" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_4f721184-2d4d-4e1d-892a-c6bb5cd9f332" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_6714fceb-8e34-4f83-aa1d-2a72e3cfa033" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InventoryNet_d82a79b5-8009-4948-b73d-f4eb295dc6cc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryNet"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_4f721184-2d4d-4e1d-892a-c6bb5cd9f332" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InventoryNet_d82a79b5-8009-4948-b73d-f4eb295dc6cc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Investments_11eaa5e1-cd7c-4d32-b191-465aa75f1461" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Investments"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_4f721184-2d4d-4e1d-892a-c6bb5cd9f332" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Investments_11eaa5e1-cd7c-4d32-b191-465aa75f1461" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesReceivable_6833cc19-d6fb-48e9-9056-ff4521b1f988" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxesReceivable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_4f721184-2d4d-4e1d-892a-c6bb5cd9f332" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesReceivable_6833cc19-d6fb-48e9-9056-ff4521b1f988" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_NotesLoansandFinancingReceivableNetInsuranceCompaniesCurrent_bc03bce1-eb09-436b-8b24-35e6d03373f4" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_NotesLoansandFinancingReceivableNetInsuranceCompaniesCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_4f721184-2d4d-4e1d-892a-c6bb5cd9f332" xlink:to="loc_msa_NotesLoansandFinancingReceivableNetInsuranceCompaniesCurrent_bc03bce1-eb09-436b-8b24-35e6d03373f4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_c1245e46-c58f-4b5e-aa67-45cc5e6e7c7c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_4f721184-2d4d-4e1d-892a-c6bb5cd9f332" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_c1245e46-c58f-4b5e-aa67-45cc5e6e7c7c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_f6a5c7a0-f20f-4256-8f80-b71288444d54" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_4f721184-2d4d-4e1d-892a-c6bb5cd9f332" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_f6a5c7a0-f20f-4256-8f80-b71288444d54" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_72214c10-2112-4f4c-8050-0dc56d96a590" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_4f721184-2d4d-4e1d-892a-c6bb5cd9f332" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_72214c10-2112-4f4c-8050-0dc56d96a590" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_3705acce-bb8d-4b08-a288-586f0f0e000d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_4f721184-2d4d-4e1d-892a-c6bb5cd9f332" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_3705acce-bb8d-4b08-a288-586f0f0e000d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssetsForPlanBenefitsNoncurrent_c432596b-a4be-4ddc-96ea-26d815236a50" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssetsForPlanBenefitsNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_4f721184-2d4d-4e1d-892a-c6bb5cd9f332" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssetsForPlanBenefitsNoncurrent_c432596b-a4be-4ddc-96ea-26d815236a50" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxAssetsNet_3c5abf53-a451-4d83-aeac-53ecd7225cea" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxAssetsNet"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_4f721184-2d4d-4e1d-892a-c6bb5cd9f332" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxAssetsNet_3c5abf53-a451-4d83-aeac-53ecd7225cea" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_b1090ad9-2b7a-4718-9f1d-91fcaf35cc89" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_4f721184-2d4d-4e1d-892a-c6bb5cd9f332" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_b1090ad9-2b7a-4718-9f1d-91fcaf35cc89" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_5e6ca9b8-a603-49d7-b80d-3e6965f42a59" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_4f721184-2d4d-4e1d-892a-c6bb5cd9f332" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_5e6ca9b8-a603-49d7-b80d-3e6965f42a59" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_NotesLoansandFinancingReceivableNetInsuranceCompaniesNoncurrent_67cea7d1-2c00-4cb1-a457-fc494b9ade8f" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_NotesLoansandFinancingReceivableNetInsuranceCompaniesNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_4f721184-2d4d-4e1d-892a-c6bb5cd9f332" xlink:to="loc_msa_NotesLoansandFinancingReceivableNetInsuranceCompaniesNoncurrent_67cea7d1-2c00-4cb1-a457-fc494b9ade8f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_d76c2217-c370-4342-b30d-948d90d7098b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_4f721184-2d4d-4e1d-892a-c6bb5cd9f332" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_d76c2217-c370-4342-b30d-948d90d7098b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_ad3d6fdd-8479-4144-a8ba-a0bcb7cb1dd9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_4f721184-2d4d-4e1d-892a-c6bb5cd9f332" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_ad3d6fdd-8479-4144-a8ba-a0bcb7cb1dd9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_12352faa-6fa8-41f0-a0d5-2fcb8540cc25" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_facc4eef-3f0e-41e3-a2a9-730c441b2bd2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_12352faa-6fa8-41f0-a0d5-2fcb8540cc25" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtCurrent_c52aed74-5c35-4ceb-ad40-434823e08595" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_12352faa-6fa8-41f0-a0d5-2fcb8540cc25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtCurrent_c52aed74-5c35-4ceb-ad40-434823e08595" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_389588fc-f9d3-42e5-8e59-bf72519eb12d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_12352faa-6fa8-41f0-a0d5-2fcb8540cc25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_389588fc-f9d3-42e5-8e59-bf72519eb12d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent_389e1091-b3fe-48fb-864d-873790bc658c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_12352faa-6fa8-41f0-a0d5-2fcb8540cc25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent_389e1091-b3fe-48fb-864d-873790bc658c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpense_96fc9d2a-bfa5-4d6d-b15f-94a727dcf87e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_12352faa-6fa8-41f0-a0d5-2fcb8540cc25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpense_96fc9d2a-bfa5-4d6d-b15f-94a727dcf87e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccruedIncomeTaxesCurrent_8aa2aedc-53e6-4dd1-aee3-79f57f7634d1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedIncomeTaxesCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_12352faa-6fa8-41f0-a0d5-2fcb8540cc25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccruedIncomeTaxesCurrent_8aa2aedc-53e6-4dd1-aee3-79f57f7634d1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_5d0dffa0-005d-44ef-bc59-66db3dba85a5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_12352faa-6fa8-41f0-a0d5-2fcb8540cc25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_5d0dffa0-005d-44ef-bc59-66db3dba85a5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_bb85ee0d-9020-489c-8850-5079a240fcbf" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_12352faa-6fa8-41f0-a0d5-2fcb8540cc25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_bb85ee0d-9020-489c-8850-5079a240fcbf" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_b2c12375-a164-45ef-a651-976f364171ab" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_12352faa-6fa8-41f0-a0d5-2fcb8540cc25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_b2c12375-a164-45ef-a651-976f364171ab" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent_701279c3-c899-4907-b17b-f149f1a673bf" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_12352faa-6fa8-41f0-a0d5-2fcb8540cc25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent_701279c3-c899-4907-b17b-f149f1a673bf" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_645d512a-b705-48e6-902d-313b018548b0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_12352faa-6fa8-41f0-a0d5-2fcb8540cc25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_645d512a-b705-48e6-902d-313b018548b0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet_1812cf63-b1fe-4674-abdd-d550c3246986" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_12352faa-6fa8-41f0-a0d5-2fcb8540cc25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet_1812cf63-b1fe-4674-abdd-d550c3246986" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_e2f549da-7e8b-431b-a1c7-1d7d0c980793" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_12352faa-6fa8-41f0-a0d5-2fcb8540cc25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_e2f549da-7e8b-431b-a1c7-1d7d0c980793" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_066c831b-5299-45e0-af6d-a8570412eccc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_12352faa-6fa8-41f0-a0d5-2fcb8540cc25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_066c831b-5299-45e0-af6d-a8570412eccc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_cd2d09b6-28eb-463b-9a37-61d15f22c394" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_facc4eef-3f0e-41e3-a2a9-730c441b2bd2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_cd2d09b6-28eb-463b-9a37-61d15f22c394" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockValueOutstanding_d4c18e75-3fa7-4552-bccf-b63b0e7d3b8e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockValueOutstanding"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_cd2d09b6-28eb-463b-9a37-61d15f22c394" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockValueOutstanding_d4c18e75-3fa7-4552-bccf-b63b0e7d3b8e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValueOutstanding_a195229f-cb4a-4122-8e90-3522ba5b71d7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValueOutstanding"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_cd2d09b6-28eb-463b-9a37-61d15f22c394" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValueOutstanding_a195229f-cb4a-4122-8e90-3522ba5b71d7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue_ddf64fc7-4777-4262-b24d-20602e802543" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_cd2d09b6-28eb-463b-9a37-61d15f22c394" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue_ddf64fc7-4777-4262-b24d-20602e802543" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_456a6d74-d06d-4371-b185-dab9496c8463" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_cd2d09b6-28eb-463b-9a37-61d15f22c394" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_456a6d74-d06d-4371-b185-dab9496c8463" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_7213bee0-8ecf-4c79-b75a-342fe01d3f90" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_cd2d09b6-28eb-463b-9a37-61d15f22c394" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_7213bee0-8ecf-4c79-b75a-342fe01d3f90" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_7269faa2-7c96-40af-92da-9f34744d0afb" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_cd2d09b6-28eb-463b-9a37-61d15f22c394" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_7269faa2-7c96-40af-92da-9f34744d0afb" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterest_67066569-de44-4d6b-8113-c942fd0abfb4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterest"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_cd2d09b6-28eb-463b-9a37-61d15f22c394" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterest_67066569-de44-4d6b-8113-c942fd0abfb4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_b0ebb279-76c0-4841-b754-7b1dcc595b43" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_cd2d09b6-28eb-463b-9a37-61d15f22c394" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_b0ebb279-76c0-4841-b754-7b1dcc595b43" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_ef13e91e-8ab0-4f0a-b708-3f30ca775bf4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_facc4eef-3f0e-41e3-a2a9-730c441b2bd2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_ef13e91e-8ab0-4f0a-b708-3f30ca775bf4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent_06dd20f3-5eb1-44d8-bf51-5d7b8da8544c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_facc4eef-3f0e-41e3-a2a9-730c441b2bd2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent_06dd20f3-5eb1-44d8-bf51-5d7b8da8544c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage_6b243f6f-adf8-41a8-b97c-0a9d290f3f8b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_facc4eef-3f0e-41e3-a2a9-730c441b2bd2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage_6b243f6f-adf8-41a8-b97c-0a9d290f3f8b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_87d0514c-e8d9-47bb-aac8-646d8cf7873b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_facc4eef-3f0e-41e3-a2a9-730c441b2bd2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_87d0514c-e8d9-47bb-aac8-646d8cf7873b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockNoParValue_b11293af-b11a-45cd-9827-a8cbabdd43b9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockNoParValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_facc4eef-3f0e-41e3-a2a9-730c441b2bd2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockNoParValue_b11293af-b11a-45cd-9827-a8cbabdd43b9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetParenthetical"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetParenthetical" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_8bc6713f-c03d-430a-8b3f-9b55969b741a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent_b5c26dce-2c8d-440a-8ed5-51e5909ef81b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_8bc6713f-c03d-430a-8b3f-9b55969b741a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent_b5c26dce-2c8d-440a-8ed5-51e5909ef81b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockNoParValue_31984179-91c0-4801-ad3b-a3ad875e46b9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockNoParValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_8bc6713f-c03d-430a-8b3f-9b55969b741a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockNoParValue_31984179-91c0-4801-ad3b-a3ad875e46b9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_3d911d4b-1a1b-4617-b77d-6b1301c660a9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_8bc6713f-c03d-430a-8b3f-9b55969b741a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_3d911d4b-1a1b-4617-b77d-6b1301c660a9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_775207a6-4179-4ac5-913c-e2229bebcad3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_3d911d4b-1a1b-4617-b77d-6b1301c660a9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_775207a6-4179-4ac5-913c-e2229bebcad3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_3d1b67c1-6e86-480f-b33d-652bfc13b896" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_775207a6-4179-4ac5-913c-e2229bebcad3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_3d1b67c1-6e86-480f-b33d-652bfc13b896" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockMember_6c414f60-0d0b-4ef7-81a2-f7cff15fc99f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_3d1b67c1-6e86-480f-b33d-652bfc13b896" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockMember_6c414f60-0d0b-4ef7-81a2-f7cff15fc99f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_51286332-4009-4e19-a7c2-3073926b1725" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_3d911d4b-1a1b-4617-b77d-6b1301c660a9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_51286332-4009-4e19-a7c2-3073926b1725" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage_bcfab012-e878-4053-aedf-5960de8f91ec" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_51286332-4009-4e19-a7c2-3073926b1725" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage_bcfab012-e878-4053-aedf-5960de8f91ec" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_22ce76bd-7c53-417f-8fdc-ff7045614cf0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_51286332-4009-4e19-a7c2-3073926b1725" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_22ce76bd-7c53-417f-8fdc-ff7045614cf0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementofCashFlows" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementofCashFlows"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementofCashFlows" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_f0e93787-6c5e-4da3-9ad1-28dd787e95d3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_1bd4e654-da98-480a-854a-064691ecc69c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_f0e93787-6c5e-4da3-9ad1-28dd787e95d3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_1bd4e654-da98-480a-854a-064691ecc69c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_346d6660-9f5b-4c73-81c6-4449361f4267" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_1bd4e654-da98-480a-854a-064691ecc69c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_346d6660-9f5b-4c73-81c6-4449361f4267" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_a779bded-4a2c-4654-8b69-aa327bd3436b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_1bd4e654-da98-480a-854a-064691ecc69c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_a779bded-4a2c-4654-8b69-aa327bd3436b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_43538cc0-85e4-4230-af60-a4defc54692d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_1bd4e654-da98-480a-854a-064691ecc69c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_43538cc0-85e4-4230-af60-a4defc54692d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionExpense_cf0fc595-b4f4-4f19-b523-34cc2df87fe0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_1bd4e654-da98-480a-854a-064691ecc69c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionExpense_cf0fc595-b4f4-4f19-b523-34cc2df87fe0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitIncludingDiscontinuedOperations_68b5e405-1012-4e80-b16a-8c943b35b89e" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitIncludingDiscontinuedOperations"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_1bd4e654-da98-480a-854a-064691ecc69c" xlink:to="loc_msa_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitIncludingDiscontinuedOperations_68b5e405-1012-4e80-b16a-8c943b35b89e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOtherAssets_ce444125-853b-4302-9352-9db4d67bbce6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOtherAssets"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_1bd4e654-da98-480a-854a-064691ecc69c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOtherAssets_ce444125-853b-4302-9352-9db4d67bbce6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionContributions_b809f6e2-4929-4e3b-b61f-d448dd320a70" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionContributions"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_1bd4e654-da98-480a-854a-064691ecc69c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionContributions_b809f6e2-4929-4e3b-b61f-d448dd320a70" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsbeforeTax_0d99e709-c58d-4210-ab87-0a6074bb86a1" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsbeforeTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_1bd4e654-da98-480a-854a-064691ecc69c" xlink:to="loc_msa_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsbeforeTax_0d99e709-c58d-4210-ab87-0a6074bb86a1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductLiabilityAccrualPeriodExpense_69d3e832-6dac-4bee-95d0-02e2931be9cd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductLiabilityAccrualPeriodExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_1bd4e654-da98-480a-854a-064691ecc69c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductLiabilityAccrualPeriodExpense_69d3e832-6dac-4bee-95d0-02e2931be9cd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromCollectionOfNotesReceivable_14afe656-0417-44b7-ae0d-aa68ea4b617d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromCollectionOfNotesReceivable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_1bd4e654-da98-480a-854a-064691ecc69c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromCollectionOfNotesReceivable_14afe656-0417-44b7-ae0d-aa68ea4b617d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_Paymentsonproductliabilityclaims_4d4e3628-bf45-43d6-a63d-477728029824" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_Paymentsonproductliabilityclaims"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_1bd4e654-da98-480a-854a-064691ecc69c" xlink:to="loc_msa_Paymentsonproductliabilityclaims_4d4e3628-bf45-43d6-a63d-477728029824" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_a691de66-413a-4741-b855-642fd3511f30" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_1bd4e654-da98-480a-854a-064691ecc69c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_a691de66-413a-4741-b855-642fd3511f30" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable_54a7f3cc-9c71-4848-aba0-d8e0c644b42e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_a691de66-413a-4741-b855-642fd3511f30" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable_54a7f3cc-9c71-4848-aba0-d8e0c644b42e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories_3f634cbe-4aa5-44bb-8b8e-07dff6d94c12" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_a691de66-413a-4741-b855-642fd3511f30" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories_3f634cbe-4aa5-44bb-8b8e-07dff6d94c12" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets_2f6b8d24-167f-4cd1-83ff-a12c055b8a03" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_a691de66-413a-4741-b855-642fd3511f30" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets_2f6b8d24-167f-4cd1-83ff-a12c055b8a03" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities_94935541-016c-45f3-a063-17f6f7033f5c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_a691de66-413a-4741-b855-642fd3511f30" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities_94935541-016c-45f3-a063-17f6f7033f5c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet_336cbf72-3ce5-413b-b8ae-437d39e3e065" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_a691de66-413a-4741-b855-642fd3511f30" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet_336cbf72-3ce5-413b-b8ae-437d39e3e065" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_2e64e310-56b7-41d4-aef0-02a9833ec9b6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_1bd4e654-da98-480a-854a-064691ecc69c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_2e64e310-56b7-41d4-aef0-02a9833ec9b6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_13a26cbf-4699-4011-908d-7ef675156397" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_f0e93787-6c5e-4da3-9ad1-28dd787e95d3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_13a26cbf-4699-4011-908d-7ef675156397" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_83d5f00a-d5c9-4b5e-b872-fb87a1ce9b8b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_13a26cbf-4699-4011-908d-7ef675156397" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_83d5f00a-d5c9-4b5e-b872-fb87a1ce9b8b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired_09d26a6a-8d35-43a5-a8d3-1982e275000a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_13a26cbf-4699-4011-908d-7ef675156397" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired_09d26a6a-8d35-43a5-a8d3-1982e275000a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInvestments_0f147728-c959-46c8-8385-a368b3155e5c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInvestments"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_13a26cbf-4699-4011-908d-7ef675156397" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInvestments_0f147728-c959-46c8-8385-a368b3155e5c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMaturitiesPrepaymentsAndCallsOfShorttermInvestments_ae30bba9-34fc-4a09-adda-ed036e5a8f80" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromMaturitiesPrepaymentsAndCallsOfShorttermInvestments"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_13a26cbf-4699-4011-908d-7ef675156397" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMaturitiesPrepaymentsAndCallsOfShorttermInvestments_ae30bba9-34fc-4a09-adda-ed036e5a8f80" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities_a7f9f8ea-f976-4e60-8a4e-ad3ac7072e1f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_13a26cbf-4699-4011-908d-7ef675156397" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities_a7f9f8ea-f976-4e60-8a4e-ad3ac7072e1f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_4ea64e05-92ee-4827-afe5-6a4b98b4d964" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_13a26cbf-4699-4011-908d-7ef675156397" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_4ea64e05-92ee-4827-afe5-6a4b98b4d964" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_47935a60-5942-4e1c-8a84-a1c9356fdc43" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_f0e93787-6c5e-4da3-9ad1-28dd787e95d3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_47935a60-5942-4e1c-8a84-a1c9356fdc43" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebt_69e8dab1-d916-4b4b-82ca-8438201b162b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebt"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_47935a60-5942-4e1c-8a84-a1c9356fdc43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebt_69e8dab1-d916-4b4b-82ca-8438201b162b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_cc8a1425-1807-4c78-b7e7-b14f552317e7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_47935a60-5942-4e1c-8a84-a1c9356fdc43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_cc8a1425-1807-4c78-b7e7-b14f552317e7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_7d1f599f-bf82-4569-86ae-2cf13920e2de" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_47935a60-5942-4e1c-8a84-a1c9356fdc43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_7d1f599f-bf82-4569-86ae-2cf13920e2de" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividends_0c0944d6-70f0-46c7-b67d-a8293716c8e2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividends"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_47935a60-5942-4e1c-8a84-a1c9356fdc43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividends_0c0944d6-70f0-46c7-b67d-a8293716c8e2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfEquity_26d66762-22f7-4b83-b86b-9b467ae6ea20" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfEquity"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_47935a60-5942-4e1c-8a84-a1c9356fdc43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfEquity_26d66762-22f7-4b83-b86b-9b467ae6ea20" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised_7bca2956-339a-4cdb-9e4a-bbebc3537dad" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_47935a60-5942-4e1c-8a84-a1c9356fdc43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised_7bca2956-339a-4cdb-9e4a-bbebc3537dad" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockPlans_ac52f0cb-74c4-41da-9b42-45c324606bb6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockPlans"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_47935a60-5942-4e1c-8a84-a1c9356fdc43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockPlans_ac52f0cb-74c4-41da-9b42-45c324606bb6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_34e0db16-ef68-4ad7-932c-deef77737728" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_47935a60-5942-4e1c-8a84-a1c9356fdc43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_34e0db16-ef68-4ad7-932c-deef77737728" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_5310b407-7c39-4b05-b38c-bf33d96b8090" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_f0e93787-6c5e-4da3-9ad1-28dd787e95d3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_5310b407-7c39-4b05-b38c-bf33d96b8090" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect_7b0cf334-7bd7-4a4e-bdc4-792908bd46a6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_f0e93787-6c5e-4da3-9ad1-28dd787e95d3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect_7b0cf334-7bd7-4a4e-bdc4-792908bd46a6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_d196e308-e132-4f1e-acf8-2a0d9045e109" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_f0e93787-6c5e-4da3-9ad1-28dd787e95d3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_d196e308-e132-4f1e-acf8-2a0d9045e109" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_a7157f52-cf81-485e-9cb7-c7bbad5ca7fd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_f0e93787-6c5e-4da3-9ad1-28dd787e95d3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_a7157f52-cf81-485e-9cb7-c7bbad5ca7fd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_a6c0c7eb-d050-47df-b6c8-5b269b5de03d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_f0e93787-6c5e-4da3-9ad1-28dd787e95d3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_a6c0c7eb-d050-47df-b6c8-5b269b5de03d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_7c06c1a1-f443-49c9-b411-7bf5ec62176c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_a6c0c7eb-d050-47df-b6c8-5b269b5de03d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_7c06c1a1-f443-49c9-b411-7bf5ec62176c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_RestrictedCashCurrentAssetsIncludedinPrepaidExpensesandOtherCurrentAssets_2c752f12-faea-4571-93cd-44ea66dd2e3f" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_RestrictedCashCurrentAssetsIncludedinPrepaidExpensesandOtherCurrentAssets"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_a6c0c7eb-d050-47df-b6c8-5b269b5de03d" xlink:to="loc_msa_RestrictedCashCurrentAssetsIncludedinPrepaidExpensesandOtherCurrentAssets_2c752f12-faea-4571-93cd-44ea66dd2e3f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_a262a0db-45d7-420c-95d8-dc4ba568cba3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_a6c0c7eb-d050-47df-b6c8-5b269b5de03d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_a262a0db-45d7-420c-95d8-dc4ba568cba3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementofChangesinRetainedEarningsAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossandNoncontrollingInterests" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementofChangesinRetainedEarningsAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossandNoncontrollingInterests"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementofChangesinRetainedEarningsAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossandNoncontrollingInterests" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract_ccbfda08-665b-43ac-b82a-850b590b60a1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_387da3f8-5cf4-4170-b1cd-9e084a098dc1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract_ccbfda08-665b-43ac-b82a-850b590b60a1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_387da3f8-5cf4-4170-b1cd-9e084a098dc1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis_1fb52996-58f6-4b8b-a11d-2e017def60bd" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_387da3f8-5cf4-4170-b1cd-9e084a098dc1" xlink:to="loc_msa_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis_1fb52996-58f6-4b8b-a11d-2e017def60bd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain_438b7c48-13ee-4b87-ae77-0ab07ccc8cda" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_msa_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis_1fb52996-58f6-4b8b-a11d-2e017def60bd" xlink:to="loc_msa_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain_438b7c48-13ee-4b87-ae77-0ab07ccc8cda" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_CumulativeEffectPeriodofAdoptionAdjustmentMember_2571546d-2676-4e31-8f80-f9042308b77d" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_CumulativeEffectPeriodofAdoptionAdjustmentMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_msa_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain_438b7c48-13ee-4b87-ae77-0ab07ccc8cda" xlink:to="loc_msa_CumulativeEffectPeriodofAdoptionAdjustmentMember_2571546d-2676-4e31-8f80-f9042308b77d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_8bb99253-3b7c-4ede-960b-01750694b35e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_387da3f8-5cf4-4170-b1cd-9e084a098dc1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_8bb99253-3b7c-4ede-960b-01750694b35e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_b966a72b-f4fa-4cfd-8986-8f6d7b5968d1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_8bb99253-3b7c-4ede-960b-01750694b35e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_b966a72b-f4fa-4cfd-8986-8f6d7b5968d1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_7d2ce342-71f1-4444-9887-c0505fd71702" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_b966a72b-f4fa-4cfd-8986-8f6d7b5968d1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_7d2ce342-71f1-4444-9887-c0505fd71702" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_5037640a-de4d-40bb-b225-ba49f742c395" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_b966a72b-f4fa-4cfd-8986-8f6d7b5968d1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_5037640a-de4d-40bb-b225-ba49f742c395" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_87d2c4da-f9ee-4703-aabb-05052c95f468" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_b966a72b-f4fa-4cfd-8986-8f6d7b5968d1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_87d2c4da-f9ee-4703-aabb-05052c95f468" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_fb32eb45-f0af-42a1-b4af-c5735f8d4849" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_387da3f8-5cf4-4170-b1cd-9e084a098dc1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_fb32eb45-f0af-42a1-b4af-c5735f8d4849" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_d133a0d8-de47-411a-8aac-bf0642b57a49" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_fb32eb45-f0af-42a1-b4af-c5735f8d4849" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_d133a0d8-de47-411a-8aac-bf0642b57a49" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_f2afcdcc-1e84-4521-a231-58f8d43aae7f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_d133a0d8-de47-411a-8aac-bf0642b57a49" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_f2afcdcc-1e84-4521-a231-58f8d43aae7f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_a11a2c1b-c8d4-469e-aa5c-aee99d28fa56" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_d133a0d8-de47-411a-8aac-bf0642b57a49" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_a11a2c1b-c8d4-469e-aa5c-aee99d28fa56" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax_5ea7cae2-3a5f-49fe-8795-e76744b1f9ab" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_d133a0d8-de47-411a-8aac-bf0642b57a49" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax_5ea7cae2-3a5f-49fe-8795-e76744b1f9ab" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTax_822be27c-4fae-476a-b9bb-68f4f7e0f799" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_d133a0d8-de47-411a-8aac-bf0642b57a49" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTax_822be27c-4fae-476a-b9bb-68f4f7e0f799" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleUnrealizedGainLoss_aed280c2-1156-4d30-bb16-064b32e8a892" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleUnrealizedGainLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_d133a0d8-de47-411a-8aac-bf0642b57a49" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleUnrealizedGainLoss_aed280c2-1156-4d30-bb16-064b32e8a892" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TranslationAdjustmentFunctionalToReportingCurrencyGainLossReclassifiedToEarningsNetOfTax_b1f4b0f8-51df-4359-8677-37a2a16822dd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TranslationAdjustmentFunctionalToReportingCurrencyGainLossReclassifiedToEarningsNetOfTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_d133a0d8-de47-411a-8aac-bf0642b57a49" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TranslationAdjustmentFunctionalToReportingCurrencyGainLossReclassifiedToEarningsNetOfTax_b1f4b0f8-51df-4359-8677-37a2a16822dd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_f93607f1-54f8-407d-841c-f3f3dd0bed7e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_d133a0d8-de47-411a-8aac-bf0642b57a49" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_f93607f1-54f8-407d-841c-f3f3dd0bed7e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockStock_c409c07e-9002-44c5-8e10-d27370d4b99d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockStock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_d133a0d8-de47-411a-8aac-bf0642b57a49" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockStock_c409c07e-9002-44c5-8e10-d27370d4b99d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStockStock_463df697-4251-4d43-8947-7e111e0fe5c4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStockStock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_d133a0d8-de47-411a-8aac-bf0642b57a49" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStockStock_463df697-4251-4d43-8947-7e111e0fe5c4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_02226ba8-994f-450c-b4eb-b80e8ab5d94b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_d133a0d8-de47-411a-8aac-bf0642b57a49" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_02226ba8-994f-450c-b4eb-b80e8ab5d94b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_f16d0576-7b01-4cec-b8c0-1be035508820" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_d133a0d8-de47-411a-8aac-bf0642b57a49" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_f16d0576-7b01-4cec-b8c0-1be035508820" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementofChangesinRetainedEarningsAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossandNoncontrollingInterestsParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementofChangesinRetainedEarningsAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossandNoncontrollingInterestsParenthetical"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementofChangesinRetainedEarningsAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossandNoncontrollingInterestsParenthetical" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract_8ed39cf8-1026-441b-b557-de8d541b7ab5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTax_14dcdf05-bd3b-467d-817a-c5eba40f72ff" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract_8ed39cf8-1026-441b-b557-de8d541b7ab5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTax_14dcdf05-bd3b-467d-817a-c5eba40f72ff" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_644db11d-7dd3-4efe-a3cb-9ccb6fc7efb1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsPerShareDeclared"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract_8ed39cf8-1026-441b-b557-de8d541b7ab5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_644db11d-7dd3-4efe-a3cb-9ccb6fc7efb1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/BasisofPresentation" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#BasisofPresentation"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/BasisofPresentation" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_2d200aa9-e55b-4d69-bd9f-f5d80f187c19" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTextBlock_11c3a2f4-188f-4090-aeba-45d545a7a610" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_2d200aa9-e55b-4d69-bd9f-f5d80f187c19" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTextBlock_11c3a2f4-188f-4090-aeba-45d545a7a610" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/RecentlyAdoptedandRecentlyIssuedAccountingStandards" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#RecentlyAdoptedandRecentlyIssuedAccountingStandards"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/RecentlyAdoptedandRecentlyIssuedAccountingStandards" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_2be2f57a-9543-4fdf-931a-32468e110924" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesTextBlock_e4988185-e1a8-4e8f-90fb-ec2b598fb982" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_2be2f57a-9543-4fdf-931a-32468e110924" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesTextBlock_e4988185-e1a8-4e8f-90fb-ec2b598fb982" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/RecentlyAdoptedandRecentlyIssuedAccountingStandardsPolicies" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#RecentlyAdoptedandRecentlyIssuedAccountingStandardsPolicies"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/RecentlyAdoptedandRecentlyIssuedAccountingStandardsPolicies" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_2a4284df-326f-49ea-aed7-381917cde5fb" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock_1319f999-2b82-46bb-abfd-3ff4944435d5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_2a4284df-326f-49ea-aed7-381917cde5fb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock_1319f999-2b82-46bb-abfd-3ff4944435d5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/Inventories" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#Inventories"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/Inventories" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureAbstract_3dda8d0f-9f99-4d58-85dc-6ef6f9ef7ade" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureTextBlock_1c8ff445-d0d4-4b41-b9e9-2516e13ca02b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureAbstract_3dda8d0f-9f99-4d58-85dc-6ef6f9ef7ade" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureTextBlock_1c8ff445-d0d4-4b41-b9e9-2516e13ca02b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/InventoriesTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#InventoriesTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/InventoriesTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureAbstract_240bd9ad-9f72-4334-b8d4-ec6e16cb9e57" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInventoryCurrentTableTextBlock_6fb1a82e-7940-4441-bbe7-1437381f1580" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfInventoryCurrentTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureAbstract_240bd9ad-9f72-4334-b8d4-ec6e16cb9e57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInventoryCurrentTableTextBlock_6fb1a82e-7940-4441-bbe7-1437381f1580" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/InventoriesScheduleofInventoriesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#InventoriesScheduleofInventoriesDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/InventoriesScheduleofInventoriesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureAbstract_3aff962e-7ad4-46e6-9334-d76edced4cb8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InventoryFinishedGoodsNetOfReserves_aee11dff-9927-463b-a386-d7b9529b6223" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryFinishedGoodsNetOfReserves"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureAbstract_3aff962e-7ad4-46e6-9334-d76edced4cb8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InventoryFinishedGoodsNetOfReserves_aee11dff-9927-463b-a386-d7b9529b6223" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InventoryWorkInProcessNetOfReserves_75feb4b6-04b3-46dc-bd59-ea1550139c47" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryWorkInProcessNetOfReserves"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureAbstract_3aff962e-7ad4-46e6-9334-d76edced4cb8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InventoryWorkInProcessNetOfReserves_75feb4b6-04b3-46dc-bd59-ea1550139c47" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InventoryRawMaterialsNetOfReserves_a1ac44d5-684d-493f-bd04-9ab1d2ac3a68" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryRawMaterialsNetOfReserves"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureAbstract_3aff962e-7ad4-46e6-9334-d76edced4cb8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InventoryRawMaterialsNetOfReserves_a1ac44d5-684d-493f-bd04-9ab1d2ac3a68" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FIFOInventoryAmount_747e1eb2-76ec-4244-9296-4ca3b74e1f49" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FIFOInventoryAmount"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureAbstract_3aff962e-7ad4-46e6-9334-d76edced4cb8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FIFOInventoryAmount_747e1eb2-76ec-4244-9296-4ca3b74e1f49" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InventoryLIFOReserve_4d2a6796-1fa6-455a-bf0a-46219e38f53b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryLIFOReserve"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureAbstract_3aff962e-7ad4-46e6-9334-d76edced4cb8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InventoryLIFOReserve_4d2a6796-1fa6-455a-bf0a-46219e38f53b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InventoryNet_56b3e1c5-6020-41a5-abf4-67c6b2f23c12" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryNet"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureAbstract_3aff962e-7ad4-46e6-9334-d76edced4cb8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InventoryNet_56b3e1c5-6020-41a5-abf4-67c6b2f23c12" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/RestructuringCharges" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#RestructuringCharges"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/RestructuringCharges" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesAbstract_ec035ac9-ac60-4bfb-baf6-3c19ddaf784a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesDisclosureTextBlock_27976288-26b0-4876-96ec-d1f392925452" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesAbstract_ec035ac9-ac60-4bfb-baf6-3c19ddaf784a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesDisclosureTextBlock_27976288-26b0-4876-96ec-d1f392925452" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/RestructuringChargesTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#RestructuringChargesTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/RestructuringChargesTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesAbstract_2848a9c8-506c-4b29-989e-8009782e0bcd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTextBlock_14256c75-4a27-434b-a704-6fbf6fa8efa0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesAbstract_2848a9c8-506c-4b29-989e-8009782e0bcd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTextBlock_14256c75-4a27-434b-a704-6fbf6fa8efa0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/RestructuringChargesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#RestructuringChargesAdditionalInformationDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/RestructuringChargesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesAbstract_043b10aa-a931-41b4-8002-e28ffa2a99aa" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_c0a3bc57-da1e-4e5a-b860-3de38eebc94e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesAbstract_043b10aa-a931-41b4-8002-e28ffa2a99aa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_c0a3bc57-da1e-4e5a-b860-3de38eebc94e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_7781d869-fdb5-4056-9233-8b5cc2192162" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_c0a3bc57-da1e-4e5a-b860-3de38eebc94e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_7781d869-fdb5-4056-9233-8b5cc2192162" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_e8576985-e6b0-4291-b280-ba8dfd2c9201" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_7781d869-fdb5-4056-9233-8b5cc2192162" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_e8576985-e6b0-4291-b280-ba8dfd2c9201" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_InternationalMember_4ccadf52-6ec7-4daf-afca-25175ff8d9af" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_InternationalMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_e8576985-e6b0-4291-b280-ba8dfd2c9201" xlink:to="loc_msa_InternationalMember_4ccadf52-6ec7-4daf-afca-25175ff8d9af" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateMember_d2d0134e-2ff0-4353-98f1-ea67076b0bef" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_e8576985-e6b0-4291-b280-ba8dfd2c9201" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateMember_d2d0134e-2ff0-4353-98f1-ea67076b0bef" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_7b8786a2-5146-48d4-b873-5e974ae83257" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_c0a3bc57-da1e-4e5a-b860-3de38eebc94e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_7b8786a2-5146-48d4-b873-5e974ae83257" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_8a42374d-46ef-4f67-bed1-2260791f01ea" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCharges"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_7b8786a2-5146-48d4-b873-5e974ae83257" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_8a42374d-46ef-4f67-bed1-2260791f01ea" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/RestructuringChargesActivityandReserveBalanceforRestructuringChargesbySegmentDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#RestructuringChargesActivityandReserveBalanceforRestructuringChargesbySegmentDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/RestructuringChargesActivityandReserveBalanceforRestructuringChargesbySegmentDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesAbstract_d76dc7fa-f92b-4e98-9fa1-950ad1ce7ebe" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_afe62036-2b24-459b-ae5f-97756f5fd9cd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesAbstract_d76dc7fa-f92b-4e98-9fa1-950ad1ce7ebe" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_afe62036-2b24-459b-ae5f-97756f5fd9cd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_c392158d-7836-40e2-8a2f-bb8504324bd5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_afe62036-2b24-459b-ae5f-97756f5fd9cd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_c392158d-7836-40e2-8a2f-bb8504324bd5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6ee0adfb-0c76-4593-ab91-a6ab2d248ffa" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_c392158d-7836-40e2-8a2f-bb8504324bd5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6ee0adfb-0c76-4593-ab91-a6ab2d248ffa" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_AmericasMember_cd42769e-3c4e-4e6b-9c54-a327166507cf" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_AmericasMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6ee0adfb-0c76-4593-ab91-a6ab2d248ffa" xlink:to="loc_srt_AmericasMember_cd42769e-3c4e-4e6b-9c54-a327166507cf" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_InternationalMember_01f3cc6d-d449-4dc3-a291-65b4ca4b38ff" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_InternationalMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6ee0adfb-0c76-4593-ab91-a6ab2d248ffa" xlink:to="loc_msa_InternationalMember_01f3cc6d-d449-4dc3-a291-65b4ca4b38ff" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateMember_ae6f0ae8-ad6a-412a-9487-678bc1080aca" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6ee0adfb-0c76-4593-ab91-a6ab2d248ffa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateMember_ae6f0ae8-ad6a-412a-9487-678bc1080aca" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_ac2e6479-bb20-4f19-9f3c-3bae155496ad" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_afe62036-2b24-459b-ae5f-97756f5fd9cd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_ac2e6479-bb20-4f19-9f3c-3bae155496ad" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward_87f8e3a0-b9b1-466d-9ca6-2be657629fd1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_ac2e6479-bb20-4f19-9f3c-3bae155496ad" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward_87f8e3a0-b9b1-466d-9ca6-2be657629fd1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserve_ae24764f-b0df-4ae2-96b4-b172a8c250c9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringReserve"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward_87f8e3a0-b9b1-466d-9ca6-2be657629fd1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserve_ae24764f-b0df-4ae2-96b4-b172a8c250c9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_RestructuringChargesbeforeAdjustments_60b5427f-7461-41ce-93a7-65dd05f222c3" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_RestructuringChargesbeforeAdjustments"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward_87f8e3a0-b9b1-466d-9ca6-2be657629fd1" xlink:to="loc_msa_RestructuringChargesbeforeAdjustments_60b5427f-7461-41ce-93a7-65dd05f222c3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveAccrualAdjustment1_233adc8a-498c-4ce9-af01-6affbadd4e55" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringReserveAccrualAdjustment1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward_87f8e3a0-b9b1-466d-9ca6-2be657629fd1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveAccrualAdjustment1_233adc8a-498c-4ce9-af01-6affbadd4e55" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring_5a693afc-55dc-4b8d-ad4b-d596e7701545" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward_87f8e3a0-b9b1-466d-9ca6-2be657629fd1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring_5a693afc-55dc-4b8d-ad4b-d596e7701545" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserve_7134ca65-459c-453b-9599-943483d9be27" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringReserve"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward_87f8e3a0-b9b1-466d-9ca6-2be657629fd1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserve_7134ca65-459c-453b-9599-943483d9be27" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/PropertyPlantandEquipment" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#PropertyPlantandEquipment"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/PropertyPlantandEquipment" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_dd08950c-0c1c-430e-b63f-aae2de79bb1a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureTextBlock_66e3c403-5471-47cc-a33a-b3b93fceef17" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_dd08950c-0c1c-430e-b63f-aae2de79bb1a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureTextBlock_66e3c403-5471-47cc-a33a-b3b93fceef17" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/PropertyPlantandEquipmentTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#PropertyPlantandEquipmentTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/PropertyPlantandEquipmentTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_86f349fd-3e82-4663-b725-64d8f8ca1fd1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTextBlock_c354aa91-4987-4c06-a8f6-258201586cde" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_86f349fd-3e82-4663-b725-64d8f8ca1fd1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTextBlock_c354aa91-4987-4c06-a8f6-258201586cde" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/PropertyPlantandEquipmentDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#PropertyPlantandEquipmentDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/PropertyPlantandEquipmentDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_f921fce2-3bd3-46fc-a821-d710b18e644f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_218e13aa-b95a-42d2-8fd0-076fe625361e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_f921fce2-3bd3-46fc-a821-d710b18e644f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_218e13aa-b95a-42d2-8fd0-076fe625361e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_9a39ba4c-ba31-47ff-8350-87155463397f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_218e13aa-b95a-42d2-8fd0-076fe625361e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_9a39ba4c-ba31-47ff-8350-87155463397f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_ac0ddfa3-7fe6-43d7-a369-3bd9cb336dde" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_9a39ba4c-ba31-47ff-8350-87155463397f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_ac0ddfa3-7fe6-43d7-a369-3bd9cb336dde" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LandMember_94fb32b0-a768-475e-8c4b-eca7a7bd86d1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LandMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_ac0ddfa3-7fe6-43d7-a369-3bd9cb336dde" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LandMember_94fb32b0-a768-475e-8c4b-eca7a7bd86d1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BuildingMember_fbd0eecf-6597-41cf-bcd9-707af4a2223b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BuildingMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_ac0ddfa3-7fe6-43d7-a369-3bd9cb336dde" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BuildingMember_fbd0eecf-6597-41cf-bcd9-707af4a2223b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MachineryAndEquipmentMember_6bebc75f-31ba-4c10-b4d9-5a73b4538cdd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MachineryAndEquipmentMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_ac0ddfa3-7fe6-43d7-a369-3bd9cb336dde" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MachineryAndEquipmentMember_6bebc75f-31ba-4c10-b4d9-5a73b4538cdd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConstructionInProgressMember_7abfdc5b-cc3c-4592-9d8f-3cf555088f25" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConstructionInProgressMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_ac0ddfa3-7fe6-43d7-a369-3bd9cb336dde" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConstructionInProgressMember_7abfdc5b-cc3c-4592-9d8f-3cf555088f25" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_a549509a-36d8-45da-9f96-bad1af97b8f9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_218e13aa-b95a-42d2-8fd0-076fe625361e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_a549509a-36d8-45da-9f96-bad1af97b8f9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_7368b467-2942-4e59-8512-77c09e5f38d9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_a549509a-36d8-45da-9f96-bad1af97b8f9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_7368b467-2942-4e59-8512-77c09e5f38d9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_a9451269-2867-4bc4-af9e-28e194f935c0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_a549509a-36d8-45da-9f96-bad1af97b8f9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_a9451269-2867-4bc4-af9e-28e194f935c0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_395a1610-a953-4507-8aea-6cb024349e47" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_a549509a-36d8-45da-9f96-bad1af97b8f9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_395a1610-a953-4507-8aea-6cb024349e47" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/ReclassificationsOutofAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLoss" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#ReclassificationsOutofAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLoss"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/ReclassificationsOutofAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLoss" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_8e60c301-6b55-4581-bb76-38c9e8d66383" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfReclassificationAmountTextBlock_35d14ff5-eaf5-4c44-aa55-74f1862b5b6f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfReclassificationAmountTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_8e60c301-6b55-4581-bb76-38c9e8d66383" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfReclassificationAmountTextBlock_35d14ff5-eaf5-4c44-aa55-74f1862b5b6f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/ReclassificationsOutofAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#ReclassificationsOutofAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/ReclassificationsOutofAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_adc09707-266f-45cc-8666-aa81c089d670" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTableTextBlock_bac5c3d7-948c-4fd6-a1a3-64e82c5c692e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_adc09707-266f-45cc-8666-aa81c089d670" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTableTextBlock_bac5c3d7-948c-4fd6-a1a3-64e82c5c692e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/ReclassificationsOutofAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#ReclassificationsOutofAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/ReclassificationsOutofAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_e7e6f840-70eb-4a37-bdaa-08ae555d2c18" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_a50f3da0-518f-49aa-b327-1256ac8b40e3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_e7e6f840-70eb-4a37-bdaa-08ae555d2c18" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_a50f3da0-518f-49aa-b327-1256ac8b40e3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_7d0cf6b6-fb82-4120-ab79-ccf756b16c31" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_a50f3da0-518f-49aa-b327-1256ac8b40e3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_7d0cf6b6-fb82-4120-ab79-ccf756b16c31" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_baff39ce-eeda-4193-b283-097c52a43e7a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_7d0cf6b6-fb82-4120-ab79-ccf756b16c31" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_baff39ce-eeda-4193-b283-097c52a43e7a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember_d4f488c4-fe29-4883-9374-009620430d8c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_baff39ce-eeda-4193-b283-097c52a43e7a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember_d4f488c4-fe29-4883-9374-009620430d8c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember_5cc90b7f-5a62-4518-82a0-86af529c9fa0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_baff39ce-eeda-4193-b283-097c52a43e7a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember_5cc90b7f-5a62-4518-82a0-86af529c9fa0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetPriorServiceCostCreditMember_90a68305-8c95-427d-b8bd-cb08c6e6f87a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetPriorServiceCostCreditMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_baff39ce-eeda-4193-b283-097c52a43e7a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetPriorServiceCostCreditMember_90a68305-8c95-427d-b8bd-cb08c6e6f87a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetPriorServiceAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember_cdea29fc-0ab3-440f-9c48-881df8a60d98" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetPriorServiceAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_baff39ce-eeda-4193-b283-097c52a43e7a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetPriorServiceAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember_cdea29fc-0ab3-440f-9c48-881df8a60d98" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetUnamortizedGainLossMember_7c55b842-f885-41a2-98e4-b0eb46de2d59" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetUnamortizedGainLossMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_baff39ce-eeda-4193-b283-097c52a43e7a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetUnamortizedGainLossMember_7c55b842-f885-41a2-98e4-b0eb46de2d59" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetGainLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember_3a783842-53f8-4af9-b1fe-c14c987ec1e2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetGainLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_baff39ce-eeda-4193-b283-097c52a43e7a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetGainLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember_3a783842-53f8-4af9-b1fe-c14c987ec1e2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember_e7dcb803-0dd2-4b75-9cb3-1d660a0fcfa9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_baff39ce-eeda-4193-b283-097c52a43e7a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember_e7dcb803-0dd2-4b75-9cb3-1d660a0fcfa9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetInvestmentGainLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember_929c6cf3-35b5-464e-a192-e63c0142a463" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedNetInvestmentGainLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_baff39ce-eeda-4193-b283-097c52a43e7a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetInvestmentGainLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember_929c6cf3-35b5-464e-a192-e63c0142a463" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember_cc2b4aa6-1216-41c9-bb92-0c9d72f440ab" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_baff39ce-eeda-4193-b283-097c52a43e7a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember_cc2b4aa6-1216-41c9-bb92-0c9d72f440ab" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedForeignCurrencyAdjustmentAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember_b91a2b44-e8f4-4a0d-8bed-dd9f93223445" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedForeignCurrencyAdjustmentAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_baff39ce-eeda-4193-b283-097c52a43e7a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedForeignCurrencyAdjustmentAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember_b91a2b44-e8f4-4a0d-8bed-dd9f93223445" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_256e465e-6b7a-4eb7-bd92-e0e612f9196c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_a50f3da0-518f-49aa-b327-1256ac8b40e3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_256e465e-6b7a-4eb7-bd92-e0e612f9196c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_a1591e39-d664-43de-8c9e-1e638b5de768" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_256e465e-6b7a-4eb7-bd92-e0e612f9196c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_a1591e39-d664-43de-8c9e-1e638b5de768" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementMember_2a4ec69c-832f-4e55-8040-dfd287f6ea29" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_a1591e39-d664-43de-8c9e-1e638b5de768" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementMember_2a4ec69c-832f-4e55-8040-dfd287f6ea29" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_79993d5e-460d-496c-92ba-976328096020" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_a50f3da0-518f-49aa-b327-1256ac8b40e3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_79993d5e-460d-496c-92ba-976328096020" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAbstract_35e895a6-87a7-42af-96ef-65ba8e976762" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_79993d5e-460d-496c-92ba-976328096020" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAbstract_35e895a6-87a7-42af-96ef-65ba8e976762" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_b6cb70c5-14b7-4440-9a70-5258ba1ef40d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAbstract_35e895a6-87a7-42af-96ef-65ba8e976762" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_b6cb70c5-14b7-4440-9a70-5258ba1ef40d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodBeforeTax_9ad884a9-73f1-42e0-a41b-691b7c97eff1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodBeforeTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAbstract_35e895a6-87a7-42af-96ef-65ba8e976762" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodBeforeTax_9ad884a9-73f1-42e0-a41b-691b7c97eff1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAociCurrentPeriodTax_d955ad23-c1a2-48d1-9c90-60c01d0edf0f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAociCurrentPeriodTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAbstract_35e895a6-87a7-42af-96ef-65ba8e976762" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAociCurrentPeriodTax_d955ad23-c1a2-48d1-9c90-60c01d0edf0f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax_2466d326-cb5a-4f22-9bc1-75501fbf9ce8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAbstract_35e895a6-87a7-42af-96ef-65ba8e976762" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax_2466d326-cb5a-4f22-9bc1-75501fbf9ce8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_c846965d-35e5-4190-99a6-89cacdb74699" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAbstract_35e895a6-87a7-42af-96ef-65ba8e976762" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_c846965d-35e5-4190-99a6-89cacdb74699" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_745ef80d-809e-46fe-a08f-e8fceebfec46" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAbstract_35e895a6-87a7-42af-96ef-65ba8e976762" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_745ef80d-809e-46fe-a08f-e8fceebfec46" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_0e60d7bc-63f1-44bd-8548-21b112de76fc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAbstract_35e895a6-87a7-42af-96ef-65ba8e976762" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_0e60d7bc-63f1-44bd-8548-21b112de76fc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/CapitalStock" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#CapitalStock"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/CapitalStock" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_02bcb3c2-21c4-4989-9113-01f382d438a0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock_c949e76d-f625-42f1-8042-712bd59e384e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_02bcb3c2-21c4-4989-9113-01f382d438a0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock_c949e76d-f625-42f1-8042-712bd59e384e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/CapitalStockTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#CapitalStockTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/CapitalStockTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_d07b1ee9-9714-409f-96c9-1dc043d565bf" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_CapitalStockDisclosureTableTextBlock_cf02f492-f92e-47f9-86fd-b3a5010d60f0" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_CapitalStockDisclosureTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_d07b1ee9-9714-409f-96c9-1dc043d565bf" xlink:to="loc_msa_CapitalStockDisclosureTableTextBlock_cf02f492-f92e-47f9-86fd-b3a5010d60f0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/CapitalStockNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#CapitalStockNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/CapitalStockNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_44cd7f42-3da2-4a04-bb80-e26235ce31db" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCapitalUnitsTable_2b697492-40eb-465a-bf9a-972488718767" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCapitalUnitsTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_44cd7f42-3da2-4a04-bb80-e26235ce31db" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCapitalUnitsTable_2b697492-40eb-465a-bf9a-972488718767" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_5ad2e98c-8c48-47e6-b32c-f99884061c18" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCapitalUnitsTable_2b697492-40eb-465a-bf9a-972488718767" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_5ad2e98c-8c48-47e6-b32c-f99884061c18" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_882fdd7e-8db0-411c-b1e1-1b651a209784" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_5ad2e98c-8c48-47e6-b32c-f99884061c18" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_882fdd7e-8db0-411c-b1e1-1b651a209784" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockMember_3634d44b-6e18-4984-93f8-38d4f97d61a1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_882fdd7e-8db0-411c-b1e1-1b651a209784" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockMember_3634d44b-6e18-4984-93f8-38d4f97d61a1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_8387609f-bacb-4a8d-adbf-3eb29aad74a7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCapitalUnitsTable_2b697492-40eb-465a-bf9a-972488718767" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_8387609f-bacb-4a8d-adbf-3eb29aad74a7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_16507d0d-a3cb-48f6-b030-40d6455b5290" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_8387609f-bacb-4a8d-adbf-3eb29aad74a7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_16507d0d-a3cb-48f6-b030-40d6455b5290" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CumulativePreferredStockMember_d0b839d2-c820-42ba-aa83-42a8df439e2b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CumulativePreferredStockMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_16507d0d-a3cb-48f6-b030-40d6455b5290" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CumulativePreferredStockMember_d0b839d2-c820-42ba-aa83-42a8df439e2b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_SecondCumulativePreferredVotingStockMember_a09e9771-9236-44c3-bf6d-42f431cda076" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_SecondCumulativePreferredVotingStockMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_16507d0d-a3cb-48f6-b030-40d6455b5290" xlink:to="loc_msa_SecondCumulativePreferredVotingStockMember_a09e9771-9236-44c3-bf6d-42f431cda076" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_92999091-2da1-4416-9d72-d00c9b5dc3e5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_16507d0d-a3cb-48f6-b030-40d6455b5290" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_92999091-2da1-4416-9d72-d00c9b5dc3e5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember_c26daa0f-7089-46bf-9ee3-e8603143b558" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_16507d0d-a3cb-48f6-b030-40d6455b5290" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember_c26daa0f-7089-46bf-9ee3-e8603143b558" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalUnitLineItems_675b4d40-ee58-4123-b8c2-25c20b05544b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalUnitLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCapitalUnitsTable_2b697492-40eb-465a-bf9a-972488718767" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalUnitLineItems_675b4d40-ee58-4123-b8c2-25c20b05544b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_9fdb69e3-e73d-4f10-9d0c-078376ada0a8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CapitalUnitLineItems_675b4d40-ee58-4123-b8c2-25c20b05544b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_9fdb69e3-e73d-4f10-9d0c-078376ada0a8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_50a0b067-4db8-42cf-9525-c3909f9ede75" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CapitalUnitLineItems_675b4d40-ee58-4123-b8c2-25c20b05544b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_50a0b067-4db8-42cf-9525-c3909f9ede75" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage_4afba909-09c0-4969-b303-b02beb908449" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CapitalUnitLineItems_675b4d40-ee58-4123-b8c2-25c20b05544b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage_4afba909-09c0-4969-b303-b02beb908449" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockRedemptionPricePerShare_0f753e13-1101-4561-aadd-a444eaf6bdcd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockRedemptionPricePerShare"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CapitalUnitLineItems_675b4d40-ee58-4123-b8c2-25c20b05544b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockRedemptionPricePerShare_0f753e13-1101-4561-aadd-a444eaf6bdcd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_f5c7a82d-f90c-4e64-ba64-0d632c2b9557" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CapitalUnitLineItems_675b4d40-ee58-4123-b8c2-25c20b05544b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_f5c7a82d-f90c-4e64-ba64-0d632c2b9557" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockShares_c0daafae-a0b4-4332-aea1-ec74a3cfeaf4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockShares"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CapitalUnitLineItems_675b4d40-ee58-4123-b8c2-25c20b05544b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockShares_c0daafae-a0b4-4332-aea1-ec74a3cfeaf4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue_b3d85966-afc8-457b-aeb1-10c37f9be88a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CapitalUnitLineItems_675b4d40-ee58-4123-b8c2-25c20b05544b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue_b3d85966-afc8-457b-aeb1-10c37f9be88a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired_478141c0-d0fb-4e2f-b952-c422cd3865c0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CapitalUnitLineItems_675b4d40-ee58-4123-b8c2-25c20b05544b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired_478141c0-d0fb-4e2f-b952-c422cd3865c0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_99718ffd-efe3-4345-b0f8-75ec3418227b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CapitalUnitLineItems_675b4d40-ee58-4123-b8c2-25c20b05544b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_99718ffd-efe3-4345-b0f8-75ec3418227b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockNoParValue_a5e4bbb6-5dcc-4f85-809f-fdf557aa61ff" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockNoParValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CapitalUnitLineItems_675b4d40-ee58-4123-b8c2-25c20b05544b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockNoParValue_a5e4bbb6-5dcc-4f85-809f-fdf557aa61ff" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_38504c06-c728-4f79-9c1c-ea238e98e3f5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CapitalUnitLineItems_675b4d40-ee58-4123-b8c2-25c20b05544b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_38504c06-c728-4f79-9c1c-ea238e98e3f5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_201914e9-75ba-4edf-aec8-ba9d0ad09684" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CapitalUnitLineItems_675b4d40-ee58-4123-b8c2-25c20b05544b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_201914e9-75ba-4edf-aec8-ba9d0ad09684" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_7d474050-02dd-4da0-86af-6f900c20bba5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CapitalUnitLineItems_675b4d40-ee58-4123-b8c2-25c20b05544b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_7d474050-02dd-4da0-86af-6f900c20bba5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount1_20ae885a-5fa8-47dc-b544-eeb690867472" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CapitalUnitLineItems_675b4d40-ee58-4123-b8c2-25c20b05544b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount1_20ae885a-5fa8-47dc-b544-eeb690867472" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensationGross_315b708f-b90d-456e-a4da-3a605c3425f9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensationGross"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CapitalUnitLineItems_675b4d40-ee58-4123-b8c2-25c20b05544b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensationGross_315b708f-b90d-456e-a4da-3a605c3425f9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/CapitalStockScheduleofCommonStockActivityDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#CapitalStockScheduleofCommonStockActivityDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/CapitalStockScheduleofCommonStockActivityDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_548c92a3-0d10-4ab8-8fb9-b5a84c422ff3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_89e1a929-2a1f-4699-9f2c-ffeab0485319" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_548c92a3-0d10-4ab8-8fb9-b5a84c422ff3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_89e1a929-2a1f-4699-9f2c-ffeab0485319" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_a63ef4c4-de7d-40a0-9dd1-50efdae3a36c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_89e1a929-2a1f-4699-9f2c-ffeab0485319" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_a63ef4c4-de7d-40a0-9dd1-50efdae3a36c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_8b3a6413-cc35-40d1-9c55-d930e8fa5ba7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_a63ef4c4-de7d-40a0-9dd1-50efdae3a36c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_8b3a6413-cc35-40d1-9c55-d930e8fa5ba7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_RestrictedAndPerformanceStockAwardsMember_4c895d13-74ab-45b8-880a-8a3672967ed6" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_RestrictedAndPerformanceStockAwardsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_8b3a6413-cc35-40d1-9c55-d930e8fa5ba7" xlink:to="loc_msa_RestrictedAndPerformanceStockAwardsMember_4c895d13-74ab-45b8-880a-8a3672967ed6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_4c74475d-fff4-4e91-8af6-2aa3a10f8854" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_8b3a6413-cc35-40d1-9c55-d930e8fa5ba7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_4c74475d-fff4-4e91-8af6-2aa3a10f8854" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockCompensationPlanMember_d78b15cd-9fb2-491d-a9ec-f12840904f12" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockCompensationPlanMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_8b3a6413-cc35-40d1-9c55-d930e8fa5ba7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockCompensationPlanMember_d78b15cd-9fb2-491d-a9ec-f12840904f12" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain_1fb64e40-5acb-4161-bba4-befd7438ca5a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_8b3a6413-cc35-40d1-9c55-d930e8fa5ba7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain_1fb64e40-5acb-4161-bba4-befd7438ca5a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_StockConsiderationInAcquisitionMember_f5aab036-5679-4720-8fe1-0ce4f821c7ca" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_StockConsiderationInAcquisitionMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_8b3a6413-cc35-40d1-9c55-d930e8fa5ba7" xlink:to="loc_msa_StockConsiderationInAcquisitionMember_f5aab036-5679-4720-8fe1-0ce4f821c7ca" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanMember_eaa4343f-cd26-492b-9c30-b09b9a80aae7" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_8b3a6413-cc35-40d1-9c55-d930e8fa5ba7" xlink:to="loc_msa_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanMember_eaa4343f-cd26-492b-9c30-b09b9a80aae7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_aa3fe1f7-09c5-4465-b75f-db5c7ca84581" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_89e1a929-2a1f-4699-9f2c-ffeab0485319" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_aa3fe1f7-09c5-4465-b75f-db5c7ca84581" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_d7094432-32d2-4d36-8b13-255b737d5575" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_aa3fe1f7-09c5-4465-b75f-db5c7ca84581" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_d7094432-32d2-4d36-8b13-255b737d5575" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_70448a67-c070-4db2-bead-22f111b8825a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_d7094432-32d2-4d36-8b13-255b737d5575" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_70448a67-c070-4db2-bead-22f111b8825a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember_01a16fa2-0557-43cd-ae75-4193c9b04d75" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_d7094432-32d2-4d36-8b13-255b737d5575" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember_01a16fa2-0557-43cd-ae75-4193c9b04d75" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_19913441-35ec-49d6-b4e6-35184248add0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_89e1a929-2a1f-4699-9f2c-ffeab0485319" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_19913441-35ec-49d6-b4e6-35184248add0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_CommonStockActivityRollForward_3ac9cf27-ef3f-4d67-bd27-06258ef6c4b0" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_CommonStockActivityRollForward"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_19913441-35ec-49d6-b4e6-35184248add0" xlink:to="loc_msa_CommonStockActivityRollForward_3ac9cf27-ef3f-4d67-bd27-06258ef6c4b0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValueOutstanding_b1a06bbc-7aa1-48b0-875f-3edff1a1ce86" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValueOutstanding"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_msa_CommonStockActivityRollForward_3ac9cf27-ef3f-4d67-bd27-06258ef6c4b0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValueOutstanding_b1a06bbc-7aa1-48b0-875f-3edff1a1ce86" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation_f3c2816f-dc2a-4b6b-8bdc-2a97042f3588" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_msa_CommonStockActivityRollForward_3ac9cf27-ef3f-4d67-bd27-06258ef6c4b0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation_f3c2816f-dc2a-4b6b-8bdc-2a97042f3588" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockGrantedDuringPeriodValueSharebasedCompensationGross_41615498-d4ba-4751-8ff8-9a1e1f6118ae" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockGrantedDuringPeriodValueSharebasedCompensationGross"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_msa_CommonStockActivityRollForward_3ac9cf27-ef3f-4d67-bd27-06258ef6c4b0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockGrantedDuringPeriodValueSharebasedCompensationGross_41615498-d4ba-4751-8ff8-9a1e1f6118ae" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod_9fa379a6-dc41-481f-9e7e-7c5f5d531039" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_msa_CommonStockActivityRollForward_3ac9cf27-ef3f-4d67-bd27-06258ef6c4b0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod_9fa379a6-dc41-481f-9e7e-7c5f5d531039" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValueOutstanding_cf8b196d-9ec3-4711-818a-b1bda6811f8a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValueOutstanding"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_msa_CommonStockActivityRollForward_3ac9cf27-ef3f-4d67-bd27-06258ef6c4b0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValueOutstanding_cf8b196d-9ec3-4711-818a-b1bda6811f8a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/SegmentInformation" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#SegmentInformation"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/SegmentInformation" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_12114591-03f4-4912-8ead-899ff41352f4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock_5e4b38bc-f717-460e-a453-589f40c84986" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_12114591-03f4-4912-8ead-899ff41352f4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock_5e4b38bc-f717-460e-a453-589f40c84986" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/SegmentInformationTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#SegmentInformationTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/SegmentInformationTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_3d47f3df-a808-4dde-9d02-98850ac8b327" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock_4063b9d8-f674-4508-8e98-2ee15c2732f0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_3d47f3df-a808-4dde-9d02-98850ac8b327" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock_4063b9d8-f674-4508-8e98-2ee15c2732f0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEntityWideInformationRevenueFromExternalCustomersByProductsAndServicesTextBlock_6de22e11-666b-4edf-9163-d6980131adb5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEntityWideInformationRevenueFromExternalCustomersByProductsAndServicesTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_3d47f3df-a808-4dde-9d02-98850ac8b327" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEntityWideInformationRevenueFromExternalCustomersByProductsAndServicesTextBlock_6de22e11-666b-4edf-9163-d6980131adb5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/SegmentInformationAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#SegmentInformationAdditionalInformationDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/SegmentInformationAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_2579b102-2e4b-4c79-8e7c-4d4a9fdd2160" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments_45040d02-96b8-4993-818a-cdf285e5a6e8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_2579b102-2e4b-4c79-8e7c-4d4a9fdd2160" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments_45040d02-96b8-4993-818a-cdf285e5a6e8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_NumberOfGeographicalSegments_b252bed2-253f-4ac7-8754-331b8b17c28e" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_NumberOfGeographicalSegments"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_2579b102-2e4b-4c79-8e7c-4d4a9fdd2160" xlink:to="loc_msa_NumberOfGeographicalSegments_b252bed2-253f-4ac7-8754-331b8b17c28e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/SegmentInformationScheduleofReportableSegmentInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#SegmentInformationScheduleofReportableSegmentInformationDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/SegmentInformationScheduleofReportableSegmentInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_329ac3c4-062e-4582-9c27-001388c5a021" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_3b5f1dfa-db8e-462f-829f-8193478d57db" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_329ac3c4-062e-4582-9c27-001388c5a021" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_3b5f1dfa-db8e-462f-829f-8193478d57db" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_1ba61353-4bb8-403c-966e-eb508877c838" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_3b5f1dfa-db8e-462f-829f-8193478d57db" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_1ba61353-4bb8-403c-966e-eb508877c838" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_5449b6fb-95ee-4f39-8dd3-24c073f191cc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_1ba61353-4bb8-403c-966e-eb508877c838" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_5449b6fb-95ee-4f39-8dd3-24c073f191cc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_f463a30a-c0d7-4cdd-a568-85cc3a86ce56" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_5449b6fb-95ee-4f39-8dd3-24c073f191cc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_f463a30a-c0d7-4cdd-a568-85cc3a86ce56" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_cc421729-f24a-4795-8760-1c5db39d2db1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_3b5f1dfa-db8e-462f-829f-8193478d57db" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_cc421729-f24a-4795-8760-1c5db39d2db1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_fdbac477-db2e-42e6-b290-f02283d39122" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_cc421729-f24a-4795-8760-1c5db39d2db1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_fdbac477-db2e-42e6-b290-f02283d39122" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_AmericasMember_b5579414-9275-49e9-ba5d-15a48b2b9800" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_AmericasMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_fdbac477-db2e-42e6-b290-f02283d39122" xlink:to="loc_srt_AmericasMember_b5579414-9275-49e9-ba5d-15a48b2b9800" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_InternationalSegmentMember_c9fdaef4-84e8-4063-b130-c99bbc7cf9d6" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_InternationalSegmentMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_fdbac477-db2e-42e6-b290-f02283d39122" xlink:to="loc_msa_InternationalSegmentMember_c9fdaef4-84e8-4063-b130-c99bbc7cf9d6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateMember_483e5670-cc50-4873-8558-67f5013885da" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_fdbac477-db2e-42e6-b290-f02283d39122" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateMember_483e5670-cc50-4873-8558-67f5013885da" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_a4e4ab16-73dd-4e6e-8b90-49503ce043ef" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_3b5f1dfa-db8e-462f-829f-8193478d57db" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_a4e4ab16-73dd-4e6e-8b90-49503ce043ef" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_94873720-880f-4d76-84e1-f548fe612a77" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_a4e4ab16-73dd-4e6e-8b90-49503ce043ef" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_94873720-880f-4d76-84e1-f548fe612a77" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_e31e2589-e112-43d4-855b-a2a1eac3dddb" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_a4e4ab16-73dd-4e6e-8b90-49503ce043ef" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_e31e2589-e112-43d4-855b-a2a1eac3dddb" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_c0d3637e-51ab-4015-a1e6-353fd34fb4bb" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCharges"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_a4e4ab16-73dd-4e6e-8b90-49503ce043ef" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_c0d3637e-51ab-4015-a1e6-353fd34fb4bb" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossBeforeTax_754feb48-53db-4d8d-a494-649f0be71a62" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossBeforeTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_a4e4ab16-73dd-4e6e-8b90-49503ce043ef" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossBeforeTax_754feb48-53db-4d8d-a494-649f0be71a62" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_ProductLiabilityExpense_7a177ecd-28fc-418b-a3bd-5d7bd8644458" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_ProductLiabilityExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_a4e4ab16-73dd-4e6e-8b90-49503ce043ef" xlink:to="loc_msa_ProductLiabilityExpense_7a177ecd-28fc-418b-a3bd-5d7bd8644458" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_StrategicTransactionCosts_fbc5d4fc-744e-44af-84ea-0094152417c0" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_StrategicTransactionCosts"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_a4e4ab16-73dd-4e6e-8b90-49503ce043ef" xlink:to="loc_msa_StrategicTransactionCosts_fbc5d4fc-744e-44af-84ea-0094152417c0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_COVID19RelatedCosts_e06e884b-0e27-4f0e-b40b-ee23d4dd2804" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_COVID19RelatedCosts"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_a4e4ab16-73dd-4e6e-8b90-49503ce043ef" xlink:to="loc_msa_COVID19RelatedCosts_e06e884b-0e27-4f0e-b40b-ee23d4dd2804" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_OperatingIncomeLossAdjusted_39bad253-3056-456d-9cdd-6ac88c49240c" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_OperatingIncomeLossAdjusted"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_a4e4ab16-73dd-4e6e-8b90-49503ce043ef" xlink:to="loc_msa_OperatingIncomeLossAdjusted_39bad253-3056-456d-9cdd-6ac88c49240c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_AdjustedOperatingMarginPercent_84857cbc-f21f-4759-bfeb-12139991822c" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_AdjustedOperatingMarginPercent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_a4e4ab16-73dd-4e6e-8b90-49503ce043ef" xlink:to="loc_msa_AdjustedOperatingMarginPercent_84857cbc-f21f-4759-bfeb-12139991822c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_bdce958a-0742-4a62-a0a4-0137b727e62f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_a4e4ab16-73dd-4e6e-8b90-49503ce043ef" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_bdce958a-0742-4a62-a0a4-0137b727e62f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_AdjustedEBITDA_b6377b8b-6478-4098-aaed-55bbada71a45" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_AdjustedEBITDA"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_a4e4ab16-73dd-4e6e-8b90-49503ce043ef" xlink:to="loc_msa_AdjustedEBITDA_b6377b8b-6478-4098-aaed-55bbada71a45" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_AdjustedEBITDAPercentage_27c0b9f4-a8fd-4c3e-922a-4a62c23fe9b2" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_AdjustedEBITDAPercentage"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_a4e4ab16-73dd-4e6e-8b90-49503ce043ef" xlink:to="loc_msa_AdjustedEBITDAPercentage_27c0b9f4-a8fd-4c3e-922a-4a62c23fe9b2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/SegmentInformationPercentageofTotalSalesbyProductGroupDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#SegmentInformationPercentageofTotalSalesbyProductGroupDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/SegmentInformationPercentageofTotalSalesbyProductGroupDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_324f5d3f-7278-4125-9d2f-c09811dcfbe8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEntityWideInformationRevenueFromExternalCustomersByProductsAndServicesTable_05b2278a-7e8d-44df-99df-3759c30135e4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEntityWideInformationRevenueFromExternalCustomersByProductsAndServicesTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_324f5d3f-7278-4125-9d2f-c09811dcfbe8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEntityWideInformationRevenueFromExternalCustomersByProductsAndServicesTable_05b2278a-7e8d-44df-99df-3759c30135e4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_48890965-9c34-4d7d-b449-191fa1ae572f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEntityWideInformationRevenueFromExternalCustomersByProductsAndServicesTable_05b2278a-7e8d-44df-99df-3759c30135e4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_48890965-9c34-4d7d-b449-191fa1ae572f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_a06f23b6-632f-4afa-b240-bd356bae69da" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_48890965-9c34-4d7d-b449-191fa1ae572f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_a06f23b6-632f-4afa-b240-bd356bae69da" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_AmericasMember_fde358bb-04ad-420c-aba4-d78c5d118345" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_AmericasMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_a06f23b6-632f-4afa-b240-bd356bae69da" xlink:to="loc_srt_AmericasMember_fde358bb-04ad-420c-aba4-d78c5d118345" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_InternationalMember_19a2b583-86f3-4753-9829-430066c8bf5d" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_InternationalMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_a06f23b6-632f-4afa-b240-bd356bae69da" xlink:to="loc_msa_InternationalMember_19a2b583-86f3-4753-9829-430066c8bf5d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_5b1ab661-652f-4bad-aca6-3626a4ba3f2f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEntityWideInformationRevenueFromExternalCustomersByProductsAndServicesTable_05b2278a-7e8d-44df-99df-3759c30135e4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_5b1ab661-652f-4bad-aca6-3626a4ba3f2f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_87500454-c22a-44a1-b406-fb8474a458fd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_5b1ab661-652f-4bad-aca6-3626a4ba3f2f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_87500454-c22a-44a1-b406-fb8474a458fd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SalesMember_1f48c196-6703-422d-849e-aceb0038b97a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SalesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_87500454-c22a-44a1-b406-fb8474a458fd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SalesMember_1f48c196-6703-422d-849e-aceb0038b97a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_7ae471f8-114e-4a03-9a89-351f6ab5fdf9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEntityWideInformationRevenueFromExternalCustomersByProductsAndServicesTable_05b2278a-7e8d-44df-99df-3759c30135e4" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_7ae471f8-114e-4a03-9a89-351f6ab5fdf9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_91f0f692-dde8-4442-aa40-b134e2b3bd38" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_7ae471f8-114e-4a03-9a89-351f6ab5fdf9" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_91f0f692-dde8-4442-aa40-b134e2b3bd38" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_BreathingApparatusMember_2685ee01-e8bb-4d5f-9b51-cae67da54c38" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_BreathingApparatusMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_91f0f692-dde8-4442-aa40-b134e2b3bd38" xlink:to="loc_msa_BreathingApparatusMember_2685ee01-e8bb-4d5f-9b51-cae67da54c38" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_FixGasFlameDetectionInstrumentsMember_03bba693-c101-4606-af5d-7ff453d85aff" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_FixGasFlameDetectionInstrumentsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_91f0f692-dde8-4442-aa40-b134e2b3bd38" xlink:to="loc_msa_FixGasFlameDetectionInstrumentsMember_03bba693-c101-4606-af5d-7ff453d85aff" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_FirefighterHelmetsandProtectiveApparelMember_11ab54a1-0339-44c4-9fa7-a08b3e22d273" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_FirefighterHelmetsandProtectiveApparelMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_91f0f692-dde8-4442-aa40-b134e2b3bd38" xlink:to="loc_msa_FirefighterHelmetsandProtectiveApparelMember_11ab54a1-0339-44c4-9fa7-a08b3e22d273" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_PortableInstrumentsMember_29e6969f-fd19-440d-bd01-159afbf4f96f" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_PortableInstrumentsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_91f0f692-dde8-4442-aa40-b134e2b3bd38" xlink:to="loc_msa_PortableInstrumentsMember_29e6969f-fd19-440d-bd01-159afbf4f96f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_HeadProtectionMember_c331ac60-e3ba-4ab6-828a-4e414c55b498" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_HeadProtectionMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_91f0f692-dde8-4442-aa40-b134e2b3bd38" xlink:to="loc_msa_HeadProtectionMember_c331ac60-e3ba-4ab6-828a-4e414c55b498" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_FallProtectionMember_45f0206f-3ed0-4e9d-9820-06281986df7e" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_FallProtectionMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_91f0f692-dde8-4442-aa40-b134e2b3bd38" xlink:to="loc_msa_FallProtectionMember_45f0206f-3ed0-4e9d-9820-06281986df7e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_OtherProductsMember_435e87ab-28bf-4271-88de-0c9737058de0" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_OtherProductsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_91f0f692-dde8-4442-aa40-b134e2b3bd38" xlink:to="loc_msa_OtherProductsMember_435e87ab-28bf-4271-88de-0c9737058de0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EntityWideInformationRevenueFromExternalCustomerLineItems_ede0d94c-1a66-4c8f-8522-9f45e1a40fa2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EntityWideInformationRevenueFromExternalCustomerLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEntityWideInformationRevenueFromExternalCustomersByProductsAndServicesTable_05b2278a-7e8d-44df-99df-3759c30135e4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EntityWideInformationRevenueFromExternalCustomerLineItems_ede0d94c-1a66-4c8f-8522-9f45e1a40fa2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_9b035246-70d2-45ee-bf39-f92da85286a7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EntityWideInformationRevenueFromExternalCustomerLineItems_ede0d94c-1a66-4c8f-8522-9f45e1a40fa2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_9b035246-70d2-45ee-bf39-f92da85286a7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1_d1f46f52-7117-4094-aa78-48cb7ff491ce" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EntityWideInformationRevenueFromExternalCustomerLineItems_ede0d94c-1a66-4c8f-8522-9f45e1a40fa2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1_d1f46f52-7117-4094-aa78-48cb7ff491ce" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/EarningsperShare" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#EarningsperShare"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/EarningsperShare" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_f4d79f59-23ec-4fc8-b928-9d2cec6c15ab" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock_9dae83c0-5e4d-4a4e-80b2-b3f9c0168a51" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_f4d79f59-23ec-4fc8-b928-9d2cec6c15ab" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock_9dae83c0-5e4d-4a4e-80b2-b3f9c0168a51" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/EarningsperShareTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#EarningsperShareTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/EarningsperShareTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_0d67430b-3d1e-4d93-af88-3d1db0d80f24" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock_9995147a-b1d2-45c7-8c55-b9a6d8b8d3ae" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_0d67430b-3d1e-4d93-af88-3d1db0d80f24" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock_9995147a-b1d2-45c7-8c55-b9a6d8b8d3ae" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/EarningsperShareDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#EarningsperShareDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/EarningsperShareDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_932e4368-5aa9-416b-97e1-06b718501972" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_cc1f5c0e-8bb1-43d9-a9a5-aba65635fa06" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_932e4368-5aa9-416b-97e1-06b718501972" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_cc1f5c0e-8bb1-43d9-a9a5-aba65635fa06" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStockStock_f97bc40c-0fe2-4095-993d-6cdf42da8ef7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStockStock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_932e4368-5aa9-416b-97e1-06b718501972" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStockStock_f97bc40c-0fe2-4095-993d-6cdf42da8ef7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_0c81d6c8-37cc-4c14-bf56-db9522ea3745" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_932e4368-5aa9-416b-97e1-06b718501972" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_0c81d6c8-37cc-4c14-bf56-db9522ea3745" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UndistributedEarningsLossAllocatedToParticipatingSecuritiesBasic_5ac20fa2-9a2a-4688-a858-e464ebb0d92d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UndistributedEarningsLossAllocatedToParticipatingSecuritiesBasic"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_932e4368-5aa9-416b-97e1-06b718501972" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UndistributedEarningsLossAllocatedToParticipatingSecuritiesBasic_5ac20fa2-9a2a-4688-a858-e464ebb0d92d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDiluted_f4d8b8d9-5e7e-4209-b83e-dfb73a30cab7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDiluted"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_932e4368-5aa9-416b-97e1-06b718501972" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDiluted_f4d8b8d9-5e7e-4209-b83e-dfb73a30cab7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_5718d8a2-59a9-4d3d-80c2-8ef7cfe308e6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_932e4368-5aa9-416b-97e1-06b718501972" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_5718d8a2-59a9-4d3d-80c2-8ef7cfe308e6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements_ff9107b1-46d9-4727-bdab-e230146c7f13" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_932e4368-5aa9-416b-97e1-06b718501972" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements_ff9107b1-46d9-4727-bdab-e230146c7f13" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_dce282c0-5d42-46a3-b2b8-7e239a74e181" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_932e4368-5aa9-416b-97e1-06b718501972" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_dce282c0-5d42-46a3-b2b8-7e239a74e181" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_e4d163ec-5a0e-42c4-bb88-21c55322acb9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_932e4368-5aa9-416b-97e1-06b718501972" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_e4d163ec-5a0e-42c4-bb88-21c55322acb9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_EarningsPerShareContinuingOperationsAbstract_36a01b39-66c7-40f0-8e6a-f8d899e8777b" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_EarningsPerShareContinuingOperationsAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_932e4368-5aa9-416b-97e1-06b718501972" xlink:to="loc_msa_EarningsPerShareContinuingOperationsAbstract_36a01b39-66c7-40f0-8e6a-f8d899e8777b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_8da39d9e-b759-4273-963c-e32902b97b7a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_msa_EarningsPerShareContinuingOperationsAbstract_36a01b39-66c7-40f0-8e6a-f8d899e8777b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_8da39d9e-b759-4273-963c-e32902b97b7a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_185f6f85-cfcf-47da-a56b-8821ef06afc8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_msa_EarningsPerShareContinuingOperationsAbstract_36a01b39-66c7-40f0-8e6a-f8d899e8777b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_185f6f85-cfcf-47da-a56b-8821ef06afc8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/IncomeTaxes" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#IncomeTaxes"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/IncomeTaxes" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_f50faf9d-e956-4455-b431-aa52fbb9bda2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock_75832b41-ef23-48dc-8bc2-3c2c0aad7693" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_f50faf9d-e956-4455-b431-aa52fbb9bda2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock_75832b41-ef23-48dc-8bc2-3c2c0aad7693" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/IncomeTaxesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#IncomeTaxesDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/IncomeTaxesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_63daf191-0a39-45e4-8b96-db1d559ea64f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyTable_3f6e01b1-2a33-4413-a5df-94db94eac070" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_63daf191-0a39-45e4-8b96-db1d559ea64f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyTable_3f6e01b1-2a33-4413-a5df-94db94eac070" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_ca3e4195-f71f-47c6-ab82-220ccccac495" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyTable_3f6e01b1-2a33-4413-a5df-94db94eac070" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_ca3e4195-f71f-47c6-ab82-220ccccac495" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_9cdbaed4-99a6-4d11-b92f-6a8be3bd4ac0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_ca3e4195-f71f-47c6-ab82-220ccccac495" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_9cdbaed4-99a6-4d11-b92f-6a8be3bd4ac0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember_7674e75c-cfc3-490c-8ffb-904af9f1bc86" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_9cdbaed4-99a6-4d11-b92f-6a8be3bd4ac0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember_7674e75c-cfc3-490c-8ffb-904af9f1bc86" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_DeferredTaxAssetMember_bd982c65-1461-43db-81b3-6bfc0904c18e" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_DeferredTaxAssetMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_9cdbaed4-99a6-4d11-b92f-6a8be3bd4ac0" xlink:to="loc_msa_DeferredTaxAssetMember_bd982c65-1461-43db-81b3-6bfc0904c18e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_f0872283-8bcb-40df-a1d4-58a2f105e056" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyTable_3f6e01b1-2a33-4413-a5df-94db94eac070" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_f0872283-8bcb-40df-a1d4-58a2f105e056" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations_fae54a67-3275-43f9-b6a7-1463a6ae1823" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_f0872283-8bcb-40df-a1d4-58a2f105e056" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations_fae54a67-3275-43f9-b6a7-1463a6ae1823" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits_e98729b3-6739-4a2a-81bb-b574b6e5c48e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_f0872283-8bcb-40df-a1d4-58a2f105e056" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits_e98729b3-6739-4a2a-81bb-b574b6e5c48e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_d4fc63a9-cc52-48d5-9f83-34162e38e9e3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_f0872283-8bcb-40df-a1d4-58a2f105e056" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_d4fc63a9-cc52-48d5-9f83-34162e38e9e3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAndInterestAccrued_18bfbd82-0d24-46e0-b220-38132aac9e7d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAndInterestAccrued"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_f0872283-8bcb-40df-a1d4-58a2f105e056" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAndInterestAccrued_18bfbd82-0d24-46e0-b220-38132aac9e7d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/StockPlans" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#StockPlans"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/StockPlans" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_b3302a4d-620e-4e84-817c-bf92b1c58f91" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock_2611228d-6eef-46ce-adb7-aec0ee8d93b6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_b3302a4d-620e-4e84-817c-bf92b1c58f91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock_2611228d-6eef-46ce-adb7-aec0ee8d93b6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/StockPlansTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#StockPlansTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/StockPlansTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_6f8cf21b-0e9f-461a-8cad-ba4d4041208b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCompensationCostForShareBasedPaymentArrangementsAllocationOfShareBasedCompensationCostsByPlanTableTextBlock_e53a5b50-295e-403f-8f67-a3abcb664137" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCompensationCostForShareBasedPaymentArrangementsAllocationOfShareBasedCompensationCostsByPlanTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_6f8cf21b-0e9f-461a-8cad-ba4d4041208b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCompensationCostForShareBasedPaymentArrangementsAllocationOfShareBasedCompensationCostsByPlanTableTextBlock_e53a5b50-295e-403f-8f67-a3abcb664137" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsActivityTableTextBlock_90e1e5c3-211b-4713-91cf-792f2148ee91" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsActivityTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_6f8cf21b-0e9f-461a-8cad-ba4d4041208b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsActivityTableTextBlock_90e1e5c3-211b-4713-91cf-792f2148ee91" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitsAwardActivityTableTextBlock_26372068-56db-4598-971a-34ad0f79478e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitsAwardActivityTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_6f8cf21b-0e9f-461a-8cad-ba4d4041208b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitsAwardActivityTableTextBlock_26372068-56db-4598-971a-34ad0f79478e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_ScheduleofSharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherthanOptionsValuationAssumptionsTableTextBlock_3ef5b06d-ca47-45c7-92e5-c4bb401ad777" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_ScheduleofSharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherthanOptionsValuationAssumptionsTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_6f8cf21b-0e9f-461a-8cad-ba4d4041208b" xlink:to="loc_msa_ScheduleofSharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherthanOptionsValuationAssumptionsTableTextBlock_3ef5b06d-ca47-45c7-92e5-c4bb401ad777" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfNonvestedPerformanceBasedUnitsActivityTableTextBlock_fa782185-ad47-4241-a37c-9ee138ff8ada" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfNonvestedPerformanceBasedUnitsActivityTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_6f8cf21b-0e9f-461a-8cad-ba4d4041208b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfNonvestedPerformanceBasedUnitsActivityTableTextBlock_fa782185-ad47-4241-a37c-9ee138ff8ada" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/StockPlansScheduleofStockCompensationExpenseDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#StockPlansScheduleofStockCompensationExpenseDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/StockPlansScheduleofStockCompensationExpenseDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_6f58a9c0-7bb6-4f26-ba95-6c489046576e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_0a6f5310-4777-4350-9316-a1619a4fe8a4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_6f58a9c0-7bb6-4f26-ba95-6c489046576e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_0a6f5310-4777-4350-9316-a1619a4fe8a4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitFromCompensationExpense_afd3e181-1971-43d1-8607-828e4bcf72f5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitFromCompensationExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_6f58a9c0-7bb6-4f26-ba95-6c489046576e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitFromCompensationExpense_afd3e181-1971-43d1-8607-828e4bcf72f5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpenseNetOfTax_2faf265f-569f-430e-9adc-8c5387618656" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpenseNetOfTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_6f58a9c0-7bb6-4f26-ba95-6c489046576e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpenseNetOfTax_2faf265f-569f-430e-9adc-8c5387618656" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/StockPlansAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#StockPlansAdditionalInformationDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/StockPlansAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_e3231838-59f2-4ed9-aad9-feae93d0a7cc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_44c08e93-b9e4-470a-ac03-fb6109b5d381" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_e3231838-59f2-4ed9-aad9-feae93d0a7cc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_44c08e93-b9e4-470a-ac03-fb6109b5d381" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_05474a17-8f8a-478a-99d8-2ae9373841c2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_44c08e93-b9e4-470a-ac03-fb6109b5d381" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_05474a17-8f8a-478a-99d8-2ae9373841c2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_8c4d1f38-0343-4327-9671-b7c3c83e4b9d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_05474a17-8f8a-478a-99d8-2ae9373841c2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_8c4d1f38-0343-4327-9671-b7c3c83e4b9d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_cd289a59-cd7f-41dc-b000-fd77d35b0e98" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_8c4d1f38-0343-4327-9671-b7c3c83e4b9d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_cd289a59-cd7f-41dc-b000-fd77d35b0e98" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_5cad643d-c8cf-4fce-83be-94cb2f2f65ff" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_44c08e93-b9e4-470a-ac03-fb6109b5d381" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_5cad643d-c8cf-4fce-83be-94cb2f2f65ff" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_bf9eea3c-f0c6-4d20-a0f1-27860e947583" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_5cad643d-c8cf-4fce-83be-94cb2f2f65ff" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_bf9eea3c-f0c6-4d20-a0f1-27860e947583" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_326ead11-b6d0-4d0e-a610-40d93d70d550" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_bf9eea3c-f0c6-4d20-a0f1-27860e947583" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_326ead11-b6d0-4d0e-a610-40d93d70d550" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_314c6e2c-5ee0-43f4-8922-095d9246e2f2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_bf9eea3c-f0c6-4d20-a0f1-27860e947583" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_314c6e2c-5ee0-43f4-8922-095d9246e2f2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_a7afed2f-83a1-4204-83cf-02fd657ec849" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_44c08e93-b9e4-470a-ac03-fb6109b5d381" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_a7afed2f-83a1-4204-83cf-02fd657ec849" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardRequisiteServicePeriod1_c89550d7-eb1b-4c57-9bd2-c6da0bb5b749" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardRequisiteServicePeriod1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_a7afed2f-83a1-4204-83cf-02fd657ec849" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardRequisiteServicePeriod1_c89550d7-eb1b-4c57-9bd2-c6da0bb5b749" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_PercentageOfTargetAwardBasedOnAchievingTargetedTotalShareholderReturnBasedOnWhichFinalNumberOfSharesToBeIssuedForPerformanceStockUnits_93010553-f5f1-48c7-a48a-5a7b424ce1ab" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_PercentageOfTargetAwardBasedOnAchievingTargetedTotalShareholderReturnBasedOnWhichFinalNumberOfSharesToBeIssuedForPerformanceStockUnits"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_a7afed2f-83a1-4204-83cf-02fd657ec849" xlink:to="loc_msa_PercentageOfTargetAwardBasedOnAchievingTargetedTotalShareholderReturnBasedOnWhichFinalNumberOfSharesToBeIssuedForPerformanceStockUnits_93010553-f5f1-48c7-a48a-5a7b424ce1ab" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasePaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAverageClosingPriceUsedtoCalculateExpectedDividendRatePeriod_d74ec5e3-c96a-4740-a640-748960681147" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasePaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAverageClosingPriceUsedtoCalculateExpectedDividendRatePeriod"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_a7afed2f-83a1-4204-83cf-02fd657ec849" xlink:to="loc_msa_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasePaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAverageClosingPriceUsedtoCalculateExpectedDividendRatePeriod_d74ec5e3-c96a-4740-a640-748960681147" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasePaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsStockBetaDailyPriceDataPeriod_04650d9d-cef3-4595-b99d-7244006e04b9" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasePaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsStockBetaDailyPriceDataPeriod"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_a7afed2f-83a1-4204-83cf-02fd657ec849" xlink:to="loc_msa_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasePaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsStockBetaDailyPriceDataPeriod_04650d9d-cef3-4595-b99d-7244006e04b9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_PercentageOfTargetAwardBasedOnAchievingTargetedReturnOnNetAssetsBasedOnWhichFinalNumberOfSharesToBeIssuedForPerformanceStockUnits_c36c67df-3e5f-4db0-a5a8-919fc1b2fd96" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_PercentageOfTargetAwardBasedOnAchievingTargetedReturnOnNetAssetsBasedOnWhichFinalNumberOfSharesToBeIssuedForPerformanceStockUnits"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_a7afed2f-83a1-4204-83cf-02fd657ec849" xlink:to="loc_msa_PercentageOfTargetAwardBasedOnAchievingTargetedReturnOnNetAssetsBasedOnWhichFinalNumberOfSharesToBeIssuedForPerformanceStockUnits_c36c67df-3e5f-4db0-a5a8-919fc1b2fd96" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/StockPlansWeightedAverageRiskAssumptionsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#StockPlansWeightedAverageRiskAssumptionsDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/StockPlansWeightedAverageRiskAssumptionsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_3e4c18c8-63bb-4a10-8b66-9d944311b4c8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_fe8e1b66-9729-4f1b-8b3a-093dbc498a9c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_3e4c18c8-63bb-4a10-8b66-9d944311b4c8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_fe8e1b66-9729-4f1b-8b3a-093dbc498a9c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis_7ead66ff-1ca5-478c-9c23-1b804e73137d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_fe8e1b66-9729-4f1b-8b3a-093dbc498a9c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis_7ead66ff-1ca5-478c-9c23-1b804e73137d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain_c6a3906b-24eb-4091-9f95-cebd30239324" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis_7ead66ff-1ca5-478c-9c23-1b804e73137d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain_c6a3906b-24eb-4091-9f95-cebd30239324" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_MonteCarloApproachMember_12c465a9-f290-4756-b185-825e0390e3a2" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_MonteCarloApproachMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain_c6a3906b-24eb-4091-9f95-cebd30239324" xlink:to="loc_msa_MonteCarloApproachMember_12c465a9-f290-4756-b185-825e0390e3a2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_fb19ec94-4536-4d44-876f-8c35a6e3706f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_fe8e1b66-9729-4f1b-8b3a-093dbc498a9c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_fb19ec94-4536-4d44-876f-8c35a6e3706f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_2dff7c5a-0f8a-49b1-9f46-b5b875db3b74" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_fb19ec94-4536-4d44-876f-8c35a6e3706f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_2dff7c5a-0f8a-49b1-9f46-b5b875db3b74" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_a8aa4f2f-320d-45a5-9239-4b1252d33f5c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_2dff7c5a-0f8a-49b1-9f46-b5b875db3b74" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_a8aa4f2f-320d-45a5-9239-4b1252d33f5c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_fcd0a865-5231-4f4d-9965-d89e25e80eed" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_2dff7c5a-0f8a-49b1-9f46-b5b875db3b74" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_fcd0a865-5231-4f4d-9965-d89e25e80eed" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_3e632460-f245-48eb-9ee9-d862847548cd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_fe8e1b66-9729-4f1b-8b3a-093dbc498a9c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_3e632460-f245-48eb-9ee9-d862847548cd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_7df2cf5b-9202-4f74-bc56-b2135fb25c81" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_3e632460-f245-48eb-9ee9-d862847548cd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_7df2cf5b-9202-4f74-bc56-b2135fb25c81" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate_0fc6a86e-f4c9-438c-9634-bb61fddf0ad6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_3e632460-f245-48eb-9ee9-d862847548cd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate_0fc6a86e-f4c9-438c-9634-bb61fddf0ad6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate_6c85e40f-fa3a-4a0c-befd-b2a4e584bf7a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_3e632460-f245-48eb-9ee9-d862847548cd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate_6c85e40f-fa3a-4a0c-befd-b2a4e584bf7a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate_7871b022-ce9f-4eaa-bf4b-d74ffe2ff1ce" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_3e632460-f245-48eb-9ee9-d862847548cd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate_7871b022-ce9f-4eaa-bf4b-d74ffe2ff1ce" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsStockBeta_8dc3b253-6d0d-4af0-8091-a139fb7e1e4b" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsStockBeta"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_3e632460-f245-48eb-9ee9-d862847548cd" xlink:to="loc_msa_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsStockBeta_8dc3b253-6d0d-4af0-8091-a139fb7e1e4b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/StockPlansSummaryofStockOptionActivityDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#StockPlansSummaryofStockOptionActivityDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/StockPlansSummaryofStockOptionActivityDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_14c86fc5-9869-41c9-9e0f-854a080d89ff" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_b6b94a35-439d-44d1-a55d-18b2669483a5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_14c86fc5-9869-41c9-9e0f-854a080d89ff" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_b6b94a35-439d-44d1-a55d-18b2669483a5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_790b3cbc-a6ec-4af7-a5d5-2679eeb2412a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_b6b94a35-439d-44d1-a55d-18b2669483a5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_790b3cbc-a6ec-4af7-a5d5-2679eeb2412a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_5ab635c9-a4b4-46a3-87c5-31fb86805ebb" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_b6b94a35-439d-44d1-a55d-18b2669483a5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_5ab635c9-a4b4-46a3-87c5-31fb86805ebb" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod_cf83346d-f4f6-404d-a8d1-4c577b6fefae" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_b6b94a35-439d-44d1-a55d-18b2669483a5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod_cf83346d-f4f6-404d-a8d1-4c577b6fefae" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_8664d6d0-591e-4b1c-b177-7c71c539d8c3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_b6b94a35-439d-44d1-a55d-18b2669483a5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_8664d6d0-591e-4b1c-b177-7c71c539d8c3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber_7e5384c4-dc80-40b2-92b8-3e59fc52a3e5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_b6b94a35-439d-44d1-a55d-18b2669483a5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber_7e5384c4-dc80-40b2-92b8-3e59fc52a3e5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_8533e79d-65e0-4894-aeb4-eeaf0d794e45" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_14c86fc5-9869-41c9-9e0f-854a080d89ff" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_8533e79d-65e0-4894-aeb4-eeaf0d794e45" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_8c8bccec-2007-412b-960c-5c172353f683" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_8533e79d-65e0-4894-aeb4-eeaf0d794e45" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_8c8bccec-2007-412b-960c-5c172353f683" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_0b8ebf57-0dce-4a52-8d75-2314accfffdd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_8533e79d-65e0-4894-aeb4-eeaf0d794e45" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_0b8ebf57-0dce-4a52-8d75-2314accfffdd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_6124c0ea-4bc1-4bce-b198-59fe60b6e17e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_8533e79d-65e0-4894-aeb4-eeaf0d794e45" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_6124c0ea-4bc1-4bce-b198-59fe60b6e17e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_f87e78cb-4c1b-4b66-923e-b13ad2958ab0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_8533e79d-65e0-4894-aeb4-eeaf0d794e45" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_f87e78cb-4c1b-4b66-923e-b13ad2958ab0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice_99e44b23-f425-4bf7-b464-5b0bf5c074df" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_8533e79d-65e0-4894-aeb4-eeaf0d794e45" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice_99e44b23-f425-4bf7-b464-5b0bf5c074df" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/StockPlansSummaryofRestrictedStockandUnitActivityDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#StockPlansSummaryofRestrictedStockandUnitActivityDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/StockPlansSummaryofRestrictedStockandUnitActivityDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_d84cac88-6879-48c4-8622-ac59cb324b2f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_9916d45a-ffbf-41bb-b002-206806d53c75" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_d84cac88-6879-48c4-8622-ac59cb324b2f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_9916d45a-ffbf-41bb-b002-206806d53c75" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_4ec71d6a-69f8-4548-a480-c6ddb32b6549" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_9916d45a-ffbf-41bb-b002-206806d53c75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_4ec71d6a-69f8-4548-a480-c6ddb32b6549" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_3d92b5bc-d52c-4ca7-9a5c-14ed0d38611b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_4ec71d6a-69f8-4548-a480-c6ddb32b6549" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_3d92b5bc-d52c-4ca7-9a5c-14ed0d38611b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_de41e14c-160f-475e-9ab0-d5f06a4d0f51" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_3d92b5bc-d52c-4ca7-9a5c-14ed0d38611b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_de41e14c-160f-475e-9ab0-d5f06a4d0f51" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_b80acb1e-891c-46bb-b8f0-0f861b0ff676" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_3d92b5bc-d52c-4ca7-9a5c-14ed0d38611b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_b80acb1e-891c-46bb-b8f0-0f861b0ff676" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_8572b440-c831-445f-9f9d-5eed76d6fee2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_9916d45a-ffbf-41bb-b002-206806d53c75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_8572b440-c831-445f-9f9d-5eed76d6fee2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_a814b520-ff02-4083-b1ce-4231f96eb02d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_8572b440-c831-445f-9f9d-5eed76d6fee2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_a814b520-ff02-4083-b1ce-4231f96eb02d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_6dbc14e3-2c12-4006-b418-be27999e5284" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_a814b520-ff02-4083-b1ce-4231f96eb02d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_6dbc14e3-2c12-4006-b418-be27999e5284" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_a50bef81-988b-4854-ab12-0ad36b02a222" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_a814b520-ff02-4083-b1ce-4231f96eb02d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_a50bef81-988b-4854-ab12-0ad36b02a222" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_97143b31-25c0-4ab4-84cd-756a251308d8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_a814b520-ff02-4083-b1ce-4231f96eb02d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_97143b31-25c0-4ab4-84cd-756a251308d8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_2498b0c0-e42a-4afb-8e82-710b8c70698d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_a814b520-ff02-4083-b1ce-4231f96eb02d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_2498b0c0-e42a-4afb-8e82-710b8c70698d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_3d11459f-9679-4ba6-9fb4-cea0afb2593c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_a814b520-ff02-4083-b1ce-4231f96eb02d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_3d11459f-9679-4ba6-9fb4-cea0afb2593c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_a3cb243e-496d-492c-b113-2f60a3e1ee8a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_8572b440-c831-445f-9f9d-5eed76d6fee2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_a3cb243e-496d-492c-b113-2f60a3e1ee8a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_2a7f5165-6327-44f7-bd25-179bcc43a1d0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_a3cb243e-496d-492c-b113-2f60a3e1ee8a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_2a7f5165-6327-44f7-bd25-179bcc43a1d0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_889b6c74-7db4-4e24-a28f-c64b4f00850a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_a3cb243e-496d-492c-b113-2f60a3e1ee8a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_889b6c74-7db4-4e24-a28f-c64b4f00850a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_af0a8757-46b3-47b7-825f-93dbb69fd445" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_a3cb243e-496d-492c-b113-2f60a3e1ee8a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_af0a8757-46b3-47b7-825f-93dbb69fd445" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_87ac36e8-fefa-45d4-ae3c-b7685eff1fef" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_a3cb243e-496d-492c-b113-2f60a3e1ee8a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_87ac36e8-fefa-45d4-ae3c-b7685eff1fef" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_a216bcc9-d6bc-49b7-9cf0-b0671eba3c84" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_a3cb243e-496d-492c-b113-2f60a3e1ee8a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_a216bcc9-d6bc-49b7-9cf0-b0671eba3c84" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/StockPlansSummaryofPerformanceStockUnitActivityDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#StockPlansSummaryofPerformanceStockUnitActivityDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/StockPlansSummaryofPerformanceStockUnitActivityDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_54d68f80-ae66-4f92-a4bc-42909d4c7b9a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_eaeabb52-7f83-4869-b25a-9673dd355d21" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_54d68f80-ae66-4f92-a4bc-42909d4c7b9a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_eaeabb52-7f83-4869-b25a-9673dd355d21" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_a6fa575d-81b1-4c40-a3d7-3c2de4510028" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_eaeabb52-7f83-4869-b25a-9673dd355d21" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_a6fa575d-81b1-4c40-a3d7-3c2de4510028" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_0f9b727a-da7a-4f5a-bb9e-12fd6ab08fbb" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_a6fa575d-81b1-4c40-a3d7-3c2de4510028" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_0f9b727a-da7a-4f5a-bb9e-12fd6ab08fbb" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_641cfcc2-47cf-49f4-b66b-de0f9ac1953b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_0f9b727a-da7a-4f5a-bb9e-12fd6ab08fbb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_641cfcc2-47cf-49f4-b66b-de0f9ac1953b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_264cc5b1-a429-4b19-96d9-8062d1e58cb4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_eaeabb52-7f83-4869-b25a-9673dd355d21" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_264cc5b1-a429-4b19-96d9-8062d1e58cb4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_0fa53904-ebcf-4af4-a2f1-13ab0e51b3d1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_264cc5b1-a429-4b19-96d9-8062d1e58cb4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_0fa53904-ebcf-4af4-a2f1-13ab0e51b3d1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_6d34396f-a82e-4f67-a2ad-2335141f9d10" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_0fa53904-ebcf-4af4-a2f1-13ab0e51b3d1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_6d34396f-a82e-4f67-a2ad-2335141f9d10" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_345f4fa0-a852-4456-9b4b-169783c925d8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_0fa53904-ebcf-4af4-a2f1-13ab0e51b3d1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_345f4fa0-a852-4456-9b4b-169783c925d8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsPerformanceAdjustmentInPeriod_37a1d3d7-cc23-4567-add3-0901d9a85d30" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsPerformanceAdjustmentInPeriod"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_0fa53904-ebcf-4af4-a2f1-13ab0e51b3d1" xlink:to="loc_msa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsPerformanceAdjustmentInPeriod_37a1d3d7-cc23-4567-add3-0901d9a85d30" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_192a77d1-d111-4bdb-9af2-df10dd2d2e6e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_0fa53904-ebcf-4af4-a2f1-13ab0e51b3d1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_192a77d1-d111-4bdb-9af2-df10dd2d2e6e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_955f10a1-66df-46e0-8ee4-7138c87f869e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_0fa53904-ebcf-4af4-a2f1-13ab0e51b3d1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_955f10a1-66df-46e0-8ee4-7138c87f869e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_6c7d2940-7c9b-4782-b65c-f4ed60baa3c8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_264cc5b1-a429-4b19-96d9-8062d1e58cb4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_6c7d2940-7c9b-4782-b65c-f4ed60baa3c8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_d7e18d1c-27f3-4a73-97cc-938c0c23de20" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_6c7d2940-7c9b-4782-b65c-f4ed60baa3c8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_d7e18d1c-27f3-4a73-97cc-938c0c23de20" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_21483a39-1456-4199-bf29-6c5c78189c5f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_6c7d2940-7c9b-4782-b65c-f4ed60baa3c8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_21483a39-1456-4199-bf29-6c5c78189c5f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsPerformanceAdjustmentInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_8932e6fd-65e3-4769-bbeb-d1b3102978d4" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsPerformanceAdjustmentInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_6c7d2940-7c9b-4782-b65c-f4ed60baa3c8" xlink:to="loc_msa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsPerformanceAdjustmentInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_8932e6fd-65e3-4769-bbeb-d1b3102978d4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_a26daa09-cd7e-4ad0-bc36-7948effefcf9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_6c7d2940-7c9b-4782-b65c-f4ed60baa3c8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_a26daa09-cd7e-4ad0-bc36-7948effefcf9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_23a2d108-83c5-4691-a2e0-7cc2b4453768" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_6c7d2940-7c9b-4782-b65c-f4ed60baa3c8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_23a2d108-83c5-4691-a2e0-7cc2b4453768" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/LongTermDebt" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#LongTermDebt"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/LongTermDebt" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_792837b1-02f4-4a4f-9b93-10db8584f638" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureTextBlock_9dab8188-8d57-4d87-aad6-0b068ec1a627" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_792837b1-02f4-4a4f-9b93-10db8584f638" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureTextBlock_9dab8188-8d57-4d87-aad6-0b068ec1a627" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/LongTermDebtTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#LongTermDebtTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/LongTermDebtTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_9774f598-a293-476e-84d6-cfaf3b659d74" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDebtTableTextBlock_ab53d55a-a157-4bb1-9c1a-d1a73449711c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDebtTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_9774f598-a293-476e-84d6-cfaf3b659d74" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDebtTableTextBlock_ab53d55a-a157-4bb1-9c1a-d1a73449711c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/LongTermDebtScheduleofDebtDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#LongTermDebtScheduleofDebtDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/LongTermDebtScheduleofDebtDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_c3ba13ea-9aaf-454f-8887-4425b04f74b5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_936b8450-becf-4ab1-a729-db55101d617a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_c3ba13ea-9aaf-454f-8887-4425b04f74b5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_936b8450-becf-4ab1-a729-db55101d617a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_d0ca3cba-331e-470e-9287-f07db56a00ae" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_936b8450-becf-4ab1-a729-db55101d617a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_d0ca3cba-331e-470e-9287-f07db56a00ae" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_a06b3fb3-0fa4-4fa5-b57f-91a8872e4822" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_d0ca3cba-331e-470e-9287-f07db56a00ae" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_a06b3fb3-0fa4-4fa5-b57f-91a8872e4822" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_SeniorNotesPayableThroughTwoThousandTwentyOneFourPointZeroZeroPercentageMember_c9f64020-a0f2-4031-a220-ec01fffb5ac4" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_SeniorNotesPayableThroughTwoThousandTwentyOneFourPointZeroZeroPercentageMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_a06b3fb3-0fa4-4fa5-b57f-91a8872e4822" xlink:to="loc_msa_SeniorNotesPayableThroughTwoThousandTwentyOneFourPointZeroZeroPercentageMember_c9f64020-a0f2-4031-a220-ec01fffb5ac4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_SeniorNotesPayableThroughTwoThousandThirtyOneThreePointFourPercentageMemberMember_9965a93b-0bfa-42b8-8818-b626fc91f824" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_SeniorNotesPayableThroughTwoThousandThirtyOneThreePointFourPercentageMemberMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_a06b3fb3-0fa4-4fa5-b57f-91a8872e4822" xlink:to="loc_msa_SeniorNotesPayableThroughTwoThousandThirtyOneThreePointFourPercentageMemberMember_9965a93b-0bfa-42b8-8818-b626fc91f824" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_23d61b62-adbe-486c-8784-6b17f5b80bc2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_936b8450-becf-4ab1-a729-db55101d617a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_23d61b62-adbe-486c-8784-6b17f5b80bc2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeniorLongTermNotes_41bd7545-42c1-4350-b9cd-e802dfb9c576" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeniorLongTermNotes"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_23d61b62-adbe-486c-8784-6b17f5b80bc2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeniorLongTermNotes_41bd7545-42c1-4350-b9cd-e802dfb9c576" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCredit_b3b29b0a-87f4-4bb6-ba1c-c8301689a504" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCredit"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_23d61b62-adbe-486c-8784-6b17f5b80bc2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCredit_b3b29b0a-87f4-4bb6-ba1c-c8301689a504" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_71a17696-f6ae-4f9d-ac08-abe3423e0965" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_23d61b62-adbe-486c-8784-6b17f5b80bc2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_71a17696-f6ae-4f9d-ac08-abe3423e0965" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent_cd0afad2-736a-4973-8c78-6093a7f4f528" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_23d61b62-adbe-486c-8784-6b17f5b80bc2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent_cd0afad2-736a-4973-8c78-6093a7f4f528" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_f6ebc4a6-477c-4e76-8312-a98c9c86050a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_23d61b62-adbe-486c-8784-6b17f5b80bc2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_f6ebc4a6-477c-4e76-8312-a98c9c86050a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_c83dd7fa-6932-4459-8bfe-302740153f98" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_23d61b62-adbe-486c-8784-6b17f5b80bc2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_c83dd7fa-6932-4459-8bfe-302740153f98" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/LongTermDebtAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#LongTermDebtAdditionalInformationDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/LongTermDebtAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_8e3dcff0-ba8e-47ab-b6ff-ff2c37507543" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_2ea6545d-1713-4f62-8960-a8c86d2f695d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_8e3dcff0-ba8e-47ab-b6ff-ff2c37507543" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_2ea6545d-1713-4f62-8960-a8c86d2f695d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_45515907-5866-44c0-b938-fd380f662e04" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_2ea6545d-1713-4f62-8960-a8c86d2f695d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_45515907-5866-44c0-b938-fd380f662e04" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_185b0df8-1fb7-4369-9495-5c649bf2dd4e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_45515907-5866-44c0-b938-fd380f662e04" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_185b0df8-1fb7-4369-9495-5c649bf2dd4e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StandbyLettersOfCreditMember_d81e1567-e8b0-457b-bf73-dd27eaa10187" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StandbyLettersOfCreditMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_185b0df8-1fb7-4369-9495-5c649bf2dd4e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StandbyLettersOfCreditMember_d81e1567-e8b0-457b-bf73-dd27eaa10187" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_49f94b96-0f79-4e83-b393-8018eea4293b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_2ea6545d-1713-4f62-8960-a8c86d2f695d" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_49f94b96-0f79-4e83-b393-8018eea4293b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_5c0b00d7-38b3-41b8-bd00-9e88bf84d34b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_49f94b96-0f79-4e83-b393-8018eea4293b" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_5c0b00d7-38b3-41b8-bd00-9e88bf84d34b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_8e4dc0bb-8cce-440c-9832-df0f3bdb4eb2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_5c0b00d7-38b3-41b8-bd00-9e88bf84d34b" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_8e4dc0bb-8cce-440c-9832-df0f3bdb4eb2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_aaf0cb85-52cc-44f4-9aa4-820d32684777" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_5c0b00d7-38b3-41b8-bd00-9e88bf84d34b" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_aaf0cb85-52cc-44f4-9aa4-820d32684777" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_1af8e53a-c79c-43b4-99cc-dd3d17c554b7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_2ea6545d-1713-4f62-8960-a8c86d2f695d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_1af8e53a-c79c-43b4-99cc-dd3d17c554b7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_4d0ed4d1-0ccd-4844-b602-b4958b914394" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_1af8e53a-c79c-43b4-99cc-dd3d17c554b7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_4d0ed4d1-0ccd-4844-b602-b4958b914394" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BaseRateMember_2647103f-129b-4222-82f7-c264b9789a5c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BaseRateMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_4d0ed4d1-0ccd-4844-b602-b4958b914394" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BaseRateMember_2647103f-129b-4222-82f7-c264b9789a5c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_FederalFundsOpenRateMember_15efc3ca-e4ed-4cd4-9c86-4712572692ce" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_FederalFundsOpenRateMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_4d0ed4d1-0ccd-4844-b602-b4958b914394" xlink:to="loc_msa_FederalFundsOpenRateMember_15efc3ca-e4ed-4cd4-9c86-4712572692ce" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_OvernightBankFundingRateMember_8e972e6a-6b3f-441b-986b-62ef462d702d" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_OvernightBankFundingRateMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_4d0ed4d1-0ccd-4844-b602-b4958b914394" xlink:to="loc_msa_OvernightBankFundingRateMember_8e972e6a-6b3f-441b-986b-62ef462d702d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_450672c7-2739-4bfd-ba2c-f34f1c7d6118" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_4d0ed4d1-0ccd-4844-b602-b4958b914394" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_450672c7-2739-4bfd-ba2c-f34f1c7d6118" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_fbad7c96-0c5f-401b-8572-30527cc400fd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_2ea6545d-1713-4f62-8960-a8c86d2f695d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_fbad7c96-0c5f-401b-8572-30527cc400fd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_aa381e7e-2089-4b95-9ef8-e9a725910fcd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_fbad7c96-0c5f-401b-8572-30527cc400fd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_aa381e7e-2089-4b95-9ef8-e9a725910fcd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayableOtherPayablesMember_463b7cd3-ab03-4aff-ad22-8b6f2ad636f4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesPayableOtherPayablesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_aa381e7e-2089-4b95-9ef8-e9a725910fcd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayableOtherPayablesMember_463b7cd3-ab03-4aff-ad22-8b6f2ad636f4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_241a7363-ca20-4d45-9649-fad9fbae38cb" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_2ea6545d-1713-4f62-8960-a8c86d2f695d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_241a7363-ca20-4d45-9649-fad9fbae38cb" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_41dd7e33-0d3e-4358-ac24-6ac27ae6f012" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_241a7363-ca20-4d45-9649-fad9fbae38cb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_41dd7e33-0d3e-4358-ac24-6ac27ae6f012" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_SeniorRevolvingCreditFacilityMaturingin2023Member_fbfc490d-c4ed-4102-988c-1d7f7418a6cd" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_SeniorRevolvingCreditFacilityMaturingin2023Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_41dd7e33-0d3e-4358-ac24-6ac27ae6f012" xlink:to="loc_msa_SeniorRevolvingCreditFacilityMaturingin2023Member_fbfc490d-c4ed-4102-988c-1d7f7418a6cd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_MulticurrencyNotesDuein2031Member_be7498b2-8e24-48d7-b738-2bb4cc54d133" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_MulticurrencyNotesDuein2031Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_41dd7e33-0d3e-4358-ac24-6ac27ae6f012" xlink:to="loc_msa_MulticurrencyNotesDuein2031Member_be7498b2-8e24-48d7-b738-2bb4cc54d133" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_MasterNoteFacilityDuein2022Member_64993e22-3744-4389-a151-2e3e9762504b" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_MasterNoteFacilityDuein2022Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_41dd7e33-0d3e-4358-ac24-6ac27ae6f012" xlink:to="loc_msa_MasterNoteFacilityDuein2022Member_64993e22-3744-4389-a151-2e3e9762504b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_3cdfc5df-0c47-44c7-a6d8-f05571a9a1b3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_2ea6545d-1713-4f62-8960-a8c86d2f695d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_3cdfc5df-0c47-44c7-a6d8-f05571a9a1b3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_73249bef-9da3-4bdf-934c-262c0ec67b7f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_3cdfc5df-0c47-44c7-a6d8-f05571a9a1b3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_73249bef-9da3-4bdf-934c-262c0ec67b7f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_6a367559-2ba9-4bcf-92d7-0672b74ef339" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_3cdfc5df-0c47-44c7-a6d8-f05571a9a1b3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_6a367559-2ba9-4bcf-92d7-0672b74ef339" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateDuringPeriod_16bb8ae7-81cd-4720-baff-35c733d4bd6f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateDuringPeriod"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_3cdfc5df-0c47-44c7-a6d8-f05571a9a1b3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateDuringPeriod_16bb8ae7-81cd-4720-baff-35c733d4bd6f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity_05481696-cc13-4d8f-a7b1-024d9ae54cd5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_3cdfc5df-0c47-44c7-a6d8-f05571a9a1b3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity_05481696-cc13-4d8f-a7b1-024d9ae54cd5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_LineOfCreditFacilityAccordionFeatureAmount_71945b09-a54f-4494-a9bf-693a571e86b8" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_LineOfCreditFacilityAccordionFeatureAmount"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_3cdfc5df-0c47-44c7-a6d8-f05571a9a1b3" xlink:to="loc_msa_LineOfCreditFacilityAccordionFeatureAmount_71945b09-a54f-4494-a9bf-693a571e86b8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_eb61ff83-f111-4dd8-8fba-0d22fce4d2c8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_3cdfc5df-0c47-44c7-a6d8-f05571a9a1b3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_eb61ff83-f111-4dd8-8fba-0d22fce4d2c8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPeriodicPayment_b44edbe7-9afd-4456-91f8-bff6ac44ca82" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPeriodicPayment"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_3cdfc5df-0c47-44c7-a6d8-f05571a9a1b3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPeriodicPayment_b44edbe7-9afd-4456-91f8-bff6ac44ca82" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_420bd693-b880-4733-b435-5248cb9f155d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_3cdfc5df-0c47-44c7-a6d8-f05571a9a1b3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_420bd693-b880-4733-b435-5248cb9f155d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm_c5da2457-874d-4421-a430-5936f9b200c8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_3cdfc5df-0c47-44c7-a6d8-f05571a9a1b3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm_c5da2457-874d-4421-a430-5936f9b200c8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_AdditionalSeniorNotesAvailableforRequest_9ad9d4b4-a130-4c0c-8337-6e380e281d1f" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_AdditionalSeniorNotesAvailableforRequest"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_3cdfc5df-0c47-44c7-a6d8-f05571a9a1b3" xlink:to="loc_msa_AdditionalSeniorNotesAvailableforRequest_9ad9d4b4-a130-4c0c-8337-6e380e281d1f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeniorLongTermNotes_6c258293-ae23-44cc-b618-6111aea708b8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeniorLongTermNotes"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_3cdfc5df-0c47-44c7-a6d8-f05571a9a1b3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeniorLongTermNotes_6c258293-ae23-44cc-b618-6111aea708b8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_DebtInstrumentCovenantFixedChargesCoverageRatioMinimum_9a8f94cd-f6c1-41ed-a432-85bcc81ced7f" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_DebtInstrumentCovenantFixedChargesCoverageRatioMinimum"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_3cdfc5df-0c47-44c7-a6d8-f05571a9a1b3" xlink:to="loc_msa_DebtInstrumentCovenantFixedChargesCoverageRatioMinimum_9a8f94cd-f6c1-41ed-a432-85bcc81ced7f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_DebtInstrumentCovenantConsolidatedLeverageRatioMaximum_617e8fb7-ddfc-47bf-89ca-6832239974a1" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_DebtInstrumentCovenantConsolidatedLeverageRatioMaximum"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_3cdfc5df-0c47-44c7-a6d8-f05571a9a1b3" xlink:to="loc_msa_DebtInstrumentCovenantConsolidatedLeverageRatioMaximum_617e8fb7-ddfc-47bf-89ca-6832239974a1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_DebtInstrumentCovenantConsolidatedLeverageRatioInPeriodOfAcquisitionMaximum_dcee00be-1d68-4a06-87d0-5106fb38c541" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_DebtInstrumentCovenantConsolidatedLeverageRatioInPeriodOfAcquisitionMaximum"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_3cdfc5df-0c47-44c7-a6d8-f05571a9a1b3" xlink:to="loc_msa_DebtInstrumentCovenantConsolidatedLeverageRatioInPeriodOfAcquisitionMaximum_dcee00be-1d68-4a06-87d0-5106fb38c541" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_f11882cc-473d-485c-9034-9b6a22d4cdc9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_3cdfc5df-0c47-44c7-a6d8-f05571a9a1b3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_f11882cc-473d-485c-9034-9b6a22d4cdc9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCollateralAmount_6a5f0b1d-f0d9-471a-b380-425a2b363ee5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCollateralAmount"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_3cdfc5df-0c47-44c7-a6d8-f05571a9a1b3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCollateralAmount_6a5f0b1d-f0d9-471a-b380-425a2b363ee5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/GoodwillandIntangibleAssets" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#GoodwillandIntangibleAssets"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/GoodwillandIntangibleAssets" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_4fa820da-90d8-47db-a294-e31cabc0399d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTextBlock_e43fd1ad-30a4-4c77-a0dd-c1432ccd93b9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_4fa820da-90d8-47db-a294-e31cabc0399d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTextBlock_e43fd1ad-30a4-4c77-a0dd-c1432ccd93b9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/GoodwillandIntangibleAssetsTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#GoodwillandIntangibleAssetsTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/GoodwillandIntangibleAssetsTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_650c4a36-4154-4b08-b01f-8539650fbc88" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTextBlock_9e05f242-7b7e-4587-9d94-8bc24955dab1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_650c4a36-4154-4b08-b01f-8539650fbc88" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTextBlock_9e05f242-7b7e-4587-9d94-8bc24955dab1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTableTextBlock_55a16f0c-7d45-4c5b-b82d-6a630c0c719f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_650c4a36-4154-4b08-b01f-8539650fbc88" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTableTextBlock_55a16f0c-7d45-4c5b-b82d-6a630c0c719f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/GoodwillandIntangibleAssetsChangesinGoodwillDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#GoodwillandIntangibleAssetsChangesinGoodwillDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/GoodwillandIntangibleAssetsChangesinGoodwillDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_a49e1acc-6f6d-4b5c-bc7b-a81a73683a38" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_9ca28074-59a6-4622-a1cd-4b98a36df478" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_a49e1acc-6f6d-4b5c-bc7b-a81a73683a38" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_9ca28074-59a6-4622-a1cd-4b98a36df478" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_0a101095-04d0-4c59-8481-09791e8e4b3c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_9ca28074-59a6-4622-a1cd-4b98a36df478" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_0a101095-04d0-4c59-8481-09791e8e4b3c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillForeignCurrencyTranslationGainLoss_7f54e93e-5393-496c-8f14-5f68674fe729" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillForeignCurrencyTranslationGainLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_9ca28074-59a6-4622-a1cd-4b98a36df478" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillForeignCurrencyTranslationGainLoss_7f54e93e-5393-496c-8f14-5f68674fe729" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_bf3f902e-4f56-41bc-bfbe-2b83b436365f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_9ca28074-59a6-4622-a1cd-4b98a36df478" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_bf3f902e-4f56-41bc-bfbe-2b83b436365f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/GoodwillandIntangibleAssetsAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#GoodwillandIntangibleAssetsAdditionalInformationDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/GoodwillandIntangibleAssetsAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_b56de77d-84fe-4548-973e-80c356b5056e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetByMajorClassTable_987595cc-3ae7-44a8-92ba-0ddcf98f1ded" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetByMajorClassTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_b56de77d-84fe-4548-973e-80c356b5056e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetByMajorClassTable_987595cc-3ae7-44a8-92ba-0ddcf98f1ded" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_295bbe92-1157-4cae-9e58-f3bc0ae3548c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetByMajorClassTable_987595cc-3ae7-44a8-92ba-0ddcf98f1ded" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_295bbe92-1157-4cae-9e58-f3bc0ae3548c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_fdb1132c-bfe0-4ccd-8d37-c336371b667d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_295bbe92-1157-4cae-9e58-f3bc0ae3548c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_fdb1132c-bfe0-4ccd-8d37-c336371b667d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_0a802e50-1173-455f-95e9-551548535fc1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TradeNamesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_fdb1132c-bfe0-4ccd-8d37-c336371b667d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_0a802e50-1173-455f-95e9-551548535fc1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_ac094e52-38fb-4885-ba06-06cf39a62ef3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetByMajorClassTable_987595cc-3ae7-44a8-92ba-0ddcf98f1ded" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_ac094e52-38fb-4885-ba06-06cf39a62ef3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_f325c6f0-189f-4f5f-8d1f-626d90db86c2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_ac094e52-38fb-4885-ba06-06cf39a62ef3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_f325c6f0-189f-4f5f-8d1f-626d90db86c2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_GlobeHoldingCompanyLLCMember_c1912bf6-d529-4994-9876-95d677d3f3ed" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_GlobeHoldingCompanyLLCMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_f325c6f0-189f-4f5f-8d1f-626d90db86c2" xlink:to="loc_msa_GlobeHoldingCompanyLLCMember_c1912bf6-d529-4994-9876-95d677d3f3ed" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_5e6df885-3655-40a9-b343-48b2f60a269d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetByMajorClassTable_987595cc-3ae7-44a8-92ba-0ddcf98f1ded" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_5e6df885-3655-40a9-b343-48b2f60a269d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_3a423c4b-c902-441d-8d68-20ceebb7e28f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_5e6df885-3655-40a9-b343-48b2f60a269d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_3a423c4b-c902-441d-8d68-20ceebb7e28f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_AmericasMember_14012bd0-9146-4fdb-be15-ad28389cf801" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_AmericasMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_3a423c4b-c902-441d-8d68-20ceebb7e28f" xlink:to="loc_srt_AmericasMember_14012bd0-9146-4fdb-be15-ad28389cf801" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_InternationalSegmentMember_8574e4c5-76c1-4993-9b3f-a7a588112dd5" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_InternationalSegmentMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_3a423c4b-c902-441d-8d68-20ceebb7e28f" xlink:to="loc_msa_InternationalSegmentMember_8574e4c5-76c1-4993-9b3f-a7a588112dd5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_9739b863-b3c4-4632-87f2-1b57da520c29" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetByMajorClassTable_987595cc-3ae7-44a8-92ba-0ddcf98f1ded" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_9739b863-b3c4-4632-87f2-1b57da520c29" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_06da4e51-bad9-43a7-90db-6b9e12ef21bc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_9739b863-b3c4-4632-87f2-1b57da520c29" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_06da4e51-bad9-43a7-90db-6b9e12ef21bc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssets_f17dd803-13ea-4616-b957-3e8d7cbb978c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssets"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_9739b863-b3c4-4632-87f2-1b57da520c29" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssets_f17dd803-13ea-4616-b957-3e8d7cbb978c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/GoodwillandIntangibleAssetsChangesinIntangibleAssetsNetofAccumulatedAmortizationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#GoodwillandIntangibleAssetsChangesinIntangibleAssetsNetofAccumulatedAmortizationDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/GoodwillandIntangibleAssetsChangesinIntangibleAssetsNetofAccumulatedAmortizationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_e8f8d5d6-6f3a-4865-8819-6de203b2013d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNetAbstract_f0234784-02db-4500-9d6a-5c0b31c82e82" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNetAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_e8f8d5d6-6f3a-4865-8819-6de203b2013d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNetAbstract_f0234784-02db-4500-9d6a-5c0b31c82e82" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsRollForward_26878929-242b-4e0a-8fa4-c9f9b86fe72f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsRollForward"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNetAbstract_f0234784-02db-4500-9d6a-5c0b31c82e82" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsRollForward_26878929-242b-4e0a-8fa4-c9f9b86fe72f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_4a95b6bd-80d9-4bdd-b930-2c4cb3c2360a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsRollForward_26878929-242b-4e0a-8fa4-c9f9b86fe72f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_4a95b6bd-80d9-4bdd-b930-2c4cb3c2360a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_51ff4c93-9f3a-4a8e-9676-aaee4d049bf8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsRollForward_26878929-242b-4e0a-8fa4-c9f9b86fe72f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_51ff4c93-9f3a-4a8e-9676-aaee4d049bf8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsForeignCurrencyTranslationGainLoss_f6068242-e0b0-4239-8606-a8007a825520" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsForeignCurrencyTranslationGainLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsRollForward_26878929-242b-4e0a-8fa4-c9f9b86fe72f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsForeignCurrencyTranslationGainLoss_f6068242-e0b0-4239-8606-a8007a825520" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_82b358aa-74e4-47d2-a441-321aa5f25abc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsRollForward_26878929-242b-4e0a-8fa4-c9f9b86fe72f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_82b358aa-74e4-47d2-a441-321aa5f25abc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/PensionsandOtherPostretirementBenefits" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#PensionsandOtherPostretirementBenefits"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/PensionsandOtherPostretirementBenefits" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CompensationAndRetirementDisclosureAbstract_e4346b0c-f41d-45c0-9acd-43ebd0b71ce8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CompensationAndRetirementDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsDisclosureTextBlock_3f477e49-4fd5-41be-8968-024ec7aa3286" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CompensationAndRetirementDisclosureAbstract_e4346b0c-f41d-45c0-9acd-43ebd0b71ce8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsDisclosureTextBlock_3f477e49-4fd5-41be-8968-024ec7aa3286" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/PensionsandOtherPostretirementBenefitsTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#PensionsandOtherPostretirementBenefitsTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/PensionsandOtherPostretirementBenefitsTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CompensationAndRetirementDisclosureAbstract_80daca4f-bb8f-4bed-b926-6dcfe14fc24d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CompensationAndRetirementDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfNetBenefitCostsTableTextBlock_9b53163b-b584-4ed0-9e90-4cbae6cbb3b0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfNetBenefitCostsTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CompensationAndRetirementDisclosureAbstract_80daca4f-bb8f-4bed-b926-6dcfe14fc24d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfNetBenefitCostsTableTextBlock_9b53163b-b584-4ed0-9e90-4cbae6cbb3b0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/PensionsandOtherPostretirementBenefitsComponentsofNetPeriodicBenefitCostDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#PensionsandOtherPostretirementBenefitsComponentsofNetPeriodicBenefitCostDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/PensionsandOtherPostretirementBenefitsComponentsofNetPeriodicBenefitCostDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CompensationAndRetirementDisclosureAbstract_8f9853db-2fd7-4ee2-9375-f0f4a2e5be16" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CompensationAndRetirementDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_013f2c62-9a92-4aad-817a-252cba2d7e33" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CompensationAndRetirementDisclosureAbstract_8f9853db-2fd7-4ee2-9375-f0f4a2e5be16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_013f2c62-9a92-4aad-817a-252cba2d7e33" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_2e327638-48a7-40ff-ae47-ce8be36e52a8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_013f2c62-9a92-4aad-817a-252cba2d7e33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_2e327638-48a7-40ff-ae47-ce8be36e52a8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_57bfe329-4074-4780-a1f1-f5c424b3170d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_2e327638-48a7-40ff-ae47-ce8be36e52a8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_57bfe329-4074-4780-a1f1-f5c424b3170d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_ff362a78-1e12-4248-b3ef-0dfd480d621a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_57bfe329-4074-4780-a1f1-f5c424b3170d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_ff362a78-1e12-4248-b3ef-0dfd480d621a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_da670bdd-6ef9-4553-8e5f-ae975d3d5bee" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_57bfe329-4074-4780-a1f1-f5c424b3170d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_da670bdd-6ef9-4553-8e5f-ae975d3d5bee" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_fb42ac12-d2c8-437b-9789-aac334502eaa" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_013f2c62-9a92-4aad-817a-252cba2d7e33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_fb42ac12-d2c8-437b-9789-aac334502eaa" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost_07e49037-cb3d-4d49-ba18-0180cbb56108" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_fb42ac12-d2c8-437b-9789-aac334502eaa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost_07e49037-cb3d-4d49-ba18-0180cbb56108" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost_f0c80480-8159-48c3-abf7-d57eb82cdc6c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_fb42ac12-d2c8-437b-9789-aac334502eaa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost_f0c80480-8159-48c3-abf7-d57eb82cdc6c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets_92575507-9d30-4ebd-9d53-58760070893c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_fb42ac12-d2c8-437b-9789-aac334502eaa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets_92575507-9d30-4ebd-9d53-58760070893c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit_cb250337-3d2b-4bda-8897-d7a4e309f949" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_fb42ac12-d2c8-437b-9789-aac334502eaa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit_cb250337-3d2b-4bda-8897-d7a4e309f949" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss_f03963b6-bf3c-4f7c-93fa-66c93609d9ad" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_fb42ac12-d2c8-437b-9789-aac334502eaa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss_f03963b6-bf3c-4f7c-93fa-66c93609d9ad" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToSettlements1_ef74f07f-f015-45f9-9700-0f89d72f9932" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToSettlements1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_fb42ac12-d2c8-437b-9789-aac334502eaa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToSettlements1_ef74f07f-f015-45f9-9700-0f89d72f9932" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost_f3b7c5e2-ac8b-453a-a79e-30445526a79e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_fb42ac12-d2c8-437b-9789-aac334502eaa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost_f3b7c5e2-ac8b-453a-a79e-30445526a79e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/PensionsandOtherPostretirementBenefitsAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#PensionsandOtherPostretirementBenefitsAdditionalInformationDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/PensionsandOtherPostretirementBenefitsAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CompensationAndRetirementDisclosureAbstract_4b9b9043-4ef5-4d9c-a2c0-5d48587a1cb4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CompensationAndRetirementDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer_108297bd-7870-4eb3-b64a-19304202f958" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CompensationAndRetirementDisclosureAbstract_4b9b9043-4ef5-4d9c-a2c0-5d48587a1cb4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer_108297bd-7870-4eb3-b64a-19304202f958" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureEmployerContributionsCurrentFiscalYear_23a3ceb3-228c-4e1e-8631-d089089b68bd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureEmployerContributionsCurrentFiscalYear"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CompensationAndRetirementDisclosureAbstract_4b9b9043-4ef5-4d9c-a2c0-5d48587a1cb4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureEmployerContributionsCurrentFiscalYear_23a3ceb3-228c-4e1e-8631-d089089b68bd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/DerivativeFinancialInstruments" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#DerivativeFinancialInstruments"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/DerivativeFinancialInstruments" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_4f67c81d-bb62-4a64-885e-4687d44a14f7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureTextBlock_2eed165e-7c07-416d-8816-c9e37b343fc8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_4f67c81d-bb62-4a64-885e-4687d44a14f7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureTextBlock_2eed165e-7c07-416d-8816-c9e37b343fc8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_067f2a98-dd8e-465e-8319-3158e9c1a650" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsInStatementOfFinancialPositionFairValueTextBlock_e5411cd8-deb4-422d-a0bf-3d5b7e743964" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsInStatementOfFinancialPositionFairValueTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_067f2a98-dd8e-465e-8319-3158e9c1a650" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsInStatementOfFinancialPositionFairValueTextBlock_e5411cd8-deb4-422d-a0bf-3d5b7e743964" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsGainLossInStatementOfFinancialPerformanceTextBlock_a35a224e-eab8-4de9-b213-e014d8ee591c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsGainLossInStatementOfFinancialPerformanceTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_067f2a98-dd8e-465e-8319-3158e9c1a650" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsGainLossInStatementOfFinancialPerformanceTextBlock_a35a224e-eab8-4de9-b213-e014d8ee591c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAdditionalInformationDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_ede805a0-94d1-4e42-9528-8e3ecbe3ee04" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_716a1409-c7fd-45fb-8500-3235ba6e3884" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_ede805a0-94d1-4e42-9528-8e3ecbe3ee04" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_716a1409-c7fd-45fb-8500-3235ba6e3884" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_da30d9a4-c9e2-4273-82e7-e8bb2fc749c7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_716a1409-c7fd-45fb-8500-3235ba6e3884" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_da30d9a4-c9e2-4273-82e7-e8bb2fc749c7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_ddeaf319-3a6b-4615-baeb-4fa01c3c22dd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_da30d9a4-c9e2-4273-82e7-e8bb2fc749c7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_ddeaf319-3a6b-4615-baeb-4fa01c3c22dd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignExchangeForwardMember_dc83c76b-d8f1-4b3c-856d-b6db15bf260a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignExchangeForwardMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_ddeaf319-3a6b-4615-baeb-4fa01c3c22dd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignExchangeForwardMember_dc83c76b-d8f1-4b3c-856d-b6db15bf260a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_d904fe0c-a0e6-4911-8f51-b371efc0ea38" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_716a1409-c7fd-45fb-8500-3235ba6e3884" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_d904fe0c-a0e6-4911-8f51-b371efc0ea38" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNotionalAmount_0ada80ee-c5bb-4598-8261-01e0207e4cfd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeNotionalAmount"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_d904fe0c-a0e6-4911-8f51-b371efc0ea38" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNotionalAmount_0ada80ee-c5bb-4598-8261-01e0207e4cfd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsBalanceSheetLocationandFairValueofAssetsAssociatedwithDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsBalanceSheetLocationandFairValueofAssetsAssociatedwithDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsBalanceSheetLocationandFairValueofAssetsAssociatedwithDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_d2030ef0-af83-4598-95ac-772d7708a3f6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_d9721b0c-0956-4754-9382-333cac37f878" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_d2030ef0-af83-4598-95ac-772d7708a3f6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_d9721b0c-0956-4754-9382-333cac37f878" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_2ea9f9a6-f624-4d61-9eda-112c6a2a4cf3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_d9721b0c-0956-4754-9382-333cac37f878" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_2ea9f9a6-f624-4d61-9eda-112c6a2a4cf3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_5364018d-8aba-4ad9-a0fe-ddbc5926a251" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_2ea9f9a6-f624-4d61-9eda-112c6a2a4cf3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_5364018d-8aba-4ad9-a0fe-ddbc5926a251" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NondesignatedMember_085b0e8a-1416-49c0-9086-1587e35a263e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NondesignatedMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_5364018d-8aba-4ad9-a0fe-ddbc5926a251" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NondesignatedMember_085b0e8a-1416-49c0-9086-1587e35a263e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_ca9b67a4-d3e4-4d81-bd3f-b617f74ff53d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_d9721b0c-0956-4754-9382-333cac37f878" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_ca9b67a4-d3e4-4d81-bd3f-b617f74ff53d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_15a5acf0-cd63-4c21-8470-2cfd327d217c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_ca9b67a4-d3e4-4d81-bd3f-b617f74ff53d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_15a5acf0-cd63-4c21-8470-2cfd327d217c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember_7d7e9971-888c-4f93-b99b-af02d08af25e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_15a5acf0-cd63-4c21-8470-2cfd327d217c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember_7d7e9971-888c-4f93-b99b-af02d08af25e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember_a9a1835c-cfac-492e-b847-7c6dd4fb1fa3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_15a5acf0-cd63-4c21-8470-2cfd327d217c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember_a9a1835c-cfac-492e-b847-7c6dd4fb1fa3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_bc0ef7d0-ea5a-42cd-9bc1-a1d71fe4b4e2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_d9721b0c-0956-4754-9382-333cac37f878" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_bc0ef7d0-ea5a-42cd-9bc1-a1d71fe4b4e2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyDerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsLiabilityAtFairValue_69b45f77-82e3-4227-a4a4-f900fe2ccf1e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyDerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsLiabilityAtFairValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_bc0ef7d0-ea5a-42cd-9bc1-a1d71fe4b4e2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyDerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsLiabilityAtFairValue_69b45f77-82e3-4227-a4a4-f900fe2ccf1e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyDerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAssetAtFairValue_6415aadf-4f89-4b42-943d-32ecc818adee" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyDerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAssetAtFairValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_bc0ef7d0-ea5a-42cd-9bc1-a1d71fe4b4e2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyDerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAssetAtFairValue_6415aadf-4f89-4b42-943d-32ecc818adee" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsIncomeStatementLocationandImpactofDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsIncomeStatementLocationandImpactofDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsIncomeStatementLocationandImpactofDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_a95337cf-2f52-454a-8a87-d127a7a5058d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_fafd9309-1f2b-4552-901d-05df035d93b4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_a95337cf-2f52-454a-8a87-d127a7a5058d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_fafd9309-1f2b-4552-901d-05df035d93b4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_031ee064-182c-4963-a059-f5dfd184d973" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_fafd9309-1f2b-4552-901d-05df035d93b4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_031ee064-182c-4963-a059-f5dfd184d973" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_944d7831-3fa7-4c19-8890-32d38d5fd177" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_031ee064-182c-4963-a059-f5dfd184d973" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_944d7831-3fa7-4c19-8890-32d38d5fd177" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NondesignatedMember_a2b59ee9-9b01-4feb-8a42-1a1d05db7080" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NondesignatedMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_944d7831-3fa7-4c19-8890-32d38d5fd177" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NondesignatedMember_a2b59ee9-9b01-4feb-8a42-1a1d05db7080" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_c6abfe56-9be6-4967-822e-d5f0e822122e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_fafd9309-1f2b-4552-901d-05df035d93b4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_c6abfe56-9be6-4967-822e-d5f0e822122e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet_9872877c-aaaa-4950-921b-e1c2141262f3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_c6abfe56-9be6-4967-822e-d5f0e822122e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet_9872877c-aaaa-4950-921b-e1c2141262f3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/FairValueMeasurements" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#FairValueMeasurements"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/FairValueMeasurements" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_b0f307c4-eee0-4045-9cde-b6516f2f5cca" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementInputsDisclosureTextBlock_07f9e776-154c-460b-9a81-1fc5c9171b04" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementInputsDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_b0f307c4-eee0-4045-9cde-b6516f2f5cca" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementInputsDisclosureTextBlock_07f9e776-154c-460b-9a81-1fc5c9171b04" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_b2e89e3e-be94-40c6-8178-de7902058bd3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_edb715fb-8963-4f03-a806-8cb455394aa4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_b2e89e3e-be94-40c6-8178-de7902058bd3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_edb715fb-8963-4f03-a806-8cb455394aa4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_f2742fdd-8ac2-4a18-af16-59badd23026a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_edb715fb-8963-4f03-a806-8cb455394aa4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_f2742fdd-8ac2-4a18-af16-59badd23026a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_c55643eb-c1e0-4c4f-b17e-6305bd988420" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_f2742fdd-8ac2-4a18-af16-59badd23026a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_c55643eb-c1e0-4c4f-b17e-6305bd988420" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_33449fb3-58e3-4726-8394-6d594e2e7e1f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_c55643eb-c1e0-4c4f-b17e-6305bd988420" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_33449fb3-58e3-4726-8394-6d594e2e7e1f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember_06aa53da-3943-4271-b55a-bfac8a3c2af5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_33449fb3-58e3-4726-8394-6d594e2e7e1f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember_06aa53da-3943-4271-b55a-bfac8a3c2af5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_0c87ff31-99cf-41b8-ac81-aa923d9da159" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_33449fb3-58e3-4726-8394-6d594e2e7e1f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_0c87ff31-99cf-41b8-ac81-aa923d9da159" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_3a74ec61-d8c8-4ba9-92d6-6450c0eda9d8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_edb715fb-8963-4f03-a806-8cb455394aa4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_3a74ec61-d8c8-4ba9-92d6-6450c0eda9d8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis_6b72726b-53b7-4536-8e23-b70d121e5d36" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_3a74ec61-d8c8-4ba9-92d6-6450c0eda9d8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis_6b72726b-53b7-4536-8e23-b70d121e5d36" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure_8817378c-9033-4ae2-9ee0-d5679e798798" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_3a74ec61-d8c8-4ba9-92d6-6450c0eda9d8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure_8817378c-9033-4ae2-9ee0-d5679e798798" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue_2a304206-2465-4146-8dc8-a66cce2f9b87" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_3a74ec61-d8c8-4ba9-92d6-6450c0eda9d8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue_2a304206-2465-4146-8dc8-a66cce2f9b87" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/Contingencies" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#Contingencies"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/Contingencies" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_fd244474-b836-4b76-8bff-94bbc9084f6a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock_7b7797cb-f3cd-4342-9e8f-c6760ea3636b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_fd244474-b836-4b76-8bff-94bbc9084f6a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock_7b7797cb-f3cd-4342-9e8f-c6760ea3636b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/ContingenciesTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#ContingenciesTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/ContingenciesTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_a4037ad5-7ecf-45de-bbab-cb2e2f79fda2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductLiabilityContingenciesTextBlock_c6af6bba-ccba-4114-90be-7b098b8d1456" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductLiabilityContingenciesTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_a4037ad5-7ecf-45de-bbab-cb2e2f79fda2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductLiabilityContingenciesTextBlock_c6af6bba-ccba-4114-90be-7b098b8d1456" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_SummaryOfInsuranceReceivableBalancesAndActivityRelatedToProductLiabilityLossesTableTextBlock_44928ea8-1961-49ef-a3fd-70c78f53232b" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_SummaryOfInsuranceReceivableBalancesAndActivityRelatedToProductLiabilityLossesTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_a4037ad5-7ecf-45de-bbab-cb2e2f79fda2" xlink:to="loc_msa_SummaryOfInsuranceReceivableBalancesAndActivityRelatedToProductLiabilityLossesTableTextBlock_44928ea8-1961-49ef-a3fd-70c78f53232b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTextBlock_139888e1-0c10-4483-8d31-b5f67950036e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_a4037ad5-7ecf-45de-bbab-cb2e2f79fda2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTextBlock_139888e1-0c10-4483-8d31-b5f67950036e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfProductWarrantyLiabilityTableTextBlock_77c04a63-936e-4488-acb7-4f9a132e4edb" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfProductWarrantyLiabilityTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_a4037ad5-7ecf-45de-bbab-cb2e2f79fda2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfProductWarrantyLiabilityTableTextBlock_77c04a63-936e-4488-acb7-4f9a132e4edb" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/ContingenciesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#ContingenciesAdditionalInformationDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/ContingenciesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_e969259f-5451-415e-9dd3-ab130e611bb2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_ba3600fc-7a8b-4125-85ae-227375f701fd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_e969259f-5451-415e-9dd3-ab130e611bb2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_ba3600fc-7a8b-4125-85ae-227375f701fd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_1ed7b111-0eff-495f-9b18-e635c0d35121" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_ba3600fc-7a8b-4125-85ae-227375f701fd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_1ed7b111-0eff-495f-9b18-e635c0d35121" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_5e506814-7303-4d63-aa20-f265691c10bc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_1ed7b111-0eff-495f-9b18-e635c0d35121" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_5e506814-7303-4d63-aa20-f265691c10bc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember_041a36f9-9c05-436e-a50e-2ed417125e54" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_5e506814-7303-4d63-aa20-f265691c10bc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember_041a36f9-9c05-436e-a50e-2ed417125e54" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember_1c46452d-20fa-4e6b-bcc7-bb11247057a6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_5e506814-7303-4d63-aa20-f265691c10bc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember_1c46452d-20fa-4e6b-bcc7-bb11247057a6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_e553481a-fd9a-436f-8004-9dd25bb64e7b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_ba3600fc-7a8b-4125-85ae-227375f701fd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_e553481a-fd9a-436f-8004-9dd25bb64e7b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_1dc19709-1a63-4f55-b274-5542e52d5b4f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_e553481a-fd9a-436f-8004-9dd25bb64e7b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_1dc19709-1a63-4f55-b274-5542e52d5b4f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_SingleIncidentMember_5206d514-871b-4fd3-852a-a72587534e01" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_SingleIncidentMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_1dc19709-1a63-4f55-b274-5542e52d5b4f" xlink:to="loc_msa_SingleIncidentMember_5206d514-871b-4fd3-852a-a72587534e01" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_LawsuitMember_fb5eee00-c47a-4515-a07b-13ef2015b5aa" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_LawsuitMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_1dc19709-1a63-4f55-b274-5542e52d5b4f" xlink:to="loc_msa_LawsuitMember_fb5eee00-c47a-4515-a07b-13ef2015b5aa" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DamagesFromProductDefectsMember_9ec85a9f-2f5e-4355-9799-f6068b83ea93" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DamagesFromProductDefectsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_1dc19709-1a63-4f55-b274-5542e52d5b4f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DamagesFromProductDefectsMember_9ec85a9f-2f5e-4355-9799-f6068b83ea93" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_CumulativeTraumaMember_d0466c1e-76a5-4a0f-8588-6376669d1f28" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_CumulativeTraumaMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_1dc19709-1a63-4f55-b274-5542e52d5b4f" xlink:to="loc_msa_CumulativeTraumaMember_d0466c1e-76a5-4a0f-8588-6376669d1f28" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_ClaimsSettledButNotYetPaidMember_5d61cbf7-de8e-42ea-a905-5c86fa6fc8ee" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_ClaimsSettledButNotYetPaidMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_1dc19709-1a63-4f55-b274-5542e52d5b4f" xlink:to="loc_msa_ClaimsSettledButNotYetPaidMember_5d61cbf7-de8e-42ea-a905-5c86fa6fc8ee" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_CumulativeTraumaReportedClaimsMember_2f3958de-865b-40a2-a9ce-3fdc7228f1f9" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_CumulativeTraumaReportedClaimsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_1dc19709-1a63-4f55-b274-5542e52d5b4f" xlink:to="loc_msa_CumulativeTraumaReportedClaimsMember_2f3958de-865b-40a2-a9ce-3fdc7228f1f9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_UninsuredCumulativeTraumaMember_ac10b1d6-bd5b-4bf6-a8a9-5b1468c14f95" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_UninsuredCumulativeTraumaMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_1dc19709-1a63-4f55-b274-5542e52d5b4f" xlink:to="loc_msa_UninsuredCumulativeTraumaMember_ac10b1d6-bd5b-4bf6-a8a9-5b1468c14f95" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_588938ae-c653-43a5-956b-e732000fc706" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_ba3600fc-7a8b-4125-85ae-227375f701fd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_588938ae-c653-43a5-956b-e732000fc706" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductLiabilityAccrualComponentAmount_d1650d90-261f-4eff-85dd-fa1a335f82fc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductLiabilityAccrualComponentAmount"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_588938ae-c653-43a5-956b-e732000fc706" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductLiabilityAccrualComponentAmount_d1650d90-261f-4eff-85dd-fa1a335f82fc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductLiabilityAccrualPeriodExpense_7890ad49-9e0d-4846-861f-8b6136882211" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductLiabilityAccrualPeriodExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_588938ae-c653-43a5-956b-e732000fc706" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductLiabilityAccrualPeriodExpense_7890ad49-9e0d-4846-861f-8b6136882211" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyPendingClaimsNumber_0d1d5301-eb5d-4dcc-b8bc-0ddd0087c106" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyPendingClaimsNumber"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_588938ae-c653-43a5-956b-e732000fc706" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyPendingClaimsNumber_0d1d5301-eb5d-4dcc-b8bc-0ddd0087c106" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_LossContingencyYearsofActivity_e99e2ce4-e5a8-4f44-b4a1-6b8a5d1e7220" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_LossContingencyYearsofActivity"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_588938ae-c653-43a5-956b-e732000fc706" xlink:to="loc_msa_LossContingencyYearsofActivity_e99e2ce4-e5a8-4f44-b4a1-6b8a5d1e7220" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualProductLiabilityGross_966c8e91-1b58-4845-bf42-aa37e06d31bd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualProductLiabilityGross"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_588938ae-c653-43a5-956b-e732000fc706" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualProductLiabilityGross_966c8e91-1b58-4845-bf42-aa37e06d31bd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InsuranceSettlementsReceivable_145da8a3-3eee-4cd9-9099-b76388e39cc9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InsuranceSettlementsReceivable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_588938ae-c653-43a5-956b-e732000fc706" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InsuranceSettlementsReceivable_145da8a3-3eee-4cd9-9099-b76388e39cc9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InsuranceSettlementsReceivableCurrent_ec8620ea-7cb3-4326-a757-bd9ccaf67bb0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InsuranceSettlementsReceivableCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_588938ae-c653-43a5-956b-e732000fc706" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InsuranceSettlementsReceivableCurrent_ec8620ea-7cb3-4326-a757-bd9ccaf67bb0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InsuranceSettlementsReceivableNoncurrent_67cbac4e-18e1-44a1-bfe6-55edae768aa7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InsuranceSettlementsReceivableNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_588938ae-c653-43a5-956b-e732000fc706" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InsuranceSettlementsReceivableNoncurrent_67cbac4e-18e1-44a1-bfe6-55edae768aa7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_NotesLoansandFinancingReceivableNetInsuranceCompanies_213e5c5d-f29a-4311-9dad-90a10d005034" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_NotesLoansandFinancingReceivableNetInsuranceCompanies"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_588938ae-c653-43a5-956b-e732000fc706" xlink:to="loc_msa_NotesLoansandFinancingReceivableNetInsuranceCompanies_213e5c5d-f29a-4311-9dad-90a10d005034" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_NotesLoansandFinancingReceivableNetInsuranceCompaniesCurrent_d457690c-32cb-4548-a60a-c2ca5d078da9" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_NotesLoansandFinancingReceivableNetInsuranceCompaniesCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_588938ae-c653-43a5-956b-e732000fc706" xlink:to="loc_msa_NotesLoansandFinancingReceivableNetInsuranceCompaniesCurrent_d457690c-32cb-4548-a60a-c2ca5d078da9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_NotesReceivablesfromInsuranceCompaniesNoncurrent_ec4bf68d-80fd-44d4-9b51-81769ac4d8fc" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_NotesReceivablesfromInsuranceCompaniesNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_588938ae-c653-43a5-956b-e732000fc706" xlink:to="loc_msa_NotesReceivablesfromInsuranceCompaniesNoncurrent_ec4bf68d-80fd-44d4-9b51-81769ac4d8fc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductWarrantyExpense_b4dd9b82-3925-4f01-8b50-d0deddc05db6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductWarrantyExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_588938ae-c653-43a5-956b-e732000fc706" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductWarrantyExpense_b4dd9b82-3925-4f01-8b50-d0deddc05db6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/ContingenciesSummaryofCumulativeTraumaProductLiabilityClaimsActivityDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#ContingenciesSummaryofCumulativeTraumaProductLiabilityClaimsActivityDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/ContingenciesSummaryofCumulativeTraumaProductLiabilityClaimsActivityDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_64911fa1-7e90-4d48-ae82-a3df1b090d16" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_94caf397-e6ec-4c59-967b-0280add53f7b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_64911fa1-7e90-4d48-ae82-a3df1b090d16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_94caf397-e6ec-4c59-967b-0280add53f7b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_5484a1e2-c9e9-40eb-a589-a1ed9ff0e56e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_94caf397-e6ec-4c59-967b-0280add53f7b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_5484a1e2-c9e9-40eb-a589-a1ed9ff0e56e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_dad8cc7c-74a9-4703-8e78-68c7dbb78e03" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_5484a1e2-c9e9-40eb-a589-a1ed9ff0e56e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_dad8cc7c-74a9-4703-8e78-68c7dbb78e03" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_LawsuitMember_2cfea3b3-4ffd-441a-912b-7fc5ad010565" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_LawsuitMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_dad8cc7c-74a9-4703-8e78-68c7dbb78e03" xlink:to="loc_msa_LawsuitMember_2cfea3b3-4ffd-441a-912b-7fc5ad010565" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DamagesFromProductDefectsMember_c393859b-b0f8-4f88-9015-58db96eab614" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DamagesFromProductDefectsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_dad8cc7c-74a9-4703-8e78-68c7dbb78e03" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DamagesFromProductDefectsMember_c393859b-b0f8-4f88-9015-58db96eab614" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_3e585837-6f36-444e-baba-a7e0c512ec63" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_94caf397-e6ec-4c59-967b-0280add53f7b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_3e585837-6f36-444e-baba-a7e0c512ec63" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_LossContingencyQuantitiesRollForward_422b8deb-0f93-48e7-a231-f09c6e13f2a7" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_LossContingencyQuantitiesRollForward"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_3e585837-6f36-444e-baba-a7e0c512ec63" xlink:to="loc_msa_LossContingencyQuantitiesRollForward_422b8deb-0f93-48e7-a231-f09c6e13f2a7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyPendingClaimsNumber_5a982960-7f92-46de-8832-f78fcca7f568" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyPendingClaimsNumber"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_msa_LossContingencyQuantitiesRollForward_422b8deb-0f93-48e7-a231-f09c6e13f2a7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyPendingClaimsNumber_5a982960-7f92-46de-8832-f78fcca7f568" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNewClaimsFiledNumber_f785e23c-92d7-4ad8-84b2-cc4615713145" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyNewClaimsFiledNumber"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_msa_LossContingencyQuantitiesRollForward_422b8deb-0f93-48e7-a231-f09c6e13f2a7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNewClaimsFiledNumber_f785e23c-92d7-4ad8-84b2-cc4615713145" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyClaimsSettledAndDismissedNumber_a9f9d763-8381-48c4-bac5-cdcdedcb3ac2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyClaimsSettledAndDismissedNumber"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_msa_LossContingencyQuantitiesRollForward_422b8deb-0f93-48e7-a231-f09c6e13f2a7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyClaimsSettledAndDismissedNumber_a9f9d763-8381-48c4-bac5-cdcdedcb3ac2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyPendingClaimsNumber_14c03172-49cd-4175-b0f2-c30a821257fa" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyPendingClaimsNumber"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_msa_LossContingencyQuantitiesRollForward_422b8deb-0f93-48e7-a231-f09c6e13f2a7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyPendingClaimsNumber_14c03172-49cd-4175-b0f2-c30a821257fa" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/ContingenciesSummaryofInsuranceReceivableBalancesandActivityRelatedtoCumulativeTraumaProductLiabilityLossesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#ContingenciesSummaryofInsuranceReceivableBalancesandActivityRelatedtoCumulativeTraumaProductLiabilityLossesDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/ContingenciesSummaryofInsuranceReceivableBalancesandActivityRelatedtoCumulativeTraumaProductLiabilityLossesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_ec326e3a-59e7-4ba5-bacc-c01c3c081c01" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MovementInLossContingencyRelatedReceivableIncreaseDecreaseRollForward_17b17e48-2ec1-4662-9525-d365f660c2e6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MovementInLossContingencyRelatedReceivableIncreaseDecreaseRollForward"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_ec326e3a-59e7-4ba5-bacc-c01c3c081c01" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MovementInLossContingencyRelatedReceivableIncreaseDecreaseRollForward_17b17e48-2ec1-4662-9525-d365f660c2e6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InsuranceSettlementsReceivable_64a9061e-6f63-4bdc-b4a4-fcacc0ed36b4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InsuranceSettlementsReceivable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MovementInLossContingencyRelatedReceivableIncreaseDecreaseRollForward_17b17e48-2ec1-4662-9525-d365f660c2e6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InsuranceSettlementsReceivable_64a9061e-6f63-4bdc-b4a4-fcacc0ed36b4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyRelatedReceivableCarryingValueAdditions_6046d3be-cc8d-4e5d-b48c-cacff62f64b5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyRelatedReceivableCarryingValueAdditions"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MovementInLossContingencyRelatedReceivableIncreaseDecreaseRollForward_17b17e48-2ec1-4662-9525-d365f660c2e6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyRelatedReceivableCarryingValueAdditions_6046d3be-cc8d-4e5d-b48c-cacff62f64b5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyReceivableProceeds_a91780a6-f0c9-4a8e-a5ae-7413e11b10c0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyReceivableProceeds"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MovementInLossContingencyRelatedReceivableIncreaseDecreaseRollForward_17b17e48-2ec1-4662-9525-d365f660c2e6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyReceivableProceeds_a91780a6-f0c9-4a8e-a5ae-7413e11b10c0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InsuranceSettlementsReceivable_70ff38d1-5f96-486d-a6d4-5bd74fbbff78" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InsuranceSettlementsReceivable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MovementInLossContingencyRelatedReceivableIncreaseDecreaseRollForward_17b17e48-2ec1-4662-9525-d365f660c2e6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InsuranceSettlementsReceivable_70ff38d1-5f96-486d-a6d4-5bd74fbbff78" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/ContingenciesScheduleofNotesReceivableBalancesfromInsuranceCompaniesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#ContingenciesScheduleofNotesReceivableBalancesfromInsuranceCompaniesDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/ContingenciesScheduleofNotesReceivableBalancesfromInsuranceCompaniesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_60940585-f3eb-4377-baa5-652fb7a4b088" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MovementInLossContingencyRelatedReceivableIncreaseDecreaseRollForward_24d9465b-d8db-484c-a894-470a8f76bc26" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MovementInLossContingencyRelatedReceivableIncreaseDecreaseRollForward"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_60940585-f3eb-4377-baa5-652fb7a4b088" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MovementInLossContingencyRelatedReceivableIncreaseDecreaseRollForward_24d9465b-d8db-484c-a894-470a8f76bc26" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_NotesLoansandFinancingReceivableNetInsuranceCompanies_51be34a3-79c3-4d2a-b01e-094956f38b01" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_NotesLoansandFinancingReceivableNetInsuranceCompanies"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MovementInLossContingencyRelatedReceivableIncreaseDecreaseRollForward_24d9465b-d8db-484c-a894-470a8f76bc26" xlink:to="loc_msa_NotesLoansandFinancingReceivableNetInsuranceCompanies_51be34a3-79c3-4d2a-b01e-094956f38b01" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_NotesLoansandFinancingReceivableInsuranceCompaniesAdditions_5c02ae4b-7f4f-4507-91c1-7edf02f2aee2" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_NotesLoansandFinancingReceivableInsuranceCompaniesAdditions"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MovementInLossContingencyRelatedReceivableIncreaseDecreaseRollForward_24d9465b-d8db-484c-a894-470a8f76bc26" xlink:to="loc_msa_NotesLoansandFinancingReceivableInsuranceCompaniesAdditions_5c02ae4b-7f4f-4507-91c1-7edf02f2aee2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_NotesLoansandFinancingReceivableInsuranceCompaniesProceeds_8b7d6d25-7692-4d7f-8571-0953ad0e5546" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_NotesLoansandFinancingReceivableInsuranceCompaniesProceeds"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MovementInLossContingencyRelatedReceivableIncreaseDecreaseRollForward_24d9465b-d8db-484c-a894-470a8f76bc26" xlink:to="loc_msa_NotesLoansandFinancingReceivableInsuranceCompaniesProceeds_8b7d6d25-7692-4d7f-8571-0953ad0e5546" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_NotesLoansandFinancingReceivableNetInsuranceCompanies_2260d665-74a8-464c-9efc-63f33a63529c" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_NotesLoansandFinancingReceivableNetInsuranceCompanies"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MovementInLossContingencyRelatedReceivableIncreaseDecreaseRollForward_24d9465b-d8db-484c-a894-470a8f76bc26" xlink:to="loc_msa_NotesLoansandFinancingReceivableNetInsuranceCompanies_2260d665-74a8-464c-9efc-63f33a63529c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/ContingenciesScheduleofProductWarrantyLiabilityDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#ContingenciesScheduleofProductWarrantyLiabilityDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/ContingenciesScheduleofProductWarrantyLiabilityDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_6707acee-7a74-42e7-9007-17e84c87aae1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MovementInStandardAndExtendedProductWarrantyIncreaseDecreaseRollForward_af38b622-baec-45d4-8365-f1bc06932bba" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MovementInStandardAndExtendedProductWarrantyIncreaseDecreaseRollForward"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_6707acee-7a74-42e7-9007-17e84c87aae1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MovementInStandardAndExtendedProductWarrantyIncreaseDecreaseRollForward_af38b622-baec-45d4-8365-f1bc06932bba" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductWarrantyAccrual_5e58fd4c-585a-4cff-8d2f-a4d54f868fc1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductWarrantyAccrual"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MovementInStandardAndExtendedProductWarrantyIncreaseDecreaseRollForward_af38b622-baec-45d4-8365-f1bc06932bba" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductWarrantyAccrual_5e58fd4c-585a-4cff-8d2f-a4d54f868fc1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StandardProductWarrantyAccrualPayments_c526ed18-26b8-4188-808e-b6d39b43dc1b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StandardProductWarrantyAccrualPayments"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MovementInStandardAndExtendedProductWarrantyIncreaseDecreaseRollForward_af38b622-baec-45d4-8365-f1bc06932bba" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StandardProductWarrantyAccrualPayments_c526ed18-26b8-4188-808e-b6d39b43dc1b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StandardProductWarrantyAccrualWarrantiesIssued_ccfdd2ac-5b5a-421f-92fa-a8b6ae33ea02" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StandardProductWarrantyAccrualWarrantiesIssued"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MovementInStandardAndExtendedProductWarrantyIncreaseDecreaseRollForward_af38b622-baec-45d4-8365-f1bc06932bba" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StandardProductWarrantyAccrualWarrantiesIssued_ccfdd2ac-5b5a-421f-92fa-a8b6ae33ea02" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductWarrantyAccrualPreexistingIncreaseDecrease_b916d4dd-32a4-428b-86ca-c369194e2477" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductWarrantyAccrualPreexistingIncreaseDecrease"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MovementInStandardAndExtendedProductWarrantyIncreaseDecreaseRollForward_af38b622-baec-45d4-8365-f1bc06932bba" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductWarrantyAccrualPreexistingIncreaseDecrease_b916d4dd-32a4-428b-86ca-c369194e2477" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductWarrantyAccrual_69b8c90d-fdb8-4713-abf2-03cd6de66b6d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductWarrantyAccrual"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MovementInStandardAndExtendedProductWarrantyIncreaseDecreaseRollForward_af38b622-baec-45d4-8365-f1bc06932bba" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductWarrantyAccrual_69b8c90d-fdb8-4713-abf2-03cd6de66b6d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/Acquisitions" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#Acquisitions"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/Acquisitions" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_e18c5ae2-e6c5-4751-ac20-be301d5d2e92" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationDisclosureTextBlock_b867a138-cecc-4a6a-a3a4-29e220c9288d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_e18c5ae2-e6c5-4751-ac20-be301d5d2e92" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationDisclosureTextBlock_b867a138-cecc-4a6a-a3a4-29e220c9288d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/AcquisitionsTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#AcquisitionsTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/AcquisitionsTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_2ac7016d-6bfe-4d97-81eb-580c1ee95776" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRecognizedIdentifiedAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedTableTextBlock_814be7d7-b100-4f92-a65f-9f0a7b3c2605" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRecognizedIdentifiedAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_2ac7016d-6bfe-4d97-81eb-580c1ee95776" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRecognizedIdentifiedAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedTableTextBlock_814be7d7-b100-4f92-a65f-9f0a7b3c2605" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationTextBlock_e5e64ec7-7e08-4191-ae02-0412657fa696" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_2ac7016d-6bfe-4d97-81eb-580c1ee95776" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationTextBlock_e5e64ec7-7e08-4191-ae02-0412657fa696" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/AcquisitionsAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#AcquisitionsAdditionalInformationDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/AcquisitionsAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_2bd63b9c-0ac6-4de2-b525-67db71f60b95" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_2d1a2f73-95d1-48b7-b531-56d0d10655f1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_2bd63b9c-0ac6-4de2-b525-67db71f60b95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_2d1a2f73-95d1-48b7-b531-56d0d10655f1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_7fd2d5bc-025e-4a13-99a9-397380e9d8ac" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_2d1a2f73-95d1-48b7-b531-56d0d10655f1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_7fd2d5bc-025e-4a13-99a9-397380e9d8ac" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_31e708bd-53a1-408b-89e8-6edc951ee306" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_7fd2d5bc-025e-4a13-99a9-397380e9d8ac" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_31e708bd-53a1-408b-89e8-6edc951ee306" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_StockOptionsAndRestrictedStockUnitsMember_6707f01c-255e-47b2-b8eb-365bbd16e359" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_StockOptionsAndRestrictedStockUnitsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_31e708bd-53a1-408b-89e8-6edc951ee306" xlink:to="loc_msa_StockOptionsAndRestrictedStockUnitsMember_6707f01c-255e-47b2-b8eb-365bbd16e359" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_4b7d17dc-6e96-4e4b-bbb8-13f78163200b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_2d1a2f73-95d1-48b7-b531-56d0d10655f1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_4b7d17dc-6e96-4e4b-bbb8-13f78163200b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_27affee4-d875-42e7-acf5-48af85bcacf6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_4b7d17dc-6e96-4e4b-bbb8-13f78163200b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_27affee4-d875-42e7-acf5-48af85bcacf6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CustomerRelatedIntangibleAssetsMember_8b13e234-3ee4-401f-83b5-2d21b7802e60" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerRelatedIntangibleAssetsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_27affee4-d875-42e7-acf5-48af85bcacf6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CustomerRelatedIntangibleAssetsMember_8b13e234-3ee4-401f-83b5-2d21b7802e60" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TechnologyBasedIntangibleAssetsMember_e6351aef-4df3-4c78-b71e-cf40dc5be225" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TechnologyBasedIntangibleAssetsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_27affee4-d875-42e7-acf5-48af85bcacf6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TechnologyBasedIntangibleAssetsMember_e6351aef-4df3-4c78-b71e-cf40dc5be225" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_aaec3f00-919a-4b94-b1b9-aa4a9c5796b1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_2d1a2f73-95d1-48b7-b531-56d0d10655f1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_aaec3f00-919a-4b94-b1b9-aa4a9c5796b1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_4a8779f5-4e96-4b91-8a5b-64c17dbb0679" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_aaec3f00-919a-4b94-b1b9-aa4a9c5796b1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_4a8779f5-4e96-4b91-8a5b-64c17dbb0679" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_SierraMonitorCorporationMember_c44254bb-000b-487b-9060-23397d5b1e83" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_SierraMonitorCorporationMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_4a8779f5-4e96-4b91-8a5b-64c17dbb0679" xlink:to="loc_msa_SierraMonitorCorporationMember_c44254bb-000b-487b-9060-23397d5b1e83" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_ba27ecb1-3085-45a5-89bd-3838d01b92e7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_2d1a2f73-95d1-48b7-b531-56d0d10655f1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_ba27ecb1-3085-45a5-89bd-3838d01b92e7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_01322c22-779d-4ebe-ad89-28a9e0a8b8d4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_ba27ecb1-3085-45a5-89bd-3838d01b92e7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_01322c22-779d-4ebe-ad89-28a9e0a8b8d4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired_6b3829ac-b924-4b2d-9661-e3db531f21da" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_ba27ecb1-3085-45a5-89bd-3838d01b92e7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired_6b3829ac-b924-4b2d-9661-e3db531f21da" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_d2009782-99b3-490b-aebe-08a2b69a29c9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_ba27ecb1-3085-45a5-89bd-3838d01b92e7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_d2009782-99b3-490b-aebe-08a2b69a29c9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_259acfb7-e64f-401b-8868-0c173a034efa" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_ba27ecb1-3085-45a5-89bd-3838d01b92e7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_259acfb7-e64f-401b-8868-0c173a034efa" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseRemainderOfFiscalYear_6434bc02-7cc1-455a-bebd-4e9fc5ecd69c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseRemainderOfFiscalYear"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_ba27ecb1-3085-45a5-89bd-3838d01b92e7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseRemainderOfFiscalYear_6434bc02-7cc1-455a-bebd-4e9fc5ecd69c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearsTwoThroughFour_ec7bd15f-fc2f-4b62-9691-7851b7a7cb6a" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearsTwoThroughFour"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_ba27ecb1-3085-45a5-89bd-3838d01b92e7" xlink:to="loc_msa_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearsTwoThroughFour_ec7bd15f-fc2f-4b62-9691-7851b7a7cb6a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour_9b6d4a7b-c57d-4b00-a3cd-86135f1712a9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_ba27ecb1-3085-45a5-89bd-3838d01b92e7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour_9b6d4a7b-c57d-4b00-a3cd-86135f1712a9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseAfterYearFive_31e389f8-666d-412f-bca2-0759a41cedb8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseAfterYearFive"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_ba27ecb1-3085-45a5-89bd-3838d01b92e7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseAfterYearFive_31e389f8-666d-412f-bca2-0759a41cedb8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_BusinessCombinationStepUpToFairValueOfAcquiredInventoryAspartOfPurchasePriceAllocation_8cab96df-6be4-4a41-9bfb-b9b5e258d063" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_BusinessCombinationStepUpToFairValueOfAcquiredInventoryAspartOfPurchasePriceAllocation"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_ba27ecb1-3085-45a5-89bd-3838d01b92e7" xlink:to="loc_msa_BusinessCombinationStepUpToFairValueOfAcquiredInventoryAspartOfPurchasePriceAllocation_8cab96df-6be4-4a41-9bfb-b9b5e258d063" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_BusinessCombinationAmortizationExpenseRelatedToStepUpToFairValueOfAcquiredInventoryAspartOfPurchasePriceAllocation_e39489ca-e47e-4c7d-aaa3-00c0485b54b1" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_BusinessCombinationAmortizationExpenseRelatedToStepUpToFairValueOfAcquiredInventoryAspartOfPurchasePriceAllocation"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_ba27ecb1-3085-45a5-89bd-3838d01b92e7" xlink:to="loc_msa_BusinessCombinationAmortizationExpenseRelatedToStepUpToFairValueOfAcquiredInventoryAspartOfPurchasePriceAllocation_e39489ca-e47e-4c7d-aaa3-00c0485b54b1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_767f305c-7847-4cc8-991d-0dce77ac9d8c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_ba27ecb1-3085-45a5-89bd-3838d01b92e7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_767f305c-7847-4cc8-991d-0dce77ac9d8c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_d0bbf355-8fe3-4347-9737-41bec80e34bc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_ba27ecb1-3085-45a5-89bd-3838d01b92e7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_d0bbf355-8fe3-4347-9737-41bec80e34bc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_03d062ed-c787-4e42-b362-eddca65fe8eb" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_ba27ecb1-3085-45a5-89bd-3838d01b92e7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_03d062ed-c787-4e42-b362-eddca65fe8eb" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/netLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityTransactionCosts_dde83636-1601-4f39-8648-5706c7c3b387" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityTransactionCosts"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_ba27ecb1-3085-45a5-89bd-3838d01b92e7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityTransactionCosts_dde83636-1601-4f39-8648-5706c7c3b387" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/AcquisitionsFairValueofAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#AcquisitionsFairValueofAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/AcquisitionsFairValueofAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_3ec48698-a8a0-4040-89b3-ee0c29d901e8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_c1fc5eae-d9af-4a89-a80b-aba59c7b8bd1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_3ec48698-a8a0-4040-89b3-ee0c29d901e8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_c1fc5eae-d9af-4a89-a80b-aba59c7b8bd1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_c47de45c-9176-4f1a-a673-f6dc29ae2cc9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_c1fc5eae-d9af-4a89-a80b-aba59c7b8bd1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_c47de45c-9176-4f1a-a673-f6dc29ae2cc9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_2be2c4d8-4639-47aa-b99c-c038db8e842e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_c47de45c-9176-4f1a-a673-f6dc29ae2cc9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_2be2c4d8-4639-47aa-b99c-c038db8e842e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_b3f82aa0-69a1-43a2-b0a2-082856729353" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_2be2c4d8-4639-47aa-b99c-c038db8e842e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_b3f82aa0-69a1-43a2-b0a2-082856729353" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TechnologyBasedIntangibleAssetsMember_6eea293e-a218-419e-9273-d9a90eb3f352" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TechnologyBasedIntangibleAssetsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_2be2c4d8-4639-47aa-b99c-c038db8e842e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TechnologyBasedIntangibleAssetsMember_6eea293e-a218-419e-9273-d9a90eb3f352" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_8c4df004-e98e-4c10-8438-97c705a29e1f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_c1fc5eae-d9af-4a89-a80b-aba59c7b8bd1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_8c4df004-e98e-4c10-8438-97c705a29e1f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_568bbe1e-fc5f-4a86-a6a6-39e316bdba81" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_8c4df004-e98e-4c10-8438-97c705a29e1f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_568bbe1e-fc5f-4a86-a6a6-39e316bdba81" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_msa_SierraMonitorCorporationMember_c61cb2fd-979a-4edb-a953-02c356dfa41a" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#msa_SierraMonitorCorporationMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_568bbe1e-fc5f-4a86-a6a6-39e316bdba81" xlink:to="loc_msa_SierraMonitorCorporationMember_c61cb2fd-979a-4edb-a953-02c356dfa41a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8d65247c-84ee-4272-9e2b-97da0d4f744e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_c1fc5eae-d9af-4a89-a80b-aba59c7b8bd1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8d65247c-84ee-4272-9e2b-97da0d4f744e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCashAndEquivalents_d20bd594-3309-4279-8899-05145c28c1c1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCashAndEquivalents"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8d65247c-84ee-4272-9e2b-97da0d4f744e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCashAndEquivalents_d20bd594-3309-4279-8899-05145c28c1c1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssets_2f5ddae6-fe2a-4651-80b3-b075a98253af" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssets"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8d65247c-84ee-4272-9e2b-97da0d4f744e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssets_2f5ddae6-fe2a-4651-80b3-b075a98253af" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedEquipment_784ea368-c89a-4c36-b413-6d794de2cedc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedEquipment"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8d65247c-84ee-4272-9e2b-97da0d4f744e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedEquipment_784ea368-c89a-4c36-b413-6d794de2cedc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles_c4be22e0-6f7a-4d28-8e36-3367ddc8bfca" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8d65247c-84ee-4272-9e2b-97da0d4f744e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles_c4be22e0-6f7a-4d28-8e36-3367ddc8bfca" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_b6b4033b-0f11-416e-9d06-366f91b02591" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8d65247c-84ee-4272-9e2b-97da0d4f744e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_b6b4033b-0f11-416e-9d06-366f91b02591" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets_9930b999-5d2f-48af-8891-8be97fcc1a92" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8d65247c-84ee-4272-9e2b-97da0d4f744e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets_9930b999-5d2f-48af-8891-8be97fcc1a92" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities_ac6ace4d-4fe6-4732-ac20-b1e091230b87" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8d65247c-84ee-4272-9e2b-97da0d4f744e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities_ac6ace4d-4fe6-4732-ac20-b1e091230b87" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet_fe2729b7-41ec-4724-b20c-8010466b308e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8d65247c-84ee-4272-9e2b-97da0d4f744e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet_fe2729b7-41ec-4724-b20c-8010466b308e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msasafety.com/role/AcquisitionsProFormaFinancialInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msa-20200630.xsd#AcquisitionsProFormaFinancialInformationDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.msasafety.com/role/AcquisitionsProFormaFinancialInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_40a13ba9-b799-44c6-8f1d-a287ecfe05b9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaRevenue_f1c1c062-ea4f-4018-8031-d92143f4b1e2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaRevenue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_40a13ba9-b799-44c6-8f1d-a287ecfe05b9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaRevenue_f1c1c062-ea4f-4018-8031-d92143f4b1e2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaIncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeChangesInAccountingAndExtraordinaryItemsNetOfTax_d48b01b0-69d2-4b03-aaf2-0f55dbddf2e8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaIncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeChangesInAccountingAndExtraordinaryItemsNetOfTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_40a13ba9-b799-44c6-8f1d-a287ecfe05b9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaIncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeChangesInAccountingAndExtraordinaryItemsNetOfTax_d48b01b0-69d2-4b03-aaf2-0f55dbddf2e8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaIncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeChangesInAccountingAndExtraordinaryItemsNetOfTaxPerShareBasic_9791f7be-a2fd-4c65-8101-a41d61177f33" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaIncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeChangesInAccountingAndExtraordinaryItemsNetOfTaxPerShareBasic"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_40a13ba9-b799-44c6-8f1d-a287ecfe05b9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaIncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeChangesInAccountingAndExtraordinaryItemsNetOfTaxPerShareBasic_9791f7be-a2fd-4c65-8101-a41d61177f33" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaIncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeChangesInAccountingAndExtraordinaryItemsNetOfTaxPerShareDiluted_b8413561-9aff-4aeb-b1a8-f5e516b0b2a6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaIncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeChangesInAccountingAndExtraordinaryItemsNetOfTaxPerShareDiluted"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_40a13ba9-b799-44c6-8f1d-a287ecfe05b9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaIncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeChangesInAccountingAndExtraordinaryItemsNetOfTaxPerShareDiluted_b8413561-9aff-4aeb-b1a8-f5e516b0b2a6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
</link:linkbase>
