Ismeca Automation is one of Europe's leading suppliers of custom assembly systems with a market leading position in the medical device and ink jet cartridge markets. The Komax Group, based in Dierikon (Lucerne) Switzerland, has activities in custom assembly systems (Komax Systems), cable and wire processing (Komax AG), and solar cell processing machines (Sibos Ascor). The majority of Komax System sales are for the electrical goods and automotive markets. The complementary nature of the Ismeca Automation Komax marriage will lead to better geographical coverage for all our customers, a wider range of system platforms, and sysnergies in technologiy, R&D, and product and process specific know-how. The Komax Group has a history of developing technology and markets within theautomation industry, with the acquisitions of Sigma (formally of the Bossard Group), SIBOS, Ascor, and Prime Automation.

The Komax Group had a consolidated sales of CHF 220 Million ($US Y185 M) in 2004, with Komax Systems companies (manufacturing custom built assembly equipment) representing approximately CHF 50 Million ($US 40M) of that sum.

The addition of Ismeca Automation into the Komax Group will create a major force within the assembly automation industry with a combined workforce of over 400 experienced engineers and technicians, worldwide sales of over CHF 100 Million, and a full range of system solutions - from hand operated work stations to high speed lines. Ismeca's market leading position and extensive process know-how in medical device and ink-jet cartridge assembly will be complemented by Komax Systems experience in connector and cable assembly, as well as in electronic, consumer goods, and automotive component assembly.

Ismeca Automation will be the strategic center for all medical device and ink-jet cartridge assembly for the Komax Group.

As far as custom automated systems production, Ismeca Automation (La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland) will join forces with Komax Systems AG (Rotkreuz, Switzerland), Komax Systems Rockford (Chicago, USA), Komax Systems York (Pennsylvania, USA) and Komax SIGMA (Stans, Switzerland). The worldwide presence of the Komax Group - with extensive coverage in Europe, North America, and Asia - including complete service sites located in over 50 countries, will provice all our customers with a global partner capable of supplying complete assembly system solutions, service and support wherever required.

The geographical location and the management of Ismeca Automation remain unchanged.

For more information, please contact Erik Poulsen, Director of Sales and Marketing, at +41 32 925 71 11.