Astro-Med Expects Flat Sales in Third Quarter.

WEST WARWICK, R.I.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 7, 1997--Astro-Med, Inc. (NASDAQ:ALOT), stated today that it does not expect to achieve the $12.5 million forecast it made in August for the Third Quarter, which ends November 1, 1997.

Commenting on the announcement, Albert W. Ondis, CEO, stated: "Our sales managers here and abroad have made their forecasts, we have studied them carefully, and it looks as though we will come in with around $11.4 million in sales, up just slightly from last year's $11.1 million. Earnings will be down somewhat as a result of increased field sales staffing and other expenses. Domestically, we are making good gains. Sales of our Albert Grass Heritage and our CQL-4 digital color printer are meeting forecasts. Export sales are down sharply from last year and the decline is in all sectors. Additionally, the strong dollar is contributing to the decline in export sales and has produced currency losses."

Mr. Ondis continued: "After taking these factors into consideration, we have reduced our Fourth Quarter forecast to approximately $12.0 million. Last year, we did $11.37 million.

"Net earnings may be lower as we continue to fund our selling strategy with increases in field sales personnel. We expect to finish the current fiscal year and begin the new year with very much stronger field sales organizations in place domestically and around the world."

Astro-Med, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of high tech specialty printing systems and electronic medical instrumentation employed around the world in a wide range of industrial, scientific, and medical applications.

CONTACT: Astro-Med, Inc.

Albert W. Ondis

Chief Executive Officer

Tel: [phone]