Rockford Fosgate Unveils Amplifier Incorporating Duraswitch Technology

Business Wire, Jan 22, 2002

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

CES 2002

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 22, 2002

Rockford Corp., (Nasdaq:ROFO) a national designer, manufacturer and distributor of high-end mobile audio systems for the worldwide consumer car audio aftermarket, chose Duraswitch Industries Inc.'s (Nasdaq:DSWT) licensee, AP Industrial, to manufacture state-of-the-art controls that monitor and adjust sound system quality in its newest, top-of-the-line amplifier.

Showcased in a public unveiling at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas earlier this month, the highly anticipated Rockford Fosgate Type RF Amplifier sports Duraswitch technology in controlling a digital signal processor, conditioning, equalizing, and providing crossover functions in the production of advanced sound quality.

"Rockford's inclusion of Duraswitch technology in one of their most popular brands makes for a solid opportunity in this market," said Tim Kuhn, vice president of business development for Duraswitch. "Over the years, many of Rockford's innovations have been adopted as industry standards."

"High-end mobile amplifiers require controls that have almost unlimited life, and must provide a tactile feel," explained Tom Sollars, a Rockford senior mechanical engineer.

"Replacing previously deployed metal/polyester domes that prematurely failed, Duraswitch's switch panels provide tremendous reliability exceeding high-end equipment life expectancy coupled with a tactile feedback that does not degrade over time. This superior performance gives Rockford Fosgate a true competitive advantage."

Sollars indicated that Rockford Fosgate has strict requirements for this application's quality standards. Customers of the popular brand demand products of exceptional quality and innovative technologies -- including controls -- to produce a realistic reproduction of stage-quality, concert-like sound.

"We worked with our customer to incorporate Duraswitch technology because its attributes match perfectly with Rockford's goal of providing the end-user the highest-quality system to manipulate sound quality," conveyed Steve Grass, sales and project manager for AP Industrial.

"The proven reliability of our technology gives AP Industrial a spirited edge with Rockford and other high-end audio sound system makers," added Bob Brilon, Duraswitch president and chief executive officer.

"By providing switch panels that yield top performance and consistency, AP Industrial is well positioned for Rockford's future in brand leadership."

About Rockford Corp.

Rockford is a designer, manufacturer and distributor of high-performance audio systems for the mobile, professional and home theater audio markets. Rockford's mobile audio products are marketed under the Rockford Fosgate, Lightning Audio, MB Quart and Q-Logic brand names.

Rockford's professional audio and home theatre products are marketed under the Hafler, Fosgate Audionics and MB Quart brand names. More information is available on the Internet at www.rockfordfosgate.com.

About AP Industrial

Based in Tempe, Ariz., since 1985, AP Industrial is a diversified provider of product finishing, product marking and electronic input requirements. For more information, visit the Web site at www.apif.com or call 480/968-1947.

About Duraswitch

Duraswitch Industries Inc. licenses, engineers, and markets its patented electronic switch technology to switch manufacturers and OEMs worldwide (U.S. Patent Nos. 5,523,730 / 5,666,096 / 5,867,082 / 5,990,772 / 6,023,213 / 6,069,545 / 6,069,552 / 6,130,593 / 6,137,387 / 6,262,646). Visit www.duraswitch.com or call 480/586-3300 for more information.

This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Risks and uncertainties that could cause results to differ materially from those projected are described from time to time in our documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Form 10KSB.

These forward-looking statements represent the company's judgment as of the date of the press release. Duraswitch disclaims, however, any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.