Genrad strengthens its position in the Asian market; announces benchmark win at Seagate Technology.

MONTEREY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 30, 1996--

GenRad's strategy to deliver information technology and production

test systems to optimize manufacturing costs differentiates GenRad

At the American Electonics Association (AEA) financial conference held this week, GenRad, Inc. (NYSE:GEN) announced several manufacturing test system orders exceeding $1.0 million in aggregate from leading electronic manufacturers for plants located in Asia.

Three customers, including Seagate Technology, Inc., the largest independent disc drive and related components company in the world, and Jabil Circuit and Solectron, both existing contract manufacturing customers of GenRad, purchased select models of GenRad's 228Xi Production Test Systems.

James F. Lyons, GenRad's president and chief executive officer commented, "GenRad's recent wins at Seagate and others confirm our strategy to deliver to our customers -- electronic manufacturers -- the information technology and production test systems necessary to optimize their manufacturing processes, thus reducing their manufacturing costs and improving their profit margins. These recent wins in Asia have resulted, in part, from the strength of our North American market and our progress in penetrating key customer accounts."

Kevin Cloutier, General Manager of GenRad's Manufacturing Test Systems stated, "GenRad's recent competitive benchmark win for Seagate's business represents a major victory in the disc drive arena. We have already shipped our first system and are looking forward to the beginning of a valuable partnership that we can build upon with the goal of helping Seagate optimize its yields in their overseas manufacturing plants."

Mr. Cloutier added, "We are also excited about the opportunity of continuing our partnership with Jabil Circuit and Solectron and helping them achieve the most optimal manufacturing solutions for their customers." -0-

GenRad Background

GenRad, Inc. provides manufacturers of electronic products with software, systems, and services that will improve their manufacturing and service productivity. GenRad participates in five core markets, including transportation, contract manufacturing, communications, computers and peripherals, and other industrial products. GenRad employs approximately 1,150 people worldwide, of which 30 percent are applications, software and hardware engineers.

In 1996, GenRad acquired Mitron Corporation of Portland, Oregon and Test Technology Associates (TTA) of Dallas, Texas, which are now subsidiaries of GenRad, Inc. GenRad also acquired the assets of Field Oriented Engineering AG (TRACS) of Zurich, Switzerland. -0-

Statements made in this press release which are not historical, including statements regarding product demonstration, product capabilities and markets are forward looking statements and as such are subject to a number of risks. Please see the Company's 1995 Annual Report and other reports filed pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for additional disclosure regarding such risk factors.

CONTACT: GenRad, Inc.

Donna L. LaVoie

or

Claire Murphy

508/287-7222 phone