3M and Advanced Interconnect Sign Agreement to Provide Single-Mode OGI Multi-Fiber Systems.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 14, 2003

- Alliance Broadens Availability of Improved Parallel Optic System -

3M and Advanced Interconnect, Inc. (AI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Woodhead Industries, Inc. (Nasdaq:WDHD), have signed a licensing agreement that will enable AI to independently manufacture and sell the OGI (Optical Gateway Interface) Multi-Fiber Connection System developed by 3M. This patented, high-density panel mount and backplane feed-through system offers technological improvements over existing parallel optic solutions.

This agreement makes the OGI Multi-Fiber System more accessible by providing a second source of supply for telecommunication, networking and high-speed computing OEMs, high-end industrial controls, test equipment, medical and military customers.

Panel mount couplings are available in single and 4-port versions. Blind-mate backplane quad couplings hold four OGI connectors, each of which houses 8- or 12-fiber MT ferrules in a half-inch nominal interface. The metal components in the coupling bodies enhance EMI shielding performance, and the independent shutter system in the couplings enhances eye safety. 3M also is developing a cleaning system that enables customers to clean OGI connectors after they are installed in a backplane or front panel, addressing shortcomings with other commercially available high-density backplane solutions.

3M Single-Mode OGI Multi-Fiber Cable Assemblies are available in both 8- and 12-fiber cables. Ruggedized fan-out assemblies currently are available with 8-fiber cables. Single-mode OGI standard and ruggedized fan-outs use an OGI connector on one end and discrete connectors (ST brand, LC, SC, FC) on the breakout end that exceed industry standard pull strength requirements for extensive handling applications.

"AI is a respected manufacturer of fiber optic solutions and a provider of optical component integration services," said Michael Stevens, business unit director, 3M Interconnect Solutions business. "The market demands alternate sources of high-density OGI feed-through systems and assemblies. 3M is pleased that these vital products now will be available from both 3M and AI."

"We are very excited about adding a premier interconnect system like OGI to our product portfolio," said Bruce Geltman, AI's vice president of sales and marketing. "The licensing agreement will help expand the acceptance of multifiber backplane technology and further enhance AI's position as a major supplier of integrated connectivity solutions."

Jim Stanley, marketing manager for 3M, said, "We chose AI as an OGI licensee partner for its experience in manufacturing fiber optic cable assemblies, high quality standards and commitment to customer satisfaction. These factors are an integral part of what OGI represents in the market as a shielded, robust, high-density optical interconnect solution, and we wanted a partner who was driven by those same values to expand the OGI global market footprint."

3M has introduced an OGI logo to designate products manufactured under strict standards to ensure their complete interoperability with regards to connection interface and data transmission performance.

For more information on the 3M OGI Multi-Fiber System, contact the 3M Electronic and Interconnect Solutions Division, A130-3N-25, 6801 River Place Blvd., Austin, TX 78726-9000, USA, or call 1-800-225-5373.

AI is a wholly owned subsidiary of Woodhead Industries, Inc. Woodhead develops, manufactures and markets electronic and optical connectivity products, serving the industrial, medical, telecommunications and data communications markets. Through Advanced Interconnect, Woodhead provides quality optical and industrial communications products, primarily serving the global automation and control market with connectivity solutions and specialty electrical products. Through its connectivity group, Woodhead provides the industrial automation industry with a single, worldwide source for industrial communications and connectivity solutions. AI provides quality optical and electrical connectivity solutions and contract manufacturing services for the industrial, medical, telecommunications and data communications markets. More information is available at the company's Web sites: www.woodhead.com and www.ai-global.com, or call 800-989-3627.

The 3M Electronic and Interconnect Solutions Division, headquartered in Austin, Texas, provides interconnect systems primarily for data and telecommunications equipment, test equipment and instrumentation, and industrial and other high-performance applications. It also provides products and solutions to meet the electronic industry's challenges of protecting sensitive components from adverse environmental conditions during handling and transportation. Division products include a wide range of 3M brand copper and fiber connectors, cables, and cable/connector assemblies; 3M brand static control products and tape and reel transport media for passive, semiconductor, and electro-mechanical components plus IC transport media; and 3M Textool brand test and burn-in sockets. For more information, visit the Web site at www.3M.com/eisd.

About 3M

3M is a $16 billion diversified technology company with leading positions in consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; health care; industrial; safety, security and protection services; transportation and other businesses. Headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, the company has operations in more than 60 countries and serves customers in nearly 200 countries. 3M is one of the 30 stocks that make up the Dow Jones Industrial Average and also is a component of the Standard & Poor's 500 Index. For more information about 3M, go to www.3M.com/profile/pressbox/index.jhtml.

3M and Textool are trademarks of 3M Company.

ST is a trademark of Lucent Technologies.