GenRad's GR Technologies unveils new manufacturing process control software solution; Software development effort is a result of colloborations with leading electronic manufacturers; Products launched today represent industry's first

Business Wire, Sept 10, 1996

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 10, 1996--At a press conference held today at Surface Mount International, GenRad, Inc.'s (NYSE:GEN) GR Technologies introduced InPro, a new manufacturing process control software solution for optimizing the use of inspection of printed circuit boards (PCBs). InPro, an industry first, represents a new approach for managing the equipment involved in the inspection of partially and fully assembled printed circuit boards.

A technical session to be held today at Surface Mount International and chaired by GR Technologies will focus on inspection management. Panelists include representatives from leading PCB manufacturers.

James F. Lyons, GenRad's president and chief executive officer commented, "GenRad's InPro Inspection Process Control Solution introduced today is a result of an extremely efficient development effort. In early 1994, when we were in the midst of the financial turnaround, we launched GR Technologies with the intent of "changing the paradigm" in inspection and complementing our existing board test product line. The products announced today represent our first public rollout of products from this development team. Additional products will be unveiled in early 1997."

Traditionally, inspection strategies used by manufacturers were driven and graded on a "parts" basis. The question had been: have I tested a "part" or not? This philosophy dates back to the 70's, when the primary function of test was identifying bad "parts".

Today, manufacturers are constantly monitoring their parts suppliers and relying on good parts coming through the door. This has allowed them to turn their focus to eliminate Defect Opportunities that their process most frequently produces. By leveraging the defect history of a specific manufacturing line, InPro prioritizes which Defect Opportunities are most likely to occur. This allows inspection resources to be applied to the most likely and usually most costly defect that will occur on that specific design.

Bill Schymik, GR Technologies' vice president, commented on the announcement, "Our program was initiated in response to growing requests from electronic manufacturers to find a more efficient means of producing PCBs. The objective was to fully understand the PCB manufacturers' problem set and to work in collaboration with leading companies to develop solutions."

InPro's inspection process control tools allow manufacturers to manage all the inspection equipment deployed across the entire assembly line. InPro provides the knowledge and decision-making facilities to enable the manufacturer to optimize production and inspection of electronic assemblies and keep the manufacturing line within its control limits, thus reducing time to market, increasing yield, and minimizing scrap in the rework process.

GenRad Background

GenRad, Inc. provides manufacturers of electronic products with software, systems, and services that will improve their manufacturing and service productivity. GenRad participates in five core markets, including transportation, contract manufacturing, communications, computers and peripherals, and other industrial products. GenRad employs approximately 1,150 people worldwide, of which 30 percent are applications, software and hardware engineers. In 1996, GenRad acquired Mitron Corporation and Test Technology Associates (TTA), which are now subsidiaries of GenRad, Inc. -0-

By using the Genrad Investor Relations Fax-on-Demand service, you can receive Genrad's most current shareholder information. Please call 1-800-469-1261.

Statements made in this press release which are not historical, including statements regarding product demonstration, product capabilities and markets are forward looking statements and as such are subject to a number of risks. Please see the Company's 1995 Annual Report and other reports filed pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for additional disclosure regarding such risk factors.

Editor's Note: Schematic of Distributed Inspection Manufacturing Strategy available upon request.

http://www.genrad.com

Contact: Donna L. LaVoie/Claire Murphy

GenRad, Inc.

508/287-7222