Boldt Metronics Forms First Shared Production Cell To Increase Manufacturing Capacity.

PALATINE, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 25, 1998--

Manufacturer's Surface Mountable EMI Shields Found in 70 Percent of Cellular Phones Today; Builds Momentum in Automotive and Computer Markets

Boldt Metronics, one of three newly established business units of BMI, today announced the formation of a shared production cell with D&D Manufacturing, Inc., a contract tooling and stamping company in Bolingbrook, Ill. As the leading expert in metal electronic components and EMI/RFI shielding solutions for surface mount installation, Boldt Metronics continues to seek ways to grow its business and bring value to its customers. By partnering with D&D to create a shared production cell, Boldt Metronics expects to increase its manufacturing capacity by as much as 15 percent, significantly improving the company's flexibility to deliver the fastest speeds to market and lowest installed costs to its customers.

Under the agreement, Boldt Metronics will provide overall EMI/RFI shieldingexpertise, including creating a manufacturing cell that mirrors those established in its Palatine facility. D&D will house the manufacturing cell in a new 55,000 square-foot headquarters and contribute tooling and stamping of precision metal electronic components. This partnership marks the first time Boldt Metronics has established an outside business unit and shared its proprietary cell manufacturing expertise, equipment, and award-winning SMT shielding designs with another manufacturer.

"The creation of the shared production cell is a watershed event in the 25-year history of Boldt Metronics. By joining with a premium quality supplier, we have overcome the single largest obstacle to our growth -- the limited supply of skilled tool and die makers. Our sales force and engineers are now able to seek out new opportunities to provide custom and standard Metronics solutions for surface mount shielding and grounding problems," said Ron Basar, general manager of Boldt Metronics.

Boldt Metronics formed the cell with D&D to keep pace with increased demands for its flagship Metronics products, BOLDT SHIELDS(TM) and BOLDT CONTACTS(TM). While providing additional time-to-market flexibility, the relationship with D&D gives Boldt Metronics the extra capacity it needs to more cost effectively serve existing wireless customers and new prospects in the computer and automotive electronics markets.

"BMI is committed to maintaining its position as an industry leader and innovator. The creation of this shared cell facility enables Boldt Metronics to significantly increase its manufacturing capacity and accelerate its customers' speed to market. All units of BMI stand to prosper from this production expansion," said Melvin W. Boldt, BMI founder, chairman and chief executive officer of BMI.

BMI clients include Motorola, Qualcomm, Ericsson, Lucent Technologies, Nokia and Dell Computers, among many others. Headquartered in Palatine, Ill., BMI is the management company of three business units, Boldt Metronics, Boldt Metals and Boldt Business Initiatives. Founded in 1972, BMI is the leading provider of metal electronic components, EMI/RFI shielding solutions packaged for automated installation, and other advanced technologies for the electronics industry. For more information on BMI or any of its business units, please contact the company at 847/934-4700 or visit the BMI Web site at http://www.bmimetronics.com.

    CONTACT:  Scanlon Corporate Communications
               Elizabeth Scanlon Bils, 312/787-5277
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