Brother Announces Industrial Line of Automatic Identification Solutions at SCANTECH '99; Brother Expands Successful P-touch Product Line Into Vertical Markets.

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 5, 1999--

Brother International Corporation, a leading manufacturer of electronic labeling systems, today introduces a new line of industrial automatic identification solutions for manufacturing and other commercial industries. The solutions introduced during Brother's first exhibition at SCANTECH (Booth No. 1752) are designed to address difficult labeling applications where conventional paper labels can not be used. Brother's new PT-1300 is one of the solutions that will be highlighted during the show.

"With the constant competitive pressures on manufacturers to reduce prices, the importance of efficiency and cutting costs has never been greater," says Dean F. Shulman, Senior Vice President at Brother. "These easy to use labeling systems, including the PT-1300, produce low cost, customized, laminated labels which can replace expensive metal tags or eliminate the multiple steps of coating or laminating conventional paper labels."

Leading the pack in the new line of automatic identification solutions are the PT-1300, PT-9400 and PT-9200pc. They produce professional quality labels using Brother's patented P-touch(R) adhesive-backed laminated labeling technology, which seals the thermal transfer ink between two layers of tough polyethylene (PET). This results in a label that is resilient to extreme temperatures, moisture, chemicals, abrasion and fading. As with other P-touch models in this industrial product line, the PT-1300, PT-9400 and PT-9200pc produce bar code labels that pass ANSI X3.182 standard.

"The ability to procure customized or short run production parts without large volume commitments is one key to controlling costs and inventory," says Mr. Shulman. "To do this, many manufacturers incorporate multiple step operations that result in unnecessary costs and production delays. A one step laminated labeling machine such as the PT-1300 becomes a production tool, providing extremely durable labels on demand."

The PT-1300 model is a low cost hand held portable labeling system that combines performance with convenience and ease of use. Weighing just over 1 lb, the PT-1300 is powered by alkaline batteries or an optional AC adapter. The PT-1300 can print nine bar code symbologies and up to four lines of type, or one line at 57 point. The PT-1300, with a manufacturer suggested retail price of $249, will be available in the first quarter of next year.

Both models, PT-9200pc and PT-9400 produce laminated labels with over 1" high printing at 360 dpi resolution. Built-in automatic cutters with a crack and peel feature are included for quick liner removal. The PT-9200pc is a computer label printer that is Windows(R) NT/98/95 and Macintosh(R) compatible. It also comes with label design software that can be linked to Microsoft(R) Access(R) database files making it possible to create labels with variable field data including bar codes. The PT-9400 is a stand-alone version with full-size keyboard and back-lit graphic LCD.

Also featured at SCANTECH are models PT-2500pc and PT-2410. The PT-2500pc is a computer label printer. Designed for lower usage applications, it offers outstanding performance at a very affordable price. The PT-2410 combines a stand-alone portable labeling system with a computer printer interface. Designed for total versatility, the PT-2410 prints up to seven lines or one line at 60 point, and thirteen bar code symbologies. Both models are Windows(R) NT/98/95 and Macintosh compatible, and come standard with label design software.

Brother is also introducing a new line of industrial laminated labels, incorporating a new commercial strength adhesive. Similar to Brother's current laminated labels, the industrial labels are created from a roll of tape that is housed in an easy to load/replace cartridge and will be available in the first quarter of next year.

P-touch adhesive-backed laminated labels are available in a variety of standard widths, ink and label color combinations, including clear and fluorescent materials. For security purposes, a tamper evident label is also available.

Information may also be obtained from the Brother fax-back system toll-free at [phone], or Brother's Web site at http://www.brother.com.

Bridgewater, New Jersey is the corporate headquarters for Brother in the Americas, from Canada to South America and has fully integrated sales, marketing, services, manufacturing, research and development capabilities, located here in the U.S. In addition to its headquarters, Brother has branches in California, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Tennessee and Texas as well as subsidiaries in Ohio, Canada, Brazil, Chile and Mexico.

NOTE: All brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Photography available upon request.