Clark Material Handling Co. selects SDRC's I-DEAS Master Series CAD/CAM/CAE software as core technology.

MILFORD, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 31, 1996--Structural Dynamics Research Corporation (SDRC) announced today that Clark Material Handling Company (U.S.), a manufacturer of lift trucks and other related material handling products, has selected I-DEAS Master Series(TM) CAD/CAM/CAE software as its core technology for designing the company's internal combustion and electric-powered lift trucks. SDRC and Clark estimate the value of this relationship for software and services at approximately $1 million over the next two years.

Clark will install I-DEAS(TM) software in its Lexington, KY manufacturing facility for modeling, drafting, assembly, and simulation purposes. In addition, Clark will use I-DEAS Harness Design(TM) software for modeling cables, wiring harnesses, and hydraulic hose routing, and I-DEAS Sheet Metal Design(TM) software for the design, layout, and manufacture of sheet metal parts.

``Over a year ago, we did a study looking at all the input factors in the design process required to achieve the final result,'' notes Jeff Arnold, Clark's CAD manager. ``We found that there were bottlenecks in how the data was being routed through the organization, and that the inefficiencies of our existing system were posing the biggest negative impact on the design process. As a result, we were seeing delays in design cycle times, and increased costs because of limited functionality.''

According to Arnold, Clark had to resort to a large amount of hand calculations when computing mass properties to determine centers of gravity. ``We also had to do a lot of complex surfacing, and because our existing system couldn't handle it, we were forced to make full-scale foam models as master models, and send these out to vendors.''

Arnold explains that in the forklift industry, there is a need to be both functional and aesthetically appealing. The solution is to incorporate more rounded curves into the design, such as creating a dashboard panel that is more automotive-looking. Ergonomics is another major issue. The driver must be comfortable, have a good field of vision, and be exposed to a reduced noise-level environment.

``We wanted a design system that could address these issues, as well as provide solid modeling capabilities to reduce design cycle times substantially, and offer a concurrent engineering environment where we can create and share data with all respective team members throughout the various departments,'' comments Arnold. ``After a week-long evaluation process which involved the design of a complex dashboard, I-DEAS software emerged the winner, having completed the entire task superbly.''

Clark Material Handling Co. is recognized as the number one brand of lift trucks worldwide. Known as the inventor of the forklift truck, Clark is also recognized as the leader in lift truck safety innovations. The company has production and warehouse facilities in both Lexington, KY and Germany. Clark produces a complete line of internal combustion and electric-powered lift trucks, related specialized material handling products, and replacement parts for industrial and commercial markets worldwide. Clark employs more than 1,000 full-time employees.

SDRC (NASDAQ:SDRC) is a leading international supplier of mechanical design automation software, product data management software, and related services. The company's products and services help manufacturers optimize product concepts early in the design process, enabling them to significantly improve product quality while reducing product development time and cost. SDRC employs more than 1,400 people, and has 59 offices in 13 countries throughout North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region. -0-

http://www.sdrc.com/

Note to Editors: SDRC is a registered trademark, and I-DEAS, I-DEAS Master Series, I-DEAS Harness Design, and I-DEAS Sheet Metal Design are trademarks of Structural Dynamics Research Corporation. All other trademarks and registered trademarks belong to their respective holders.

CONTACT: Structural Dynamics Research Corporation, Milford

James D. Jackson, 513/576-2932