Planar Systems Launches North American Channel Partner Network for Its Industrial Display Product Portfolio; Enhances Pursuit of Specialty Display Projects in North America

Business Wire, Sept 20, 2006

BEAVERTON, Ore. -- Planar Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq:PLNR), a worldwide leader in specialty display solutions, today announced the addition of 11 channel partners to its North American network. Planar's industrial business unit already has a strong presence in Europe and Asia and is now expanding its coverage in North America. The company expects to add five new partners in coming months and will have complete coverage of North America by the end of 2006. The current network includes coverage of Mexico and Canada. The expansion of its channel partner network is a result of the company's overall strategy to pursue market opportunities for specialty displays that cannot be served by general commodity manufacturers. This additional network of experienced and knowledgeable sales professionals found within each channel partner of the Industrial Business Unit will enhance the company's ability to serve this vertical market with unique display solutions and superior service and support.

"The addition of the manufacturers' representatives channel in North America supports our plan to establish Planar as a leading specialty display solutions provider in several key markets. We have chosen channel partners with experienced technical staff and local market knowledge to better support our existing customers and develop new business opportunities," said Bill Hanrahan, director of North American sales, Planar Systems.

Phil Brant, president, New Era Sales, stated, "We serve the mid-Atlantic region and have strong relationships with military, industrial and telecommunications companies in our territory. By partnering with Planar we can provide unique solutions for key display projects. This improves our role as a valuable technical resource and gives us support and capabilities that we did not have before."

Planar selected firms that could best support its specialty display strategy. The importance of fit was also a significant factor in each channel partner's decision to carry Planar's Industrial specialty displays. "We looked at the breadth of Planar's Industrial product portfolio and saw a clear benefit for our customers. Additionally, Planar's reputation for customer support made our decision a slam dunk. Planar's ability to supply a variety of specialty displays and value-added features fills a need in our product offering. Planar's capabilities enable our customers to place their complete display requirements with them. We see this type of solutions provider as being what customers ultimately want," said Mike Lasley, president, Ion Associates.

The Industrial Business Unit's North American channel partner network complements the renewed investments in strengthening Planar's channel partner networks in Europe and Asia. There are 16 channel partners in Europe who resell Planar display products in industrial, medical, transportation and military markets. The markets in Asia and Middle East/Africa are served by 12 channel partners. For a complete list of channel partners, visit http://www.planarembedded.com/how_to_buy.> "The new sales channel for North America was created to fit our specialty display strategy with a focus on applications in which Planar's unique display performance and best-in-class design capabilities can deliver custom solutions. We have already begun to see some very exciting new business potential as a result of the new sales channel," said Doug Barnes, general manager and vice president of the industrial business unit, Planar Systems.

Planar's Industrial Business Unit offers a variety of display products using electroluminescent, Active Matrix LCD and Passive Matrix LCD technology to meet the special requirements of military, transportation, medical, industrial, public safety, and geospatial markets. These products are available in embedded and open-frame form factors and can include numerous custom enhancements, such as video, performance films and rugged mounts. All of the display products are backed by Planar's industry-leading warranty.

About Planar

Planar Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq:PLNR) is a leading provider of valued-added display hardware and software for a variety of specialty display markets worldwide. Hospitals, shopping centers, banks, businesses and other discriminating consumers depend on Planar to provide unique display-based solutions to exacting requirements, leveraging its operational excellence, technical innovation and go-to-market capabilities. Founded in 1983, Planar is headquartered in Oregon, USA, with offices, manufacturing partners and customers worldwide. For more information, visit www.planar.com.